Minutes 2024

Minutes of Sligo–Drumcliff Municipal District Meeting held on Monday 22nd January 2024 at 09.30 am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Marie Casserly
  • Councillor Donal Gilroy
  • Councillor Thomas Healy
  • Councillor Thomas Walsh

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Jim Molloy, Director of Services
  • Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Leonora McConville, Executive Planner
  • Adrian Grandison, Vacant Homes Officer
  • Jane Golden, Staff Officer

(R) = participated in the meeting remotely

 

APOLOGIES:

Councillor Tom Fox

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Walsh, presided. The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting. Councillor T. Walsh, on behalf of all of the Members, thanked Sligo County Council staff, Roads staff, ESB crews and Emergency Services for their work during the previous night’s storm.

 

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 13TH NOVEMBER 2023:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 13th November 2023”

 

2.  MATTERS ARISING:

There were no matters arising.

 

3. TO CONSIDER THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT ON THE PART 8 FOR THE PUBLIC REALM ENHANCEMENT WORKS AT ROSSES POINT:

The report was circulated to Members prior to the meeting.  Councillor T. Walsh handed over to Ms. Leonora Mc Conville who highlighted the importance of these works for Rosses Point for traffic management and Public Realm Enhancement. 

Councillor D. Gilroy requested that submissions already made relating to people with disabilities and their needs be carefully considered and given priority along with how and where the old meets the new, at the junction at the far end of the village and on the way into the village.

Councillor T. Healy enquired as to if there would be a public consultation. Ms. L. McConville confirmed that the deadline for RRDF funding was 8th February 2024. Once Part 8 has been approved, the detailed design stage can then commence.  Consultation will continue with all of the relevant stakeholders and residents.

Councillor T. Walsh commented that the scheme does not go beyond the T Junction at the Golf Club and that it is disappointing that the cycle lane does not continue on to the beach promenade.  It was hoped that a noise barrier could be included for residents on the old road, i.e. relocation of bottle bank and bins. It was requested that the two uncontrolled pedestrian crossings could be reviewed and perhaps one controlled be considered. 

Members thanked Ms. McConville for the report and it was

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Chief Executive’s Report on the Part 8 for the Public Realm Enhancement Works at Rosses Point.”

 

4. UPDATE REPORT ON THE CROÍ CÓNAITHE TOWNS FUND - VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT:

Mr. A. Grandison gave an update for the Sligo – Drumcliff MD area as follows:

  • 55 applications have been received – 37 urban, 18 rural
  • 34 first inspections have been completed
  • 34 grants approved
  • 3 grants rejected
  • 2 applications withdrawn
  • 1 grant has been paid

Councillor D. Gilroy highlighted the ongoing delays in grants being processed.  Mr. A. Grandison stated that this was a new scheme and that issues have been addressed. Councillor T. Healy highlighted the difficulties delays had on people accessing the scheme as they had to pay up front for the works before being reimbursed. It was confirmed that payments were made once all works were completed. 

Councillor M. Casserly joined the meeting at 9.50am. Ms. L. McConville left the meeting at 9.50am.

Mr. J. Molloy requested that this issue be put on the agenda as an item for the next Plenary Council Meeting with a report to be given to include the process involved and the expected timelines. 

Mr. A. Grandison confirmed that works must be completed before the inspections can be done and outlined the process involved. It was

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

AND AGREED

“To request an update on the Croí Conáithe Towns Fund – Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant for County Sligo at the February Plenary Council Meeting”

 

5.  ASK SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO WRITE TO ESB RE: FITTING OF NEW POWER POINTS ON THE PIER AT MULLAGHMORE:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask that Sligo County Council write to the ESB to request the fitting of new power points on the pier at Mullaghmore”

 

6.  UPDATE ON SAFETY IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES TO PROVIDE CONTROLLED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN BALLISODARE AND CLIFFONEY VILLAGES:

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

AND AGREED

“To seek an update on the safety improvement schemes to provide a controlled pedestrian crossing in Ballisodare and Cliffoney Villages”

Mr. P. Hampson gave a report which was welcomed by Councillor M. Casserly. It was highlighted that the lights at the bridge in Ballisodare are not working a lot of the time. It was requested that these lights be covered for health and safety reasons.  Mr. P. Hampson to revert with an update on a timeline for the pedestrian count survey in Cliffoney.  Councillor T. Healy requested clarity on the project in Ballisodare.  Mr. P. Hampson to revert with an update and costs required. Councillor D. Gilroy expressed his concerns regarding the N15 road at Cliffoney.  CouncillorT. Walsh expressed his preference for a controlled pedestrian crossing at Supervalu in Ballisodare given safety concerns. Councillor T. Healy requested that members be kept informed of progress on all works.

 

7. SURVEY ON N15 FROM SLIGO TOWN TO LEITRIM BORDER AND RESURFACING WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT WHERE NECESSARY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a survey be carried out on the N15 from Sligo town to the Leitrim border and resurfacing works be carried out as soon as possible on all parts of the road that has potholes and in need of surface repairs”

Mr. P. Hampson gave a report.  Councillor M. Casserly emphasised the urgency of getting funding to resurface this road.  Mr. J. Molloy gave an update and stated that there has been a reduction in funding for road repairs over the past years.  The TII prioritises roads nationally for repairs.  Members supported the motion.

Members agreed to amend the motion to seek the reports in question from TII.  Members agreed to write to local TD’s  to request that this this issue be brought to the Minister of Transport for immediate attention.

Members agreed the following resolution:

“To request that a survey be carried out on the N15 from Sligo Town to the Leitrim border and resurfacing works to be carried out as soon as possible on all parts of the road that has potholes and in need of surface repairs. Can this motion be raised with all Government TD’s for them to bring this serious issues to the Minister for Transport”.

Councillor D. Gilroy left the meeting at 10.30am.

 

8. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL UNDERTAKE TO CLEAN DRAINS ADJACENT TO R287 AND A LONG TERM PLAN TO BE PUT IN PLACE:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council undertake to clean all drains running adjacent to the R287 in order to give some flood relief along ‘the Long Stretch’ and that a longer term plan be put in place to deal with the ongoing flooding”

Mr. P. Hampson gave a report.  Councillor T. Walsh requested that a long term solution be found regarding this issue. Mr. P. Hampson confirmed that the drainage will be cleared in 2024. Councillor T. Walsh welcomed this and requested that funding be sought for a water specialist to look at the water table to see what remedial works can be achieved along with a long term plan.    

Councillor D. Gilroy rejoined the meeting at 10.35am.

Councillor T. Healy proposed that himself and Councillor T. Walsh meet with Sligo County Council officials at the site to discuss the issues.  Mr. P. Hampson agreed to this. Councillor T. Walsh stated that no report had been commissioned regarding this matter to date to look at possible solutions and that it would be useful if one was sought.  Members supported the motion.

 

9. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PROVIDE UPDATE ON TWO ACTIVE TRAVEL PROJECTS – CARRAROE TO CUILBEG AND CASTLE DARGAN TO BALLYGAWLEY:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council provide this council with an update on the following two active travel projects: 1. Carraroe to Cuilbeg  2. Castle Dargan to Ballygawley”

Mr. P. Hampson gave a report. Councillor T. Walsh thanked Mr. P. Hampson for the report and Mr. P. O’Rourke  for work on the Active Travel programme to date.  Landowners were also thanked for providing access to lands. Councillor T. Walsh requested that these projects were progressed as quickly as possible to procurement stage.  Councillor T. Healy welcomed the update and stated that these projects provided value for money.  Members supported the motion. 

 

10. REVIEW OF R290 ROAD FROM BALLYGAWLEY TO BALLINTOGHER, CONSIDER APPLICATION FOR DOT GRANT FUNDING IN 2024:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council Road Design team in relation to my previous motion if they have carried out the review of the R290 road from Ballygawley to Ballintogher and that appropriate consideration will be given to making an application for further DOT specific improvement Grant funding in 2024” 

Mr. P. Hampson gave a report which Councillor T. Healy welcomed.  Councillor T. Healy thanked the Roads Department for works completed over the years and requested that contact be made with the R290 Action Group in order to hear their concerns.  Councillor T. Walsh welcomed any improvements that can be made between Collooney and Ballintogher.  Mr. K. Monaghan was thanked for works completed to date.

 

11. REPORT ON RATHCORMAC CEMETERY:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask for Sligo County Council for a report on Rathcormac Cemetery

  1. How many burial plots are still available?
  2. When is it expected that there will be no more plots available?
  3. How many plots since 2020 have been allocated to deceased people from Ahamlish and Rosses Point Parishes
  4. Has a new site been identified and if so when will it be available?”

Mr. P. Hampson gave a report. There are 214 double plots available in Rathcormac Cemetery. Based on the last seven years, it is estimated that capacity will not be reached for another fifteen years. 20 double plots have been allocated to deceased people from Ahamlish and Rosses Point Parishes. A new site has not been identified as it is not necessary at present. Councillor D. Gilroy stated that it is necessary to look for sites in both locations.  A site has been identified in Grange, Councillor D. Gilroy stated that consultants need to be appointed as a matter of urgency. Mr. J. Molloy stated that cemeteries are problematic due to the environment impact that they have and the ground conditions required for them. Any lands available for use will be reviewed with the Property Department. Councillor D. Gilroy stated that it was the community in Rathcormac who developed the cemetery which was then handed over to the Council for management.  

 

12. STREET LIGHTS BETWEEN MAUGHEROW HALL AND THE LOCAL CHURCH:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask for Sligo County Council to Provide an additional Street Light between Maugherow Hall and the local Church (Between Lamp 1 Maugherow Church and Lamp 2 Maugherow Church)

Currently there are six Street lights with approx. 50m between each of the Lights Number Two to Number Six with approx. 100m between Light Number Two and Light Number one leaving a dark dangerous area. The Church Car Park is regularly used when events take place in the Hall and the Hall Car Park is regularly used when there are large crowds at events in the Church”

Councillor D. Gilroy informed members that Councillors proposals can be used for the provision of streetlights. It was requested that Mr. P. Hampson would revert with costs required for works to be completed using Councillors proposals, i.e. a light at the church and at the graveyard. Mr. P. Hampson to check if Councillor’s proposals can be used for public lighting. Councillor T. Healy requested that a light also be put in at the entrance to the graveyard at Maugherow and for costs to be looked into for this. Councillor M. Casserly queried if it would be possible for the local community group in Maugherow to apply for a grant for this, Mr. P. Hampson to revert with an update.

 

13. ASK SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO CARRY OUT WORKS IN ROSSES POINT TO ASSIST THOSE WITH REDUCED OR LIMITED MOBILITY:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask for Sligo County Council to carry out the following works at Rosses Point to assist those with reduced or limited mobility:

  1. Road surface each side of R291 approaching Rosses Point from Ballyweelin cottages unsuitable for wheelchair users.
  2. Clean remainder of Gullies on R291 from Ballyweelin Cottages through village
  3. Repair and make safe High Cross in Rosses point Graveyard and path surface in graveyard.
  4. Repair Potholes on Top Road Rosses Point from Golf Club to Oyster Bay
  5. Road repairs and edging at Greenland’s Estate Top Rd Rosses Point
  6. Maintain Scenic walk from Rosses Point Pier to Beach Rd and make suitable for wheelchair users.
  7. Cut Hedging opposite bench on Scenic Walk near Pier so that view can be enjoyed.
  8. Cut Grass towards the beach at regular times during the cutting season.
  9. Maintain the surface on the side of the road between the Caravan Park and the Hotel to make suitable for people with disabilities.
  10. Provide a footpath from Oyster Bay to the lower road as road cannot be used by Buggies or wheelchairs. Consider new path through ground adjacent to Wastewater Pumping Station.
  11. Surface along edge or R291 in front of Ballincar Heights
  12. Road and Footpath surfaces and Gullies at Doonweelin Close Rosses Point
  13. Road and Footpath surfaces and Gullies at Springhill Close Rosses Point”

Councillor D. Gilroy requested that a walk-through of the area with a wheelchair user be arranged in order to highlight the difficulties and challenges. A follow up on works to be arranged.

Councillor D. Gilroy thanked the Council and emergency crews for their work during the recent storms.  It was requested that Mr. P. Hampson look into the sourcing of a contact number for Eir so that Councillors can have access to updates/information at times of emergency.  Councillor T. Healy highlighted that some of the works detailed in this motion have already been forwarded to past area engineers.  It was also highlighted that members were not aware of the new area engineer who has been allocated to the district. The new area engineer is currently being inducted and details will be updated on the website. Mr. J. Molloy stated that there had been a high turnover of staff due to the nature of the work environment at present.  Mr. J. Molloy stated that work lists should be forwarded to the relevant staff member.

 

14. VOTES OF SYMPATHY

There were no votes of sympathy.

 

15. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS

 There were no votes of congratulations.

 

16. CORRESPONDENCE

Councillor T. Walsh referred to the acknowledgement letter received re: the Primary Health Care Centre in Collooney.  Councillor D. Gilroy informed members that as the FORSA industrial action is still in place in the HSE, there has not been a meeting of the Regional Health Forum since October and therefore it has not been possible to bring up this matter.  It was agreed and

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

To write to the HSE stating that on foot of the current industrial action, it has not been possible to get a reply through the Regional Health Forum regarding the carrying out of an upgrade on the Primary Care Centre in Collooney.  Sligo – Drumcliff MD Members now request a report from the HSE and ask them to carry out an upgrade of the current Primary Care Centre in Collooney. 

 

17. DATE & VENUE OF THE NEXT MEETING

The next Sligo – Drumcliff MD Meeting will be held on Monday 11th March 2024 at 9.30am in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside. 

 

18. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Councillor T. Healy highlighted a number of routes affected by icy roads not gritted during the cold spell including Ransboro, Collooney Village, the roads out to St Angela’s College and from Carney to Maugherow. Mr. P. Hampson stated that the Winter Maintenance Plan was agreed for National, Primary, Secondary and Regional roads. Additional resources are required to facilitate the inclusion of roads in addition to these. Members agreed that a secondary plan is required which will require funding.  Councillor T. Walsh requested a date be forwarded to members for when the Roads schedule would be in place. It was hoped that the N17 would be included.  Mr. P. Hampson confirmed that a contractor is in the process of being appointed for the Roads Improvement Scheme. 

The business of the meeting concluded at 11.35am.


Meeting Date 22/01/2024