Minutes 2025
Minutes of The Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District Held on Monday 15th September 2025 At 09.30am in The Members Room, 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. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr. Conleth Whelan, Executive Engineer
- Mr. Brendan Ferguson, 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. She noted the visit of Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran to Sligo at 10.30am.
PROPOSED BY: Councillor T. Walsh
SECONDED BY: Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED:
“That the business of the meeting be transferred from the County Council Chamber, Riverside to the Members Room in Riverside”.
Members and staff vacated the Council Chamber and the meeting reconvened in the Members Room.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 14TH JULY, 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 14th July, 2025”.
2. MATTERS ARISING:
Reply from Tom Grady CEO MSLETB is noted and Members agreed to deal with this item under correspondence later in the meeting.
3. 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:
- 131 applications have been received
- 97 initial inspections have been completed
- 97 grants were approved
- 6 grants were rejected
- 9 applications were withdrawn by the applicant
There were Sixty five urban grants, and forty five rural grants allocated. Forty four applicants have received payment.
Members thanked Mr. Grandison for his detailed report. Mr. A. Grandison left the meeting at 9.40am.
4. TO FIX DATE AND TIME FOR MUNICIPAL DISTRICT BUDGET MEETING:
PROPOSED BY: Councillor D. Gilroy
SECONDED BY: Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That the Municipal District Budget Meeting be fixed for 9.30am on Monday 20th October, 2025 in the Council Chamber, Riverside.”
5. PROPOSED WEIGHT RESTRICTION ON L7108 AT CASTLEGAL:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to put a weight restriction on Castlegal L-7108 road in Cliffoney in the interest of health and safety as the road is not capable of facilitating 40-ton weight lorries”.
Mr. Paul Hampson, SEE informed the meeting that the location of this local road is on the border of County Leitrim to the N15. It should be noted that Leitrim have no weight restriction signs on the section of road within their jurisdiction. Erecting weight restriction signs on this road will be lengthy process involving both Leitrim and Sligo County Council that could deliver limited success from preventing HGV’s operating on this public Road. It should also be noted that SCC have erected “Caution Children” and “Slow” signs at either end of the road in Sligo County Council’s jurisdiction.
ACTION: Following further discussions, it was agreed that Mr. Jim Molloy DOS be contacted for clarification and direction on the weight limit sign process and erection of such signs at this location. Mr Molloy to determine suitability to initiate the process if appropriate.
6. UPDATE ON ACTIVE TRAVEL SCHEME FROM TOBER BRIDE TO COLLOONEY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council for an update report on the active travel scheme from Tober bride to Collooney and how many stages left until we see safety access across the N4 road”.
Mr. Paul Hampson, SEE read the following reply as submitted by Ms. Emer Concannon DOS:
The N4 Active Travel Scheme from Collooney to Toberbride is currently progressing through Phase 2: Options Selection of the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) project lifecycle, which comprises eight phases in total.
It is anticipated that the Emerging Preferred Corridor will be published for public consultation in Q4 2025.
The table below outlines the status of each project phase:
| TII Project Phase | Status |
|---|---|
| Phase 0: Scope and Pre-Appraisal | Completed |
| Phase 1: Concept and Feasibility | Completed |
| Phase 2: Options Selection | Ongoing |
| Phase 3: Design and Environmental Evaluation | Yet to Start |
| Phase 4: Statutory Process | Yet to Start |
| Phase 5: Enabling and Procurement | Yet to Start |
| Phase 6: Construction and Implementation | Yet to Start |
| Phase 7: Close-Out and Review | Yet to Start |
Phase 6 represents the construction and implementation stage.
Members expressed their frustration at the slow process and the many phases involved. It was suggested that an examination be undertaken of the speed limits between the two roundabouts and it was noted that a 50km speed limit be introduced between the said roundabouts.
7. UPDATE ON N59 BALLISODARE ACTIVE TRAVEL SCHEME:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council for an update report on when public consultation will take place in Ballisodare on three schemes being advanced in Ballisodare Village as follows:
N59 Ballisodare Active Travel Scheme - Sligo Regional Design Office received funding (€50,000) from the TII in late February 2024 to commence a new Active Travel Scheme in Ballisodare Village. This project is seeking to identify the locations with deficient active travel facilities within the study area (N59 within the 60kph speed limits of the village) and will examine feasible interventions with the objective of the provision of a connected and usable Active Travel facility for all users. This scheme has yet to commence.”
REPLY as read by Mr Paul Hampson SEE:
Tenders have been invited for the appointment of technical advisors to support the advancement of the N59 Ballisodare Active Travel Scheme. The tender assessment process is ongoing. As the project is at an early stage in development, the timeline for public consultation has not yet been determined.
“N59 Ballisodare Pedestrian Crossing – Road Safety Improvement Scheme - Sligo Regional Design Office are advancing a pedestrian crossing scheme on the main street (N59) of Ballisodare Village which is funded via the Safety Section of the TII. A Feasibility and Options Report was recently approved by the TII Safety Section. The scheme will now progress to the design stage, which will involve design, road safety audits and public consultation. Subject to receipt of all necessary approvals and funding, it is anticipated that the scheme will be constructed in late 2025. It is hoped to be in a position to hold a public consultation process regarding the proposal in Q1 2025.”
REPLY as read by Mr. Paul Hampson SEE:
The design report for the N59 Ballisodare Pedestrian Crossing Road Safety Improvement Scheme was approved by Transport Infrastructure Ireland in late July 2025. This approval permits Sligo County Council to prepare Tender Documents and hold Public Consultation for the scheme.
Subject to a successful outcome from the Public Consultation, and a successful outcome from the tender process, it is anticipated that the scheme will be constructed in Q1/Q2 2026. Public consultation on the project will be via the Section 38 process. It is likely to be held in Q4 2025/Q1 2026.
“N59 Ballisodare Bus Stops – This scheme is being managed by Sligo Road Design Office in conjunction with the NTA and their appointed consultants”.
REPLY as read by Mr Paul Hampson, SEE:
The Road Design Team are currently reviewing tender submissions of the appointment of Consulting Engineers for the design and delivery of the Bus Stop Enhancement Programme. The provision of bust stop facilities in Ballysadare will be progressed through the appropriate approvals process there after.
A lengthy discussion took place in regard to the three items above. Members queried the number of public consultations being arranged and questioned if one public consultation could be arranged to discuss all upcoming projects in the village. The loss of car parking spaces was raised in regard to the Ballisodare Bus Stops. It is suggested that the bus shelters be positioned at either end of the village so as to minimise the loss of parking spaces. Councillor T. Walsh informed the meeting that he will not support any proposal to have bus stops on the Main Street and added that the DOS had previously met with rate payers and the Community Council.
ACTION: Following further questions, Mr. Paul Hampson SEE agreed to contact the Director of Service in regard to the queries raised above and to seek clarification from the Director.
Members expressed their disappointment that the Director of Service was not in attendance at the meeting so that questions could be replied to on the day.
8. EMERGENCY FUNDING ROSSES POINT GRAVEYARD:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To request that attention and emergency funding be allocated to Rosses Point graveyard for repair works to be carried out on the entrance wall and pillar, for the main path to be resurfaced, some pathways between graves to be improved and for the large crucifix at the top of the graveyard to be repaired as it's in danger of falling down”.
Mr Paul Hampson, SEE reported that it has been agreed with the Graveyard representatives following recent damage that the Crucifix will be relocated to the back of the graveyard and this will create approx 12No additional double plots in the graveyard. There is no further funding this year to improve pathways or the entrance walls and pillars at Rosses Point Graveyard.
ACTION: It was agreed that Councillors Proposals allocation could be assigned to the Burial Ground. Mr. Hampson agreed to investigate the costs involved for resurfacing etc and will revert back to the Members in due course.
9. REQUEST FOR STRUCTURAL SURVEY BE CARRIED OUT ON RINROE BRIDGE, GRANGE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To request that a structural survey be carried out on Rinroe Bridge in Grange which is a listed structure and in need of repair”.
Mr Paul Hampson, SEE reported that Rinroe Foot Bridge was inspected under Bridge Maintenance Inspection Programme. Following the inspection, the structure is Rated as “Significant Damage”, and will be put forward for inclusion in the 2026 Bridge Rehab programme. Funding is approved by the department on a priority basis.
Councillor Casserly thanked Mr. Hampson for the positive reply.
10. EXPLORE PROVISION OF LIFE GUARD AT ROSSES POINT TIDAL POOL:
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council: Explore the provision of a lifeguard at the Rosses Point tidal pool, given its popularity among families and youths and the associated water risks.”
Mr. Paul Hampson, SEE reported that in order for lifeguards to be provided, an area must firstly be a designated bathing area to be officially monitored, safe, and managed according to the Bathing Water Regulations. At present, the Tidal Pool at Rosses Point is not designated as a Bathing Area.
The process of designating a bathing area involves a Risk Assessment which is carried out by Water Safety Ireland.
Should someone wish to recommend an area to be a designated bathing area, they should review the criteria set out in the EPA document “Public advise on the identification of new bathing areas”
which is available at www.epa.ie. This document includes the template required to make your submission.
Submissions can be made using the required template by email to bathingwater@sligococo.ie
The closing date for submissions to Sligo County Council is 26th September 2025.
For further information please contact the Environment Department.
Following further discussion, Members noted Gibraltar Point in Sligo which is becoming a popular bathing area also. Councillor McSharry confirmed her proposal in having Rosses Point Tidal Pool designated as a bathing area. She also mentioned the area of recruitment of lifeguards, their remuneration and the possibility of Sligo County Council awarding a bursary for Lifeguard Training going forward.
11. REQUEST TO LOCAL LINK REGARDING CUILBEG/CAIRNS HILL AND CALRY ROUTES:
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“Request to Local Link Regarding Cuilbeg/Cairns Hill and Upper Calry routes –
That this Municipal District write to Local Link to request :
- Clarification on whether there are plans to alter the bus route 981 serving St. Angela’s and, specifically, if a diversion via the L3409 toward Upper Calry Road is being considered, and at what stage such a proposal might be;
- Consideration of extending or re-routing the Ballygawley bus services 566, 572 to include Cuilbeg and potentially Cairns Hill, as requested by the Carraroe Development Association (CADRA).”
ACTION: Sarah McNamara, Meeting Administrator to contact Local Link as outlined above.
12. INVITATION TO LOCAL LINK TO ATTEND MD MEETING:
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That this Municipal District write to Local Link requesting that they attend a meeting of the Sligo–Drumcliffe Municipal District to discuss their current and future plans for services in the area. In particular, members wish to address:
- Why the request to re-route the 982 service to include Teesan, Lisnalug, and Carncash has not been advanced, despite strong community support and survey evidence of need;
- Opportunities for a structured consultation process with local groups on future service changes;
- Any other queries councillors may have regarding route planning.
This request is made on the basis that Local Link have not been responsive to individual Councillor correspondence and that a collective meeting is necessary to ensure clear and constructive engagement with elected members and the communities we represent.”
ACTION: Sarah McNamara, Meeting Administrator to contact Local Link as outlined above.
13. CAPITAL BUILDING PROGRAMME – PROPOSED INCLUSION OF NEW LIBARIES AT BALLISODARE AND GRANGE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council adopt as part of the Capital Building Programme in the national Public Library Strategy 2023-2027 a plan to provide new Library Buildings in Ballisodare and Grange to correct the imbalance that exists where none of the four current libraries in County Sligo are in the Sligo Drumcliffe Municipal District. Not only are Ballisodare and Grange growing communities, but they are also the location of two excellent secondary schools with no public Library facility available in their immediate area.”
Mr. Paul Hampson, SEE read the following reply on behalf of Mr. Brian Flynn, DOS, Live Invest Visit.
“Sligo County Council is currently in the process of publishing a new five-year strategy for Sligo County Libraries.
In identifying priority areas of service delivery in this five-year plan, areas of population not currently served by a library are being evaluated. Ballisodare is identified as a populated area requiring a library, which would also serve communities in West Sligo and Collooney. Ballisodare being the chosen location due to the Primary and Post-Primary schools. Grange is also identified as a populated area without a library, which would also serve communities throughout North Sligo. Updated Public Library Standards and Benchmarks are due for publication at the end of September 2025.
Consideration will be given to the benchmarks regarding access, size, and location of new libraries when finalising Sligo Libraries new five-year strategy. “
14. PARKING MEASURES L72041-0 CHAPEL ROAD GRANGE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council put in place parking control measures on the L72041-0 Chapel Road, Grange to facilitate the safe construction of the new social housing and safe access to school for Children and safe use of the Church and Hall for all of the community. And that permanent safety measures are put in place at the fire exit from the parish hall that opens directly out onto the road with no warnings as to the presence of the escape door. If left unaltered there will be a possibility that an emergency vehicle will not be able to get past this pinch point.”
Mr. Paul Hampson, SEE reported that as part of the new housing development scheme on Chapel Rd the contractor must coordinate deliveries to take place outside the busier school drop off collection hours and also be cognisant of any church services. The contractor will liaise with both the school and church in this regard. The school were informed last May that the car park on Chapel Rd would be closed during the construction of the social housing scheme to lessen car journeys on Chapel Rd and improve pedestrian safety during construction and the school were advised to use the main Grange car park and pedestrian crossing for vehicular drop off and collection.
Regarding the permanent safety measures requested at the Parish Hall, it is considered that this could be examined when the pedestrian crossing is in place when Housing development is complete and in consultation with TII due to proximity to the N15.
ACTION: Following requests to have double yellow lines and pencil bollards installed outside the school, Mr. Paul Hampson SEE and Mr. Brendan Ferguson EE agreed to investigate this matter again.
15. SAFETY CONCERNS KNOCKBEG ROAD, COLLOONEY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to urgently address the serious safety concerns on the Knockbeg Rd, Collooney between the town centre and the N17: the overgrowth on existing paths, lack of public lighting, covered existing public lighting, lack of safe pedestrian access and lack of speed control infrastructure.”
Mr. Paul Hampson, SEE reported that Sligo County Council will examine avenues for funding safety improvement works at this location through the budget and funding application process for 2026.
Members expressed annoyance and frustration at the reply supplied. Councillors requested an updated report including all actions delivered by the Council for the next meeting. Members also requested that this matter be listed as a headed item on the agenda for the next Municipal District meeting. Disappointment was noted at the absence of DOS.
ACTION: A meeting with Mr. Paul O’Rourke A/Senior Engineer is now requested.
16. UPDATE ON OLD MILL APARTMENT BLOCK IN BALLISODARE:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council for an update on the Old Mill Apartment Complex in Ballisodare and if Sligo County Council will consider taking charge of the property with view to creating an amenity and car park for the Ballisodare Village.”
Mr. Paul Hampson, SEE read the following reply as submitted by Ms. Emer Concannon, DOS, Placemaking.
“The owners of the Mill Apartments Ballisodare have confirmed that they have received the report from the consultants who they engaged to carry out the required structural survey. This will inform the future direction of the property and Sligo County Council are liaising with the owners of the property on this. The MD Members will be informed of progress as appropriate.”
Members were not satisfied with the reply above and queried as to the delay in them receiving copy of the report as already agreed. It was noted that taxpayers had paid for the report and the delay in its circulation is not acceptable. Councillor Healy questioned why the meeting with the CE, DOS and MD Members had not taken place as had been agreed at the previous MD meeting. Councillor McSharry asked if the Council could take the building in its charge. Councillor Walsh again asked that the report be circulated to Members, the DOS provide an update on the current position and Councillor Casserly added that a meeting of the CE, DOS and Members be arranged as soon as possible.
ACTION: Mr. Paul Hampson SEE agreed to contact the DOS for clarification and updates.
17. PROPOSAL TO ADD BALLYGRANIA JUNCTION TO LOW COST SAFETY APPLICATION LIST FOR 2025:
18. REPAIRS TO JUNCTION OF HAZELWOOD AVENUE / DROMAHAIR REGIONAL ROAD:
Due to the Visit of Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, Members agreed to defer items 17 and 18 to the November Meeting of the Municipal District.
19. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Robert and Rosemary Taaffe, and family on the recent death of Rosemary’s brother Paul. RIP.”
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ms. Patricia Collery and family on the recent death of her brother Paul. RIP.”
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs. Dolores Collery and her family on the recent death of her son Paul. RIP.”
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Thomas Collery and family on the recent death of his brother Paul. RIP.”
20. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
Proposed by Councillors Walsh, Casserly, Healy, McSharry and Gilroy, a vote of congratulations was extended to Mr. Travis Gibbons, on his winning of the All Ireland Minor Hardball Singles Championship Final held in Croke Park on 14th September, 2025.
It was further agreed:
“That the Cathaoirleach consider hosting a reception for Travis following him winning numerous national titles.”
Sarah McNamara, Meetings Administrator to follow with up with Corporate Section with a view to having this item included on the agenda for the next CPG Meeting.
21. CORRESPONDENCE:
Noted – due to the visit of Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran this item was not discussed.
22. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING:
The next meeting of the Municipal District has been fixed for 9.30 am on Monday, 10th November, 2025 in the Council Chamber, Riverside.
23. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Due to the visit of Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran no item was raised.
The business of the meeting concluded at 10.50 am.
Meeting Date 15/09/2025