Minutes 2025
Minutes of The Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District Held on Monday 14th July 2025 At 09.30am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.
COUCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Marie Casserly
- Councillor Donal Gilroy
- Councillor Thomas Healy
- Councillor Edel McSharry
- Councillor Thomas Walsh
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr. Jim Molloy, Director of Services
- Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr. Conleth Whelan, Executive Engineer
- Mr. Adrian Grandison, Vacant Homes Officer
- Ms. Sarah McNamara, Staff Officer
CATHAOIRLEACH:
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Marie Casserly presided and welcomed all present to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 19TH MAY, 2025:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 19th May, 2025”.
2. MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 20TH JUNE, 2025:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 20th June, 2025”.
3. MATTERS ARISING:
MILL APARTMENT BUILDING BALLISODARE:
Councillor Marie Casserly read the updated report as submitted by Ms. Emer Concannon, Director of Service Placemaking, in regard to the Mill Apartment Block in Ballisodare. Councillor Thomas Healy welcomed the inclusion of the building on the Derelict Site Register from 3rd June, 2025. He thanked the Director of Service and Chief Executive Officer for their support in this matter and queried the fees paid by Sligo County Council for the report already furnished. He further requested a meeting with Mr. Martin Lydon, CEO, Director of Service, Sligo Drumcliff MD Members and the Housing Agency to follow up on the report as issued and to confirm the way forward in dealing with the building. Councillor Thomas Walsh queried if any further communication had been received from the Developers/Owners or their legal teams prior to the building being included on the Derelict Site Register? Mr. Jim Molloy DOS confirmed lines of engagement are open with all parties involved, the Owners of the building are now in a position to examine the foundations, concrete etc with a view to having the building brought back in use or to ascertain what other avenues are open to them. Mr. Molloy added he will contact the CE and MD Members to arrange a meeting as soon as is possible.
In response to a query raised by Councillor Thomas Walsh in regard to the levy, Mr. Adrian Grandison, Executive Engineer responded that a Valuer will have to be engaged to value all properties on the Derelict Site Register, possibly October/November and from 1st January, 2026, a 7% annual levy can be placed on properties that are on the Derelict Site Register.
Councillor Healy raised the question as to €250,000 bond paid, Mr. Jim Molloy DOS to follow up and noted that it would not be feasible for the Co Council to drawdown this bond, given the works required to bring the building up to standard. Mr. Molloy added that the current owners did not develop the property and confirmed any pending meeting will be with Mr. Martin Lydon, CE, Ms. Emer Concannon DOS and Property Owners.
4. UPDATE REPORT ON THE CROÍ CÓNAITHE TOWNS FUND - VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT:
Mr. A. Grandison, Vacant Homes Officer updated the meeting in regard to the Croí Conaithe Towns Fund as follows:
- 122 applications have been received
- 93 initial inspections have been completed
- 93 grants were approved
- 4 grants were rejected
- 8 applications were withdrawn by the applicant
There were Sixty two urban grants, and forty rural grants allocated. Thirty seven applicants have received payment.
Members thanked Mr. Grandison for his detailed report. Mr. A. Grandison left the meeting at 9.55am.
5. ”THE BEACHERY” BUILDING AT ROSSES POINT:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“Following Minister Humphreys funding allocation of €50,000 in August 2024 for the development of ‘The Beachery’ at Rosses Point, that the Local Authority now be provided with an update as to where the project is at, what work has taken place, and when is it expected that planning permission will be obtained for this new visitor amenity.”
Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer read the following report on behalf of Ms. Emer Concannon, DOS Placemaking “Sligo County Council has appointed a multi-disciplinary single point design team to work on this project. The design team is currently engaged in site survey, initial design works and relevant stakeholder consultation.
It is expected that the statutory process will commence in Q4 2025.”
6. UPDATE ON NEW FOOTPATHS IN GRANGE VILLAGE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To request an update and timeline for the urgent delivery of the new footpaths in Grange village”.
Mr Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer reported that Sligo Regional Design Office, is currently in the early planning stages of the N15 Grange Active Travel Scheme, having received an allocation of €30,000 from Transport Infrastructure Ireland for 2025.
As part of the initial phase, the project will identify areas within the village that lack adequate active travel infrastructure and assess feasible interventions to address these gaps. Tenders have recently been invited to support the development of the scheme.
A timeline for the delivery will be dependent on the interventions proposed.
Some Members expressed disappointment with the reply and timelines outlined in Mr. Hampsons reply, Mr. Jim Molloy DOS agreed to follow up with Ms. Emer Concannon DOS and the TII SRDO in this regard and report back to the MD Members.
7. PROPOSAL TO EXPLORE THE PROVISION OF CYCLE HIGHWAY VIA UNION WOOD TO CONNECT URBAN CENTRES BALLISODARE, BALLYGAWLEY, COOLLOONEY AND CARRAROE:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to explore the provision of a Cycle Highway via Union Wood to connect urban centres; Ballisodare, Ballygawley, Collooney and Carraroe”.
Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer read the following report as submitted by Ms. Emer Concannon DOS Placemaking “Leitrim County Council, in collaboration with Sligo County Council, Cavan County Council, and Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, is currently progressing the development of the Sligo, Leitrim, Northern Counties Railway (SLNCR) Greenway.
The project is presently at Phase 2 – Option Selection, with the Emerging Preferred Corridor recently published for public consultation.
The primary objective of the SLNCR Greenway is to establish a high-quality greenway linking Carraroe in Sligo Town to Enniskillen. In achieving this, the proposed route will also provide strategic connections between Carraroe, Ballisodare, Collooney, and Ballygawley, with sections of the corridor traversing Union Wood.
As such, the SLNCR Greenway aligns closely with the intent of the Notice of Motion and offers a significant opportunity to enhance active travel connectivity between these urban centres.
Further information regarding the SLNCR Greenway Project is available at https://slncr-greenway.com/. “
Councillor Walsh informed the meeting that he, Councillor Casserly and other Elected Members of Sligo Co Council had attended a study trip in the Netherlands/Germany in regard to Cycle Highways connecting to Urban Centres. Councillor Gilroy questioned the lack of lighting on the Cycle Highway in the winter months. Following further discussion, Mr. Jim Molloy DOS agreed to contact the Active Travel Team to ascertain if they could use their expertise to develop the proposal raised.
8. UPGRADE OF SPEED RAMPS HAZELWOOD AVENUE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To seek an update on my previous motion re the upgrade of the speed ramps on Hazelwood Avenue”.
Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer reported that funding has been secured under the Department of Transports 2025 Safety Improvement Works funding stream. Upgrades to the existing traffic calming scheme at Hazelwood Avenue are currently being assessed.
Following a query, Mr. Hampson agreed to follow up with a more detailed reply in regard to the proposed works.
9. PROPOSED SAFETY MEASURES AT JUNCTION IN CARNEY VILLAGE NEAR LISSADELL ROAD AND SIABH MOR ESTATE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council urgently assess and implement road safety measures at the junction in Carney village near the Lissadell Road, particularly at the point past Laura’s heading towards the Sliabh Mór estate etc. There have been several near misses, with increased traffic volumes—especially camper vans and Local Link buses—worsening the risk. The situation is particularly hazardous for children crossing the road.
Following a previous motion requesting attention for this junction, I again call for immediate action to improve sightlines and ensure safety for all road users”.
Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer confirmed this junction will be assessed during this quarter, any proposed interventions will be considered for submission under the Department of Transport Safety Improvement Scheme’s funding for 2026.
10. REQUEST TO EXTEND LOCAL S3 LOCAL LINK BUS SERVICE TO SLIGO RETAIL PARK AND CARRAROE AREAS:
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That this Municipal District write to the National Transport Authority (NTA) to extend the S3 Local Link service to include the Sligo Retail Park and the Carraroe area. By serving these high-demand commercial and residential areas, this extension will not only improve accessibility for local residents and workers but also increase the overall uptake of the service, thereby enhancing its economic viability. The current route is underutilised, and this adjustment would help ensure the long-term sustainability of the S3 service”.
In support of the motion, Councillor Walsh confirmed that 3 meetings have already been held with the NTA in regard to the bus service in Sligo and surrounding areas. Following further discussion, it was:
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED:
“That this Municipal District write to the National Transport Authority (NTA) to extend the S3 Local Link service to include the Sligo Retail Park and the Carraroe area. By serving these high-demand commercial and residential areas, this extension will not only improve accessibility for local residents and workers but also increase the overall uptake of the service, thereby enhancing its economic viability. The current route is underutilised, and this adjustment would help ensure the long-term sustainability of the S3 service.
It was further agreed to invite the CEO of National Transport Authority to meet with the Municipal District Members at its September Meeting fixed for Monday, 15th September 2025 at 9.30am to discuss the future plans for the S1, S2 and S3 and the serving of Sligo Retail Park, Caltragh and Carrowroe Areas.”
Councillor Casserly mentioned a notice of motion submitted by her to the February Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council in regard to a “To ask that Sligo County Council write to the NTA asking them to provide a new bus route servicing the Carraroe, it's hinterland and Caltragh area of Sligo town and to thank them for providing the new long awaited S3 Bus service.”
Councillor Walsh mentioned a notice of motion submitted by him to the same meeting as follows:
“Following correspondence issued from the National Transport Authority on 6th October 2023 where I was advised “The Authority is also at an advanced stage in progressing revisions to the network of town bus service within Sligo Town. Carraroe Retail Park will be served by one of the routes within the revised network and details of this will be available soon. Implementation is planned for early in 2024”,
That Sligo County Council request the NTA to meet with this Council and ask 1. Why only partial of the planned new S3 route has been implemented? and 2. When will the revision and additions to S1 and S2 take place to service the Carraroe and Caltragh area in Sligo town.
Furthermore, that this motion be relayed to the Minister for Transport and the Secretary General at the Department of Transport.”
Sarah McNamara, Meeting Administrator to follow up a reply.
11. FUNDING APPROVAL FOR EXTENSION AT GRANGE PPS:
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“That this Municipal District writes to the Minister for Education to seek clarification on the delay in progressing to the next stage of funding approval for the long-awaited extension at Grange Post Primary School. While we welcome the recent funding allocation for toilet facilities and the school canteen there is now an urgent need to advance the wider school development plan to tender stage. We further call on the Minister to fund the provision of a car park on-site, which will be essential to accommodate the increasing number of staff for increased number of students. This extension is vital to meet the educational needs of the growing population in the North Sligo area”.
A discussion took place and Members expressed disappointment with the delay in allocation of funding from the Department of Education. Members thanked the Parents Association and all parties involved in keeping this matter in the public interest.
It was further agreed that an invitation be extended to Mr. Tom Grady, CEO or his designee from the MSLETB to attend the next meeting of the Municipal District which has been fixed for Monday, 15th September, 2025 at 9.30am to update the Municipal District Members of the current status of Stage 2B of Grange Post Primary School Application.”
Sarah McNamara, Meeting Administrator to contact Mr. Grady as outline above.
12. SPEED LIMITS RANSBORO NS AREA:
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“That the Council of this Municipal District reduce the speed limits to 30 kilometres at Ransboro NS and all other schools in this district”.
Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer reported that all recommendations for speed limits changes at will be reviewed as part of the appropriate phase of the National Speed limit Review.
Mr. Jim Molloy, Director of Service added that this office is waiting on the issue of Guidelines from the Department possibly in September and acknowledged driver behaviour cannot solve this issue.
13. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
None raised.
14. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
None raised.
15. CORRESPONDENCE:
Councillor Thomas Healy welcomed the reply from IDA Ireland re Collooney Business Park and Mr. Jim Molloy Director of Service agreed to arrange the relevant meeting with Roads Staff.
16. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING:
The next meeting of the Municipal District has been fixed for 9.30 am on Monday, 15th September, 2025 in the Council Chamber, Riverside.
17. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Councillor Donal Gilroy as Cathaoirleach of the Council informed the members that the Office of the Cathaoirleach in the Council Offices, Riverside is available for their use should the need arise for any members. The Members thanked Councillor Gilroy for his kind gesture.
The business of the meeting concluded at 11.05 am.
Meeting Date 14/07/2025