- Minutes
Minutes of Sligo and Environs Development Plan Meeting of Sligo Borough Council held in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Sligo on the 20th and 21st July, 2009 at 8.00pm and 7.00 pm respectively
IN ATTENDANCE:
- Councillor J. McGarry, Mayor of Sligo (in the chair)
- Councillor D. Bree,
- Councillor V Cawley,
- Councillor D. Cawley,
- Councillor J. Devins,
- Councillor M. McGarry,
- Councillor T. McLoughlin,
- Councillor M. Lyons,
- Councillor C. MacManus,
- Councillor S. MacManus,
- Councillor R. O’Grady.
ABSENT:
- Councillor A.Gibbons,
OFFICIALS PRESENT:
- Mr. H. Kearns, County Manager
- Ms. P. Gallagher, A/Director of Services
- Ms. Mary Blowick, Meetings Administrator
- Ms. J. McNamara, Administrative Officer
- Mr. F. Moylan, A/Senior Planner
- Ms M. O’Hara, Executive Planner
- Ms. M. Davidescu, A/Senior Executive Planner
- Mr. T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
- Mr. S. Ward, A/ Senior Executive Planner
- Ms. E. Concannon, Senior Executive Engineer
- Ms. N. Ballantyne, A/Executive Technician
- Ms T. Dunleavy, Assistant Staff Officer
The Mayor informed the members that this special meeting was convened to consider the 2nd County Manager’s report on the Draft Sligo and Environs Development Plan 2010 – 2016. It was unanimously agreed at the monthly meeting of Sligo Borough Council on 6th July, 2009, “that in the event of the business not being concluded, the meeting will adjourn and reconvene at 7.00pm on Tuesday 21st July, 2009”
Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council received 172 submissions and observations on the Draft SEDP. A further 32 submissions and observations were received on the Draft Record of Protected Structures.
1. SECTION 10 - PAGE 57 OF THE DRAFT SEDP
The following motion was proposed by Councillor Declan Bree, seconded by Councillor Chris MacManus and also signed by the following members Councillor Jim McGarry, Councillor Marcella McGarry, Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady, Councillor Veronica Cawley, Councillor David Cawley, Councillor Sean MacManus, Councillor Matt Lyons and Councillor Tony McLoughlin.
“That the entire text on Page 57 be deleted and replaced with the following text: -
“10.4 A Pedestrian – friendly city centre
The opening in September 2005 of the N4 Sligo Inner Relief Road has removed approximately 25,000 vehicles per day from the city centre streets. This allowed for traffic calming in the city centre and this in turn will enhance the commercial attractiveness and tourist appeal of the city centre.
It is proposed, when necessary funding to cover the costs is provided by Government or other sources, and when the Borough Council by resolution deems it appropriate, to pedestrianise O’Connell Street.
Before any further pedestrianisation of roads or streets in Sligo City takes place, viable alternative routes for vehicular traffic, which are acceptable to the Elected Council, shall be put in place.
In order to facilitate an improved circulation system it is proposed to establish a short link road from the junction of Burton Street and Pearse Road to the junction between Mail Coach Road and Connolly Street.
A number of pedestrian bridges will also be developed within the Sligo and Environs area to improve pedestrian permeability. A number of key locations have been identified as suitable for the construction of foot-bridges, as follows:
- Footbridge from Cleveragh to Hazelwood;
- Footbridge from the Train Station over the IRR to the proposed Adelaide Square.
- Footbridge parallel to Markievicz Bridge (New Bridge), between Kempten Parade and JFK Parade.
Further possible improvements to city-centre traffic include:
- The introduction of additional approach lanes and filter lanes at key locations.
- The introduction of a new link road along the old Flynn’s Terrace from Temple Street directly to the Inner Relief Road. This would greatly improve access onto the Inner Relief Road from Temple Street and would reduce congestion at the Veritas Corner at Upper John Street / Adelaide Street / Inner Relief Road.
- The introduction of Urban Traffic Control (UTC) systems to the traffic signals along the Inner Relief Road urban corridor.
Pedestrian Priority Objectives
It is the objective of Sligo Borough Council to:
- O-PED-1 Pedestrianise O’Connell Street when the necessary funding to cover the costs of the pedestrianisation and enhancement of the street is provided by Government or other sources, and when the Borough Council by resolution deems it appropriate.
O-PED-2 Continue the pedestrian prioritisation and environmental improvements of the City Centre to include Castle Street, Grattan Street, Market Street, High Street and John Street, when funding becomes available and when the Borough Council by resolution deems it appropriate. - O-PED-3 Facilitate the provision of a waterfront walk from Kempten Promenade (Brewery Lane) to the John Fallon footbridge.
- O-PED-4 Require the construction of a waterfront walk along the river from Hyde Bridge to Hughes Bridge on the western side (any redevelopment of existing premises in this vicinity will be required to reserve space for such a walkway)
O-PED-5 Ensure the provision of a pedestrian link between Connaughton Road area and the Stephen Street / The Mall, as part of any redevelopment of the urban blocks bound by these streets.
O-PED-6 Encourage the provision of an additional pedestrian link between the Mall and the River Garavogue, approximately mid-way between Bridge Street and River Lane. - O-PED-7 Facilitate the provision of a dedicated pedestrian and cycle bridge linking Cleveragh to Hazelwood.
- O-PED-8 Provide a pedestrian and cycle bridge or boardwalk on the east side of Markievicz Bridge, linking Bridge Street to Thomas Street at Kempten Parade / JFK Parade.
- O-PED-9 Encourage the provision of a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the IRR linking the Train Station to the proposed Adelaide Square”
Councillor Jude Devins abstained from the motion. He said he required more time to consider the motion.
CHAPTER 1 - KEY ISSUES RAISED IN SUBMISSIONS
2. 1.1 Eastern Bridge and Associated Roads
A lengthy debate took place on the proposed location of the Eastern Bridge and associated roads and the Manager’s recommendation to have the proposed route reinstated in the Draft Development Plan 2010 – 2016.
Councillor Declan Bree, Councillor Chris MacManus, Councillor Sean MacManus, Councillor Tony McLoughlin, Councillor Matt Lyons, Councillor David Cawley, Councillor Marcella McGarry, Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady, Councillor Jim McGarry stated that while they were in favour of an Eastern Bridge, the current proposed location was not suitable and that alternative routes need to be considered
Councillor Jude Devins supported the Manager’s recommendation to have the Strategic Roads Objective T1.3 and Intra-urban roads objective T2.7, reinstated in the Draft Sligo and Environs Development Plan 2010 – 2016
Councillor Veronica Cawley stated that at the Special Meeting of SBC in December 2008, to consider the Draft Sligo and Environs Development Plan, she voted against the motion to have the Strategic Roads Objective T1.3 (Eastern Bridge crossing the Garavogue River, from Riverside to Rathquarter, continuing north and turning west to connect with Ash Lane at Ballinode neighbourhood centre) and T2.7 (From Cemetery Road north-west to Riverside, connecting with T1.3, the Eastern River Crossing), deleted from the Plan
In response to questions from members regarding alternative routes, Senior Engineer Tom Brennan informed the meeting that other routes would adversely affect the local environment. He stated that the proposed route minimised the impact on lands designated for protection under the Habitats Directive as being both a Special Area of Conservation and Natural Heritage Area respectively, as the crossing of the bridge occurs at the narrowest section of this highly protected area. He also informed the meeting that €700,000 was spent to date on the proposed route and that it was unlikely that the DoEHLG would approve funding for an alternative route.
The County Manager Hubert Kearns asked the Members to consider the impact the decision, not to include the proposed route in the Draft Sligo and Environs Development Plan, would have on Sligo in future years. He stated that all aspects of Sligo’s development would be seriously curtailed if the town is reliant on the N4 Inner Relief Road as the only route available to accommodate future traffic flows, especially during times of economic growth. He also stated that Sligo Borough Council agreed the proposed route in the Sligo and Environs Development Plan 2004-2010 and that funding was approved by the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government, for the project on foot of the Council’s decision. The County Manager also informed the members, that Sligo Borough Council had to date incurred expenditure in the sum of €700,000 on the project.
Paula R. Gallagher, Acting Director of Services informed the members, that the decision being taken, not to have the Strategic Roads Objective T1.3 and Intra-urban roads objective T2.7 reinstated in the Draft Sligo and Environs Development Plan 2010 – 2016, may lead to a loss of funds to the Council. She informed the members that the consequences of this decision can lead to Members being surcharged.
Paula R. Gallagher A/Director of Services read the relevant extract of the Local Government Act 2001, regarding a proposal involving a loss of funds, to the members and subsequently circulated a copy of the extract (Local Government Act 2001, Part 12, Chapter 1 S112) to each Member.
The Manager’s recommendations on submission 11 and the following submissions which related to the Eastern Bridge and associated roads were not adopted.
Submission Number’s 24, 47, 48, 53, 54, 55, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 82, 83, 85, 86, 87, 94, 99 (Issue No. 1), 100, 111, 113, 115, 116, 117, 120, 121, 122, 124, 125, 131, 132, 136, 138, 140 and 170
3. 1.3 Retail Strategy – Related Issues
A discussion took place on this item. On the proposal of Councillor Declan Bree seconded
Councillor Sean MacManus the Manager’s recommendations were unanimously adopted.
Submissions 105 and 118 relating to Retail Strategy were noted.
CHAPTER 2 – RESPONSES TO SUBMISSIONS
4. Submission No 2 - Lands At Finisklin Far
On the proposal of Councillor Jude Devins seconded by Councillor Matt Lyons the Manager’s recommendations were unanimously adopted.
5. Submission No 3 - Chapter 9 of the Draft SEDP
On the proposal of Councillor Jude Devins seconded by Councillor Matt Lyons the Manager’s recommendations were unanimously adopted.
6. Submission No 4 - Lands Located Off Orchard Lane
Councillor Declan Bree proposed, Councillor Sean MacManus seconded and it was unanimously agreed “That the lands referred to in Submission No 4 from the Rathedmond Residents Association, be zoned R2 - low/medium-density residential areas”
7. Submission No 7 -Proposed T2.11
Councillor Declan Bree proposed, Councillor Sean MacManus seconded and it was unanimously agreed “That the objective T2.11 be deleted from the Development Plan”
8. Submission No. 9 -Lands located toward the Eastern End of the IT Campus grounds
Councillor Marcella McGarry proposed, seconded by Councillor Veronica Cawley and agreed that “Sligo Borough Council supports the Manager's recommendation on Submission No 9"
Councillor Declan Bree dissented from the motion.
9. Submission No 13 - Area of Land bounded by the Clarion Road and the Manorhamilton Road (N16)
On the proposal of Councillor Veronica Cawley seconded by Councillor Marcella McGarry the Manager’s recommendations were unanimously adopted.
10. Submission No. 14 - Climate Change
On the proposal of Councillor Sean MacManus seconded by Councillor Chris MacManus the Manager’s recommendations were unanimously adopted.
11. Submission No 15 - IDA Ireland’s Regional Strategy
On the proposal of Councillor Declan Bree seconded by Councillor Matt Lyons the Manager’s recommendations were unanimously adopted.
12. Submission No 52 - Draft Quay Quarter Urban Design Framework
On the proposal of Councillor Jim McGarry seconded by Councillor Matt Lyons the Manager’s recommendations A, B, C, D and E were unanimously adopted.
13. Submission No 66 - North Western Regional Fisheries Board
On the proposal of Councillor Declan Bree seconded by Councillor Sean MacManus the Manager’s recommendations were unanimously adopted.
14. Submission No 67 - Department of Education and Science
On the proposal of Councillor Declan Bree seconded by Councillor David Cawley the Manager’s recommendations were unanimously adopted.
15. Submission No 79 - Blue Raincoat Theatre
On the proposal of Councillor Declan Bree seconded by Councillor Chris MacManus the Manager’s recommendations were unanimously adopted.
16. Submission No. 80 - Ursuline College – Lands at Finisklin Road
On the proposal of Councillor Sean MacManus seconded by Councillor Tony McLoughlin the Manager’s recommendations were unanimously adopted.
17. Submission No 81 - Summerhill College – Lands at Circular Road
On the proposal of Councillor Sean MacManus seconded by Councillor Jude Devins the Manager’s recommendations were unanimously adopted.
18. Submission No 88 - Site at the Docklands
On the proposal of Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady seconded by Councillor Tony McLoughlin the Manager’s recommendations were unanimously adopted.
19. Submission No 95 - Site on Strandhill Road - (Kilcawley Construction)
On the proposal of Councillor Matt Lyons seconded by Councillor Sean MacManus the Manager’s recommendations were unanimously adopted.
20. Submission No 99 - ( Issue No 2) (Chapter 6, p27 of the Draft SEDP
Councillor Declan Bree proposed, Councillor Jude Devins seconded and it was unanimously agreed to “Delete the last sentence in the third paragraph in Section 6.5.6, page 27, which reads "it is recognised that these constraints exist in Sligo”
21. Submission No. 103 - Lands located north of the Railway Station between Union Place, Lyons Terrace and Finisklin Road
No change to the Draft SEDP was recommended. Councillor Declan Bree withdrew from meeting when discussion on submission No. 103 took place.
22. Submission No. 110 - N15 – Old Bundoran Road at Ballytivnan
The Manager’s recommendation was not adopted.
23. Submission No. 127 - Road Objective T2.11
Decision taken by members on Submission No 7 refers
24. Submission No 133 - (Issue No 4)
Decision taken by members on Submission No. 99 refers
25. Submission No. 139 - Environmental Protection Agency
On the proposal of Councillor Sean MacManus seconded by Councillor Tony McLoughlin the Manager’s recommendations were unanimously adopted.
26. Submission No. 141 - National Roads Authority (Manager’s recommendations A, B, E and H)
On the proposal of Councillor Veronica Cawley seconded by Councillor Sean MacManus the Manager’s recommendations A, B, E and H were unanimously adopted.
27. Submission No 142 - (1) Spatial Policy-Manager’s Recommendations D, E, F and G
On the proposal of Councillor Chris MacManus seconded by Councillor Sean MacManus the Manager’s recommendations D, E, F and G were unanimously adopted.
28. Submission No 142 - (f/i) Spatial Policy (Appendix 3 Proposed New Chapter) 17.2(4)-
Councillor Declan Bree proposed, seconded by Councillor Chris MacManus and agreed to
“Delete the text in the current Section 17.2(4) and replace it with the following text “Cranmore-Cleveragh LAP will be required to integrate a number of projects, such as Cleverish Regional Park, the masterplan-based regeneration of Cranmore housing estate the retention of the Racecourse lands as Open Space. Preliminary work has been going on for a number of years in relation to these projects, whose funding depends essentially on allocations from the national budget, including, potentially - in the form of Gateway innovation Fund allocations. The preparation of the Cranmore-Cleveragh LAP should ideally take place before the next review of the SEDP in 2016”
Councillor Jude Devins and Councillor Veronica Cawley abstained.
29. Submission No. 142 - (f/i) Spatial Policy (Appendix 3 Proposed New Chapter) 17.3-Implementation
Councillor Sean MacManus proposed, Councillor Chris MacManus seconded and it was unanimously agreed “that the final sentence beginning … “The Planning authorities reserve the right to refuse development applciations on the grounds of inadequate/incomplete infrastructure provisions or where it is in conflict with the proposed phasing”, at the end of Section 17.3 Prioritising Development – phasing, be deleted from the second Manager’s Report on the draft SEDP 2010 – 2016”
30. Submission No. 142 - (f/i) Spatial Policy (Appendix 3 Proposed New Chapter) 17.8-Implementation
Councillor Declan Bree proposed, seconded by Councillor Sean MacManus and agreed that “In Section 17.8 on page 224 delete last paragraph”. Councillor Jude Devins and Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady dissented.
31. Submission No 142 - Spatial Policy
Councillor Veronica Cawley proposed, seconded by Councillor Marcella McGarry and agreed “That Submission 142 be adopted with amendments as outlined above”.
32. Submissions
Submission No.’s 1, 5, 8, 12, 19, 20, 22, 46, 57, 68, 76, 77, 78, 84, 91, 92, 93, 97, 98, 102, 107, 112, 114, 119, 127 and 171 did not require a change to the Draft SEDP.
The members agreed with the recommendations of the Manager in relation to these submissions.
33. Response to Early Submissions
E4 – Lands at Finisklin (Duncan’s Island and St. Colm Centre)
E7 - Lands at Finikslin
E8 – Sligo Harbour Advisory Board
The members agreed with the recommendations of the Manager in relation to these submissions.
CHAPTER 3 RECORD OF PROTECTED STRUCTURES
34. RPS Submission No 3 - (Draft RPS Item No 237 (No 1 Upper John Street)
On the proposal of Councillor Tony McLoughlin seconded by Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady the Manager’s recommendation were unanimously adopted
35. RPS Submission No 6 - (Draft RPS Item No 7)
On the proposal of Councillor David Cawley seconded by Councillor Chris MacManus the Manager’s recommendation were unanimously adopted
36. RPS Submission No 8 - (Draft RPS Item No. 3) (Markievicz House)
A discussion took place on this Submission. A motion was proposed by Councillor Sean MacManus seconded by Councillor Chris MacManus “That RPS No 3 be included in the Sligo and Environs Record of Protected Structures 2010 -2016”
As Agreement could not be reached, the Mayor called for a vote.
For: Councillor’s Declan Bree, Veronica Cawley, Marcella McGarry,
Jim McGarry, Chris MacManus and Sean MacManus (6)
Against: Councillor’s Jude Devins, Matt Lyons and Tony McLoughllin (3)
Councillor David Cawley and Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady left the Chamber while the item was discussed
The motion was carried
37. RPS Submission No 10 - (Draft RPS Item No 19) (No 10 Chapel Street)
On the proposal of Councillor Jude Devins seconded by Councillor David Cawley the Manager’s recommendations were unanimously agreed.
38. RPS Submission No 17 - (Draft RPS Item No. 341) (Adraghowen House)
A discussion took place on this Submission. The following motion was proposed by Councillor Matt Lyons seconded by Councillor Tony McLoughlin “That Ardaghowen House be removed from the record of protected structures in Sligo and Environs Development Plan 2010 – 2016”
As Agreement could not be reached, the Mayor called for a vote.
For: Councillor’s Matt Lyons and Tony McLoughllin (2)
Against: Councillor’s Declan Bree, Veronica Cawley, Marcella McGarry, Jim McGarry, Chris MacManus and Sean MacManus (6)
Councillor David Cawley, Councillor Jude Devins and Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady abstained.
The motion was declared lost
39. RPS Submission No18 - (Draft RPS Item No. 96) (Ozanam House)
A discussion took place on this Submission. The following motion was proposed by Councillor Tony McLoughlin seconded by Councillor David Cawley “That the façade of the property (RPS 96) be protected and the property not be included as a protected structure for the interior of the property”
As Agreement could not be reached the Mayor called for a vote.
For: Councillor’s David Cawley, Veronica Cawley, Jude Devins, Matt Lyons, Marcella McGarry, Jim McGarry,Tony McLoughllin and Rosaleen O’Grady (8)
Against: Councillor’s Declan Bree, Chris MacManus and Sean MacManus (3)
The motion was carried
40. RPS Submission No. 19 - (Draft RPS Item No. 147) (Nos 41 and 42 OConnell Street – Carraig Donn)
On the proposal of Councillor Jude Devins seconded by Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady the Manager’s recommendation were unanimously agreed.
41. RPS Submission No. 20 - (Draft RPS Item No. 79) (No. 16 High Street)
On the proposal of Councillor Marcella McGarry seconded by Councillor David Cawley the Manager’s recommendation were unanimously agreed.
42. RPS Submission No. 21 - (Draft RPS Items No. 90 and 91) (St John’s Hall)
On the proposal of Councillor Tony McLoughlin seconded by Councillor’s Sean MacManus and Rosaleen O’Grady the Manager’s recommendation were agreed.
Councillor Declan Bree dissented
43. RPS Submission No. 27 - (103 in Chapter 2) (Draft RPS Items No. 56, 57 and 58 Land – Union Place/Lyons Terrace/Finisklin Road
No change to the Draft RPS was recommended.
Councillor Declan Bree left the Chamber while this item was discussed
44. Submissions
Submission No.’s 1,4,5,11,12,13,14,15,16,22,28 did not require a change to the Draft SEDP. The members agreed with the recommendations of the Manager in relation to these submissions.
45. Draft RPS No 40
Councillor Chris MacManus proposed, seconded by Councillor Sean MacManus and unanimously agreed that the “That Draft RPS No. 40 be included in the Sligo and Environs Record of Protected Structures 2010 – 2016”
CHAPTER 4 - SUBMISSIONS ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT –
46. 4.1 Submission No. 139 (EPA) and 4.2 Submission No. 126 (DPP)
The Manager’s recommendations were unanimously agreed .
CHAPTER 5 - MANAGER'S SUPPLEMENTARY RECOMMENDATIONS:
47. 5.1 Development In the Docklands
On the proposal of Councillor Jude Devins seconded by Councillor Matt Lyons the Manager’s recommendation were unanimously adopted
48. 5.4 - Objective T3.9 – Cranmore Road/Martin Savage Terrace
The Manager’s recommendation were not adopted
49. 5.5 – Alterations to Chapter 10 – Mobility
On the proposal of Councillor Jude Devins seconded by Councillor Marcella McGarry the Manager’s recommendation were unanimously adopted
50. 5.6 Zoning of lands at the Clarion Hotel and Village
On the proposal of Councillor Jude Devins seconded Councillor David Cawley the Manager’s recommendation were unanimously adopted
51. 5.7 Quay Quarter Urban Design Framework
On the proposal of Councillor Matt Lyons seconded by Councillor Marcella McGarry the Manager’s recommendation were unanimously adopted
52. 5.8 Alterations To Chapter 12 – Urban Design
On the proposal of Councillor Jude Devins seconded by Councillor David Cawley the Manager’s recommendation were unanimously adopted
53. 5.9 Alterations to the Record of Protected Structures (RPS)
Councillor David Cawley proposed, seconded by Councillor Matt Lyons the Manager’s recommendations were unanimously adopted
54. 5.10 Alterations to Architectural Conservation Areas
A brief discussion took place on this item. Councillor Sean MacManus and Councillor Chris MacManus left the Chamber while this item was discussed
On the proposal of Councillor Jude Devins seconded by Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady the Manager’s recommendations were adopted.
55. Western By-Pass
A discussion took place on the route of the proposed Western Bypass, (the route of the Sligo road off the T1.2 and the rerouting of this Sligo road).
Mayor Councillor Jim McGarry left the Chamber while the item was discussed
56. Adoption of the Draft SEDP 2010-2016 Plan
The following motion was read to members by The Mayor “Having considered the Draft Sligo and Environs Development Plan 2010-2016, the Environmental Report (SEA) and the Second Manager’s Report on submissions and observations under the Planning and Development Acts, 2000 – 2007, and taking account of the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, the statutory obligations of the local authority and any relevant policies or objectives for the time being of the Government or of any Minister of the Government, it is hereby agreed to amend the Draft Plan in accordance with the amended Second Manager’s Report and other amendments adopted at the special Meeting of Sligo Borough Council held on 21st and 22nd July 2009.
It is further considered that the proposed amendments, if made, will be a material alteration of the Draft Plan and it is hereby resolved in accordance with the Planning and Development Acts 2000 – 2007 that the proposed amendments be put on public display for a period of not less than 4 weeks.
On the proposal of Councillor David Cawley seconded by Councillor Matt Lyons the above motion was unanimously agreed.
57. Transfer of Breast Cancer Services from Sligo to Galway
On the proposal of Councillor Declan Bree seconded by Councillor Veronica Cawley the following motion was unanimously agreed “Aware that the survival rates of cancer patients treated in Sligo General Hospital are either identical to or superior to those currently being achieved in the United States and alarmed at the impact that current cut backs will have on the ability of University hospital Galway to deliver cancer care services, the Council condemns the proposal to transfer the Breast Cancer service from Sligo to Galway on August 6th, and further the Council again call on the government to reverse the decision to transfer the Breast Cancer service from Sligo”
58. Town Twinning
Mayor Councillor Jim McGarry informed the meeting of the 60th Festival Week that is to take place in Kempten (Allgau) from 13th to 17th August, 2009 and that a party of 9 people would attend.
This concluded the busine
ss of the meeting which ended at 10.30pm
Meeting Date 20/07/2009