Agenda and minutes

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Contact: Kieran Brett  Meetings Administrator

Items
No. Item

MM.64.21

Votes of Sympathy

Minutes:

At the outset of the meeting, Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Bohan paid tribute to the late Pauline McKeon former Elected Member of Leitrim County Council.  Councillor Enda Stenson and the Members commended the late Pauline McKeon for her contribution to public office as an Elected Member of Leitrim County Council from 1991 to 1999 and extended their sympathy to her family.

 

The Chief Executive on his own behalf, and on behalf of the staff, also extended his sympathy to the McKeon family.

 

On the Proposal of Councillor Mary Bohan

             Seconded by Councillor Thomas Mulligan

 

It was AGREED Leitrim County Council adjourn the meeting for 15 minutes as a mark of respect to the late Pauline McKeon, recently deceased, former Elected Member of Leitrim County Council. 

 

 

The Members extended a vote of sympathy to the following:

 

          The family of the Late Timmie Shanley R.I.P.

          Ellen McGarty & Family on the death of Packie McGarty R.I.P.

 

MM.65.21

Adoption of Minutes 1st March 2021

Minutes:

Councillor Des Guckian outlined his view  that the  minutes as presented were not accurate and he requested Members to review them. He  stated that the minutes did not reflect the discussion that took place around his motion.

 

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Bohan outlined that the minutes record decisions taken at the meeting and asked Cllr Guckian if he wished to propose an amendment to the minutes.

 

No proposal to amend the minutes was put forward by Cllr Guckian and he advised the Chair his comments were for noting.

 

Ms Mary Quinn, Director of Services, Housing, Corporate Services, Community and Cultural Services clarified that the minutes are a record of decisions taken at the meeting and the drafting of minutes is the responsibility of the Meetings Administrator.

 

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Justin Warnock

             SECONDED by Cllr. Sean McDermott

 

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of 1st March 2021.

MM.66.21

Disposals under Section 183(1) of the Local Government Act

MM.66.21a

Consider for approval disposal of Freehold Interest in Property in the townland of Wardhouse, Tullaghan, Co. Leitrim F91 Y935

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Justin Warnock

             SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

 

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council consent to the disposal of plot of land pursuant to the provisions of Article 206 of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001, Section 211 of the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001. Particulars of the property to which County Council proposes to dispose:

 

The Property:   Disposal of house and adjoining site comprising circa 0.6 Acres (0.24 Hectares) in the townland of Wardhouse, Tullaghan, Co. Leitrim (Freehold Interest Registered in name of Leitrim County Council - Folio No. LM1870F (consisting of LM69L 1A and 1B).

 

The Person(s) to whom the property is to be disposed of:   Mr. Matthew Doudican Jnr.

 

The Consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: 

 

 1. The Purchase Fee for the Conversion of Leasehold Interest to Freehold Interest is a nominal fee of €30.00

2. All Legal Fees associated with the Conversion of the Leasehold Interest to the Freehold Interest in this Property will be the responsibility of the applicant, Mr. Matthew Doudican Jnr.

3. The applicant, Mr. Matthew Doudican Jnr, will be responsible for the payment of any other fees which apply, namely, Transfer Order Fee, Land Registry Fees, Stamp Duty Fees and any other relevant fees.

4. The Property being disposed of is being disposed in its present condition and the disposal is not subject to Planning Permission.

MM.67.21

Approve additional expenditure incurred by Leitrim County Council in the performance of its functions during 2020

Minutes:

Mr Vincent Dwyer informed the members that, with their consent, items 3 and 4 on the agenda would be taken concurrently.

 

Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance, Water, Environment, Climate Action and Emergency Services provided an overview of the report on additional expenditure incurred by Leitrim County Council in 2020.

 

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised members that Leitrim County Council has continued to implement a programme of monitoring and reviewing expenditure to ensure that budgetary limits are not exceeded and he advised Members as follows:-

 

          The effect of such tight budgetary management and control has resulted in a surplus of €2,994 in 2020 thereby reducing the cumulative revenue deficit of €256,122. Total revenue expenditure by Leitrim County Council in 2020 was €53,934,075 while the total capital expenditure by Leitrim County Council in 2020 was €22,568,982. 

 

          The Covid 19 pandemic created significant uncertainty regarding financial management of all Local Authorities particularly in the context of loss on income from Commercial Rates, goods and services and increased Covid-19 associated costs.

 

          In mid-2020 the Government announced a commercial rates waiver for 6 months which was further extended to 9 months with the Government reimbursing the commercial rates applicable to occupied properties subject to certain exclusions.

 

          In 2020, 793 rates payers availed of the rates waiver for 9 months which amounted to €1.7 million.  Through the Restart Grant, including various top ups grants, 800 payments were made to the value of €4.2 million, to businesses in the county between May and December.

 

          At the time of the adoption of the Budget 2020 the roads allocation for 2021 was not known, and as is the practice over many years Leitrim County Council applied the 2020 Roads Allocation as part of the budgetary process. In 2020 over expenditure of €396,601 occurred under the Roads Transportation & Safety budget heading attributable to additional overheads arising from the increased roadworks programme, coupled with the additional overheads arising from Covid-19, decreased car parking income and increased energy costs associated with public lighting.

 

          The over expenditure of €74,083 in Water Services is mainly attributable to increased costs in the administration of the Rural Water Programme and the timing of Irish Water recoupments.

 

          Over Expenditure of €886,603 under the development management heading is attributable to the rollout of the Restart Grant Programme within County Leitrim, coupled with the increased expenditure by the LEO office to support local businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

 

Councillor Felim Gurn queried if there will be any restart grants introduced this year.

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire thanked the Council for all the help, supports and rates waiver provided to ratepayers during 2020.

 

Councillor Des Guckian stated it was a pity that item 3 and item 4 were not discussed separately.  He queried if there are any penalties to be imposed in regard to the Carrick-on-Shannon Public Realm project. He noted that the Annual Financial Statement as presented is unaudited and expressed his disappointment that this has not been audited at this stage.  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.67.21

MM.68.21

Consider the Annual Financial Statement for the year ended 31st December 2020

Minutes:

The Annual Financial Statement for Leitrim County Council for the year ended 31st December, 2020 was circulated to the Members.

 

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Enda McGloin

            SECONDED by Cllr. Paddy Farrell

 

It was AGREED to adopt the Annual Financial Statement for the Year ended 31st December 2020 in accordance with Section 108 of the Local Government Act, 2001.

 

 

 

MM.69.21

Consider the Draft Annual Report 2020

Minutes:

Councillor Des Guckian referred to the Draft Annual Report and made a number of observations in relation to it -  very glossy but not reflective of what’s happening on the ground, criticism of the  Vision statement of Leitrim County Council, lack of reference to farming and the front cover photograph of Lough Melvin with wind turbines in the background.

 

Ms Mary Quinn, Director of Services, advised the Members that the Local Authority is legally required to publish an Annual Report by end June each year, which reports on activities and services delivered in the previous year, for which the Local Authority has a statutory responsibility to provide. Leitrim County Council has no statutory responsibility for agriculture and therefore there is no reference to it contained in the annual report.  The Vision Statement of Leitrim County Council as set out in the annual report was agreed by the Elected Members in adopting the Corporate Plan in 2019.

 

Councillor Justin Warnock welcomed the photo of Lough Melvin and pointed out that the wind turbines referred to in the background are in County Fermanagh.

 

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Sean McDermott

            SECONDED by Cllr. Thomas Mulligan

 

It was AGREED to adopt Leitrim County Council’s Annual Report, 2020.

MM.70.21

Management Reports - February & March 2021

Minutes:

The Management Reports for February 2021 and March 2021 were circulated to Members in accordance with Section 136 (2) of the Local Government Act, 2001 as inserted by Section 51 of the Local Government Reform Act, 2014. 

 

Councillor Des Guckian queried what are the future plans for the Dromod Waste Water Treatment Plant.

 

Mr Francis Gaffney, A/Senior Engineer said Dromod has a properly functioning waste water treatment plant that has sufficient capacity to meet the current existing need. The plant is maintained on an on -going basis by Irish Water. 

 

Councillor Des Guckian referred to an occasion when he visited Shannon Grove and the smell coming from the plant was very bad and a number of big lorries were in place taking away waste.

 

Mr Gaffney advised that wastewater treatment plants require ongoing mechanical maintenance and on these occasions effluent is brought away to a nearby plant by large tanks. Mr Gaffney asked Councillor Guckian to furnish him with the date and time he witnessed this event and he will verify this for him.

 

Councillor Des Guckian thanked Mr Gaffney for his reply in this regard.

 

The monthly management reports were noted by Members.

MM.71.21

Report from Corporate Policy Group

Minutes:

Ms Mary Quinn, Director of Services, Housing, Corporate Services, Community and Cultural Services outlined that the Corporate Policy Group had considered the following items at their meeting on the 29th April 2021

 

          Update from the Environment, Climate Action and Agriculture SPC

 

Mr Vincent Dwyer gave a report from the Environment, Climate Action & Agriculture Strategic Policy Committee meetings that were held on 30th March 2021 and from 27th April 2021 as set out in Appendix 1 to the Minutes of this meeting.

 

          Items for Council Meeting 4th May 2021

 

          Date for the Annual Meeting of Leitrim County Council will be Friday 25th June 2021. The Annual Meeting of each of the Municipal Districts will be scheduled in conjunction with their monthly meeting. In line with current public health advice, it is anticipated that the municipal Annual Meetings will take place online. The situation with regard to holding face to face meetings in a physical space for both the plenary Annual Meeting and the plenary July meeting will be kept under review in line with public health advice. Consideration may be given to holding the Annual Meeting and the July meeting on the same day same, similar to last year.  The matter will be kept under review by the Corporate Policy Group.

 

Cathaoirleach, Cllr Mary Bohan noted 2 external members are to be nominated to the LCDC.

Ms Quinn advised that the nominations will come before the Members at the July meeting.

 

This update was noted by Members.

MM.72.21

To note date and time of Annual Meeting 2021

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Enda McGloin

            SECONDED by Cllr. Frank Dolan

 

It was AGREED to hold the Annual Meeting of Leitrim County Council on Friday, 25th June 2021 at 12 noon.

 

Councillor Enda McGloin outlined that  it is important that a physical meeting is held if public health guidance allows it.

MM.73.21

Attendance at conferences/training

Minutes:

It was noted that all training is taking place online.

 

MM.74.21

Meeting Correspondence

Minutes:

 

 

           

1.           Resolution from Killarney Municipal District in regard to payment of student

  nurses.

 

2.         Resolution from Tipperary County Council in regard to Mother and Baby homes.

 

3.         Resolution from Sligo County Council in regard to Community & Voluntary Sector Funding.

 

4.         Resolution from Sligo County Council in regard to Post Office contracts.

 

5.         Resolution from Sligo County Council in regard to Independent Meat Regulator.

 

6.         Resolution from Sligo County Council in regard to Local Development Agency  Bill 2021.

 

7.         Acknowledgement from Minister Burke in regard to Centenary of Partition.

 

8.         Acknowledgement from Minister Donnelly in regard to Medical Cards.

 

9.         Resolution from Dun Laoighaire Rathdown in regard to the Housing Crises.

 

10.       Acknowledgement from Deputy Marian Harkin in regard to the Centenary of Partition

 

11.       Acknowledgement from Minister Noonan in regard to pesticide cypermethrin to control pine weevil.

 

12.       Acknowledgement from An Taoiseach regarding Partition Events

 

13.       Reply from Minister Catherine Martin in regard to support for local newspapers.

 

Councillor Enda McGloin said in the last 10 days funding has been announced for local radio and he hoped ongoing discussions would continue with a view to find funding for local newspapers who provide a valuable service.  He asked that Leitrim County ask Minister Martin to reconsider the current position so that her Department can provide similar funding to local print media as given to local radio. 

 

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Bohan supported the proposal.

 

14.       County Leitrim Society of New York March Newsletter

 

15.       Reply from Minister McConalogue in regard to the Beef Regulator and Beef Prices

 

Councillor Brendan Barry said he hoped that a Beef Regulator would be put in place as an Ombudsman would not have the same powers as a Regulator. Councillor Padraig Fallon outlined his support in this regard.

 

16.       Acknowledgement from Senator Peppa Hackette in regard to the pesticide cypermethrin.

 

17.       Resolution from Kerry County Council in regard to the Land Development Agency Bill 2021.

 

18.       Resolution from Wicklow County Council in regard to the Land Development Agency Bill 2021.

 

19.       Reply from the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage in regard to the Land Development Agency.

 

20.       Resolution from Galway County Council in regard to the Land Development Agency Bill.

 

21.       Resolution from Louth County Council in regard to the Land Development Agency Bill.

 

22.       Resolution from Mayo County Council in regard to the Land Development Agency Bill.

 

23.       Resolution from Limerick City and County Council in regard to the National Union of Journalists.

 

Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion from Limerick and City Council.

Councillor Guckian welcomed the response from other Local Authorities regarding the Land Development Agency Bill.

 

 

24.       Reply from Minister McConalogue in regard to pesticide cypermethrin.

 

25.       Resolution from Monaghan County Council in regard to the World Health Organisation’s plea for the global equitable distribution of all vaccines, treatments and therapies developed to combat covid.

 

26.       Resolution from Cork City Council in regard to the Lord Mayor of Dublin.

 

27.       Co Leitrim Society of New York April Newsletter.

 

28.       Acknowledgement  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.74.21

MM.75.21

Presentation from National Broadband Ireland

Minutes:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Bohan welcomed Joe Lavin and Damian Fitzgibbons from National Broadband Ireland to the meeting.

 

A copy of the presentation delivered by the National Broadband Ireland to the members appears as Appendix 2 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book.

 

 

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Bohan thanked Joe Lavin for his presentation and invited any questions/comments from the Members.

 

 

The following items and questions were raised:

 

          The Broadband mapping exercise was not accurate in Drumkeeran.

          Lack of broadband service in the Centre of Drumkeeran impacting on ability of Enterprise Centre to become a remote working hub.  When work on broadband service was completed in Drumkeerin Village all premises and some homes on the outskirts were to have high speed broadband.   The area north of the enterprise units have high speed broadband, but there are shops, post office, businesses, community centre and residents that are unable to access this high-speed service.

          Existing usage limit caps are very restrictive.

          Will it take 6 years to connect all houses in Leitrim?

          The NBI website shows areas as “Survey Planned” and “Survey Pending”; which is closer to happening?

          Allowing Eir to cherry pick densely populated areas was not good practice, if all areas had been included in tender there would be more bidders which would have been better for the general public.

          Keshcarrigan has an existing fibre exchange: will NBI have to run their infrastructure alongside the existing Eir infrastructure.

          When will fibre optic service the village of Kinlough and its primary school?

          Businesses in Manorhamilton have been quoted figures of €10,000 to get a fibre optic connection. This is not viable for small businesses.

          How long until fast broadband speed will be available to national schools in the Ballinamore area?

          Will people be able to tap into the fibre cable which was extended from Mohill to Cloone village and when can they look forward to a reliable useable service?

          People are frustrated with deadlines that are not being met. When is high speed broadband expected to be delivered in the Glenfarne area?

          Broadband service is still not working properly in St Michael’s NS in Glenfarne.

          No power to prevent private service providers charging what they like?

 

Joe Lavin responded to the above queries raised as follows:

 

          The Mapping Service was carried out in 2019 and all Service Providers were asked to submit plans of their networks.  He advised the members that the public can easily determine if they are in the intervention area, via an Eircode search function on the NBI website.  If members of the public are not in the Intervention area and still cannot get high speed broadband from broadband providers, the Department of Communications has a process to review.

          Members of the public should contact the Department of Communications at broadband@decc.gov.ie to pursue this. It would be helpful if members of the public could advise the  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.75.21

MM.76.21

Motion from Councillor Enda McGloin and Motion from Councillor Sean McDemott - Planning Issues in the County

Members will have received a letter from the Ballinaglera GAA Club in April regarding the current difficulties faced by young people from their parish who wish to build a home on their own landholding.  I ask that the Chief Executive provide a detailed reply to this letter at the May meeting of Leitrim County Council so that we, the members, can consider and debate thoroughly the genuine concerns as expressed in this letter, understand the current challenges we face in addressing planning issues in this county, and what work is underway by this Local Authority in finding a long term solution to this issue.

Minutes:

It was agreed by the Members that Motion No 12 in the name of Councillor Enda McGloin and Motion No 14 in the name of Councillor Sean McDermott be taken concurrently as they relate to the same matter.

 

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Enda McGloin;

 

"Members will have received a letter from the Ballinaglera GAA Club in April regarding the current difficulties faced by young people from their parish who wish to build a home on their own landholding.  I ask that the Chief Executive provide a detailed reply to this letter at the May meeting of Leitrim County Council so that we, the members, can consider and debate thoroughly the genuine concerns as expressed in this letter, understand the current challenges we face in addressing planning issues in this county, and what work is underway by this Local Authority in finding a long term solution to this issue."

 

Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.

 

"The substantive issue in relation to one off housing in Leitrim including the area surrounding Ballinaglera is not one necessarily related to the rural housing policy contained in the County Development Plan, it relates to the effective treatment and disposal of wastewater treatment from individual houses. Any person originally from or residing in the Ballinaglera parish would satisfy the rural housing need of Medium Capacity with the area along the Regional Road identified as Low Capacity. The area north of Ballinaglera and including Dowra is identified as High Capacity to accommodate individual houses.

 

Unfortunately, due to the underlying nature of the sub soils which are present across the majority of our county (estimated at 87% of our soils), the soil percolation tests fail to meet the acceptable percolation rates required to comply with the EPA Code of Practice and the sites are deemed unsuitable for discharge of treated wastewater or effluent to ground. As is well known and debated on numerous occasions already this is proving a significant impediment to the granting of planning permission for individual dwellings in the countryside by the Planning Authority and indeed is preventing many prospective applicants making applications in the first instance as agents are aware that the subject sites will be deemed unsuitable once the soil percolation tests are undertaken. The points raised in the letter in relation to the underlying soils having a disproportionate impact on Leitrim is both acknowledged and accepted by the Planning Authority and has been debated locally by the Council and articulated on many occasions at national level.

 

For new individual houses in the countryside, site characterization tests must be carried out in accordance with the EPA Code of Practice for Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses (p.e=10), 2009. This will be replaced from 7th June by the updated version of the Code of Practice. Some of the more significant changes with this new Code of Practice will be:

 

a)         Additional options in low permeability soils: Drip dispersal:  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.76.21

MM.77.21

Motion from Councillor Des Guckian - Rural Areas

That, as representatives of a very rural County, we discuss the very great disadvantages being suffered by our rural areas, put forward solutions and seek to have them implemented ASAP.

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Des Guckian;

 

"That, as representatives of a very rural County, we discuss the very great disadvantages being suffered by our rural areas, put forward solutions and seek to have them implemented ASAP."

 

Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.

 

"The issues facing rural areas are being increasing documented and discussed nationally. Leitrim County Council is acutely aware of the impact such issues is having on the County, which outside of Carrick on Shannon is classified as rural, and as a consequence is actively pursuing the regeneration and revitalisation of the County. 

 

The Council has developed a forward-thinking capital investment programme consisting of projects of scale that have the potential to be impactful and transformational.  The Council has now secured and is in the process of implementation of five regeneration projects coupled with design processes for expansion of the Shannon Blueway and with the substantial design process of the SLNCR Greenway at tender stage. In addition, the Council continues to pursue additional tourism investment projects and other outdoor recreation initiatives etc. 

 

The Council is also actively involved in supporting digital hubs in the County along with the installation of Broadband Connection Points and Free Wifi all of which equips the county to avail of the potential of remote or blended working arrangements into the future.  In addition, the Council works with and supports both business and community organisations in their efforts to contribute to a sustainable county into the future.

 

The Council Executive will continue to work closely with all lead departments and agencies that has the potential to assist in the overall objective of the sustainable development of the County."

 

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion and referred to the following issues – Our Rural Future – uninspiring and unclear, abandonment of rural areas by successive governments,  lack of  off-farm employment, lack of broadband, arterial drainage of waterways, CIS and LIS road schemes not adequate, wind farms being erected with larger turbines, Shass Landslide, EPA Code of Practice and sites deemed unsuitable for discharge of treated wastewater or effluent to ground, attempted closure of bogs. Cllr Guckian stated that planning has been denied to people from farming backgrounds, with planners hiding behind TCD schemes.

 

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Bohan stated the motion was very broad and proposed that a list of proposals be submitted to the Council for consideration.  Cllr Guckian stated he was outlining all the problems which are being ignored.

 

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said the requirement to comply with the applicable Code of Practice is enshrined in the County Development Plan in accordance with the instruction of the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government by way of Circular PSSP 01/2010. Soil percolation tests failing to meet the acceptable percolation rates are required to comply with the EPA Code of Practice and the sites in Leitrim are deemed unsuitable for discharge of treated wastewater or effluent to ground.  He outlined  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.77.21

MM.78.21

Motion from Councillor Padraig Fallon - Tenant Purchase Scheme

I propose that this Local Authority ask the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the report into the tenant purchase scheme will be published, and if the issues relating to income from social welfare, and persons over the age of seventy, being allowed to purchase a Local Authority house will be addressed?

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Padraig Fallon;

 

"I propose that this Local Authority ask the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the report into the tenant purchase scheme will be published, and if the issues relating to income from social welfare, and persons over the age of seventy, being allowed to purchase a Local Authority house will be addressed?"

 

Councillor Padraig Fallon said he has had this motion before the Council previously and he has asked Deputy Kenny to again raise a  PQ by on this issue. 

 

Councillor Fallon proposed that this motion be circulated to all Local Authorities for support.

 

 On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Padraig Fallon

            SECONDED by Cllr. Mary Bohan

 

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council ask the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the report into the tenant purchase scheme will be published, and if the issues relating to income from social welfare, and persons over the age of seventy, being allowed to purchase a Local Authority house will be addressed?

 

MM.79.21

Motion from Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire- Presentations

I ask that consideration be given for presentations from both internal departments and external bodies/agencies to be made available to elected members through online meetings. For example, I suggest that a representative from GrowRemote.ie is invited to update councillors on the current opportunities open to all living in County Leitrim.

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire;

 

"I ask that consideration be given for presentations from both internal departments and external bodies/agencies to be made available to elected members through online meetings. For example, I suggest that a representative from GrowRemote.ie is invited to update councillors on the current opportunities open to all living in County Leitrim."

 

Report by Director of Services, Housing and Community, Corporate Services, Cultural and Emergency Services

 

"Presentations by both internal departments and external agencies or bodies are currently facilitated at both council and municipal district meetings. Internal departments typically make presentations to the members when strategic planning or policy documents are before the members for consideration and before public consultation takes place.

 

Delegations from external agencies or bodies are facilitated as requests are received and in consultation with the CPG, with presentations made in the past year either at plenary or municipal level by Local Link Transport, Coillte, ICBAN, Comhairle na nOg and, at this meeting, by National Broadband Ireland. 

 

With regard to the proposal to invite a representative from GrowRemote.ie to a future council meeting, an invitation will be issued in this regard."

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said that Grow Romote should be invited to update Members on the current jobs open to all living in the county and this needs to be highlighted by Leitrim County Council.  Councillor Armstrong McGuire outlined that there are 3,000 empty units in the County and this has to be addressed by owners and members.

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire welcomed the reply and said all presentations have been very beneficial.

 

Councillor Mary Bohan supported the motion.

MM.80.21

Motion from Councillor Felim Gurn- Purchase and develop Bank Branches

That this council calls on the Minister for Community and Rural Development Heather Humphreys TD and the Tanáiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD to consider a funding scheme through local authorities for active and experienced community groups with a proven track record in enterprise and community development to provide funding opportunities to negotiate with Bank of Ireland (and possible other Banks) to purchase and develop bank branches due to close in September 2021 into rural working office hubs and also maintain ATM services in our towns.

 

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Felim Gurn;

 

"That this council calls on the Minister for Community and Rural Development Heather Humphreys TD and the Tanáiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD to consider a funding scheme through local authorities for active and experienced community groups with a proven track record in enterprise and community development to provide funding opportunities to negotiate with Bank of Ireland (and possible other Banks) to purchase and develop bank branches due to close in September 2021 into rural working office hubs and also maintain ATM services in our towns."

 

Cllr Gurn proposed that a fund be set up for community groups to be able to purchase closed bank buildings.  Councillor Justin Warnock supported the motion and said some buildings will fall into dereliction and highlighted these would be good for remote working hubs.

 

Councillor Enda McGloin proposed that the Local Authority carry out a survey to see if people working from home would take up a desk in these locations. 

 

Councillor Des Guckian proposed that the banks must be compelled to invest in the community and hand these buildings over to the community.

 

 On the PROPOSAL of Cllr.Felim Gurn

            SECONDED by Cllr. Justin Warnock

 

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council call on the Minister for Community and Rural Development Heather Humphreys TD and the Tanáiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD to consider a funding scheme through local authorities for active and experienced community groups with a proven track record in enterprise and community development to provide funding opportunities to negotiate with Bank of Ireland (and possible other Banks) to purchase and develop bank branches due to close in September 2021 into rural working office hubs and also maintain ATM services in our towns.

MM.81.21

Motion from Councillor Sean McGowan - Housing Grant Scheme

That Leitrim County Council call on the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Minister Mr. Darragh O Brien, TD, to review the terms and conditions of the Housing Grant Scheme to allow Local Authorities to use discretion in awarding house repair grants for older people. Where an applicant has transferred ownership of their home over to one of their children, and they continue to live in their home for the rest of their days, that they would be entitled to apply for and receive grant approval for works on the merits of their own income.

 

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Sean McGowan;

 

"That Leitrim County Council call on the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Minister Mr. Darragh O Brien, TD, to review the terms and conditions of the Housing Grant Scheme to allow Local Authorities to use discretion in awarding house repair grants for older people. Where an applicant has transferred ownership of their home over to one of their children, and they continue to live in their home for the rest of their days, that they would be entitled to apply for and receive grant approval for works on the merits of their own income."

 

 

Councillor Sean McGowan proposed that the terms and conditions of the Housing Grant Scheme be reviewed to allow Local Authorities to use discretion in awarding house repair grants for older people.

 

Councillor Enda McGloin,  Councillor Paddy O’Rourke and Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr.Felim Gurn

            SECONDED by Cllr. Justin Warnock

 

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council call on the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Minister Mr. Darragh O Brien, TD, to review the terms and conditions of the Housing Grant Scheme to allow Local Authorities to use discretion in awarding house repair grants for older people. Where an applicant has transferred ownership of their home over to one of their children, and they continue to live in their home for the rest of their days, that they would be entitled to apply for and receive grant approval for works on the merits of their own income."

MM.82.21

Motion from Councillor Justin Warnock - Young Adults

The Covid pandemic has shown how vulnerable we are as a society, so therefore I will ask the elected members to support this motion to call on the Leaders of every political party and grouping in the Oireachtas to open the debate around Civic Engagement and National Service for our young adults, which would encompass a wide range of activities including community service, environmental service, training programmes including Civil Defence and Reserve Defence Forces.

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Justin Warnock;

 

"The Covid pandemic has shown how vulnerable we are as a society, so therefore I will ask the elected members to support this motion to call on the Leaders of every political party and grouping in the Oireachtas to open the debate around Civic Engagement and National Service for our young adults, which would encompass a wide range of activities including community service, environmental service, training programmes including Civil Defence and Reserve Defence Forces."

 

 

Councillor Justin Warnock said it is time to open a debate on Civic Engagement and National Service for young adults.  This would be a good opportunity for young people to get involved in community services.

 

Councillor Des Guckian said he could not support the motion as young people have enough to contend with and he queried who will pay for such a programme.

 

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn supported the motion and said it would be nice to encourage a community ethos in our youth and culture of giving back to their community.

 

Councillor Mary Bohan said it would be unfair to say young people are not involved in community groups.

 

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the motion and he appealed to parents to encourage their children to help neighbours, join the Reserve Defence Forces, Community Groups and the Civil Defence.

 

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Justin Warnock

            SECONDED by Cllr. Ita Reynolds Flynn

 

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council call on the Leaders of every political party and grouping in the Oireachtas to open the debate around Civic Engagement and National Service for our young adults, which would encompass a wide range of activities including community service, environmental service, training programmes including Civil Defence and Reserve Defence Forces.  The Covid pandemic has shown how vulnerable we are as a society.

MM.83.21

Motion from Councillor Caillian Ellis - Buying Sites outside Towns and Villages

I propose that Leitrim County Council would look at the possibility of buying sites outside our Towns and Villages and put in the essential services and then sell sites to people from that area who are not able to get planning permission elsewhere due to the stringent EPA guidelines, and thereby enable people to build a house of their choice.

 

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Caillian Ellis;

 

"I propose that Leitrim County Council would look at the possibility of buying sites outside our Towns and Villages and put in the essential services and then sell sites to people from that area who are not able to get planning permission elsewhere due to the stringent EPA guidelines, and thereby enable people to build a house of their choice."

 

Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.

 

"This issue will be included in the draft Development Plan but only in the context of being located at identified locations within / immediately contiguous to existing development centres serviced by the public drainage network. No such proposals will be considered in the open countryside as the same considerations which apply to an individual would equally apply to the Local Authority in relation to the servicing of such houses. As outlined in the response to Notice of Motion No. 12, a funding source would require to be identified and a Department in the Council identified to take responsibility for implementing such a programme."

 

 

Councillor Caillian Ellis referred to an initiative in Tipperary where serviced sites were made available for people to purchase. He also referred to the correspondence from Ballinaglera GAA regarding the lack of housing and the threat to local GAA clubs.  Councillor Caillian Ellis said his proposal would allow people who are unable to get planning permission due to the EPA code of Practice, to build their own houses. 

 

Councillor Mary Bohan supported the motion.

 

Mr Bernard Greene, Senior Planner said the Executive support this and the Local Authority are aware of the Killsheelan , Co. Tipperary  development referred to.  Mr Greene said the development referred to was not a ribbon development but was on a road within a village.   Mr Greene outlined that  Councillor Sean McDermott has raised a  similar proposal in relation to Glenfarne.  The issue will be considered in the Draft County Development Plan and will support revitalisation of our smaller areas within our communities. 

MM.84.21

Motion from Councillor Paddy Farrell - REAP Scheme

I call on Leitrim County Council to write to Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue TD, to put more resources into the new REAP scheme, as a lot of farmers are coming out of GLAS and the AEOS.  Without additional resources allocated, these applicants will be left in limbo with no support.

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Paddy Farrell;

 

"I call on Leitrim County Council to write to Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue TD, to put more resources into the new REAP scheme, as a lot of farmers are coming out of GLAS and the AEOS.  Without additional resources allocated, these applicants will be left in limbo with no support."

 

Councillor Paddy Farrell outlined that he had received a lot of representations in this regard over the last 2 weeks and stated that there needs to be more thought and funding put into this scheme.

 

Councillors Justin Warnock, Paddy O’Rourke, Frank Dolan, Brendan Barry, Des Guckian and Sean McGowan expressed their support for the motion.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Paddy Farrell

            SECONDED by Cllr. Justin Warnock

 

It was AGREED that  Leitrim County Council write to Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue TD, to put more resources into the new REAP scheme, as a lot of farmers are coming out of GLAS and the AEOS.  Without additional resources allocated, these applicants will be left in limbo with no support.

MM.85.21

Motion from Councillor Frank Dolan - Wind Farms

I propose that we as a Council seriously consider in the new development plan what is acceptable in relation to wind farms.The latest proposals coming forward for wind turbines is that of enormous height and proximity to family homes is also of concern to the general public. While wind energy may be necessary going forward how it is done must be considered.

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Frank Dolan;

 

"I propose that we as a Council seriously consider in the new development plan what is acceptable in relation to wind farms.  The latest proposals coming forward for wind turbines is that of enormous height and proximity to family homes is also of concern to the general public. While wind energy may be necessary going forward how it is done must be considered."

 

Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.

 

"The Elected Members will be afforded an opportunity to consider the draft Development Plan for a period of up to 8 weeks once submitted to them by the Chief Executive. This will include the Renewable Energy Strategy and in particular, the proposed policy in relation to siting and location of wind farms. The policy must have regard to the Wind Energy Guidelines (2006) to ensure Ireland meets its national reductions in energy and greenhouse gas emissions targets.

 

The Council are aware from previous presentations on the draft County Development Plan that a draft of revised Wind Energy Guidelines was published in December 2019. These includes minimum separation distances which include regard to the height of the structures (minimum 500 metre separation distance or 4 times the tip height of the turbine). The Departments are in the process of preparing finalised guidelines having undertaken detailed consideration and analysis of the 500 no. submissions received. The draft Development Plan will also have regard to these revised Guidelines."

 

 

Councillor Frank Dolan outlined that he has received a lot of correspondence over the last few months expressing serious concerns in relation to wind farms. He highlighted that there are a lot of objections regarding the siting of windfarms at enormous heights and their proximity to family homes.

 

Councillor Sean McDermott supported the motion and said wind farms are far too large and they are having an impact on the skyline and the environment.  Councillor McDermott acknowledged that the development of wind energy has to be considered.

 

Councillor Felim Gurn said wind energy should be put out at sea and a debate should take place around this.

 

Councillor Justin Warnock said he was totally opposed to any more windfarms outlining that there is no consideration given to local people and technology should be used to develop wave energy.

 

Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion and said a total ban on further windfarms should be put in the County Development Plan and they should be located off the coast where they are not interfering with anyone.

 

Councillor Padraig Fallon supported the motion and proposed that contact is made with other authorities to give an idea of what they are doing in this regard. Councillor Fallon said he was not opposed to wind farms as a number of local families will benefit from them.   However, he didn’t want to see the county littered with them and proper consultation needs to take place.

 

Councillor Enda McGloin outlined the need to  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.85.21

MM.86.21

Motion from Councillor Brendan Barry - Pre Planning Meetings

I request Leitrim County Council do what it can within its control to help people get planning permission. It would be very helpful if the Council facilitated pre-planning meetings at the site of proposed developments. By having the Planner, Architect, and applicant onsite, everyone should have a clearer understanding of the outcome each person wants to achieve at the end of the meeting. This could help streamline planning applications, make the process less costly on the applicant and improve the success rate of planning applications. We need to change the perception that people can’t get planning permission in County Leitrim.

 

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Brendan Barry;

 

"I request Leitrim County Council do what it can within its control to help people get planning permission. It would be very helpful if the Council facilitated pre-planning meetings at the site of proposed developments. By having the Planner, Architect, and applicant onsite, everyone should have a clearer understanding of the outcome each person wants to achieve at the end of the meeting. This could help streamline planning applications, make the process less costly on the applicant and improve the success rate of planning applications. We need to change the perception that people can’t get planning permission in County Leitrim."

 

Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.

 

"Leitrim County Council provides an effective pre planning service within the resources of a small and busy Planning Authority. As outlined to Cllr. Barry in a similar Notice of Motion at the May meeting in 2020, the purpose of pre planning consultations is to afford the opportunity to an applicant intending to apply for planning permission, to seek advice from the Planning Authority on the proposed development. Pre planning consultations are provided for under the Planning legislation, specifically Section 247 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended.

 

In any consultations, the Planning Authority is obliged to advise the potential applicant concerned of the procedures involved in considering a planning application, including any requirements of the permission regulations, and shall, as far as possible, indicate the relevant objectives of the Development Plan which may have a bearing on the decision of the Planning Authority. This is the extent of service to be provided by the planning legislation.

 

The planners in Leitrim County Council who deal with the assessment of planning applications extend this general advice by visiting the proposed site in advance of any such meeting (where possible and if deemed necessary) co-ordinated with other required site inspections, to advise on the general suitability of the site, submitted design, etc. However, it is not a requirement of the legislation to do so. Any advice given are given in good faith and cannot predetermine the Planning Authority in their assessment and decision of the resultant application. When the advice that is given is acted upon, this results in better success through the planning application process. However, on many occasions, the advice is ignored which then requires issues raised at preplanning becoming the subject of a Further Information request. However, the responsibility for the design and presentation of a planning application is a matter for the applicant and their appointed agent (if any) while the primary role of the Planning Authority is the independent assessment of and decision on the application as presented.

 

The holding of such suggested meetings would therefore be outside the normal provisions of the Planning Acts in regard to pre planning and as such would undermine the fact that project design is a matter for the applicant and not the Planning Authority. In  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.86.21

MM.87.21

Motion from Councillor Mary Bohan - Home Improvement Grants for Town and Rural Houses

I propose that Leitrim County Council call on the Government to introduce a scheme of home improvement grants for town and rural houses. This would revitalise our towns and villages and assist those in the rural areas.

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Cllr Mary Bohan;

 

"I propose that Leitrim County Council call on the Government to introduce a scheme of home improvement grants for town and rural houses.

This would revitalise our towns and villages and assist those in the rural areas."

 

 

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Bohan said most of our towns and villages have a number of vacant premises and to bring theses Towns and Villages back to life either a tax incentive or a straight grant should be introduced and it should also apply to rural areas to renovate houses.

 

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the motion and referred to an announcement last week from Minister Humphrey of €15 million to revitalise Towns and Villages. Cllr Enda McGloin outlined that  people who have property and access to money should consider engaging with this scheme on a pilot basis.

 

Councillor Justin Warnock referred to the level of vacant properties in North Leitrim and in the context of a national housing crisis he did not agree that with a pilot basis.

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire outlined the need for reducing the carbon footprint highlighting that there are buildings ready to be lived in and it is important to take this on board in our county.

 

Councillor Felim Gurn said it is important to bring businesses back into our Main Streets and bring the towns and villages back to life.

 

Councillor Des Guckian said he could not support the motion outright as speculators will not invest in schemes to renovate houses .

 

Councillors Sean McGowan and Paddy Farrell also supported the motion.

 

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Bohan outlined her view that a home improvement grant should be made available to owners of  town and rural houses in order to renovate those properties.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

            SECONDED by Cllr. Enda McGloin

 

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council call on the Government to introduce a scheme of home improvement grants for town and rural houses. This would revitalise our towns and villages and assist those in the rural areas.

MM.88.21

Motion from Councillor Enda Stenson - Road Works Schedule

With 4 months of our Road works schedule lost to COVID19, will Leitrim County Council be allowed employ extra staff to try and complete the works program for 2021, or will outside contractors be employed to do this work?

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Enda Stenson;

 

"With 4 months of our Road works schedule lost to COVID19, will Leitrim County Council be allowed employ extra staff to try and complete the works program for 2021, or will outside contractors be employed to do this work?"

 

Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.

 

"Leitrim County Council will be making every effort possible to deliver the roadworks program within the available timescale.  The program is carried out each year with a combination of both Direct Labour works and Contractor works, and this is the case in the current year. In regard to seasonal roads staff, we currently have temporary staff employed on the roadworks program and are in the process of recruiting some additional temporary staff."

 

 

Councillor Thomas Mulligan moved this motion as Councillor Enda Stenson had to leave the meeting.

MM.89.21

Motion from Councillor Gerry Dolan - Afforestation and Felling Licences

As Leitrim has over 32,000 hectares of conifer plantations and the fact that there have been 8 substantial forest fires in the last 10 years, I ask Leitrim County Council to write to the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to make it compulsory that fire breaks are installed when granting afforestation and felling licences, to protect people, property and the fire service employees.

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Gerry Dolan;

 

"As Leitrim has over 32,000 hectares of conifer plantations and the fact that there have been 8 substantial forest fires in the last 10 years, I ask Leitrim County Council to write to the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to make it compulsory that fire breaks are installed when granting afforestation and felling licences, to protect people, property and the fire service employees."

 

Councillor Justin Warnock moved Councillor Gerry Dolan’s motion as he was not in attendance.

MM.90.21

Motion from Councillor Paddy O'Rourke - Decentralisation Government Departments to provincial towns

I propose that Leitrim County Council ask the Minister for Community and Rural Development what plans are there, if any, at Governmental level to investigate opportunities to Decentralise Government Departments to provincial towns. If the pandemic has done anything for us, it has proven that a great number of jobs are doable from towns in Rural Ireland. For this reason, along with the benefits of reducing road traffic and congestion, surely the Government must consider a Decentralisation Programme at this time.

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Paddy O'Rourke;

 

"I propose that Leitrim County Council ask the Minister for Community and Rural Development what plans are there, if any, at Governmental level to investigate opportunities to Decentralise Government Departments to provincial towns. If the pandemic has done anything for us, it has proven that a great number of jobs are doable from towns in Rural Ireland. For this reason, along with the benefits of reducing road traffic and congestion, surely the Government must consider a Decentralisation Programme at this time."

 

 

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people who previously commuted to work are now working from home.  Councillor Paddy O’ Rourke proposed that Leitrim County Council find out what plans are in place at Government level for a Decentralisation programme as such a programme would have many advantages and Leitrim is well suited, ready for it and would welcome it.

 

Councillor Justin Warnock supported the motion outlining that there is a big shift to rural areas and this will have a positive impact on rural communities.

 

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the motion and pointed out that the Minister with responsibility for this remit is the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.  Councillor Enda McGloin outlined  that an audit should be carried out among civil servants to ascertain where they are and where they want to relocate to under such a programme.

 

Councillor Des Guckian said this will not be a success and the last decentralisation programme was a failure.

 

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said it was not a failure.  He has spoken to people who availed of the programme and the quality of their lives has improved and it has given a better chance to their children.

 

Councillor Paddy Farrell and Councillor Felim Gurn supported the motion.

 

Councillor Des Guckian said under the last programme, people were forced into the programme by authorities, no real consultation took place and it was wrong.

 

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Paddy O’Rourke

            SECONDED by Cllr. Justin Warnock

 

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform what plans are there, if any, at Governmental level to investigate opportunities to Decentralise Government Departments to provincial towns. If the pandemic has done anything for us, it has proven that a great number of jobs are doable from towns in Rural Ireland. For this reason, along with the benefits of reducing road traffic and congestion, surely the Government must consider a Decentralisation Programme at this time.

MM.91.21

Any Other Business

Minutes:

Cathaoirleach Councillor Mary Bohan paid tribute to Councillor Paddy O’Rourke on his recent successful fundraising campaign for North West Hospice.

 

Mr Terry McGovern, A/Senior Engineer advised that a joint meeting of members from Carrick-on Shannon Area in Leitrim and members from Boyle Area in Roscommon will take place on 19th May 2021 at 11 am in relation to the draft route for the N4 Carrick-on-Shannon to Dromod Project.