Minutes 2022

Minutes of Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on Monday 14th February 2022 at 10 am iIn The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Marie Casserly (Cathaoirleach)
  • Councillor Tom Fox
  • Councillor Donal Gilroy
  • Councillor Thomas Walsh

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken
  • Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services (virtually)
  • E. Concannon, A/Director of Services
  • Frank Moylan, Senior Planner
  • Leonora McConville, Executive Planner
  • Declan Noone, Acting Senior Executive Engineer
  • Conor McCann, Executive Engineer
  • A. Smyth, Administrative Officer
  • John Moran, Senior Executive Officer
  • Kevin Colreavy, Administrative Officer
  • Jane Golden, Staff Officer

 

APOLOGIES:

  • Councillor Thomas Healy

IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Teachers and pupils from 5th and 6th Classes of Cliffoney N.S.
  • Aine O’ Loughlin, Green Schools Project Co-ordinator
  • Steve Barker, Cliffoney Community Forum

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Marie Casserly welcomed all present to the meeting.

 

1.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO/DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 13TH DECEMBER 2021:

Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

 

2.  MATTERS ARISING:

There were no matters arising.

 

3.  PRESENTATION ON GREEN SCHOOLS PROJECT BY CLIFFONEY N.S.:

Cathaoirleach Councillor M. Casserly welcomed the Principal, teachers and pupils from Cliffoney N.S. to the Council Chamber.  Chief Superintendent Glacken and Ava O’ Loughlin were also welcomed to the meeting.

Pupils began by thanking Councillor D. Gilroy for arranging this opportunity to give their presentation to the Sligo – Drumcliff MD members.

A display model of Cliffoney Village made by pupils was placed in the centre of the Council Chamber for the duration of the meeting.  A copy of a Walkability Survey which the pupils conducted around the village was distributed to all attendees prior to the presentation.

The pupils proceeded to give a presentation on their fourth Green Schools Flag Project under the theme of “Transport” and highlighted the following points:

  • The aim of the project is to get more pupils walking and cycling to school and to examine road safety in Cliffoney
  • Cliffoney N.S. does not have a designated car cark or set down area and is situated on a busy main road
  • There is a problem with speeding through the village - data collected at ‘Drop Off’ at 11.30am on 6th October 2021 recorded 98 out of 186 car speed records were exceeding the speed limit, i.e. 52.7%. The highest speed recorded was 81km/hr in a 50km/hr speed zone
  • It was noticed that trucks and commercial vehicles travel dangerously fast through the village
  • It was highlighted that Ireland is a signatory to the Stockholm Declaration on Road Safety and the UN General Assembly endorsement of a maximum road travel speed of 30km/he in area where vulnerable road users and vehicles mix
  • The Programme of Government has committed to ‘Review and reduce speed limits, where appropriate, to address both road and safety issues and carbon emissions, and to ensure greater compliance”
  • Parents are forced to park on the pavements and across the road from the schools due to a lack of appropriate parking areas
  • Residents with limited mobility are unable to access the local shop as a result of cars parking illegally

Solutions presented by the pupils included:

  • The presence of a speed van in the village as a deterrent
  • An increased presence by An Garda Siochana and penalties for those who break the law as a result of speeding
  • The immediate installation of traffic lights alerting motorists that there was a school ahead
  • The use of traffic lights that tell motorists the speeds that they are doing
  • The use of speed detection cameras as a pilot project in Cliffoney
  • Traffic Calming Measure – speed bumps, road narrowing
  • A designated car parking area for Cliffoney N.S. and Acorn Montessori Pre School and Afterschool which is situated on the grounds of Cliffoney N.S.
  • A yellow box on the area outside the school/shops

A Walkability Audit of the village was conducted by the students which highlighted the following concerns:

  • The green man at the traffic lights only stayed on for 6 seconds giving very little time for people to cross the road, particularly, disabled people or parents with young children – sequencing of these lights was required so that a longer time would be given for crossing the road
  • There is no footpath on the road from the village down to Cliffoney Soccer Pitch – many young people use this pitch, a footpath would ensure the safety of everyone
  • There are no cycle lanes in Cliffoney – the pupils have taken part in cycling classes in conjunction with Cycle Ireland and feel that cycle lanes would encourage more pupils to cycle to school
  • There is a blind spot at the entrance to Sea View Park, motorist’s line of vision is blocked by high entrance walls – the installation of a convex safety mirror would be a possible solution

The pupils concluded their presentation by summarising their solutions to the many transport safety issues they had identified in Cliffoney Village as follows:

  • Reduction of the speed of traffic on the main road
  • Provision of a permanent solution to the car parking problem
  • Provision of a footpath on the Mullaghmore Road
  • Increasing the time given to pedestrians at the pedestrian crossing
  • The erection of a convex mirror at the entrance to Sea View Park

The presentation concluded with pupils giving personal accounts of the safety issues regarding speeding traffic in the village while living close to the road, including the difficulties crossing this busy road, noise from speeding cars and the danger to animals.  A final account was given of a truck taking off a parent’s car door while they were putting their child into their safety belt.

Councillor Casserly thanked and congratulated the pupils on their extensive, clear and well thought out presentation.  She highlighted their personal achievements in giving a presentation in public, along with thanking their teachers for preparing the pupils.  It was particularly encouraging to see that the pupils had not only presented the issues so clearly, but that they had also provided solutions.

Councillor Casserly referred to Active Travel funding that Sligo County Council have received and was hopeful that some of this funding would be allocated to Cliffoney Village. 

Councillor Casserly thanked Councillor Gilroy for his work with the pupils on this issue and for initiating the pupils visit to the Council Chamber.

Councillor Walsh congratulated the pupils on an excellent presentation and acknowledged the work of everyone involved.  He assured the pupils that he had taken note of their recommendations and highlighted the importance of listening to children and young people and getting their feedback with regards to the development of strategies and policies within the local authority.

Councillor Gilroy stated that this was his proudest and most fulfilling day to date in the Council Chamber.  He conveyed his thanks to the Principal and teachers of Cliffoney N.S for assisting the pupils in their preparation for today’s presentation.  He also thanked Aine O’Loughlin and Chief Superintendent Glacken for being present in the Council Chamber and their support.  Mr. Steve Barker, Cliffoney Community Forum was also welcomed to the meeting. 

Councillor Gilroy thanked An Garda Síochána, Grange for being visible in the village and also welcomed the Go Safe van’s presence in the village.

Councillor Gilroy concluded by reading out an email he had received from a concerned parent highlighting the ongoing safety issues in the village.  He confirmed that Sligo County Council’s Chief Executive and Senior Area Engineer had visited the village and were aware of the issues.  Councillor Gilroy assured all present that he would continue to work on these issues with staff from Sligo County Council.

Councillor T. Fox welcomed the pupils to the Council Chamber and stressed the importance of hearing young people’s voices and having them involved in their local community.   He referred to the young people as being the changemakers of democracy and highlighted that 2022 will be the European Year of Youth.

Ms. E. Concannon thanked everyone on behalf of the Executive of the Council on their excellent presentation.  She stated that the Road Design Team are looking at Cliffoney Village and the best ways to improve safety.  It was highlighted that the pupil’s insight and experience was invaluable to the team and the outcomes that will be considered.

Chief Superintendent Glacken stated that it was a privilege to be in the Council Chamber to hear the pupil’s presentation.  The teachers, staff and Green Schools co-ordinator were complimented on the energy and effort that they had put into their presentation.

Chief Superintendent Glacken highlighted that it was the role of An Garda Siochana to ‘keep people safe’.  It was acknowledged that the pupils had made everybody present accountable and that this was democracy in action.  The pupils had the attention of senior staff within Sligo County Council and from this actions and results should come.

The pupils were complimented on their display model and the amount of time and effort that had gone into the building of it was acknowledged.  Their solution focused approach was also complimented.

Chief Superintendent Glacken thanked Councillor D. Gilroy for highlighting these issues at the Sligo Joint Policing Committee and bringing the community survey to his attention.

The pupils were invited to give this presentation to the Roads Policing Unit so that they could see first-hand what the young people’s experiences were. 

Chief Superintendent Glacken committed to asking the National Roads Authority to review the location of the speed van located in North Sligo and to continue to work on the issues which fell under the remit of An Garda Siochana.

Chief Superintendent Glacken concluded by recognising the professionalism of all of the pupils in giving their presentation and the commitment of An Garda Síochána personnel, particularly the Roads Policing Unit, in ensuring that Cliffoney will be a safer place to go to school in.

Councillor D. Gilroy complimented the pupils on their model display.

The presentation on the Green School Project by Cliffoney N.S. was then agreed and

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox

Chief Superintendent Glacken left the meeting at 10.30am.

 

4.  PRESENTATION ON PROPOSED PUBLIC REALM ENHANCEMENTS FOR ROSSES POINT:

Ms. Leonora McConville gave a presentation on the proposed public realm enhancements for Rosses Point which included the following:

  • This project will be funded by the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund
  • Main existing key issue is the amount of space given over to vehicles and not pedestrians, a lack of pedestrian crossing points, speed of traffic
  • Overarching vision includes the support of Rosses Point as a functioning suburb of Sligo Town, enhancement of tourism potential and readdress the balance between pedestrian and vehicular activity
  • 305 submissions received from an online survey
  • Submissions were wide ranging and received on facilities for the beachfront area, connectivity between the beach and the village, design of footpaths for the old road, caravan parking and speeding
  • From submissions, an overall Concept Masterplan was developed which was divided into areas: the beachfront, the old and new road area and the upper village area
  • This Masterplan went to public consultant and got 44 submissions with pedestrian safety, the reduction of traffic speeds, the creation of a destination at the heart of the village and the reconfiguration of car parking
  • Out of this two concept option designs were developed, a one-way system and a two-way system
  • 67% of people were more in favour of keeping the two-way system
  • A Progress and Feedback Report included the following key points raised in the consultation:
  • Speed and Volume of Traffic
  • Footpaths and Crossing Points
  • Parking Provision
  • Cycling Provision
  • Protecting Green Space
  • Potential solutions to these key points were presented
  • Next steps include a further consultation with businesses and residents in the village leading to a Part 8 consultation process

Members thanks Ms. McConville for her presentation and highlighted the following points:

  • The importance of public consultation and positive that so many people engaged
  • The work of the council team was acknowledged
  • This is an ambitious project which will transform Rosses Point
  • Disappointing the old village road will not be considered for pedestrianisation
  • The timeline for the funding application was queried
  • Update on plans for road area between the school and the church
  • Funding for Rosses Point and Strandhill should be equally allocated as much as possible
  • Looking forward to getting a more detailed design
  • Use of the word ‘suburb’ in the presentation was queried
  • Will there be provision of caravan/campervans as part of this project?

Ms. McConville and Mr Noone responded to these points as follows:

  • Timeline – it is intended to apply for RRDF Category 1 funding in 2023 after Part 8 is approved
  • Focus is on a small area of Rosses Point therefore school/church area not included
  • Rosses Point is a village in its own right and performs a useful function as a residential area near Sligo City
  • 50/50 capital funding will be looked at for Rosses Point and Strandhill as much as is possible – this will be determined by what is approved in Part 8 in both locations
  • There is a caravan park in Rosses Point – RRDF fund is limited in what it can achieve

Ms McConville and Mr. Noone were thanked for their contributions.

The presentation on the proposed Public Realm Enhancements for Rosses Point was agreed and

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

 

5.  UPDATE ON TAKING IN CHARGE OF RIOCHT AN SI ESTATE, BALLYGAWLEY:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

Councillor Walsh requested clarity on this issue for the residents in the estate and what the timeline would be for the taking in charge of this estate.

Mr. Frank Moylan responded by stating that there had been one outstanding issue with the Wastewater Treatment Plant with noise emanating from the plant.  These works are now completed and the next stage of taking in charge the estate can progress.  It was confirmed that this estate would be one of the estates taken in charge this year.

Councillor Walsh welcomed this update.

 

6.  SUPPORT FOR FACILITIES IMPACTED BY COVID:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

Councillor Walsh acknowledged the work communities carried out during the Covid – 19 pandemic.  The Community Activities Fund was welcomed and it was requested that the Teeling Centre and other community facilities would be prioritised through this grant aid, particularly those solely reliant on rental income.

Ms Aisling Smyth responded by stating that there were a number of funds available to communities which included

  • The Covid 19 Emergency Fund - €107,527 received and 92 grants administered between April 2020 and December 2021
  • The Community Enhancement Fund - €172, 932 grant aid received in 2020
  • The Communities Activities Fund – a once off fund to assist communities impacted by Covid -19. €268,168 received for allocation. 60% towards operational costs and 40% for small capital works.  Applications will be considered at the LCDC Meeting in April.
  • The work of Jude Mannion, Community Section was acknowledged

 

7.  ASSESSMENT OF SIGHT LINES AUGHAMORE JUNCTION, CARRAROE:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

Mr Declan Noone gave a report stating that the Area Engineer inspected this junction following hedge cutting works that were carries out in Q4 2021 and it was determined that sightlines at this junction were adequate.

It was agreed to arrange a meeting with Councillor Walsh, Conor McCann and local residents to discuss this issue.

 

The was paused while photographs were taken with the members, pupils and staff of Cliffoney N.S..  Certificates were presented by the members to all of the pupils.  Light refreshments followed this.

 

8.  FOOTPATH IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN GRANGE AND CLIFFONEY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

Mr. D. Noone gave a report stating that Sligo County Council had prepared outline designs in relation to works in Grange and Cliffoney.  Initial discussions had taken place with the TII and NTA in relation to some elements of these works.  Any proposed works or projects in these areas would be subject to approval by the TII and NTA.

Councillor Casserly emphasised the need for these works and proposed to keep these issues on the agenda until funding was secured to carry out these works.

Councillor Gilroy, Councillor Walsh and Councillor Fox supported the motion and a timeline for the completion of works was requested.

Mr. D. Noone stated that he would request an update on this from the TII and NTA and revert to the members.

 

9.  UPDATE ON GRANGE DALE APARTMENTS, GRANGE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox

Mr. Frank Moylan gave a report stating that the owners of this development are proposing to make some material alterations which will require planning to be submitted, this will be lodged in the coming months.  Sligo County Council’s Planning Enforcement Section started enforcement action against the original owners of this development when works ceased.  Following this the property changed hands.  As the original planning permission had expired, any new works to Block 2 now require new planning permission.  The Planning Enforcement Section will continue to pursued the new owner in relation to the completion of this development to a satisfactory extent.

Councillor Gilroy stated that this situation had gone on for a year and that there had been no change.  This development has now fallen into total disrepair.

All members supported this motion and it was agreed that Sligo County Council will write to the owners or their representatives requesting a meeting with the members and Sligo County Council staff.

 

10.  FOOTPATH AND CYCLEWAY TOP ROAD ROSSES POINT:

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox

Mr. D. Noone gave a report stating that there is currently a large volume of projects under the umbrella of Active Travel.  Proposals for works are at various stages of feasibility/concept reports and preliminary designs.  The Top Road in Rosses Point is currently at concept/preliminary stage and is subject to the approval process of the NTA.  It was noted that Sligo County Council have a large number of requests for funding under this programme.  Projects will be prioritised over the coming months.

Any scheme proposed will be subject to planning, detailed design, any required land acquisition and procurement process, and the approval process of the NTA before any construction works can commence.

Councillor Gilroy thanks Mr Noone for the report.  All members supported the motion. 

 

11.  WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM BALLINTOGHER VILLAGE:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

A response from Irish Water stated that advised that Wastewater collection and treatment facilities are currently being provided in Ballintogher.  A review of all sites nationwide below 500 population equivalent (NCAP) in recent years reported that the Ballintogher WWTP is currently overloaded and that the funding available is not sufficient to address the upgrades required in all sites.  Irish Water have no plans to upgrade the system at present.  Ballintogher will be considered for an upgrade in the next Investment Plan 2025 – 2029.  The Mullaghmore WWTP upgrade is being processed with sites being selected following detailed consultation with local authorities to identify and prioritise areas for investment in line with growth targets identified in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy as well as county and local area plans.

Ms Emer Concannon confirmed that Ballintogher will be considered for the next plan, while Mullaghmore has been included in the current plan.

 

12.  SAFETY ASSESSMENT ALONG R284:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

Mr. D. Noone stated that a review of the junction will be carried out as resources allow.

All members supported the motion.

 

13.  SAFETY CONCERNS COLLOONEY TO BALLYGAWLEY ROAD:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy

This motion was deferred.

 

14.  TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN COLLOONEY:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy

This motion was deferred.

 

15.  SAFETY CONCERNS PARKING AND DRIVING IN UNION WOOD:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy

This motion was deferred.

 

16.  UPDATE ON PROVISION OF BUS SHELTERS AT CLIFFONEY AND GRANGE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox

Mr. D. Noone gave a report stating that consultation has taken place and an agreement with the local communities regarding the proposed bus shelter locations.  Design work is ongoing.  It is planned to go to tender mid-2022.  The commencement of the construction phase will depend on the availability of contractors.

The need for a bus shelter at Dunleavy’s Shop, Maugherow was also highlighted.

All members welcomed this update and emphasised the need for these works to be prioritised. 

 

17.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

A vote of sympathy was extended to the family of John Pa Leonard, father and father-in law to two staff members.

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

 

18.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

A vote of congratulations was extended to Martin O’ Dwyer and Saoirse Flynn O’ Dwyer on their selection on the Home of the Year Programme

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

 

19.  CORRESPONDENCE:

There was no correspondence.

 

Councillor T. Walsh proposed that a Municipal District Meeting be held in the Ballintogher Digital Hub once it was completed.

This was seconded by Councillor Casserly and agreed by all of the members.

Councillor Gilroy proposed that a Municipal District Meeting be held in Cliffoney Village Hall.

This was seconded by Councillor Casserly and agreed by all of the members.

 

20.  SCHEDULE AND LOCATION OF MEETINGS FOR 2022:

Meeting Dates 2022

  • 11th April
  • 20th June to include AGM
  • 12th September
  • 14th November

These dates to be circulated to the members.

 

21.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

None

 

The business of the meeting concluded at 12.40pm.

 


Meeting Date 14/02/2022