Agenda and minutes

The Members extended a vote of sympathy to the following:

·       Sarah O’Brien & Family, 38 The Acres, Dromahair on the death of Colm O’Brien, RIP

·       Elsie McWeeney & Family, Carrick Road, Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim on the death of Shane McWeeney, RIP

·       Margaret McWeeney & Family, Miskawn, Ballinamore on the death of Seamus McWeeney, RIP

·       Des & Josephine Donegan & Family, Drumreilly on the death of Aoife Donegan Kennedy, RIP

·       Martin McCartin, Drumcannon, Carrigallen on the death of the late Hugh and Joe McCartin, RIP

·       The Family of the late Moira Tiernan, Annaghmaconway, Cloone

·       Terri Donegan, Carrigallen on the death of Thomas Doonan, RIP

·       Josie Quinn & Family, Drumlonan, Ballinamore on the death of Louis Quinn, RIP

·       Molly Richardson & Family, Druminshingore, Newtowngore on the death of Norman Richardson, RIP

·       The Family of the late Noel McGowan, Clooncarne, Bornacoola

·       The Family of the late Andrew Mitchell, Derrinever, Derradda, Ballinamore

·       The Family of the late Nora Shanley, Drumard, Dromod, Co Leitrim

·       Margaret Colreavy, Cattan, Mohill on the death of Philomena Colreavy, RIP

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Cllr. Caillian Ellis

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of 10^th January 2022

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean McDermott

              SECONDED by Cllr Finola Armstrong McGuire

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the special meeting of 24th January 2022

The 2021 Rate Demands issued on 23^rd February 2021 to a total of 1,099 customers at a value of €6,392,661. The Local Government (Financial Procedures and Audit) Number 2 Regulations, 2014 provide that a Rating Authority on completion of the Schedules of Uncollected Rates at the end of each financial year submits a report to the members of the Local Authority.

As part of the Governments response to Covid-19, the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage provided funding for a Commercial Rates Waivers for the first, second and third quarters of 2021. In recognition of the ongoing impact that COVID19 was having on businesses, an additional more targeted commercial rates waiver was announced in October 2021 and was applied to specified businesses for the 4^th quarter of 2021. A total of €1,326,080 as a ‘credit-in-lieu’ of rates was applied to 505 customer accounts in 2021 under the Rates Waiver Scheme.

The report was noted by the Members.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructural Services outlined that the aim of the plan which is the first Biodiversity Action Plan for County Leitrim is to guide local communities and stakeholders in their efforts to protect, enhance, promote and learn about our biodiversity (natural heritage) and maximise the benefits of nature for the people of County Leitrim. The plan is not intended to be a static document but rather to be reviewed and updated over its lifetime. While some actions are more complex than others, the input of communities, agencies and organisations is key to its delivery and implementation.  Actions are focused on being achievable and realistic within the timeframe of the plan.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Finola Armstrong McGuire

            SECONDED by Cllr. Justin Warnock

It was AGREED to adopt the Leitrim Biodiversity Action Plan.

Report dated 1st February 2022, as circulated to the Members, appears as Appendix 1 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book.

Councillor Mary Bohan welcomed the JPC report.

Cllr Bohan condemned the attack that occurred recently where a member of An Garda Siochana was taken from his car and assaulted. Councillor Bohan supported the call from the Garda Representatives Association to ensure that more than one Garda is on patrol at a time, especially at night. Councillors Ellis, Warnock, Gurn, Armstrong McGuire and Fallon supported the proposal. 

Councillor Caillian Ellis highlighted that the Garda Station in Ballinamore is frequently closed and proposed that the matter is raised at the next JPC meeting and additional opening hours sought.

The members also discussed the policing issues around the Leitrim/Cavan border, garda station opening hours and highlighted that this area is now patrolled by officers from the Cavan Garda District.

Councillor Enda McGloin outlined as Chairperson of the Joint Policing Committee the points discussed will be highlighted at the next Joint Policing Committee meeting in May.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke sought an update regarding the text alert system which enables communities to link up with neighbouring communities in other counties.  Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said such a pilot scheme is currently in place in County Monaghan and a similar scheme should be available in Leitrim.

Ms Mary Quinn advised that an application for funding for a County Wide Alert System has recently been approved and the system will now be progressed and members will be informed of progress in due course.

The Management Reports for December 2021 and January 2022 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. 

The monthly management reports were noted by Members.

Under Section 138(1) of the Local Government Act, 2001

Mr Joseph Gilhooly informed members that under the 2021 Town & Village Scheme Leitrim County Council have received funding with a cumulative value of €1,102,167 million which has a potential match fund requirement for the local authority which will be less than €100,000 and he also advised that there will be a community contribution on some projects.

Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed the funding for the revitalisation of our rural towns and villages.  Councillor Thomas Mulligan welcomed the allocation and particularly the allocation of €500, 000 for Mohill and he paid tribute to the staff of Leitrim County Council for all their assistance in this regard.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Caillian Ellis

             SECONDED by Cllr Finola Armstrong McGuire

It was AGREED that the attendance of Cllr Paddy Farrell, Cllr Sean McGowan, Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn, Cllr Sean McDermott, Cllr Frank Dolan, Cllr Padraig Fallon, Cllr Enda Stenson, Cllr Paddy O’Rourke, Cllr Mary Bohan and Cllr Enda McGloin a the AILG Annual Conference on the 23^rd March to 24^th March 2022 in the Inisowen Gateway Hotel, Buncranna, Co Donegal be approved.

It was AGREED that the attendance of Cllr Padraig Fallon, Clr Justin Warnock,

Cllr Sean McGowan, Cllr Mary Bohan, Cllr Caillian Ellis, Clllr Enda Stenson, Cllr Paddy O’Rourke, Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn, Cllr Sean McDermott and Cllr Frank Dolan at the LAMA Spring Seminar on the 11^th April 2022 to 12^th April 2022 in the Hotel Kilkenny, College Road, Kilkenny be approved.

It was AGREED that the attendance of Cllr Justin Warnock, Cllr Paddy Farrell, Cllr Sean McGowan and Cllr Finola Armstrong McGuire at the “Rural Regeneration Post Pandemic: The Challenges and Opportunities to Unlocking our Potential“ on the 27^th to 28^th April 2022 in Abbey Hotel, Co Roscommon by approved.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean McGowan

            SECONDED by Cllr Paddy Farrell

It was AGREED that the attendance of Cllr Frank Dolan, Cllr Paddy O’Rourke, Cllr Caillian Ellis, Cllr Sean McDermott, Cllr Thomas Mulligan and Cllr Enda McGloin at AILG Elected Member Training Programme Module 1 - Elected Members Personal Safety and Risk Assessment in the Sliver Springs Hotel, Clayton, Co Cork on the 19^th February 2022 be retrospectively approved.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Caillian Ellis

             SECONDED by Cllr Enda Stenson

It was AGREED that the attendance of Cllr Paddy Farrell and Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire at the AILG Elected Member Training Programme Module 1 – Elected Members Personal Safety and Risk Assessment in the Mullingar Park Hotel, Co Westmeath on the 17^th February 2022 be retrospectively approved.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean McDermott

             SECONDED by Cllr Frank Dolan

It was AGREED that the attendance of Cllr Enda McGloin at a delegation in the Oireachtas with Minister Humphrey and Minister Peter Burke on the 9^th February 2022 be retrospectively approved.

1.               January Newsletter from the County Leitrim Society of New York

2.               Email of 17^th January 2022 from Strategic Rail Review acknowledging receipt of submission from Leitrim County Council

3.               Email of 18^th January 2022 from Victor Boylan with report attached titled “Travelling in a Woman’s Shoes”.

4.               Letter from Sligo County Council of 18^th January 2022 regarding Strategic Rail review

5.               Email of 25^th January 2022 from the HSE in regard to resolution passed by Leitrim County Council regarding respite services

6.               Resolution from Sligo County Council dated 25^th January 2022 calling on the HSE and the Department of Health to end the practice of pursing patients including cancer patients with private commercial debt collection agencies.

7.               Resolution from Galway County Council dated 25^th January 2022 in regard to the Epilepsy Ireland Campaign.

8.               Email of 8^th February 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Health in relation to resolution passed by Leitrim County Council regarding Orthopaedic services for children with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus.

9.               Resolution from Cork County Council dated 24^th January 2022 calling for Special Parking Spaces at schools to be provided for persons with hidden disabilities.

10.            February Co Leitrim Society of New York Newsletter

11.            Email of 10^th February 2022 from the Office of the Minister of Housing regarding housing grants for derelict buildings.

12.            Resolution from Sligo County Council dated 11^th February 2022 regarding housing grants.

13.            Resolution from Sligo County Council dated 11^th February 2022 calling for Sligo Airport to be supported with Capital investment on a level playing field in line with funding given to other airports.

14.            Acknowledgement from An Taoiseach’s Office dated 15^th February 2022 on foot of resolution from Leitrim County Council in regard to state owned utilities or bodies.

15.            Resolution from Tipperary County Council dated 17^th February 2022 supporting the women of honour campaign within the defence forces.

16.            Letter of 24^th February 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports & Media regarding outdoor dining scheme funding.

17.            Resolution from Kerry County Council dated 28^th February 2022 calling on Minister Ryan to objecting to the Bill brought forward in relation to the granting of planning permission for LNG infrastructure in Ireland.

Playground in Gortletteragh

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn highlighted that Gortletteragh Community Group have been awarded funding of €62,000 for a playground, however the cost of insurance is prohibitive, and Leitrim County Council have come back with a cost element for the insurance from IPB which is not feasible for the community group to pay. Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn queried why any parent would have to pay for this service in Gortletteragh when it provided free elsewhere.

Councillors McGowan, Stenson, Ellis and Mulligan supported this issue, and a discussion took place amongst all the members concerning the difficulty community groups are experiencing in meeting insurance costs for important facilities such as playgrounds. Members noted  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.34.22

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke welcomed Eimear Moran, Brianna Faughnan and Avril Moran, representatives of Comhairle na nOg, to the meeting.  The Cathaoirleach also welcomed Emma McAleenan, Co-Ordinator of Comhairle na nOg, to the meeting.

A copy of the presentation delivered by the Comhairle na nOg members appears as Appendix 3 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book.

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke and the members unanimously paid tribute to the students and Emma McAleenan, Co-Ordinator of Comhairle na nOg for their presentation and acknowledged that the last 2 years of the pandemic have been very difficult for teenagers and young people.

In response to items raised by the Comhailre na nOg representatives, the members said that the provision of litter bins has been raised regularly and they appealed to the public not to put domestic waste in litter bins, as individuals that use litter bins properly are being punished through the removal of bins.  The members welcomed the Anti Littering Campaign by the schools. Members asked the students how the pandemic had affected them and do they want the facilities they referred to in their presentation supervised or not.

The students responded as follows

Ø  The Pandemic was difficult for everyone

Ø  Opportunity to socialise with friends in rural areas was very limited and was a massive problem

Ø  Online studying was tedious

Ø  Difficult to be a home all the time

Ø  No suitable area in towns and villages for the 12 – 18 age group to social

Students said they would like to see the following addressed

Ø  Picnic benches provided– with a similar covering as on the Market Yard in Carrick-on-Shannon but without walls so as to avoid graffiti.

Ø  No supervision necessary as they felt the 12-18 age group could look after themselves.

The Members asked the students to continue to engage with them and they acknowledged that it is important that Leitrim County Council continue to provide facilities, shelter, and have a nice recreational area where all age groups can mix and converse.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr O’Rourke asked the students to use their influence to get every family to complete their census forms on the night of 3^rd April because if people don’t provide the details where they live, work etc it is very difficult for Government and Local Authorities to determine what services/facilities to provide for people.

I call on Leitrim County Council to appoint a member of staff from the Community section to liaise directly with Rural Link to ensure that citizens of this county get information through the Local Authority for this really good transport service and that we continue to assist in providing bus stops and other infrastructure necessary to enhance and promote rural transport in Leitrim.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to appoint a member of staff from the Community section to liaise directly with Rural Link to ensure that citizens of this county get information through the Local Authority for this really good transport service and that we continue to assist in providing bus stops and other infrastructure necessary to enhance and promote rural transport in Leitrim."

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

"Leitrim County Council's Community Department liaises on an ongoing basis with Local Link through their involvement with the Age friendly Alliance. These arrangements can be reviewed and strengthened to ensure that the citizens of this county are aware of all transport services available to them."

Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed the reply received in this regard and he acknowledged that the Rural link service has strengthened in the last few months.  Councillor McGloin acknowledged the provision of  bus stops and he proposed that more be put in place.  Councillor Enda McGloin proposed that Leitrim County Council use their social media platforms to publicise the service.

Councillor Mary Bohan supported the motion and said it was a fantastic service and she noted many young people are using the service and it is a great benefit to students who are being dropped off at the IT College in Sligo especially when accommodations costs are so high.

The motion was also supported by Cllrs Stenson, McDermott, Gurn, McGowan, Warnock and Fallon. 

I propose that Leitrim County Council call on the Junior Minister Hildegarde Naughton TD, to reverse her decision to close the walk in service in the local NDLS office in Carrick on Shannon.  This service was closed temporarily during the COVID lockdown and is now only available online.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke proposed that Motion No. 13 in the name of Councillor Mary Bohan and Motion No. 16 in the name of Councillor Padraig Fallon be taken concurrently as they relation to the same issue.  The members agreed to this.

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

"I propose that Leitrim County Council call on the Junior Minister Hildegarde Naughton TD, to reverse her decision to close the walk-in service in the local NDLS office in Carrick on Shannon.  This service was closed temporarily during the COVID lockdown and is now only available online."

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

"I propose that this Local Authority write to Ministers Eamon Ryan & Hildegarde Naughten seeking a reversal of the downgrading of all National Driving Licence Service (NDLS) offices, including our own here in Leitrim."

Councillor Mary Bohan criticised the manner in which the services had been moved online and the proposal not to re-open the offices. Councillor Bohan re-iterated that not everyone uses online services and she said the requirement now for verification through a MyGovID Account is also a problem for those who do not have one. Councillor Bohan called for the walk-in service in Carrick-on-Shannon to be restored.

Councillor Padraig Fallon said the walk-in service was readily available and had been easy to use. He said there are additional problems processing payments, as now renewals must be paid for by Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay or Apple Pay.  Councillor Fallon said cash, postal order or cheque are no longer being accepted and he asked that the method of payment is also revisited.

On the Proposal of Councillor Mary Bohan

             Seconded by Councillor Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council call on the Junior Minister Hildegarde Naughton TD, to reverse her decision to close the walk-in service in the local NDLS office in Carrick on Shannon.  This service was closed temporarily during the COVID lockdown and is now only available online.

It was AGREED that this Local Authority write to Ministers Eamon Ryan & Hildegarde Naughten seeking a reversal of the downgrading of all National Driving Licence Service (NDLS) offices, including our own here in Leitrim

I am calling National Broadband Ireland to give an update on what areas of County Leitrim are going to get proper broadband coverage in 2022 and how long the rest of the County will have to wait for this vital service.

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

"I am calling National Broadband Ireland to give an update on what areas of County Leitrim are going to get proper broadband coverage in 2022 and how long the rest of the County will have to wait for this vital service."

Councillor Sean McGowan said the provision of broadband is vital for Leitrim and he sought an update on what areas of County Leitrim are going to get proper broadband coverage in 2022 and sought an up to date map in this regard.

Councillor Mary Bohan said there should be someone here to update the members and she highlighted that there is no broadband in the village of Drumkeerin for businesses, but it is available on the outskirts of Drumkeerin.  Cllr Bohan said the Enterprise Units and school in Drumkeeran are not connected.

Councillor Sean McGowan proposed that a representative from National Broadband Irleand be invited to come to the next full Council meeting.

The members expressed their dissatisfaction with the roll out of broadband service in the County.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said this is a very fragmented scenario and it is important that we get the right people to a future meeting.

On the Proposal of Councillor Sean McGowan

             Seconded by Councillor Mary Bohan

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council call on National Broadband Ireland to give an update on what areas of County Leitrim are going to get proper broadband coverage in 2022 and how long the rest of the County will have to wait for this vital service.

That we ask the CEO , Mr Power, to outline, in detail, how he and his staff now propose to “fill in” town centres like Carrick-on-Shannon, Mohill etc without interfering with the constitutional rights of owners of property. Is it proposed to use CPOs to force ways through properties where the owners do not wish to sell?. What legal rights can these reluctant owners use to defend their rights to their properties.

In the absence of Councillor Des Guckian his motion was not moved by any other member as required by Standing Order 23, and in keeping with Standing Order 23, it was dropped.

Standing Order 23: “A motion, notice of which stands in the agenda and which has been proposed and seconded, may be withdrawn only on leave obtained from a majority of the Council present at the meeting at the request of the member concerned. A motion may either be proposed by the member in whose name it stands or if he or she be absent, by any member authorised by him or her in writing to propose it on his or her behalf, but unless so proposed, and in the absence of a request in writing from the member in whose name it stands to postpone it, the motion shall be dropped and shall not again be set down in the Notice Paper except on fresh notice. A motion or an amendment when not seconded is dropped.”

I ask if the Council has made any progress engaging with the Government Departments regarding the harvesting of rainwater for domestic purposes other than drinking water.

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

"I ask if the Council has made any progress engaging with the Government Departments regarding the harvesting of rainwater for domestic purposes other than drinking water."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"The Council is not aware of any national funding streams or initiatives regarding the harvesting of rainwater but will refer the matter in a domestic context to Irish Water."

Councillor Sean McDermott noting the reply stated that water is very precious and there should be a  plan in place in this regard.

Councillors Bohan and O’Rourke supported the motion.

With the national debt at €236.3 billion, which equates to €47,144 for every man, woman and child in this country, I ask this Council to write to An Taoiseach, Micheal Martin TD, to consider introducing a wealth tax for the millionaires, and billionaires, who reside here or those who have large amounts of assets and creating further wealth and reside abroad.

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

"With the national debt at €236.3 billion, which equates to €47,144 for every man, woman and child in this country, I ask this Council to write to An Taoiseach, Micheal Martin TD, to consider introducing a wealth tax for the millionaires, and billionaires, who reside here or those who have large amounts of assets and creating further wealth and reside abroad."

In speaking on his motion, Councillor Justin Warnock said children born today are going to be targeted with this debt and this issue needs to be addressed.

Councillors Farrell, Barry and Gurn supported the motion.

Councillor Enda Mc Gloin said he would not agree with the motion, outlining his view that enterprise has to be rewarded as it leads to the creation of jobs in the economy and there is already a very progressive tax system in place.

Councillor Mary Bohan said everyone in the country should all pay their fair share of tax, and it is very important that we are careful with the choice of language used.  Councillor Bohan acknowledged that the tax system is high, but it is unfair to discriminate against wealthy individuals by the introduction of a wealth tax.  Councillor Mary Bohan proposed an amendment to the motion as follows: That Leitrim County Council call on Government leaders and leaders of Political Parties to ensure that everyone pays their fair share of tax and investigate if there are existing tax loopholes where people are not paying their fair share.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the proposed amendment.

Councillor Justin Warnock said he would not agree with this amendment to his motion, As his motion was proposed and seconded he sought leave from the members to withdraw his motion. The majority of the members agreed to his request and so the motion was withdrawn.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said as the motion has been withdrawn by Councillor Justin Warnock the proposed amendment to the motion is dropped in accordance with Standing Orders.

I call on Leitrim County Council to send a urgent message to the Government to prevent the wipe-out of family farms. Support is urgently needed due to rising input costs, creating severe problems for farmers.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to send a urgent message to the Government to prevent the wipe-out of family farms. Support is urgently needed due to rising input costs, creating severe problems for farmers."

Councillor Paddy Farrell said support is needed for farmers with the rising input costs of diesel, fertiliser and feedstuffs all of which are putting significant pressure on farmers. A crisis exists in farming now and needs to be addressed.

Councillors Warnock, Gurn, Fallon, McDermott, Bohan, McGowan, Barry and O’Rourke supported the motion.

On the Proposal of Councillor Paddy Farrell

             Seconded by Councillor Justin Warnock

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council to send an urgent message to the Government to prevent the wipe-out of family farms. Support is urgently needed due to rising input costs, creating severe problems for farmers.

I ask that Leitrim County Council contact the HSE with a view to establishing categorically that the necessary property owned here in Carrick on Shannon by them will be made available for the provision of a Respite Centre to meet the needs of people with disability. The provision of such facilities is an absolute necessity and long overdue. 

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

"I ask that Leitrim County Council contact the HSE with a view to establishing categorically that the necessary property owned here in Carrick on Shannon by them will be made available for the provision of a Respite Centre to meet the needs of people with disability. The provision of such facilities is an absolute necessity and long overdue."

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said there is a property at St Patrick’s Hospital in Carrick-on-Shannon that would lend itself suitable for this centre given the population of South Leitrim and he asked if the HSE will make a firm commitment that it is made available for the provision of a respite centre.

Councillors Bohan and Reynolds Flynn supported the motion.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke expressed his disappointment with the correspondence, received from the HSE on foot of previous resolutions from Leitrim County Council, that states that adequate respite services are currently being provided for in the County.

Councillor Brendan Barry also supported the motion and proposed that a letter issue to Minister Anne Rabbitte to seek funding for this site.

On the Proposal of Councillor Paddy O’Rourke

             Seconded by Councillor Mary Bohan

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council contact the HSE with a view to establishing categorically that the necessary property owned here in Carrick on Shannon by them will be made available for the provision of a Respite Centre to meet the needs of people with disability. The provision of such facilities is an absolute necessity and long overdue.

I request that Leitrim County Council clearly define disabled parking places in our towns and villages with proper signage of white marking on a blue background and similar markings on the roadway. People are unknowingly or otherwise using disabled parking spaces without having a badge. The roadway needs to be blue so there can be no doubt that it is a disabled parking space.

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

"I request that Leitrim County Council clearly define disabled parking places in our towns and villages with proper signage of white marking on a blue background and similar markings on the roadway. People are unknowingly or otherwise using disabled parking spaces without having a badge. The roadway needs to be blue so there can be no doubt that it is a disabled parking space."

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

"As per the Traffic Signs Manual, parking bays for persons with disabilities should be indicated by the Disabled Persons’ Parking Bay Symbol, RRM 015, marked in white on the bay. This may be accompanied with an upright Disabled Persons’ Parking Information Sign and may have blue surfacing applied; however this is not mandatory. In Leitrim, parking bays are identified by the symbol and the sign and when we are re-surfacing, we complete the blue surfacing on such bays. At present approximately 50% of these bays have blue surfacing.  However, in the new ‘Urban Renewal Works’ area in Carrick on Shannon Town centre, whilst it is proposed to indicate these bays with the parking symbol, and the parking Information sign, it is not proposed to put the blue surfacing on the new brick paving."

Councillor Brendan Barry asked Leitrim County Council to clearly define disabled parking spaces as able-bodied people are using the disabled parking spaces as they are unsure whether it is a disabled parking space or not as they are not properly marked.

Councillor Mary Bohan supported the motion and said some spaces are well marked and some are not well marked.

Councillor Mary Bohan also remarked that people are parking on footpaths which is another issue.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire acknowledged that it is a pity to paint the new brick paving, but the disabled parking spaces need to be more clearly defined and signs need to be more visible as there are only 4 disabled parking spaces in the town and these need to be clearly signed.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said it is proposed to mark the parking spaces with the wheelchair parking symbol and appropriate signage. The Community Warden will resume parking operations in Carrick-on-Shannon shortly and the situation with disabled spaces will be monitored.

Councillor Padraig Fallon welcomed the marking of the spaces and he said he would like to see a plan on how these spaces will be monitored to ensure they are used by disabled drivers.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported this.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly outlined that  arrangements will be made for monitoring of the spaces when the Community Warden Service resumes operations in Carrick-on-Shannon and hopefully this will alleviate any issues for disabled drivers.  He also outlined the Council would liaise with An Garda Siochana in this regard.

Councillor Felim Gurn outlined he has been contacted by people asking what the Local Authority is doing concerning the humanitarian crisis arising from the war in Ukraine.   Councillor Gurn said this may be the opportunity to regenerate our towns and villages by putting vacant buildings and accommodation above businesses back into use as temporary accommodation for Ukrainian refugees.  Councillor Gurn said emergency planning legislation would be needed to deal with this.

Councillor Sean McDermott said that unused government properties such as closed garda stations could be converted into accommodation and he referred to the former Garda Station in his area that is serviced by a bus 8 times a day and people would not feel isolated.  The HSE also have a lot of unoccupied properties.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the proposal.

Councillor Mary Bohan queried how is this being co-ordinated from the Government.

Councillor Justin Warnock said a lot of the accommodation required in Ireland will be on a temporary basis as a lot of the women and kids that are arriving in Ireland have left their husbands back in Ukraine and will want to return to them

Ms Mary Quinn said Leitrim County Council have received communication from the Department, and an update will be provided to the members.  Ms Quinn advised the members that the Red Cross are the main point of contact in this situation.  Ms Quinn advised the Elected Members who have details or offers of vacant accommodation to forward details to the Housing Officer or herself.