Council Meetings
  • Minutes
Home > Council Meetings > Minutes

Minutes of Budget Meeting of Sligo Borough Council held in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Sligo on Monday 28th January 2008 at 8.00 p.m.


IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Councillor J. McGoldrick, Mayor of Sligo (in the chair)
  • Councillor D. Bree,
  • Councillor D. Cawley,
  • Councillor V. Cawley, 
  • Councillor J. Devins,
  • Councillor A. Gibbons,
  • Councillor J. McGarry,
  • Councillor T. McLoughlin,
  • Councillor C. MacManus,
  • Councillor S. MacManus,
  • Councillor Tom MacSharry

OFFICIALS PRESENT:

  • Mr. D. Breen, Director of Services
  • Mr. J. McNabola, Town Clerk
  • Mr. M. Carty, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. G. Cannon, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. M. Condren, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent
  • Ms. M. Leyden, Financial Management Accountant
  • Ms. M. Blowick, Administrative Officer
  • Ms. M. Dolan, Staff Officer

APOLOGY FOR INABILITY TO ATTEND:

  • Councillor R. O’Grady

1. VOTE OF SYMPATHY

At the outset the Mayor informed members that since last weeks meeting the death had occurred of Mrs Elaine MacSharry wife of Mr Ray MacSharry, Freeman, former member of this Council, and former holder of several positions in Cabinet as well as E.U. Commissioner.  He said that as this meeting has been adjourned twice already he felt that it was not appropriate that it be adjourned again.  Rather it was felt that this Council should adjourn its February Monthly Meeting in respect to the deceased and to Ray MacSharry and his family.

The sympathy of the Council was also extended to the following:

  • Mr Joe Gannon and Family, Rosses Point, Sligo on the death of his wife Sheila
  • Mr Oliver O’Reilly and Family on the death of his wife Greta.
  • John and Pauline McLoughlin Family, Cloverhill on the death of their son Gary.
  • Mrs Lorraine Feely and Family, Tubbercurry on the death of her husband James.

All the members joined in the expression of sympathy. 

2. PROGRAMME NUMBER 4 – DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES AND CONTROLS

Members then moved to discuss Programme Number 4 Development Incentives and Controls and raised matters in relation to works carried out by the ESB at Riverside / Doorly Park which is causing serious concern to Residents there, O’Connell Street Enhancement, Gateway Innovation Fund, the possibility of a Farmers Craft Market in Stephen Street Car Park and Quay Street / Stephen Street Car Park.  Queries raised were responded to by the appropriate officials.

3. PROGRAMME NUMBER 5 – ENVIRONMENTS PROTECTION

Programme Number 5 was considered and members discussed litter problems, abandoned vehicles and street cleaning.  Matters raised were responded to by appropriate officials.

4. PROGRAMME NUMBER 6 - RECREATION AND AMENITY

In discussing this programme members paid tribute to the Senior Executive Parks Superintendent for the excellent work carried out by himself and staff in his Department.  Matters were raised in relation to Forthill Park. The Fairgreen and Cleveragh Regional Park.  Responses were made by appropriate officials.

5. PROGRAMME NUMBER 7 - AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION HEALTH AND WELFARE

Members noted above Programme

6. PROGRAMME NUMBER 8 – MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

Members moved to discuss Programme Number 8 and matters raised were responded to by appropriate officials.

The Director of Services informed the meeting that as Sligo Borough Council had not got sanction from the Department of Environment and Local Government to raising a loan for construction of new outdoor base a continual lease of existing premises must be entered into.

Councillor T. McLoughlin proposed, Councillor J. McGoldrick seconded and it was unanimously agreed to take a recess at 11.10 pm.  The meeting resumed at 11.55pm.

The following motions were deferred to the Block Grant:

Councillor S. MacManus proposed, Councillor C. MacManus seconded

“That a sum of €45,000 be allocated for resurfacing and ancillary works to Lyndale Estate in 2008”


Councillor S. MacManus proposed, Councillor A. Gibbons seconded

“That the sum of €20,000 be allocated for works to improve the sightlines at exit from the Park Estate onto the Strandhill Road.  This work to be undertaken in 2008”


Councillor D. Bree proposed, Councillor T. MacSharry seconded

“That funding for traffic calming measures on Cemetry Road and for the resurfacing of Cairns Drive, be included for consideration in the 2008 Block Grant allocations”


Councillor D. Bree proposed, Councillor T. MacSharry seconded

“That funding for traffic calming measures including ramps at Cleveragh Drive be included for consideration in the 2008 Block Grant allocations”


Councillor D. Cawley proposed, Councillor T. McLoughlin seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council provide funds from the Block Grant 2008 for the improvement of the road / bridge at the Railway Bridge on Strandhill Road.  Recently, this part of the road has retained surface water at times of persistent rain leading to traffic having to use the road lane on the opposite side to pass through / under the bridge.  This has led to dangerous incidents for both vehicular traffic and pedestrians and is a potentially lethal risk to both”


Councillor A. Gibbons proposed, Councillor C. MacManus seconded

“That this Borough Council allocates the necessary funding within the Block Grant 2008 for the provision of a safety barrier or fence to run from houses no 13 to 34 St. John’s Terrace”


Councillor A. Gibbons proposed, Councillor C. MacManus seconded

“That this Borough Council allocate the necessary funding within the Block Grant 2008 for the resurfacing of the road and repair of the footpaths in Cartron Heights housing estate”


Councillor D. Cawley proposed, Councillor T. McLoughlin seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council allocate funding from the 2008 Block Grant for the provision of a “yellow box” at Strandhill Road / Kevinsfort Estate entrance to provide a greater level of access / egress to Kevinsfort Estate to both improve road safety in the area”


Councillor T. McLoughlin proposed, Councillor D. Cawley seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council consider allocating funding from the Block Grant 2008 to re-surface Rathanna Housing Estate also Newgrove Estate and the improvements to footpaths”


Councillor C. MacManus proposed, Councillor S. MacManus seconded

“That this Borough Council allocates the necessary funding from the Block Grant 2008 for resurfacing of Cranmore Drive and Cranmore Place”

Councillor C. MacManus proposed, Councillor S. MacManus seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council allocate the necessary funding from the Block Grant 2008 for work at the roadway at the rear of Martin Savage Terrace linking onto the Cranmore Road”


Councillor C. MacManus proposed, Councillor S. MacManus seconded

“That this Borough Council allocate the necessary funding from the 2008 Block Grant for improvement works on the alleyways at the rear of Abbeyville”


Councillor T. McLoughlin proposed, Councillor D. Cawley seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council consider allocating funding from the Block Grant 2008 for road improvements and footpaths be upgraded at

  • Ferndale Estate Area
  • Greenfort Estate Area
  • Woodtown Lodge Area”


Councillor T. McLoughlin proposed, Councillor D. Cawley seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council consider allocating funding from the Block Grant 2008 for the outstanding works to be carried out on roadworks and footpaths in Fatima Avenue”

Councillor T. McLoughlin proposed, Councillor D. Cawley seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council allocate funding from the Block Grant 2008 for the outstanding works to be carried out eg. roadworks and footpaths also a wall to be erected at the entrance to the Markievicz Heights Estate as requested by the Markievicz Heights Residents Association”


Councillor T. McLoughlin proposed, Councillor D. Cawley seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council consider allocating funding from the Block Grant 2008 for the Road Improvement and Footpaths at Upper Heatherview and Lower Heatherview”


Councillor T. McLoughlin proposed, Councillor D. Cawley seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council consider allocating funding from the Block Grant 2008 for road improvement and footpath’s in the Doorly Park, Martin Savage Terrace Areas”


Councillor T. McLoughlin proposed, Councillor D. Cawley seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council consider allocating funding from the Block Grant 2008 for the improvement of roadway and upgrade of footpaths at Pearse Crescent”


Councillor T. McLoughlin proposed, Councillor D. Cawley seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council consider allocating funding from the Block Grant 2008 for the re-surfacing and upgrade of footpaths in Cairns Drive area”


Councillor D. Cawley proposed, Councillor T. McLoughlin seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council provide funds for the provision of extra lanes for vehicular traffic on Hughes Bridge from either the Block Grant or National Roads Authority funding sources.  Consideration should also be given to reducing or relocating the footpaths on the Bridge to assist traffic flow”


Councillor T. McLoughlin proposed, Councillor D. Cawley seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council consider allocating funding from the Block Grant 2008 for the road and footpaths improvements along Connolly St and the lane at the rear of houses”


Councillor T. McLoughlin proposed, Councillor D. Cawley seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council provide footpaths along the roadway at Tonaphubble from the junction at the entrance to Heatherview towards the turntable”


Councillor T. McLoughlin proposed, Councillor D. Cawley seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council consider allocating funding from the Block Grant 2008 for the outstanding works to be carried out on roadworks and footpaths in Fatima Avenue”


Councillor D. Cawley proposed, Councillor T. McLoughlin seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council provide funding for works at the footpaths between Maugheraboy Post Office to the Railway Bridge at Maugheraboy.  This stretch of footpaths present a danger to pedestrians due to the volume of traffic on the road and the dangerous bend in the road approaching the bridge”


Councillor T. McLoughlin proposed, Councillor D. Cawley seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council allocate funding from the Block Grant 2008 for the outstanding works to be carried out for the resurfacing of roadworks and footpaths at Cairns Drive”


The following motion was deferred


Councillor S. MacManus proposed, Councillor C. MacManus seconded

“That the sum of €300,000 be allocated to allow commencement in 2008 of provision of leisure and community amenities at The Fairgreen.  This funding to be obtained from the €5,044,171 balance in development contributions fund”. 


The following motion was withdrawn.


Councillor C. MacManus proposed, Councillor S. MacManus seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council increase expenditure item 1.1.3 Cranmore Regeneration by €3,000 and item 1.1.3 Estate Management by €2,000 (to be used for estate clean-up assistance).  This is to be offset by a decrease in expenditure under Programme 8.7.1”  


Councillor C. MacManus proposed, Councillor S. MacManus seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That this Borough Council requests the County Manager and his relevant staff to ensure that any household rent increase in 2008 – where a household is reliant on similar income(s) as last year – is at most equivalent to the average rate of inflation since the last Differential Rent Scheme was implemented”
 

Councillor C. MacManus proposed, Councillor S. MacManus seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That this Borough Council seeks an indication from the Cluid Housing Scheme regards to any intended housing works in Racecourse View, especially in relation to the issue of heating provision”


Councillor A. Gibbons proposed, Councillor C. MacManus seconded

“That this Borough Council increase expenditure by €20,000 under Planned Housing Maintenance.  This is to be funded by decreasing programme no 4 heading 4.5.8 Christmas Lights by the same amount”

A poll was taken which resulted as follows:

For:  Councillor’s D. Bree, A. Gibbons, C. MacManus and S. MacManus  (4)

Against:  Councillor’s D. Cawley, V. Cawley, J. Devins, J. McGarry, J. McGoldrick, T. McLoughlin and T. MacSharry  (7)

This motion was declared lost.


Councillor A. Gibbons proposed, Councillor C. MacManus seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That this Borough Council agree to a presentation that was shown at a recent meeting of the Disability Consolidative Meeting by our Housing Officer Ms. Bridie Conway in relation to the new grant schemes, Housing Adaptation Grant for people with Disability, Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme and Housing Aid for older people. 

This item to be placed on the agenda of the next monthly meeting for screening and deliberation”


Councillor A. Gibbons proposed, Councillor C. MacManus seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That the County Manager complies a full report on the staff shortages that has being occurring on an ongoing basis within this local authority and what measures he will be taking to rectify this situation. 

This report to be included on the Agenda of the March monthly meeting of this Borough Council for discussion with the presence of the County Manager”


Councillor A. Gibbons proposed, Councillor S. MacManus seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That this Borough Council calls on the Government to introduce legislation to allow for a significant increase of €200 in the Parking Fine for drivers who illegally park their vehicles in parking spaces designated for disabled drivers and bus only parking spaces”


Councillor C. MacManus proposed, Councillor S. MacManus seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That this Borough Council allocate funding from Programme 2.1.6 Expenditure to upgrade lighting in the Abbeyville / St Anne’s area with particular emphasis on the alleyways in the above areas”


Councillor C. MacManus proposed, Councillor S. MacManus seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That Sligo Borough Council increase expenditure of €10,000 under Housing Maintenance.  This to be funded by an increase of €10,000 in planning fees”


Councillor D. Cawley proposed, Councillor McLoughlin seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That Sligo Borough Council give a detailed report on the proposed works to be carried out in relation to the construction of the Western Distributor Road. 

This report to include timelines for the work and the proposed management of construction traffic during the period concerned”


Councillor T. McLoughlin proposed, Councillor D. Cawley seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That Sligo Borough Council enhance its street cleaning programme in 2008 with the additional resources provided in the Budget and provide more litter bins and expand approach roads cleaning”


Councillor A. Gibbons proposed, Councillor S. MacManus seconded

“That this Borough Council include Sligo Whiplash Rock Festival 2008 in the allocations of monies under Programme 4 heading 4.5.8”

It was agreed to defer this matter to Committee of Council set up for this purpose


Councillor S. MacManus proposed, Councillor C. MacManus seconded

“That Programme 5.1 (Waste Management) be increased by €5,000 to enable Sligo Borough Council increased capacity to deal with street sweeping in the following outlying areas in the West Ward which do not receive frequent sweeping:

  • Maugheraboy.
  • Oakfield,
  • Treacy Avenue,
  • Kevinsfort,
  • Jinks Avenue, and
  • St. Joseph’s Tce. 

Such increase in funding to be met by a similar decrease in Programme 4.1.1 Development Plan / Area Plans”


Councillor C. MacManus proposed, Councillor S. MacManus seconded

“That the sum included in the book of Estimates for street cleaning (5.1.4) be increased by an additional €10 k for the regular cleaning of Garavogue Villas, Doorly Park and the Martin Savage area. 

This to be funded by reducing expenditure
4.1.1  Development Plan €2.5 k
4.1.1 Pedestrianisation €2.5 k
2.1.6 Public Lighting €2.5 k and increasing income
4.1.1 Planning fees €2.5 k

The Director of Services indicated that the Budget for Programme 5.1 Waste Management would be increased by €5,000 in light of motions seeking increased funding under this heading.


Councillor’s S. MacManus and C. MacManus and Councillor’s C. MacManus and S. MacManus then withdrew above two motions.


Councillor D. Cawley proposed, Councillor C. MacManus seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That Items listed under expenditure in Section 4.5.8. be referred to the Programme 4.5.8 and that final recommendations in respect of this funding be brought before a full meeting of Sligo Borough Council”


Councillor A. Gibbons proposed, Councillor C. MacManus seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That engineer that is to take over Mr Michael Carty’s position with responsibility for roads within the Borough of Sligo would also take Mr Carty’s position on the Sligo Access Committee”


Councillor C. MacManus proposed, Councillor D. Bree seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That Sligo Borough Council provide a report as to the reasons why the green area in Doorly Park and Martin Savage Tce. was dug up on a second occasion to assist the ESB in laying ducting. 

This report to indicate any possible financial loss to this Council and a timeframe as to when this green area will be returned to its former condition.  This report to be circulated by the March monthly meeting”


Councillor J. Devins proposed, Councillor T. MacSharry seconded

“That the sum of €20,000 be increased for street cleaning with particular reference to the areas identified in the IBAL report. 

This to be funded from Local Area Plans and Sligo and Environs Plan”

This motion was withdrawn.


Councillor J. McGoldrick proposed, Councillor J. Devins seconded

“That Sligo Borough Council provide the elected members with a full report for 2007 in relation to the number of litter fines issued revenue received and the number of cases that may be pending legal action”

This motion was withdrawn.


Councillor J. Devins proposed, Councillor T. MacSharry seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That Sligo Borough Council write to the Superintendent of An Garda Siochana Sligo to ask that members of An Garda Siochana take a pro-active role in prosecuting those involved in litter pollution in particular the almost daily littering of Stephen Street Car Park”


Councillor J. Devins proposed, Councillor T. MacSharry seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That Sligo Borough Council provide a comprehensive report to the March meeting on how it intends to tackle the litter problem with Sligo Borough”


Councillor J. Devins proposed, Councillor T. MacSharry seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That Sligo Borough call on the County Manager to immediately re-instate the position of Environmental Officer for the Borough Council”


Councillor D. Bree proposed, Councillor T. MacSharry seconded

“That in the event of the Parks Department requiring an allocation of matching funds from the Department Contribution Scheme for recreation works at the Fairgreen, that the Parks Superintendent will provide a report and seek approval for same from the Borough Council”

It was agreed to defer this item to a Council meeting dealing with allocation of Development Levies collected.


Councillor D. Bree proposed, Councillor A. Gibbons seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That this Council, disappointed at the continued failure of the Government to provide funding for Phase II of the Forthill Park Development, calls on the Government and the Minister to ensure that the necessary matching funds for Phase II is provided under the National Sports Lottery Grants Scheme in the current year”


Councillor A. Gibbons proposed, Councillor S. MacManus seconded

“That the sum of €10,000 be provided for further amenities to the Green Area at Sea View Park i.e. Swings, Slide, and Climbing Frames etc. for the children of the area, funding for this work to be provided by increasing the sum provided under Programme 2 heading 2.3.1 by the same amount”

It was agreed to defer this item to a Council meeting dealing with allocation of Development Levies collected.


Councillor J. Devins proposed, Councillor V. Cawley seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That recognising the great work currently being carried out, Sligo Borough Council write to Ann Donegan, Tanya Wallace and Lydia McLoughlin, Northside Centre to ascertain whether any shortfalls exist in funding for the running of youthclubs and furthermore invite above individuals to February G.P. Meeting of Sligo Borough Council to discuss relevant shortfalls.  Sligo Borough Council also use all available resources to ensure the continuation of these activities for the youth of the North Ward”


Councillor D. Bree proposed, Councillor T. MacSharry seconded

“That a sum of €550,000 be allocated from the Development Contribution Schemes as an initial contribution towards the development of a recreational area in the Fairgreen”

It was agreed to defer this item to a Council meeting dealing with allocation of Development Levies collected.


Councillor V. Cawley proposed, Councillor J. McGoldrick seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That the upgrading of the Sligo Borough Council website be made priority item for IT staff and that all relevant information be provided with links to all forms and up to date information and that it is up dated on a regular basis with a person designated as a contact to give update to”


Councillor T. McLoughlin proposed, Councillor J. Devins seconded and it was agreed with Councillor Bree dissenting

“That Sligo Borough Council reduce the commercial rate by 1% - to be financed by a reduction as follows

4.1.1 Dev Plans €15 k
2. Pedestrianisation €15 k
8.3.3 Irrecoverable Rates €50 k
Total €80 k”


Councillor J. Devins proposed, Councillor T. MacSharry seconded and it was unanimously agreed

“That the Draft Local Authority Budget for Sligo Borough Council for the local financial year ending on the 31st December 2008 be and is hereby adopted”


Councillor D. Bree proposed, Councillor C. MacManus seconded and it was agreed with Councillor J. McGarry dissenting

“That Sligo Borough Council hereby determines in accordance with the Local Authority Budget for the local financial year ending 31st December 2008 as adopted at this meeting the Annual Rate on valuation to be levied for the several purposes specified in such Budget being €71.24”


The Mayor thanked the Council for its assistance in determining the Budget 2008.  Members paid tribute to the Mayor and the Executive.


This concluded the business of the meeting which ended at 12.25 am


Meeting Date 28/01/2008