New Council Elected for Sligo Borough Council
Sligo Borough Council Members 2009 - 2014
North Ward
- Councillor Veronica Cawley
- Councillor Jude Devins
- Councillor Arthur Gibbons
- Councillor Matt Lyons
East Ward
- Councillor Declan Bree
- Councillor Chris MacManus
- Councillor Marcella McGarry
- Councillor Tony McLoughlin
West Ward
- Councillor David Cawley
- Councillor Sean MacManus
- Councillor Jim McGarry
- Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady
Newly Elected Council for Sligo County Council
Sligo County Council Members 2009 - 2014
Sligo - Drumcliffe
- Councillor Patsy Barry
- Councillor Veronica Cawley
- Councillor Jude Devins
- Councillor Hubert Keaney
- Councillor Joe Leonard
Dromore West
- Councillor Mary Barrett
- Councillor Michael Clarke
- Councillor Dara Mulvey
- Councillor Joe Queenan
Sligo - Strandhill
- Councillor Imelda Henry
- Councillor Deirdre Healy McGowan
- Councillor Sean MacManus
- Councillor Jim McGarry
- Councillor Declan Bree
- Councillor Tony McLoughlin
- Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady
Tubbercurry
- Councillor Jerry Lundy
- Councillor Margaret Gormley
- Councillor Michael Fleming
- Councillor Gerry Murray
Ballymote
- Councillor Martin baker
- Councillor Pat McGrath
- Councillor Gerard Mullaney
- Councillor Thomas Collery
Peace III Programme Update
‘To reinforce progress towards a peaceful and stable society and to promote reconciliation.’
Sligo Peace and Reconciliation Partnership Committee has been working hard over the past number of months implementing a range of indicative actions within the Sligo Peace Plan.
To date 8 of 13 Indicative actions advertised through public procurement have been approved by the Peace Partnership and Sligo County Council, as lead partner for the Partnership, is in the process of issuing contracts to the preferred bidders.
The following project actions have been agreed;- Urban Peace Project, Women and Peace, Culture/Arts/Heritage, Diversity Training, Inter-Faith Programme, Political/ Historical Perspectives, Youth Education and Conflict Resolution and Mediation Training. The contracts awarded will total €727,000.
Sligo Peace and Reconciliation Partnership Committee are confident that the contracts agreed represent the peace building needs of County Sligo and will deliver a project which addresses issues related to sectarianism and racism and develops positive relations between minority and majority communities and across the border.
Further Information:-
Sligo Peace and Reconciliation Action Plan is available to download from www.sligococo.ie
Or contact Bridie Sweeney, Development Officer, Peace III Programme 071 91 11821 Email bsweeney@sligococo.ie
Eastern Garvoge Bridge Project Gets the Go Ahead From An Bord Pleanala
An Bord Pleanála has recently approved the above project under Section 51 of the Roads Act 1993 including an environmental impact statement, with conditions and have also confirmed the Compulsory Purchase Order, with amendments.
The scheme on the southern side of the river essentially involves utilising the existing road network and a portion of green space, and permanent physical encroachment into private gardens is limited to three properties only. The unique delicate single arch bridge is included in the approval.
This project is one of the key schemes for the development of Sligo into the future and is an integral part of the planned pedestrian and vehicular conduits for the Gateway.
The objective of scheme is to provide an integrated, sustainable transportation link between the SE and NE quarters of the City that serves all users with a logical, short and time saving alternative to the current situation. The route is not intended to be a town bypass.
The granting of planning approval by ABP acknowledges that there is no feasible, environment or economic alternative further east wards ie towards Lough Gill. Additionally, the river crossing location and connectors has been in consecutive development plans, continuously, for at least the past 35 years.
Benefits of the scheme include:
- The project is an essential part of the development of Sligo City. It is an important part of the overall integrated transportation network, essential for fast and easy access between the NE and SE quarters of the city where a substantial portion of educational, residential, public service, residential, business and shopping centres exist as well as the regional hospital, fire and garda stations and SE quarter development intent.
- It is an essential component of the pedestrianisation and cycleway aspect of city centre development.
- It will relieve vehicular congestion in the City Centre.
- It will reduce response time for emergency services
- It is designed as an urban distributor route, with a scenic component, without scope or intent as an eastern bypass.
- Substantially reduced journey time for all modes of transport between the SE and NE quarters of the Town.
- The proposed bridge design would provide a notable landmark and focal point at the eastern side of the City.
In approving the scheme An Bord Pleanála stated that subject to the conditions it imposes on the scheme the proposed road development would not adversely affect the integrity of the Lough Gill candidate Special Area of Conservation, would not result in significant adverse effects on the environment or on amenities in the area and would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
The conditions imposed by the Bord include the following:
- The local authority shall appoint a liaison officer for the duration of the development works. The liaison officer shall commit to ongoing liaison with all affected parties.
- Mitigation measures presented in the Environmental Impact Statement and to the oral hearing by Sligo Borough Council shall be implemented as part of the development except as amended in the Bord’s decision.
- A Noise and Vibration Management Plan for the construction of the project shall be developed in the interest of residential amenity and adhered to during construction.
- Limits are placed on working hours during construction.
- Landscaping works shall commence within the first planting season of works associated with the development and shall address, in particular, impacts likely to be generated by the proposed development at Martin Savage Terrace, Glencarrig and Cranmore Road.
In particular the Bord has omitted the noise barriers that were proposed by the Borough Council south of the river, in the Doorly Park, Martin Savage Terrace, Garavogue Villas, Hazel View, Crozon Promenade and Cranmore Road areas and has conditioned the provision of low noise road surfacing throughout the entire scheme. These proposed noise barriers were the subject of much controversy during the scheme’s development.
It is also significant to note that in approving the Compulsory Purchase Order the Bord has reduced the amount of permanent acquisition of part of the front gardens of a number of houses on Cranmore Road and therefore reduces the impact on these properties.
An Bord Pleanála has made a significant decision in approving the development of this scheme with specific conditions. It is now essential that the scheme is allowed to progress without delay in the interests of the overall economic and social development of Sligo and the surrounding area.
Major Investment in Water and Wastewater Services Programme
Sligo Local Authorities are responsible for the management of thirty wastewater treatment plants throughout the county. Sligo County Council’s Water Services Project Office has responsibility for Project Management and Administration of all Water Services infrastructural development projects.
€110 million programme
During the past ten years Water Services personnel in Sligo County Council have managed the construction of 25 new treatment plants and over 180Km of new pipelines involving a total investment of €110M. It is Sligo County council’s policy to “Bundle” suitable schemes in order to deliver best value for money bases on the principles of economies of scale. The bundled Operation and Maintenance contract will deliver a value for money solution to ensure that all plants in the region are operated and maintained to the highest standards and that all final effluent discharges are in compliance with National and EU regulations. The projects are funded by -
- Water Services Capital Programme,
- Development Levy Schemes (funded entirely by Sligo County Council).
- Service Land Initiatives
- Rural Water Programme
Substantial investment
- Recently opening Wastewater Treatment Plant in Enniscrone
- Wastewater Treatment Plant in Dromore West
Investment in water services infrastructure has been primarily driven by two factors, namely increased capacity required for new developments and statutory regulations. The past decade has seen increased demands in both these areas resulting in substantial investment in new infrastructure. Some of the main wastewater treatment projects which have been completed over the last ten years are as follows:
- Sligo Wastewater Treatment Plant - €37m
- Enniscrone Wastewater Treatment Plant - €5m
- Ballysadare Wastewater Treatment Plant - €2.5m
- Coolaney Wastewater Treatment Plant - €1.6m
- Dromore West Wastewater Treatment Plant - €1.7m
- Carney Wastewater Treatment Plant - €1.5m
- Gurteen Wastewater Treatment Plant - €1.5m
- Aclare Wastewater Treatment Plant - €2.5m
- Cloonacool Wastewater Treatment Plant - €2.5m
- Easkey Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade - €0.5m
The future is equally demanding for Water Services in Sligo, with an investment programme estimated in excess of €200M required to deliver the necessary infrastructural improvements.
New Schemes
Contracts are ready to be signed for the bundled Tubbercurry, Grange, Strandhill and Ballinafad Sewerage Scheme’s project.
Sligo County Council is currently awaiting the granting of loan approval from the Department (DEHLG) to meet the Councils contribution to the cost of this DBO contract. Immediately on receipt of loan approval Sligo County Council will be in a position to sign the contract and proceed to the construction phase.
- Kilsellagh Empounding Resevoir
A further 17 schemes are currently in the planning phase, including Lough Talt Water Supply Scheme and North Sligo Water Supply Scheme’s as well as sewerage schemes at Carraroe, Cummeen, Ballinacarrow, Cliffoney, Ballintogher, Bunninadden and Ballymote amongst others.
At Sligo County Council’s monthly meeting on 6th July it was confirmed that Sligo County Council considers the Tubbercurry Scheme a priority, and the Council is in regular contact with the Department of the Environment regarding loan approval for the scheme.
Challenges
This programme of investment in Water Services is much needed, however it does pose significant challenges for Sligo County Council, in particular the funding required for the nondomestic marginal cost element of capital projects. Similarly, the costs for operating and maintaining these modern new facilities to the highest standards will increase their annual budgetary requirements. For example the estimated Operation and Maintenance costs for Sligo Main Drainage and the Enniscrone bundle, in 2009, are almost €2M. Nonetheless, Sligo County Council is committed to working with all stakeholders in order to deliver this programme in a cost effective and
- Recently Completed Sligo Main Drainage Wastewater Treatment Plant
Council Focus
Sligo Local Authorities have teamed up with local radio station Ocean FM to produce a programme of news and information which is broadcast as part of the radio station’s regular schedule. The fifteen minute programme, Council Focus, will be broadcast on the second Sunday of every month at 9.00am and is repeated the following Wednesday evening at 6.40pm. New editions of the programme are recorded monthly and it is also available as a Podcast on www.sligococo.ie and www.sligoborough.ie
Junior Achievement Volunteers Honoured
The volunteers who assisted the Junior Achievement Programme have been honoured at an Awards ceremony in County Hall. Junior Achievement is a voluntary organisation which works with public and private bodies throughout Ireland, delivering a range of science and enterprise programmes for students aged 5-18 years.The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Gerry Murray welcomed the fact that 12 staff members of Sligo County Council have taken an active role in the current phase. ‘As well as learning about science and enterprise, the programme is also very important in terms of personal development. There is a welcome focus on inter-action and team work throughout the programme, and this helps build self-confidence and develop social skills. When we talk about the role of the local authority in the community, this is the sort of project we should try and encourage, as it has very real benefits for the students taking part. The Junior achievement programme provides a great foundation for the future, and the skills acquired by the students will serve them well in the years ahead.’ Cathaoirleach also commended the volunteers who serviced the programme. ‘Our volunteers embraced the Junior Achievement model with great enthusiasm, and their contribution is greatly appreciated by the students.’
The Mayor of Sligo Councillor Jim McGarry feels that ‘This initiative has shown remarkable progress in recent years, and great credit is due to the many volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver the programme in schools around our county. In my view there was never a greater need for initiatives such as Junior Achievement, as it dovetails the class-room experience of teachers with the practical work experience of participating staff members. Today’s students face a number of challenges, especially as they come to a stage where they have to make important carer choices. Anything we can do to help them in this process is to be welcomed, and given the success of this year’s programme, it is fair to assume it will be expanded in the year’s ahead. The economic landscape means that the workplace is becoming an increasingly challenging environment, and we should focus our attention on providing any support, guidance and encouragement we can.’
- Back Row Left to Right - Siobhan Kelly Junior Achievement Ireland, Rita McNulty Director of Services, Junior Achievement Volunteers Bernie Flynn, Eamon Fox, Dolores McDonagh, Siobhan Gillen, Eimear O’Sullivan and James Haugh.
Front Row Left to Right - Della Clancy, Junior Achievement Ireland, Cathaoirleach Councillor Gerry Murray, Caroline Collery Sligo Local Authorities and Patricia Friel
Sligo Local Authorities’ staff who took part in the 2009 Junior Achievement Programme accept their Certificates from Cathaoirleach Councillor Murray.
- Bernie Flynn
- Caroline Collery
- Dolores McDonagh
- Eamon Fox
- Eimear O'Sullivan
- James Haugh
- Siobhan Gillen
'Non Principal Private Residence’ Charge Introduced
Gum Litter Campaign Competition
Competition Time
Design your own poster, logo or slogan in conjunction with Sligo Gum Litter Campaign.
Age limit under 16 years.
Please post all entries including your Name, Address, Contact number and Age to the following address:
Environmental Services Section,Sligo County Council,
Unit 9, Cleveragh Business Park,
Sligo.
Closing date is Tuesday, 8th September 2009.
Tidy Towns Local Competition Results 2009
CATEGORY 1: Best Kept Housing Estate
A 1-30 Houses in Estate
- Overall Winner: Willow Wood, Ballisodare
- Runner Up: Hillcrest Park, Strandhill
B 31-60 Houses in Estate
- Overall Winner: Fort Haven, Coolaney
- Runner Up: The Meadows, Enniscrone
C 61+ Houses in Estate
- Overall Winner: Gort na Si, Coolaney
- Runner Up: Woodbrook Heights, Ballisodare
CATEGORY 2: Best Kept School
National School
- Overall Winner: Killavil National School
- 1st Runner Up: St. Patrick’s National School, Calry
- 2nd Runner Up: Collooney Girls National School
- Special Merit Award: Colaiste Iascaigh
CATEGORY 3: Best Kept Shop Front/Business
- Overall Winner: McDermotts Bar & Restaurant, Castlebaldwin
- Runner Up:: S. McDermott & Son, Riverstown
CATEGORY 4: Best Waste Management Initiative
Recycling Bring Bank
- Overall Winner:: Enniscrone
- Joint Runner-Up: Strandhill Bottle Banks AND Banada Bottle Banks
CATEGORY 5: Best Kept Street
- Overall Winner: Enniscrone
- Special Merit Awards: Riverstown, Coolaney, Ballintogher
CATEGORY 6: Open Space/Green or Riverside Area
- Overall Winner:: Michael Corcoran Monument, Ballymote
- Runner Up: Riverstown (Wishing Well)
A Grant will be awarded to Committees who have entered the National Tidy Towns Competition, in recognition of the valuable contribution they have made to their Communities.
Further information is available from Community and Enterprise Office, Sligo County Council Development Centre, Cleveragh Road, Sligo. Telephone 071 9111800.
