Minutes 2022
Minutes of Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on Monday 20th June 2022 at 10.00am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo & Ms Teams
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Marie Casserly (Cathaoirleach)
- Councillor Tom Fox
- Councillor Donal Gilroy
- Councillor Thomas Healy (virtually)
- Councillor Thomas Walsh
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Jim Molloy, Director of Services
- Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
- Sorcha Sheedy, Executive Engineer
- Jane Golden, Staff Officer
CATHAOIRLEACH:
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Marie Casserly welcomed all present and online to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO/DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 11TH APRIL 2022:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
2. MATTERS ARISING:
Councillor Healy gave his apologies to the meeting as he was unable to attend in person.
Councillor Healy stated that he had not received any update on Motion No. 6 from the previous Municipal District Meeting regarding the one-way system in Collooney. Mr. Molloy confirmed that consultations were ongoing with the newly set up Active Travel Team.
Councillor Healy also requested that an email that Councillor Casserly had sent to TII re: a road in North Sligo be circulated to members.
Councillor Casserly agreed to circulate this letter to members.
3. FOR ENGINEERING AND/OR ACTIVE TRAVEL STAFF TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF FUNDING UNDER THE ACTIVE TRAVEL SCHEME TO RESURFACE OLD BOG ROADS TO IMPROVE CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR LOCALS AND VISITORS IN NORTH SLIGO INCLUDING CLIFFONEY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Councillor Casserly requested that this Motion be taken off the agenda.
This was agreed.
4. UPDATE ON FOOTPATH IMPROVEMENTS BETWEEN COLLOONEY TO THE RAILWAY STATION:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
Mr. Brennan gave a report stating that the Active Travel Team were examining proposals to provide walking and/or cycling links to the railway station from Collooney. The first stage of the process will be to progress Feasibility and Options Reports.
Councillor Walsh thanked Mr. Brennan for the update and asked for a timeline for the progressing of the feasibility report and if it was envisaged that this project could be tendered for this year?
Mr. Brennan responded by confirming that there were a lot of projects envisaged for this particular area. Tenders are being assessed for more footpaths on the R290 between Ballisodare and Collooney and from Parkes Garage towards Carrignagat Bridge. It is hoped that works could begin within the next few months dependent on the successful progress of the tendering process.
Mr. Brennan confirmed that there is €300k for surface works on the old N4 road in 2022, from the Garda Station in Collooney as far as the old bridge.
Improvements to the junction at the Primary School are also being considered. Consultants are reviewing the bridge at Collooney and the Active Travel Team are looking at the best route from Collooney to the Railway Station.
Mr. Brennan stated that works pertaining to the Notice of Motion were next in line for completion.
Councillor Walsh thanked Mr. Brennan for his detailed report and welcomed the inclusion of the footpath on the Barrack Road as part of the Active Travel Programme. Councillor Walsh requested that an identified space be considered for a bus set down area at the Primary School due to safety concerns.
Councillor T. Healy thanked Mr. Brennan for the detailed report and voiced his concerns around the pricing of materials, safety concerns at the school and Health Centre and a blind spot at the bridge. Access via the Parish Hall was suggested as an alternative.
Mr. Brennan emphasised to members that there was an ambitious work programme ongoing which is subject to resources i.e. getting planning processes through and contractors in place. It was also highlighted that there are project procedures to complete in order to comply with government guidelines which can take some time to put in place.
Councillor Casserly thanked staff for work completed to date.
5. UPDATE ON FOOTPATH WORKS BETWEEN COLLOONEY AND BALLISODARE:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
Mr. Brennan reported that the section of R290 from Ballisodare to Collooney is being delivered in two separate footpath construction contracts. The first contract from Ballisodare to Carrignagat Bridge is being finalised and it is envisaged that a contractor will be appointed in late June/early July. The second contract from Carrignagat Bridge to Collooney is being examined with a view to finalising the detail design and going to tender for construction later in the year.
Councillor Walsh thanked Mr. Brennan, the design team and engineers for work ongoing in 2022.
Councillor Healy supported the motion and thanked Mr. Brennan for the work that is being completed and enquired about the extent of public lighting that would be installed on this stretch of footpath from Collooney to Ballisodare.
Mr. Brennan confirmed that provision has been made in the contract for ducting for the provision of public lighting. Any parts of the footpath within the speed limit will have public lighting. However, no public lighting has been provided for in the initial works.
Councillor Healy requested that the area underneath the railway bridge be looked at in regard to public lighting.
6. TO MAKE PROVISION FOR PUBLIC LIGHTS UNDER CARRICKNAGAT BRIDGE FOR SAFETY REASONS:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
Mr. Brennan stated that the adequacy and appropriateness of public lighting will be considered in the context of Active Travel works in this area.
Councillor Walsh welcomed any progression possible on this given how dark it is under this bridge.
Councillor Fox supported the motion.
7. TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON RESURFACING OF THE CAR PARK OUTSIDE RATHCORMACK SCHOOL:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
Mr. Brennan stated that it was intended to resurface the car park during the summer holidays when the school is closed. Funds have been allocated from different Councillors Proposals over the years. The Grange/Drumcliff Area Engineer will prepare an estimate for these works and additional Councillors Proposals may be required subject to the estimated cost.
Councillor Fox thanked Mr. Brennan for the report and welcomed the news that work was to commence over the summer holidays. Councillor Fox also stated that the bollards coming into the car park off the N15 needed to be attended to.
Councillor Gilroy highlighted the importance of this work being completed now as this has been ongoing for some years. It was also requested that works be completed on the car park behind the graveyard and on a small road behind the graveyard which required a yellow box to ensure access at the same time.
Mr. Brennan stated that these requests would be passed on to the area engineer.
8. TO PROVIDE TOILET FACILITIES AT GORTNAROWEY, BARNARIBBON, HALF MOON BAY, HAZELWOOD AND LISADELL:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
Mr. Brennan reported that there is no funding provided in the Council budget for the provision of portable toilet facilitates at these locations.
It was confirmed by Councillor Casserly that the recent provision of toilet facilities at Drumcliff Church were as a result of once off covid funding. This fund was no longer available. Councillor Gilroy highlighted that the car park at Drumcliff belongs to the Council, whereas the amenities mentioned in the motion were in the ownership of Coillte in the main.
Councillor Casserly acknowledged the resurfacing and extension works to the car park at Barnaribbon and other amenities. The collaboration between the local authority and Coillte was complimented.
It was suggested that Coillte be contacted to see if funding was available for further works at these amenities.
Councillor Fox highlighted the importance of having these facilities throughout the County, particularly in relation to facilitating tourism in these areas.
9. PROVISION OF BUS SHELTER AT DRUMCLIFF PRIMARY CARE CENTRE:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
Mr. Brennan confirmed that there are 2 existing bus stops in Drumcliff Village. The provision of a bus shelter at the Primary Care Centre would involve relocating the existing bus stop. The matter will be referred to the NTA for their consideration.
Councillor Fox thanked Mr. Brennan for the report and queried if it had been a condition of planning to have a bus stop outside the Health Centre and whether the provision of one would also result in less speeding.
Mr. Molloy confirmed that it would be a requirement of planning to have a bus stop at a certain distance from a facility as opposed to outside it. The NTA determine where bus stops will be positioned given need. There may be input from TII also given that the proposed bus stop would be on a national route.
Councillor Fox highlighted the need for the bus stop outside the Health Centre in order to facilitate people with special needs and unwell people attending the Centre. The reliance of more people on public transport needed to be taken into consideration.
Councillor Walsh supported the motion and with Councillor Fox’s permission, suggested that a letter be sent to the NTA to get an update on the review of the rollout of bus stops and the improvement of bus stops, i.e. no bus shelter at Collooney and the lack of a bus stop at Carraroe Retail Park within the County.
Councillor Gilroy commented that the current bus stop is well positioned as it is equidistance between the Health Centre and Yeats Grave and to relocate it to outside the Health Centre would result in a backlog of traffic. It was suggested that a bus shelter was required at the present bus stop in Drumcliff.
Councillor Gilroy requested an update on the bus shelters in Cliffoney and Grange. Mr Brennan responded by stating that there are two bus shelters planned and funded for Cliffoney and two also in Grange. Both are being actively pursued at present by technical staff, with the Council doing ground works at present. Once completed, the NTA will provide the bus shelters.
There are seven bus shelters being worked on at present, three in Sligo Town and four in the Cliffoney/Grange areas with good progress being made on these works this year.
Councillor Gilroy welcomed this update.
Councillor Healy requested that consideration be given to the provision of a bus shelter for the bus stop at Quigley’s Pub in Collooney.
Mr. Brennan emphasised that priority was being given to the provision of the seven bus shelters as previously mentioned and that other locations are being considered, e.g. location outside Quigley’s for bus shelters.
Councillor Casserly requested that the provision of a bus shelter at Dunleavy’s, Maugherow be also included in the next list for the allocation of bus shelters.
10. SIGNPOSTS TO PROMOTE CAIRNS WALK LOCATION, INCLUDING PROMOTION ON SLIGO WALKS SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor M. Walsh
A report was given from the Community and Enterprise Section of Sligo County Council stating that the Cairns Hill walk will be included on the Sligo Walks website and in social media campaigns. It was highlighted that the Sligo Walks website is a very active website supported by the Council, Coillte, Sligo Leader Partnership and the many communities who have supported the delivery of many of the new walks and trails throughout the County. The Council will investigate possible funding sources for additional off-road directional signage to support access to the Cairns Hill Trail. The Roads Department will be contacted in relation to the appropriate location for the installation of these.
Councillor Casserly welcomed the report and acknowledged the work of the Community and Enterprise Section, Coillte and the Sligo Walks Team.
Councillor Walsh supported the motion and complimented all involved
11. TO REQUEST SUITABLE BENCHES ALONG RIVER WALKS IN GRANGE VILLAGE AND PUBLIC WALKS IN RAUGHLY, DRUMCLIFFE, CARNEY, BALLISODARE, COLLOONEY, MULLAGHMORE, BUNDUFF AND OTHER SUITABLE LOCATIONS IN THE MD DISTRICT, TO ALSO SOURCE FUNDING AND IDENTIFY SUITABLE LOCATIONS FOR DISABLED ACCESS BENCHES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
Mr. Brennan highlighted that public seats and benches are provided on nearly all walking trails throughout the County, with further trail infrastructure being introduced on an ongoing basis. Twelve seats and picnic benches with wheelchair accessibility were also provided in Mullaghamore and Rosses Point in 2022 under the Outdoor Infrastructure Grant. It is intended to consider other locations throughout the Municipal District if funding becomes available.
Councillor Casserly welcomed the report. The need for public seating in Raughley was highlighted along with the possibility of providing a bench at Courthouse Drive in Grange to facilitate residents who walk by the river.
Councillor Casserly paid tribute to the residents in Courthouse Drive on the upkeep and maintenance of their estate and their pride of place.
12. REPORT ON TRAFFIC CALMING/SPEED REDUCTION INITIATIVES FOR THE L3508 AT THE CARROWMORE AND THE MCGARRY EQUESTRIAN CENTRE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
Mr. Brennan stated that an inspection had been carried out by the Area Engineer at this location and additional appropriate signing and lining will be installed. These works will be included in the Road Works Programme during 2022. These works may need to be supplemented through Councillor’s Proposals, dependent on the estimated costs involved.
Councillor Gilroy welcomed the report and stated that the Ransboro road has become dangerous due to speeding. Traffic to the school, horse riding stables and the local historical site has added to this along with a 60km speed limit not being adhered to.
Councillor Gilroy welcomed the advent of speed reduction signage and highlighted that this issue was time sensitive due to the tourist season.
Councillor Walsh supported the motion and stated that anything that could be done to reduce speed on this road would be a positive step.
Councillor Casserly supported the motion.
13. TO PUT IN PLACE BOLLARDS/PARKING CONTROL MEASURES TO STOP DANGEROUS PARKING ALONG THE ROAD DOWN TO ROSSES POINT BEACH -L7313-0 OR L-330920:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
Mr. Brennan gave a report stating that Sligo County Council will investigate and cost options for providing a segregated area for pedestrians. It was highlighted that options including the extension of the existing bollards, the provision of timber bollards or the installation of knee rail timber fencing, along with the provision of double yellow lines, would restrict parking for cars and campervans for 250 metres on the beach side of L7313-0 and an additional 100 metres on the L-33092-0. There is no funding available to carry out these works.
Councillor Gilroy requested that this be prioritised as it was a safety and environmental issue as safe access to the beach and the seating areas was being hindered by car parking.
Councillor Walsh supported the motion and stated that this had been highlighted as an issue during the recent consultation in Rosses Point in relation to the proposed Enhancement Scheme that he had attended.
Councillor Walsh asked if pedestrian access to the beach front in Rosses Point could be included in an application to the Active Travel Programme.
Mr. Brennan stated that the footpaths near the school and the church are being pursued through the Active Travel Programme in Rosses Point village. It was acknowledged that parking was an issue, however, funding and solutions have yet to be determined.
Councillor Fox and Councillor Casserly supported the motion.
Councillor Healy suggested writing to motor home groups to inform them of local concerns regarding parking while also policing the area more.
Councillor Gilroy welcomed all suggestions and acknowledged that the area engineer is aware that there is an issue with parking.
Councillor Gilroy also requested that the footpaths on the Sligo side of Rosses Point be reviewed as they do not come out as far as the 50km zone.
14. TO CLEAN THE DIRTY ROAD SIGNS/REPLACE FADED ROAD SIGNS IN MULLAGHMORE, CLIFFONEY, GRANGE, CARNEY, MAUGHEROW, DRUMCLIFF, RATHCORMAC & ROSSES POINT:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
Mr. Brennan confirmed that Sligo County Council will include the cleaning of these signs in the roadworks programme. The replacement of signs will be dependent on resources. As there already is a busy roadworks programme to complete, it will be Q4 before these works are completed.
Councillor Gilroy thanked Mr. Brennan for the update and asked if the Council gets funding from the TII for the maintenance of drains and signage on the national primary routes.
Mr. Brennan confirmed that the TII have a contractor who maintains the signs on the national roads. Mr. Brennan will seek further clarification with the TII on the cleaning of signage.
15. UPDATE ON THE PROVISION OF A FOOTPATH BETWEEN COLLOONEY AND BALLISODARE AT CARRICKNAGAT TOWARDS COLLOONEY AND FROM COLLOONEY TOWN TO COLLOONEY RAILWAY STATION:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
This motion was deferred.
16. UPDATE ON THE PROVISION OF THE NEW OUTDOOR FACILITY AT ROSSES POINT BEACH:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
Mr. Brennan gave a report from the Community and Enterprise Section stating that Sligo County Council applied successfully under Failte Ireland’s Platform for Growth Scheme for Beach Facilities at two locations in Co Sligo – Enniscrone and Rosses Point. Approval in principle of €850,000/per site at 100% funding from Failte Ireland has been secured to progress to the development stage following the successful conclusion of the preliminary design phase including the attainment of necessary planning consents. Planning will involve seeking consent for the proposed facilities via An Bord Pleanála.
Sligo County Council has currently secured an initial advance of €15,000/per site in support from Failte Ireland towards the development of a planning permission application from the Water Sports (Beach) Facilities in Rosses Point and Enniscrone, with a view to submitting an application to An Bord Pleanála in 2022. Site investigations and preliminary civil work designs are currently underway for the Rosses Point facilities.
Councillor Walsh welcomed the update and highlighted how much of an issue this continues to be for the residents of Rosses Point. The 100% funding allocated to the new facility was also welcomed for this state-of-the-art facility. The staff team were complimented on their work to date on the project.
Councillor Fox supported the motion and welcomed this positive news for the area.
Councillor Gilroy welcomed the update and highlighted that there were some holes outside the existing building which needed attention, along with the perimeter wall in front of the building.
Councillor Casserly welcomed the report and the progression of this new facility in the area.
17. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
A Vote of Sympathy was extended to Karen McMahon on the passing of her father-in- law, Mr. Kevin Gallagher.
Proposed: Councillor Gilroy
Seconded: Councillor Walsh
Councillor Casserly supported this vote of sympathy.
18. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
A Vote of Congratulations was extended to Mr. David Dillon, Principal, St. Mary’s N.S. Ballisodare on his retirement after many years of dedicated service to the school and the wider local community.
Proposed: Councillor Walsh
Seconded: Councillor Gilroy
Councillor Casserly supported this vote of congratulations and highlighted the support Mr. Dillon had given St. Mary’s Secondary School and many families in the area over the years.
Councillor Gilroy extended a Vote of Congratulations to Mr. Christopher O’ Donnell on qualifying for the European Championships in Munich. All Councillors wished to be associated with this vote of congratulations.
19. CORRESPONDENCE:
There was no correspondence.
20. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING:
The next meetings were scheduled for Monday 19th September and Monday 21st November at 10am.
Councillor Walsh requested that the September meeting be held in the Ballintogher Community Enterprise Centre as previously agreed by the members. This was seconded by Councillor Fox.
21. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Mr. Molloy stated that the centre would be checked to ensure that members could attend virtually if required. Councillor Walsh assured members that the facility would be able to facilitate remote access to the meeting.
Mr. Molloy also highlighted the need for being cognisant of the Budget Meeting to be held in November, therefore flexibility with the date for the November meeting would be required.
Councillor Fox queried if there were any arrangements in place for the cutting of hedges at busy junctions.
Mr. Brennan confirmed that a contractor was in place for the cutting of verges on the national roads. The area engineers were arranging for the cutting of grass at critical locations. Mr. Brennan highlighted that members could bring any requests with regard to particular areas requiring attention to the local area engineers.
Councillor Gilroy requested that consideration be given to the distribution of reports on the Notices of Motions to members prior to the Municipal District meetings.
Mr. Molloy stated that this would be looked at prior to the next meeting.
The business of the meeting concluded at 11.20am.
Meeting Date 20/06/2022