Agenda and minutes

Cathaoirleach, Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn, proposed that agenda item no. 1 (consider Draft Budget) and agenda item no. 2 (consider ARV) be taken as one item as both are mutually dependant on each other.

This was agreed to by the members.

In calling on the CE, Mr. Lar Power to introduce the Draft Budget, the Cathaoirleach congratulated the Executive on recently securing €10 million of investment for two projects, Carrick Business Campus and Drumshanbo Food Hub, through the Rural Regeneration and Development fund administered by the Dept. Rural and Community Development.

In introducing the Draft Budget to the members, the Chief Executive, Mr Lar Power, outlined the following:

·                Inflation poses a significant challenge to the current operating environment

·                There is a degree of uncertainty due to increasing energy costs

·                The Local Authority has secured additional support from Government to assist with inflationary costs

·                The Government has recently provided an €11 billion support package for households and business to stem cost of living crisis

·                The draft Budget has been prepared in the context of these supports

·                The 2023 Draft Budget shows 5% increase on Local Roads expenditure

·                An additional allocation of €25,000 has been included towards river drainage on foot of members representations

·                The Capital Programme is ambitious and promotes the growth of the County with a     local contribution required of in excess of €25 million

·                The Budget book outlies the key deliverables for 2023

·                In keeping with the Section 102 of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended), the budget has been presented to the Corporate Policy Group, who have considered and endorsed it.

·                Mr Vincent Dwyer presented an overview of the budget detailing the expenditure provisions under each programme group heading. In the overall context he advised the members that the Government have provided additional funding to cover the costs associated with incremental pay increases and energy cost increases.

Housing & Building

·                Expenditure on Housing Maintenance will increase by 5%

·                Grant Works on Housing and Energy Efficiency works are projected to increase in 2023

·                The Budget shows a projected increase in Housing Grants which are 90% funded by Government.

·                Current and projected building schemes are reflected in the Capital Works Programme. Government have provided additional funding to support the Housing for All Programme.

The members raised the following queries in relation to the Housing & Building service division.

·                More money should be spent on homelessness as there is “quite a lot of homelessness in the county”

·                More money needs to be made available for Service A06 – Support to the Capital Programme

·                What grants are available in the county for persons that buy homes in need of refurbishment

·                Can the needs of persons with disabilities be considered as new builds are being designed

·                Does the council expect an increase in Housing Loan applications

·                Is the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) funding sufficient.

·                What was the level of activity regarding Housing Grants in 2022.

Ms Mary Quinn, Director of Services replied to the queries as follows:

·                The Local Authority received 107 Housing Grant  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.158.22

Proposed by Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn seconded by Councillor Justin Warnock AND RESOLVED

“That Leitrim County Council hereby determines in accordance with the Budget as proposed and adopted by the Members, the Annual Rate on Valuation to be levied for the several purposes specified in the Budget for the financial year ending 31^st December 2023. The Annual Rate on Valuation determined was 0.2354”.

Mr. Lar Power referred to the Capital Works Programme 2023-2028, as circulated to the Members.

·                Councillor Justin Warnock sought an update on the delivery date for Lennox bridge

·                Councillor Justin Warnock praised the Tullaghan Access to the Sea project that has been completed in the past year.

·                Councillor Justin Warnock queried the possibility of capital works in Kinlough.

·                Councillor Sean McDermott highlighted that North Leitrim is included in the Failte Ireland Hidden Heartlands promotional area and asked that a greater promotional focus be given to this area of the county.

·                Cllr Mary Bohan paid tribute to the amount of work carried out by community groups and highlighted that community groups working with the staff of Leitrim County Council have made it possible to draw down significant amounts of government funding. These comments were supported by Cllr Frank Dolan

·                Cllr Sean McGowan welcomed the significant €10 million investment of RRDF funding that was announced for the Carrick Business Campus and the Drumshanbo Food Hub last week. He congratulated the CE, Mr. Lar Power and the Executive on securing this investment. These comments were supported by Cllrs Armstrong McGuire and Stenson.

·                Cllr Enda McGloin welcomed the funding investment of €2.8 million for the expansion of the Food Hub in Drumshanbo.

Mr. Terry McGovern advised that a public consultation is currently underway in respect of the Lennox Bridge project. The project is being progressed as quickly as possible.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly advised that the Capital Works Programme shows provision for a €2m capital investment in Kinlough. The Local Authority will work with the community to develop, design, plan and complete a project that has the support of the  community. 

Mr Joseph Gilhooly advised that in terms of Tourism, all of the county is promoted on an equal basis. The Council are engaging with stakeholders including representatives from North Leitrim in the creation of the Destination Experience Plan that is being prepared in conjunction with Failte Ireland. Mr Gilhooly acknowledged the contribution made by community groups.

The Capital Works programme was noted by the members.

The Members extended a vote of sympathy to the following:

·                Cllr Gerry Dolan, Cornashamsogue, Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim on the death of his sister.