Minutes 2025

Minutes of The Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District Held on Monday 17th November 2025 at 9.30am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Cllr. Marie Casserly
  • Cllr. Donal Gilroy
  • Cllr. Edel McSharry
  • Cllr. Thomas Walsh

 

COUNCILLORS ONLINE:

  • Cllr. Thomas Healy

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Martin Lydon, Chief Executive
  • Ms. Emer Concannon, Director of Service
  • Mr. Jim Molloy, Director of Service
  • Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Declan Noone, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Conleth Whelan, Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Brendan Ferguson, Executive Engineer
  • 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 15TH SEPTEMBER, 2025:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 15th September, 2025”.

 

2.  MINUTES OF THE BUDGET MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 20th OCTOBER, 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 15th September,  2025”.

 

3.  MILL APARTMENT BUILDING, BALLISODARE UPDATE:

At the outset, Mr. Martin Lydon CE noted he had been requested and not required to attend the MD meeting.

Mr. Lydon, CE referenced his disappointment at the language used at the September MD Meeting and noted his frustration at the progress on the Mill Apartment Building in Ballisodare.  The following points were noted:

  • Building entered on Derelict Site Register
  • The Derelict Site Register process will be followed with the annual Derelict Site charge applied.
  • Council currently involved in discussions with owners
  • Actively engaging in procurement of 30 units
  • Remainder of building to be brought up to current Building Regulation Standards and be brought back into use.
  • Demolition of the building not an option
  • County Council currently waiting on Developers to come back

Members noted their frustration at the slow progress to date but reiterated that no Elected Member had been disrespectful towards staff at the September MD.  Members thanked the CE for his positive reply and noted the procurement of 30 units. 

The CE confirmed he has no issue with accepting queries in this matter and he is happy to meet with Members in private going forward on this issue.

Mr. Martin Lydon CE and Emer Concannon DOS left the meeting at 10am.

 

4.  MATTERS ARISING:

None raised.

 

5.  PRESENTATION FROM CLAIRE CAMPBELL, TFI LOCAL LINK:

Cathaoirleach Marie Casserly welcomed Ms. Claire Campbell TFI Local Link and Mr. John Carr, TFI Local Link Sligo Office to the meeting.  Ms. Campbell during her presentation gave a brief history of TFI Local Link and noted Routes and Services provided.  Points as follows were noted:

  • Regular Rural Services (RRS) operating 12 large public service vehicles
  • 7 days per week – 52 weeks per year except Christmas Day
  • Two services per day on some routes (3 during term time)
  • Demand responsive Transport (DRT)
  • 32 Door to Door services
  • All accessible vehicles
  • Hail & Ride,
  • Operate Monday to Friday, 51weeks of the year.

Noted route 981 and 982 are busiest in Sligo.

The Cathaoirleach and all members thanked Ms. Campbell for her thorough presentation, and the following points were raised by the Elected Members:

  • Request for additional routes through Calry, Ransboro, Carraroe, Cuilbeg, Teesan, Lisnaurg,
  • Request for bus shelters/bus stops
  • Noted success of Hail & Ride
  • What assistance can SCC give to Local Link going forward if any?
  • Is there an app to track the location of the bus?
  • Request for less formal meeting between Members and Local Link

In reply, Mr. John Carr requested more hedge cutting during the season if possible and also gritting on routes was also raised.  Ms. Campbell welcomed the opportunity to meet the Elected members in a less formal manner and agreed to contact Ms. Fiona O’Shea, TFI Local Link to arrange.

At 10.45 reps from TFI Local Link left the Chamber.

 

6.  CROÍ CONAITHE UPDATE:

Mr. Declan Noone, Senior Executive Engineer updated the meeting in regard to the Croí Conaithe Towns Fund as follows:

  • 132 applications have been received
  • 107 initial inspections have been completed
  • 107 grants were approved
  • 5 grants were rejected
  • 10 applications were withdrawn by the applicant

There were Eighty urban grants, and fifty rural grants allocated.  Forty-four applicants have received payment.

DERELICT SITES REGISTER UPDATE:

Mr. Noone informed the meeting that an update will be issued at all future Municipal District Meetings in regard to the Derelict Sites Register.  As at 5.11.25 there are 46 properties currently listed on the DS Register.  31 within the Borough District, 10 within Ballymote Tubbercurry MD and 6 DS within the Sligo Drumcliff MD.

Cllr D. Gilroy queried if there is a lower take up of the scheme in the Borough District but Mr. Noone commented that this is not the case.

Members thanked Mr. Noone for his detailed reports.

On the proposal of the Cathaoirleach, it was unanimously agreed that item 13 on the agenda be taken at this time while Mr. Noone is in attendance.

 

13.  GRANARY DRIVE DEVELOPMENT AND GRANGE DALE (OVER SUPERVALU) GRANGE:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council add the unfinished Granary Drive Development and the apartments at Grange Dale (Over Supervalu) Grange to the derelict sites register and have a safety audit done on each site to ensure they are safe.”

Mr. Paul Hampson, SEE read the following report as submitted by Ms. Emer Concannon DOS.  Following engagement with the owner of both properties, Sligo County Council will determine the appropriateness of entering these sites onto the Derelict Sites Register. If appropriate SCC will proceed to enter the sites on the DSR.

SCC will engage with the owner regarding securing both developments, however Sligo County Council are not responsible for carrying out safety audits on sites.

All the members supported the motion and noted that the owner is aware of the health and safety implications of the building.

Mr. Noone then left the meeting.

 

7.  EIR LINES ADJACENT TO R290 AT BALLYGRANIA – PROPOSAL TO ADD JUNCTION TO LOW COST SAFETY APPLIATION LIST FOR 2025:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by M. Casserly

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council for an update on the eir lines that continue to lay unsafe adjacent to the road edge on the R290 and that the treacherous Ballygrania junction be added to the Low Cost Safety Application list for 2025 to the Department.”   

Mr. Paul Hampson, SEE reported that Sligo County Council has made Eir aware of the situation in relation to the low-lying cables along the R290 throughout the summer months.

The Ballygrania Junction on the R290 will be examined by Roads Department to establish the potential scope of works, cost estimate, and complexity of works proposed. On completion of this a funding stream would have to identified to progress the scheme.

 

8.  JUNCTION OF HAZELWOOD AVENUE AND DROMAHAIR ROAD:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council carry out repairs at the junction of Hazelwood avenue and the Dromahair Road Regional road due to the poor visibility for traffic coming from the direction of Davey Motors.’’

Mr. Paul Hampson, SEE reported that visibility towards Dromahair at this junction is poor due to restricted sight distance with the front boundary of adjoining residential property. A set back at this junction would require agreement with property owner and a design prepared for the junction set back. This project is not on the Low-Cost Safety Improvement Works application submitted to Department of Transport for 2026 and could be considered for 2027.  Mr. Hampson confirmed that he and Mr. Brendan Ferguson EE have met with the property owner in this case.

 

9.  SPEED LIMIT IN RATHCORMACK VILLAGE:

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

AND AGREED

“To request that Sligo County Council write to TII to request that the 50kpm speed limit on the south side of the village of Rathcormack be extended closer to the 80kpm speed limit sign on southside of the village”.  

Mr. Paul Hampson, SEE replied that the Urban Speed Limit review process has commenced. The village of Rathcormack will be examined under the review in terms of the existing speed limits and any proposed changes. Any changes must comply with guidelines for setting and managing speed limits in Ireland.

Following further discussion on this matter, it was agreed that the Meeting Administrator write to An Garda Síochanna and request the presence of a speed van in the vicinity of Kintogher/Rathcormack to encourage a slower speed of road users.

 

10.  SURVEY OF MANHOLE COVERS BALLISODARE ROAD:

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

AND AGREED

“To request that the manhole covers on the section of road adjacent to the graveyard in Ballisodare be surveyed as there is a significant amount in a very small area and some are sinking into the road causing a safety hazard for drivers “.  

Mr. Paul Hampson, SEE reported that Sligo County Council was made aware of subsidence of a number of manhole covers on the N59 belonging to Council and Uisce Eireann. The manhole covers belonging to Council are currently being repaired. Uisce Eireann has been notified of deficiencies in relation to their manhole covers.

Following further discussion, it was agreed that the Meeting Administrator write to Uisce Eireann

to highlight this issue and request the manhole covers in this area be rectified.

 

11.  REQUEST FOR PENCIL BOLLARDS AT BACK ENTRANCE TO PRIMARY SCHOOL IN GRANGE:

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

AND AGREED

“To request that pencil bollards be fitted (at the back entrance) close to the footpaths and at suitable locations at the primary school in Grange to ensure that children and parents can access the school safely and to also request a pedestrian crossing at the same entrance/exit“.  

Councillor Gilroy queried if this item had been on a recent previous agenda and is possibly out of order to raise the again.  Cathaoirleach Casserly apologised if this is the case but noted this notice of motion is directly in regard to the erection of pencil bollards.

Mr. Paul Hampson SEE informed the meeting that it was agreed at a site meeting on 13th October 2025 that six number pencil bollards and double yellow lines will be installed at the back entrance of the school along the L-7204. These bollards and road markings will be installed by end of 2025.

A Zebra crossing is planned to be installed on the L-7204 close to the school entrance as part of the new housing development.

 

12.  PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT ST. MOLAISE PRESCOOL AND AFTERCARE GRANGE:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council install a Pedestrian Crossing on the N15 at St Molaise Preschool and Aftercare Grange (Beside Supervalu)”. 

Mr. Paul Hampson, SEE reported that the Regional Design Office of Sligo County Council with the assistance of Tobin Consulting Engineers (appointed Technical Advisors) are in the early stages of planning for an active travel scheme on the N15 in Grange Village. This scheme will seek to identify the locations with deficient active travel facilities and will examine feasible interventions with the objective of the provision of a connected and usable Active Travel facility while maintaining the strategic function of the N15 National Primary Road.

The request outlined in this Notice of Motion is noted and will be given consideration as the scheme is being advanced through Transport Infrastructure Ireland Project Management Guidelines.

Members expressed their disappointment with the reply above and following further discussion it was

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

AND AGREED

“to arrange a meeting with Ms. Emer Concannon Director of Service and Mr. Bernard Scott, Senior Engineer to discuss issues on the N15 and other safety issues in the Municipal District.  This meeting to be a stand alone meeting and not a Municipal District Meeting.  Further requested that this meeting be arranged before the Christmas Period.”

Ms. Sarah McNamara, Meeting Administrator to contact Ms. Concannon and Mr. Scott.

 

14.  UPDATE ON TWO CAPITAL PROJECTS AT ROSES POINT BEACH FRONT:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council for an update on the two capital projects at Rosses Point Beach Front.”

Mr Paul Hampson SEE read the following report as received by Ms. Emer Concannon, DOS Placemaking.

Watersports Enhancement Facilities

“Platforms for Growth” funding was sourced from Fáilte Ireland in 2021 to progress the provision of Water Sport Enhancement Facilities at both Rosses Point and Enniscrone.  This project will provide facilities including lockers, showers, toilets and changing areas to these beaches. An exemplar design was developed by Fáilte Ireland  to inform the delivery of these facilities at 19 sites across the country. 

At Rosses Point, Planning Permission was sought for the project from An Bord Pleanála (now An Coimiúsin Pleanála) in 2023 and was granted approval in 2024.  Subsequently a single point design team, led by Jennings O’Donovan was appointed. Detailed design for the project is complete and a tender for the construction of the facility was published on the 24th of October 2025. Construction on site is expected to commence in Q1 2026.

Town Centre First Suite of Supports – Beachery

The design Team, appointed by Sligo County Council, are continuing to progress the feasibility and preliminary design of this project with a view to having the statutory documents complete by the end of 2025.

The Members present welcomed the reply, Councillor Walsh noted the potential of the Beachery and thanked Mr. Brían Flynn, DOS, Sligo Co. Co. staff and Jennings & O’Donovan for the works to date on this project.

 

15.  REQUEST FOR PROVISION OF FUNDING FOR SURFACE BOAREDS AT CAR PARK ENTRANCES TO THE SLIGO WAY TRIAL:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry

AND AGREED

“Following the huge success of the new car-park at Union which enables access to The Sligo Way, to ask Sligo County Council to make an application for funding for surface improvement and for the provision of map boards at all car-park entrances to The Sligo Way Trail.” 

Mr. Paul Hampson, SEE read the following report as submitted by Ms. Emer Concannon DOS Placemaking.

This Sligo Way is an 80km long distance waymarked trail that traverses the county from Lough Talt via Coolaney and Collooney and terminates at Dromahair in County Leitrim. The Sligo Way has the benefit of a number of “car-park entrances” including those previously upgraded at Lough Talt, Ballisodare, Union Wood, Slish Wood and Innisfree.  Sligo County Council will carry out a review of trail head facilities along the Sligo Way and consider the inclusion of appropriate upgrade works in its submission to the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2026.

 

16.  UPDATE ON ACTIVE TRAVEL FOOTPATH PROJECT – BALLYGAWLEY TO CASTLEDARGAN:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council for an update on the Ballygawley to Castle Dargan Active Travel Footpath Project “. 

Mr. Paul Hampson, SEE reported that Sligo County Council Active Travel Section has submitted the detailed design to the National Transport Authority for approval. Subject to approval and allocation of funding from National Transport Authority, the next stage is the procurement of a works contractor.  Mr Jim Molloy DOS added that SCC is currently waiting of allocation of funding for 2026. 

It was agreed that Ms. Sarah McNamara, Meeting Administrator write to the NTA to request an update on this Active Travel Scheme. 

 

17.  FORMER PRIMARY CARE CENTRE CLIFFONEY:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council seek to establish from the HSE what use they intend for the former Primary Care Centre in Cliffoney and that if they do not have immediate plans for this that they make it available for Community Use and additional parking for the adjacent Primary school” 

Mr Paul Hampson, SEE confirmed Sligo County Council are in contact with the HSE Capital and Estates Department regarding the former Primary Care Centre in Cliffoney.   A decision on the sale of the property by the HSE has not yet been made.

It was noted that Councillors McSharry, Bree and Casserly care members of the Regional Health Forum.    Cathaoirleach Marie Casserly confirmed that this item is on the Agenda of the December Regional Health Forum Meeting.  She will revert to Members with the response provided before the next Municipal District Meeting.

 

18.  TRAFFIC COUNT ON L3508 CARROWMORE ROAD:

Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council confirms whether a traffic count has been carried out on the L3508 Carrowmore Road, as previously agreed following a meeting with local residents. The purpose of this count is to assess road usage, business access, and safety concerns, with a view to identifying and implementing appropriate safety improvements.”  

Mr. Paul Hampson, SEE reported that  the traffic count on L 3508 has been carried out and results of survey are currently being assessed. The results will be submitted to next meeting.

 

19.  REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON PROPOSED SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT – MAUGHEROW COMMUNITY CENTRE:

Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council write to Mr Tony Canvagh, CEO of the HSE West and North West, seeking an update on the proposed Service Level Agreement for the delivery of day services at Maugherow Community Centre. The Centre requires upgrade works, and Sligo LEADER has been supporting the Maugherow Community in establishing a parish committee to manage the facility and to assist with applications for relevant grant funding. The committee has been proactive in seeking financial support and is currently awaiting decisions on submitted funding applications. Can the HSE confirm what progress has been made regarding the Service Level Agreement, and in light of the recent sale of Carageen Health Centre, are there any alternative premises available, or could the HSE assist in funding or supporting the necessary upgrade works at Maugherow Community Centre?” 

Councillor McSharry confirmed this matter is already on the agenda for the Regional Health Forum meeting.  It is noted that the general public must use the service to keep it in the area.  Cathaoirleach Casserly commended the residents committee, Sligo Leader and SCC staff for their continued support in the centre.  It was further:

Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“This this Municipal District write to Sligo LEADER to ascertain the updated position on the Maugherow Community Centre.”

 

20.  CURRENT OPENING TIMES OF PUBLIC TOILETS ROSSES POINT AND MULLAGHMORE:

Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

AND AGREED

“That this Council provide a report outlining the current opening times of the public toilets at Rosses Point and Mullaghmore, and detailing how the additional funding allocated in the recent council budget will be utilised to extend or improve these opening hours.” 

Mr. Paul Hampson SEE reported that the toilets in Rosses Point are open at weekends until the end of the year. The toilets in Mullaghmore were open for the bathing season and are now closed. Further review of the position will be completed by year end. The funding allocated for toilets in 2026 budget will determine the length of time toilets are open.

Councillor D. Gilroy noted the good news of the allocation of €25,000 funding confirmed for the provision of changing facilities at Mullaghmore and Dunmoran Strand.

 

21.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs. Patricia Burke on the recent death of her mother Kathleen. RIP.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Adrian Frain on the recent death of his Grandad Tom Frain. RIP.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs. Imelda Gilroy on the recent death of her husband Martin. RIP.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Michael Gillen on the recent death of his wife Assumpta. RIP.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Gerry Quinn on the recent death of his sister Carmel. RIP.”

 

Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Mrs. Deirdre Schmidt on the recent death of her sister Carmel. RIP.”

 

Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Damien Quinn on the recent death of his sister Carmel. RIP.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs. Philomena Boland on the recent death of her husband Joseph. RIP.”

 

22.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Ms. Sophie Potter on her winning of the Wexford Box Cup Final recently.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Mr. Gearoid McDaid on his winning an 8th National Men’s Senior Surf Title at the Peak in Bundoran on Sunday.”

 

23.  CORRESPONDENCE:

Noted.

 

24.  DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING:

The next meeting of the Municipal District has been fixed for 9.30 am on Monday, 19th January, 2026 in the Council Chamber, Riverside.

 

25.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

  • Knockbeg Road, Collooney – deferred to January MD Meeeting. Updated Report requested.
  • Paul Hampson SEE gave a presentation on the Roads Programme for 2026 and detailed the RI Programme. Hampson added that the Programme is a 3-year Programme and the works are in the second year presently.  He confirmed that to view the PSCI rating maps, the Councillors should contact their Area Engineer.
  • Mícéal McGinty, Town Regeneration Officer gave a presentation to the members in regard to the Town Centre First – Town Team Formation. Mr. McGinty referenced the upcoming Town Team Launches in Ballymote, Ballisodare, Collooney and Enniscrone.

 

The business of the meeting concluded at 12.45 am.

 


Meeting Date 10/11/2025