Agenda and minutes

Councillor Sean McGowan proposed a vote of sympathy to Councillor Des Guckian and his family on the death of his wife Myra, and he proposed that the meeting be adjourned for 15 minutes as a mark of respect.  

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn on her own behalf, and on behalf of the Executive and staff, also extended her sympathy to the Cllr Des Guckian and the Guckian Family.

On the Proposal of Councillor Sean McGowan

             Seconded by Councillor Sean McDermott

It was AGREED Leitrim County Council adjourn the meeting for 15 minutes as a mark of respect to the late Myra Guckian wife of Councillor Des Guckian.

The meeting resumed at 11.25 am.

On the resumption of the meeting, Councillor Des Guckian thanked all Members for their expressions of sympathy.

The Members extended a vote of sympathy to the following:

·         Bernadette Moran, Cloonturk, Dromod on the death of Thomas Moran, R.I.P.

·         Liz Hellings, Grace Court, Dromod, Co Leitrim on the death of Jim Hellings, R.I.P.

·         Liana Smyth, Cloonboney, Mohill, Co Leitrim on the death of David Smyth, R.I.P

·         Vincent & Liz Faughnan, Fearnaught, Aughamore, Carrick-on-Shannon on the death of Andrew Faughnan, R.I.P.

·         Ciaran O’Brien, Shividullagh, Drumkeerin, Co Leitrim on the death of Kathleen O’Brien, R.I.P.

·         Patricia Foley, Mullross, Kilclare P.O., Carrick-on-Shannon on the death of Mary McNiff, R.I.P.

·         Maura Guckian & Family, Killahurk, Carrigallen on the death of Thomas Guckian R.I.P

·         Tommy Sheridan & Family, Druminchin, Carrigallen on the death of Margaret Sheridan, R.I.P.

·         Ward Family, Derrybrack, Annaduff on the death of Marie Ward, R.I.P.

·         Maura Fahy & Family, Curragh, Castlebar, Co Mayo on the death of Patrick Fahy, R.I.P.

·         Pat Joe Doonan, Gowel, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim on the death of Marian Doonan, R.I.P.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Cllr. Mary Bohan

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of 7th November 2022.

Councillor Brendan Barry proposed that the following amendment be made to minute no MM.143.22 to read as follows “Councillor Brendan Barry said he wouldn’t support controlling what property owners can do with their property. Cllr Barry said there should be a change brought about that speculators should be living within a certain distance from property they purchase in relation to forestry“.

The members agreed to this amendment.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Cllr. Sean McDermott

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of budget Meeting of the 14^th November 2022.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Cllr Thomas Mulligan

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council consent to the disposal of house 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:   Two-bedroom two-storey house located at 10 Hyde Terrace, Mohill Co, Leitrim.

The Consideration proposed in respect of the disposal:  The purchase price for the Disposal of the property is €58,000 (minus Leitrim County Council legal fees).

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr.Paddy Farrell

            SECONDED by Cllr. Sean McGowan

It was AGREED that raising of a loan of €1,500,000 from the Housing Finance Agency in accordance with Section 6 of the Local Government Act, 2001 for the purposes of financing housing loans, be approved.

Councillor Des Guckian queried the terms and duration of the loan.

Mr Vincent Dwyer advised that the terms of the scheme varies, an applicant can borrow up to €250,000, with 25 years being the normal duration of a loan.

The Draft Annual Service Delivery Plan, 2023 as circulated to the members appears as Appendix 1 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Mary Bohan

            SECONDED by Cllr. Sean McDermott

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council’s Annual Service Delivery Plan 2023 be adopted.

The progress report on the Corporate Plan as circulated to the Members appears as Appendix 2 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book.

The report was noted by the Members.

The draft Creative and Culture Strategy as circulated to the Members appears as Appendix 3 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Sean McDermott

            SECONDED by Cllr. Finola Armstrong McGuire

It was AGREED that the Creative and Culture Strategy be adopted.

Mr Pio Byrnes, Senior Executive Planner gave a presentation on the report from the Chief Executive on the draft Development Contribution Scheme.

Councillor Guckian outlined that he can’t see much evidence of Leitrim County Council supporting agricultural activity as stated in the scheme, as windfarms, developers and forestry companies seem to hold a lot more power than the local people.

Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed the scheme and said the incentives for developments within towns and the completion of unfinished housing estates are very positive changes.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke queried if the 50% reduction in development contributions on unfinished housing estates applies to situations where planning permission has expired on the original application, but a new application is submitted.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke sought clarification on contributions in relation to communication antennas.

Councillor Enda Stenson sought clarification if the scheme relates to Carrick on Shannon or is this separate to the Carrick -on Shannon Development Plan.

Councillor Padraig Fallon welcomed the footnote in the scheme that provides clarity on  agricultural developments that are exempt from development contributions.

Councillor Padraig Fallon said a lease of land of 15 years is difficult to obtain and usually leases don’t extend beyond 6 years. He asked if there is anything that can be done in this regard.

Mr Pio Byrnes, Senior Executive Planner replied to the above queries as follows:

• If applications are received by the Planning Department for the development of houses in unfinished housing estates, they will get the 50% rebate.
• The proposals set out in the scheme apply to the County as a whole.
• The Residential Zoned Land Tax is a different issue.

Mr Bernard Greene, Senior Planner advised that development contributions do not apply   to communications antenna such as Phone/Broadband masts for the last 5 years due to a change in legislation.

Referring to Cllr Fallon’s comments on leasing of land, Mr Greene informed the members if there is a consensus to change the period specified for farm leases, this can be done by resolution.

Councillor Padraig Fallon proposed that the exemption on rural dwellings for long term leases on farm holdings is reduced from a 15-year period to a period of 6 years. The 6-year term is in line with normal agricultural practises.

Councillor Justin Warnock seconded this proposal, and it was agreed to amend the Draft Development Contribution scheme to reflect an exemption on rural dwellings for long term leases (min 6 years) of a farm holding.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Enda McGloin

            SECONDED by Cllr. Enda Stenson

It was AGREED that the Development Contribution Scheme be adopted with amendment.

Ms Mary Quinn advised that the Corporate Policy Group recommended that a Special meeting to consider the adoption of County Development Plan be scheduled for Tuesday, 7^th February 2023 at 11.00 am.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Sean McGowan

             SECONDED by Cllr. Finola Armstrong McGuire

It was AGREED that a special meeting to consider the adoption of the County Development Plan be held on Tuesday, 7^th February 2023 at 11 am.

The Monthly Management Reports for October and November 2022, as circulated, were noted by Members.

Ms Mary Quinn, advised that the Corporate Policy Group had considered the following items at their online meeting held on the 6^th January 2023:

ØNoted update to membership of SPC’s.

ØNoted update from SPC’s.

ØConsidered date for Special Meeting to consider adoption of the County Development Plan

ØConsidered items referred from Manorhamilton MD Meeting

ØConsidered Items for Council Meeting

ØAttendance of Members at Conferences, Training Events and Seminars

ØPEACE Plus Workshops

Ms Mary Quinn advised the members that a series of workshops will be held with all elected members and the consultants who are developing the PEACE Plus programme. The programme once developed will form the basis for funding applications. The  workshops can be held at municipal district level or Council level.

Following a discussion amongst the members it was agreed that a workshop be held in person and at Council level on either 25^th or 26^th January.

Ms Quinn said she will revert to the members with a definite date and time for the workshop once she determines the consultants availability for an in-person workshop on the agreed dates.

ØAnnual Mass

Ms Quinn confirmed it was agreed that the November plenary meeting will be held at a time later in the day which will accommodate members who wish to  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.11.23

Ms Mary Quinn advised members that the following persons had been nominated as representatives from the Community & Voluntary Pillar of the Leitrim Public Participation Network (PPN) to Leitrim County Council Strategic Policy Committees:

·       Mr Gerry Creamer nominated to the Economic Development, Planning & Infrastructure SPC.

·       Ms Marie Eames McGowan nominated to the Housing Policy, Community & Cultural SPC.

This update was noted by the members.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Enda McGloin

            SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED that the attendance of Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn at the Leitrim London Association Dinner Dance on 25^th February 2023 be approved.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Enda McGloin

            SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED that the attendance of Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn at the Disability & Inclusion AILG Training in the Brehon Hotel, Killarney, Co Kerry on 21^st to 22^nd October 2022 be retrospectively approved.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Enda McGloin

            SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED that the attendance of Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn and Councillor Caillian Ellis at the AILG training on Data Protection in the Newgrange Hotel, Navan on 26^th November 2022 be retrospectively approved.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Enda McGloin

            SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED that the attendance of Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn at Ireland’s Friendliest Place Awards on 12^th November 2022 in the Galmont, Galway be retrospectively approved”.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Enda McGloin

            SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED that the attendance of Cllr Enda Stenson and Councillor Caillian Ellis at the conference on the “Role of Local Authorities in addressing the needs of Older People” at the 4 Seasons Hotel, Carlingford, Co Louth on 11^th to 13^th November 2022  be retrospectively approved”.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Enda McGloin

            SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED that the attendance of Cllr Sean McGowan at the Chambers Ireland Local Government Awards at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry on 24^th November 2022 be retrospectively approved”.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Enda McGloin

            SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED that the attendance of Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn at the Excellence in Emergency Services Awards on 9^th December 2022 in London be retrospectively approved”.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Enda McGloin

            SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED that the attendance of Cllr Caillian Ellis at the LAMA Conference in the 4 Seasons Hotel, Coolshannagh, Monaghan on 9^th to 11^th November 2022 be retrospectively approved”.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Enda McGloin

            SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED that the attendance of Cllr Mary Bohan at the Joint Policing Meeting of the Chairpersons in the Aishling Hotel, Dublin on 19^th September 2022  be  retrospectively approved”.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Enda McGloin

            SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED that the attendance of Cllr Caillian Ellis, Cllr Sean McDermott and Councillor Paddy O Rourke at Conference in O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty, Co Cork on “Local Authority Procurement Process” on 20^th to 22^nd January 2023 be approved.

1.                  Email from Victor Boylan of 3^rd November 2022 in regard to 2023 Local Property Tax Allocations.

2.                   November 2022 Newsletter from the Co Leitrim Society of New York.

3.                  Email of 7^th November 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Justice acknowledging receipt of Resolution passed by Leitrim County Council in

regard to the Criminal Legal Aid System.

4.                  Resolution dated 6^th October 2022 from Monaghan County Council

calling on an All-Island Citizens Assembly to debate and discuss our constitutional future.

5.                  Letter from HSE 9^th November 2022 re Breast Screening Service.

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn expressed her disappointment with the reply received in this regard that the Service would not be available in Carrick-on-Shannon until March 2024.

6.                   Email of 9^th November 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Agriculture in regard to the 6-month TB testing for Bovine Herds.

7.                  Email of 11^th November 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Housing in regard to the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.

8.                  Resolution dated 9^th November 2022 from Monaghan County Council calling on the Minister for Environment and Finance to put in place a scheme for pensioners and retired people’s homes to have solar panels fitted to their homes reducing their energy costs.

9.                  Resolution dated 9^th November 2022 from Monaghan County Council calling on   the Government to defer the introduction of the concrete/block levy for the foreseeable future.

10.     Resolution dated 11^th November 2022 from Sligo County Council calling on the Minister for Health to take a review of the numbers of nurses and doctors being trained annually with the view of doubling capacity within the system as required.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported this motion.

11.              Resolution dated 11^th November 2022 from Sligo County Council that SCC ensure that all new buildings have a changing place facility for people with disability.

12.              Resolution dated 11^th November 2022 from Sligo County Council calling on the Minister for Social Protection for a complete review of the Social Employment Scheme.

13.              Email of 14^th November 2022 acknowledging receipt of survey completed on the Forest Strategy Implementation Plan.

14.              Email of 16^th November 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Agriculture acknowledging receipt of Resolution passed by Leitrim County Council regarding felling licences.

15.              Email of 16^th November 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Agriculture acknowledging receipt of Resolution passed by Leitrim County Council regarding ACRES scheme.

16.              Email of 16^th November 2022 from Minister Ann Rabbitte in regard to the Respite Centre in Carrick-on-Shannon.

17.              Letter dated 16^th November 2022 from the HSE acknowledging receipt of Resolution passed by Leitrim County Council in regard to Primary Care Centre and Day Care centre in Kinlough.

18.              Email of 17^th November 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform acknowledging receipt of Resolution passed by Leitrim County Council in regard to additional funding to Local  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.14.23

There are a number of roads, primarily local roads, not on the winter maintenance plan which serve primary schools. I propose that all roads in the county with primary schools on them be added to the winter maintenance plan. I do so in the interests of road safety and in the interests of those attending and their families.

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

"There are a number of roads, primarily local roads, not on the winter maintenance plan which serve primary schools. I propose that all roads in the county with primary schools on them be added to the winter maintenance plan. I do so in the interests of road safety and in the interests of those attending and their families."

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

"There are over 2300 km of roads in the county and only a certain portion of this road network can be included in the Winter Maintenance Plan through the available resources. Priority 1 roads in the Plan deals with National Roads while Priority 2 covers the Regional Roads. In total this amounts approximately 500km of roads that are being treated.  Priority 3 roads are other priority county roads, and these roads may receive intermittent treatment during certain severe weather events, however they are not part of the normal winter service program of priority I & 2. The Plan was revised and greatly expanded in the last two years, (an increase of over 30% on what was being treated a number of years ago), and we are working at our absolute maximum capacity in order to keep priority 1 & 2 routes free of ice. We do not have the resources and cannot expand this any further.

There are approximately 14 rural schools in the county on roads other than priority 1 & 2 routes and it would not be possible to include these, however we also have a system of making available Salt Bins at other locations to enable people in the community to use it to treat areas that we are not able to get to, due to the demand on our resources. In all there are currently 43 locations where these bins are being utilised including some schools, and it any other school wishes to contact us, we can supply one."

Councillor Padraig Fallon gave the background to his motion and paid tribute to the outdoor staff for treating roads to schools during the recent cold period.

Councillor Sean McDermott supported the motion and said gritting of these roads makes a big difference and allows schools to stay open.

Councillor Mary Bohan, Councillor Enda Stenson, Councillor Des Guckian, Councillor Paddy Farrell, Councillor Justin Warnock and Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion and thanked and acknowledged the efforts of the staff in gritting roads.

Mr Terry McGovern, Senior Engineer said it would be ideal to grit all minor roads. As the Local Authority does not have the resources, it is not possible to add all primary schools to priority 1 and priority 2 routes. In severe frost conditions, every effort will be made to grit those in the priority 3 routes.

Councillor Padraig Fallon proposed that this needs to be considered when next year’s Winter Maintenance Plan is being prepared. 

Councillor Justin Warnock said he would like to see the  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.15.23

I request that Leitrim County Council call on the HSE to give a commitment on the NowDoc service, that there will be no reduction in opening times or service in Carrick on Shannon or the other centres in Leitrim, Sligo or Donegal. A GP should be available to people in the county 24hrs a day, to see patients and reduce pressure on our hospitals.

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

"I request that Leitrim County Council call on the HSE to give a commitment on the NowDoc service, that there will be no reduction in opening times or service in Carrick on Shannon or the other centres in Leitrim, Sligo or Donegal. A GP should be available to people in the county 24hrs a day, to see patients and reduce pressure on our hospitals."

Councillor Brendan Barry said he is fearful if there is no GP available in Carrick-on-Shannon, patients will have to go to CareDoc based in Sligo near the University Hospital in Sligo and he wants to see no reduction in the service.

Councillor Enda Stenson Councillor Padraig Fallon, Councillor Des Guckian and Councillor Justin Warnock supported the motion.

Councillor Enda McGloin proposed that the Leitrim County Council representatives on the HSE Forum bring this matter to the HSE forum for consideration.

Councillor Brendan Barry proposed that this letter also be sent to Mandy Doyle, Head of Service, and Deirdre Moy, Service Manager Nowdoc.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Brendan Barry

            SECONDED by Cllr Enda Stenson

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council call on the HSE to give a commitment on the NowDoc service, that there will be no reduction in opening times or service in Carrick on Shannon or the other centres in Leitrim, Sligo or Donegal. A GP should be available to people in the county 24hrs a day, to see patients and reduce pressure on our hospitals."

That we urge the government to nationalise the banks in an attempt to bring certainty to the markets and to ease the burden on mortgage holders and all who are hit by rampant inflation.

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

"That we urge the government to nationalise the banks in an attempt to bring certainty to the markets and to ease the burden on mortgage holders and all who are hit by rampant inflation."

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion and asked for members to bring this motion to their Party Headquarters.  Councillor Des Guckian said private banks act in their own interests and not in the interests of the public.

Councillor Padraig Fallon supported the motion but added that he could not see all banks being nationalised, but there should be at least one nationalised bank.

Councillor Mary Bohan pointed out to Councillor Fallon this was a different motion.

Councillor Enda McGloin said more competition in the banking sector is needed in order to reduce rates particularly for mortgage holders. Councillor Enda McGloin said more latitude should be given to Credit Unions.

Councillor Fallon acknowledged that more competition is needed.

 On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Des Guckian

            SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED to urge the government to nationalise the banks in an attempt to bring certainty to the markets and to ease the burden on mortgage holders and all who are hit by rampant inflation.

I call on Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Director of Services Water, to engage with Irish Water to provide additional production capacity at the Water Treatment Plant in Carrick on Shannon. The heavy frost in early December and several burst pipes throughout South Leitrim resulted in the supply having to be restricted at night to business, homeowners & farmers in the lead up to Christmas. The supply from the treatment plant is unable to keep up with the demand. There are water schemes & homeowners who are constantly without mains water.

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

"I call on Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Director of Services Water, to engage with Irish Water to provide additional production capacity at the Water Treatment Plant in Carrick on Shannon. The heavy frost in early December and several burst pipes throughout South Leitrim resulted in the supply having to be restricted at night to business, homeowners & farmers in the lead up to Christmas. The supply from the treatment plant is unable to keep up with the demand. There are water schemes & homeowners who are constantly without mains water."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"Following the cold spell, water usage increased by approximately 20%. This was mainly attributable to leaks arising from the frost and taps been left running. A significant number of leaks have been fixed and consumption levels have now returned to normal. The production capacity of the Water Treatment Plant is at or near capacity. Therefore, there is no headroom or reserve to meet unexpected demand or breakdowns. Water services staff have highlighted this concern for some time at the highest level and it is anticipated that some work will be approved by Irish Water to marginally enhance the capacity of the plant over the coming year. However, such works may take some time to complete."

Councillor Sean McGowan referenced the difficulties experienced with water supply during the recent cold spell.  He acknowledged Water Services staff have raised the issue with Irish Water.  Councillor McGowan proposed that Irish Water increase capacity as a matter of urgency.

Councillor Paddy Farrell supported the motion and asked for an update.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the motion, and he proposed that the matter be highlighted to both the relevant Minister and Junior Minister.  Councillor McGloin outlined that people who are getting water free and letting their taps run for a number of days are affecting supply to others. He appealed to residents who are carrying out this practice to stop it. 

Councillor Des Guckian queried if the problem was the same in 2010 as it was recently.

Mr. Dwyer outlined that the same issue arose in 2010.  Mr. Dwyer stated that a power outage occurred at the plant and water production stopped for a period, after which it took some time to replenish the water system.  Mr Dwyer said there was a 120% demand during the recent cold spell, caused by leaks, running taps, and increased demand due to the festive season, all of which put pressure on water supply. Mr Dwyer said other counties experienced similar problems and had to introduce restrictions also.

Mr Dwyer said since 2018/2019 Leitrim County Council has urged Irish Water to provide additional infrastructure which will increase capacity at the Carrick plant and they have accepted the need for additional capacity. Mr. Dwyer said the situation has improved slightly since 2016 following process optimisation works.

Councillor Des Guckian queried if water freezes in the reservoirs. In reply Mr. Dwyer advised they do not  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.18.23

I ask for the support of the elected members in calling on this Government, to hold, without any further delay, the long promised referendum on voting rights for Irish citizens abroad.

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

"I ask for the support of the elected members in calling on this Government, to hold, without any further delay, the long-promised referendum on voting rights for Irish citizens abroad."

Councillor Warnock said our diaspora are very important to us. He said Irish Citizens abroad should be afforded voting rights and it should happen this year as if it does not, it will not happen for another 6 or 7 years.  He proposed that this motion be circulated to all local authorities. 

Councillor Padraig Fallon supported the motion.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Justin Warnock

            SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council call on this Government, to hold, without any further delay, the long promised referendum on voting rights for Irish citizens abroad.

I ask that a presentation is given to this group on the current Library Services in the County. The services have broadened greatly in recent years, and we are a group who need to be aware of all services in each part of the County.

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

"I ask that a presentation is given to this group on the current Library Services in the County. The services have broadened greatly in recent years, and we are a group who need to be aware of all services in each part of the County."

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

"The County Librarian is very happy to provide a presentation to the elected members in relation to the extensive range of services provided by Leitrim Library Service.  These services include lending services of both physical and online reading material, programming and events, services to schools, library-based groups such as book clubs and writing groups, specialist services such as the Sense-Ability collection, availability of Reader-Pens and various software licences to aid literacy development.

The library service will begin working on a new 5-year development plan in Quarter 1 this year and as part of this process will engage with all elected members to discuss and explore the changing role of the public library service and how it can facilitate social, economic, and cultural development and support the communities we serve in County Leitrim.

The presentation can be provided at plenary or municipal level."

Ms Mary Quinn advised that the County Librarian will attend the March Plenary meeting if the members wish.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Finola Armstrong McGuire

            SECONDED by Cllr Enda Stenson

It was AGREED that a presentation is given to this group on the current Library Services in the County.

Councillor Des Guckian said the presentation should be for no longer than 12-20 minutes.

I propose that Leitrim County Council call on Transport Infrastructure Ireland to designate the proposed 52 km Shannon Erne connectivity route from Leitrim Village to Belturbet as a national strategic greenway project and that this route is highlighted as a corridor in the national cycle network. A steering committee should be established to oversee its delivery, with members from Leitrim & Cavan County Councils, Waterways Ireland and local community groups.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn;

"I propose that Leitrim County Council call on Transport Infrastructure Ireland to designate the proposed 52 km Shannon Erne connectivity route from Leitrim Village to Belturbet as a national strategic greenway project and that this route is highlighted as a corridor in the national cycle network. A steering committee should be established to oversee its delivery, with members from Leitrim & Cavan County Councils, Waterways Ireland and local community groups."

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

"A new recreational strategy for the County is nearing completion led by Leitrim Development Company and supported by Leitrim County Council. This mentioned project will be included in the Strategy as one of the signature greenways.  The delivery of the Strategy is management through the County Recreational Forum of which the Council is a member and works closely with.  The progressing of this project will be carried through the forum which also gives access to other key partners who can contribute to the overall delivery."

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the motion and said the strategy as outlined in the motion should be pursued and he asked that an update be made available at the next meeting on the proposal.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke and Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn

            SECONDED by Cllr Enda McGloin

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council call on Transport Infrastructure Ireland to designate the proposed 52 km Shannon Erne connectivity route from Leitrim Village to Perturbed as a national strategic greenway project and that this route is highlighted as a corridor in the national cycle network. A steering committee should be established to oversee its delivery, with members from Leitrim & Cavan County Councils, Waterways Ireland and local community groups.

I ask that regular checks are carried out on the signage on national and local roads. There are several signs that are in need repair and cleaning.

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

"I ask that regular checks are carried out on the signage on national and local roads. There are several signs that are in need repair and cleaning."

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

"There is a service contract in place between the TII Maintenance section and COLAS Contracting, where all signs on the national roads are inspected once every 3 months and are washed at least once a year with some signs on national legacy roads getting washed 2-3 times a year, depending on their location from edge of road & proximity to trees etc. If there are specific signs that need attention, then let us know and we will contact the maintenance contractor.

The Council is conscious of the importance of presentation of the County and signs on Regional and local roads are attended to as and when required by the local area office. A program of cleaning is currently being arranged for this year."

Councillor Sean McDermott proposed that a letter issue to Bus Eireann to clean their signage before the tourism season commences.

Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion.

I seek the support of the Council Members to call on Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and the Government to address our deteriorating health service. Our population has grown rapidly, and we need some incentive to encourage trained staff to return to fill positions all over the health system.

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

"I seek the support of the Council Members to call on Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and the Government to address our deteriorating health service. Our population has grown rapidly, and we need some incentive to encourage trained staff to return to fill positions all over the health system."

Councillor Paddy Farrell referred to the growing population and difficulties for people  getting on GP patient lists.

Councillor Justin Warnock and Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion.

Councillor Des Guckian said there are poor pay and working conditions for health staff.

Councillor Brendan Barry outlined that people have to say in hospital longer until such time as home help and carers are available to support them at home.  Councillor Barry said hospital scans and screening etc. should be carried out during the night and over weekends to get people through the hospital system quicker.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Paddy Farrell

            SECONDED by Cllr Justin Warnock

It was AGREED to call on Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and the Government to address our deteriorating health service. Our population has grown rapidly, and we need some incentive to encourage trained staff to return to fill positions all over the health system.

I ask that the grant paid to property owners for roadside hedge cutting be raised from the current €75 peer kilometre to €100 per kilometre, to allow for the increase in contractors charges. The scheme has been quite successful, but the current rate of grant aid is increasingly being viewed as insufficient to promote the scheme to its maximum potential.

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

"I ask that the grant paid to property owners for roadside hedge cutting be raised from the current €75 peer kilometre to €100 per kilometre, to allow for the increase in contractors charges. The scheme has been quite successful, but the current rate of grant aid is increasingly being viewed as insufficient to promote the scheme to its maximum potential."

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

"The Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme was first introduced by Leitrim Council for the Hedge Cutting Season 2017/2018 and has continued to operate since then. The Scheme is reviewed annually before it is published every September at the start of the Hedge Cutting Season and it has been revised a number of times since its initiation, with the current rate of grant per KM of Hedgerow increased by 50% since its original introduction. The scheme is a very successful scheme and has grown exponentially since its introduction, with 49 grants paid out last season and to date in the current season we have received 37 Grant Applications with the scheme still to run until the end of January. While the current rate of aid is considered appropriate it will form part of the annual review in advance of the start of next season."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said the current rate of grant aid is seen by many landowners as insufficient and he proposed that the rate be increased to €100 per km to allow for the increase in contractors charges.

Councillor Mary Bohan supported the motion. 

Mr Terry McGovern said the scheme is a very successful scheme and has grown since its introduction, with 49 grants paid out last season and to date in the current season we have received 37 Grant Applications with the scheme still to run until the end of January. Mr. McGovern said this is an incentive scheme and it is not intended to cover the full cost of the hedge cutting.  Few other Local Authorities are operating this scheme, and of those who are, the grant payment is of the order of €40-€50 per km. 

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said landholdings in other counties tend to be bigger and they can get more competitive prices from contractors.

Councillor Mary Bohan proposed that a letter issue to the Minister for Housing in relation to the Income threshold for Social Housing.  Councillor Bohan outlined that the income limit of €30,000 is not adequate and this should be reviewed.

Councillor Enda McGloin and all the members supported the proposal.