Agenda and minutes

The Members extended a vote of sympathy to the following:

·           Patrick McHugh, Drumgowla, Kilnagross on the death of Mrs Annie McHugh, R.I.P.

·           The Family of the late Oliver Heslin, Drumgownagh, Mohill, Co Leitrim.

·           The Family of the Late Frank Foy, Wardhouse, Tullaghan, Co Leitrim

·           Maebh Gethins Gallagher, Dromahaire, Co Leitrim on the death of Oran Gethins R.I.P.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Cllr. Des Guckian

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of 6^th March 2023.

Councillor Des Guckian proposed the following amendment be made to Minute No MM.40.23 to read as follows “Leitrim County Council is taking a lease on Cox’s Pharmacy building on Bridge St. Carrick-on-Shannon and Carrick Library will be moving to this location towards the end of March.”

The members agreed to this amendment.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Paddy Farrell

             SECONDED by Cllr Enda Stenson

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council consent to the disposal of land circa 0.061 acres (0.025 hectares) at Tullylannon, Leitrim Village (registered in the name of Leitrim County Council – Folio No LM 19158) 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:   Land circa 0.061 acres (0.025 hectares) at Tullylannon,

Leitrim Village (registered in the name of Leitrim County Council – Folio No LM 19158)

The Consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: 

The purchase price for the Disposal of the property is €1,000. Each party is responsible their own legal fees associated with the disposal of this plot. The Property being disposed of is being disposed in its present condition and the disposal is not subject to Planning permission.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Finola Armstrong McGuire

             SECONDED by Cllr Paddy Farrell

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council would not dispose of the interest in the

Townhall Building at Townparks, Bridge Street, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim.

Ms Mary Quinn outlined the background to the proposal and noted the resolution passed by the Members not to the dispose of Leitrim County Council’s interest in the Townhall Building at Townparks, Bridge Street, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Caillian Ellis

            SECONDED by Cllr. Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED to approve the overdraft accommodation in the sum of €5 million for the period ending 31^st December 2023.

Councillor Des Guckian queried as to why this overdraft was necessary.

Mr Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance advised that this was a contingency to have in place as a cash flow measure and will only be used if required. 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Enda Stenson

            SECONDED by Cllr. Sean McGowan

It was AGREED to approve the additional expenditure incurred by Leitrim County Council

in the performance of its functions in 2022 in accordance with the provisions of Section 108(4) of the Local Government Act, 2001.

The Annual Financial Statement for Leitrim County Council for the year ended 31st December 2022 was circulated to the Members.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Mary Bohan

            SECONDED by Cllr. Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED to adopt the Annual Financial Statement for the Year ended 31^st December 2022 in accordance with Section 108 of the Local Government Act, 2001.

Ms Mary Quinn, Director of Services advised the Members that the Local Authority is

legally required to publish an Annual Report by end of 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.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Enda McGloin

            SECONDED by Cllr. Sean McGowan

It was AGREED to adopt Leitrim County Council’s Annual Report, 2022.

The Monthly Management Reports for February and March 2023 as circulated, were

noted by Members.

Councillor Des Guckian raised the following:

·         Potholes on the N4 close to Duignan’s need to be attended to.

·         Will road L1601 be resurfaced this year?

·         Requested an update on the Mohill Public Realm Works.

·         Welcomed the Active Travel project at Annaduff.

·         Complimented the Library Services on the service they deliver.

In reply, Mr Terry McGovern confirmed the following:

The potholes on the N4 close to Duignan’s Mills will be addressed. With regard to road L1601 from Faulites to Dromod, there is currently not enough funding to do all this road this year, but Leitrim County Council will be working towards its completion.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly advised that precontract discussions are taking place with the contractor regarding the Public Realm Works in Mohill. It is anticipated that works will commence in the next 6-8 weeks.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan expressed his disappointment that the Mohill Public Realm

Works are still a few months off, and he said every effort should be made to get this job started as soon as possible and he queried if there is any danger of finance being an issue.

Councillor Sean McGowan said he hoped that work would be under way on the streets in Mohill now and he asked that these works  be  progressed quickly.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly outlined that all civil resources are fully engaged at this time, however it is a priority to get this work done as soon as possible.  Mr Gilhooly said there is no issue with finance and the Local Authority provide monthly updates to the Department on projects such as this.

The National and Local Performance Indicators, 2022 reports as circulated was noted by the members.

Mr Terry McGovern presented an update to the members on the Local Improvement Scheme.  It was noted that 208 applications were received by the closing date of 27^th January 2023, of those, 30 applications were ineligible, 178 applications are eligible – 53 applications related to  the North of the County and 124 applications relate to the South of the county.  An administrative check has been completed to ensure that applications comply with the guidelines issued from the Department to ensure applicants documentation is up to date.  A priority list is currently being established. A funding allocation €304,000 for 2023 has been received towards LIS. There are 12 applicants remaining on the old scheme and the funding received will carry out road improvements for 8 of these applications.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke sought clarification if a person’s health deteriorates over the coming year will they be considered on the priority list.  Councillor O’Rourke said people may be seriously ill today and who were in good health at the closing date for applications.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said the scheme will have to be reviewed in relation to the health conditions as it is impossible to predict the health condition of anyone.

Mr Terry McGovern said it would be unfair to drop someone from priority list or for another person to be placed higher on the priority list after it has been established.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly clarified that people on the priority list are those that were eligible at the closing date.

Councillor Mary Bohan noted that the amount of funding received puts the Council in a very difficult situation. The current Councillors and previous Councillors have asked for greater allocations for the Local Improvement Scheme.  Councillor Bohan queried, on the basis of the information provided by Mr McGovern, when is it expected that the scheme will re-open again.

Mr McGovern said it is difficult to say when the scheme will reopen as this depends on the number of the 178 applications that will remain eligible when they are checked in advance of the works being costed and considered for completion. He said it may be of the order of 7 to 8 years.

Councillor Mary Bohan proposed that the information that has been presented to the Members be sent to the Department and seek a special allocation to complete these 178 schemes on hand.  Councillor Paddy Farrell supported the proposal.

Councillor Sean McGowan said from his calculations it is possibly 10 to 12 years before these applications will be progressed and he expressed his disappointment with the Department of Transport, and he called for them to provide match funding to that provided by the Department of Rural & Community Development.

Councillor Padraig Fallon supported Councillor O’Rourke’s comments and he understood that if anomalies arose the scheme would be revisited to make the scheme better for citizens.  Councillor Fallon said he is aware of a few cases where applicants were unaware of the closing date.

Councillor Enda McGloin said he would be hopeful Leitrim  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.65.23

Mr Bernard Greene, Senior Planner outlined that the Planning and Development, and Foreshore (Amendment) Act 2022 was commenced and came into effect on 8^th March 2023. The supporting Planning and Development (Section 179A) Regulations 2023 were also signed by the Minister and came into effect on the same day. This relates to the temporary exemption for Local Authorities from having to undertake the formal ‘Part 8’ approval process to construct housing developments on Local Authority and designated State-owned lands zoned to include residential use. The Circular from the Department indicates that these provisions will assist Local Authorities to accelerate housing delivery. It includes all ancillary works to facilitate the construction of the proposed housing development.  

This temporary provision removes the public participation process replacing it instead with a notification process of our intentions. It removes the Reserved Function of approving such developments from the Elected Members; in effect making it an Executive Function. The provisions extend to include social and affordable housing. The exemption will remain in place until 31 December 2024. 

Main Provisions: 

New Section 179A of the Planning & Development Act 2000, as amended, requires a Chief Executive to inform the Elected Members of a Local Authority of proposed housing developments which it is intended to progress under this exemption. It also outlines the prescribed manner of giving public notice and enable public inspection of the proposals (plans and particulars). This

new provision will be mandatory for Local Authorities in strictly defined circumstances where the following criteria are satisfied: 

·         the land is owned by the Local Authority or another specified state body,

·         the land is zoned for residential development,

·         the proposed development does not materially contravene the development plan or local area plan for the area, 

·         the proposed development is in accordance with the relevant Local Authority’s Housing Strategy,

·         the land is serviced or will be serviced with the necessary supporting infrastructure or facilities within the timeframe of the development,

·         the proposed development is not required to undergo Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under the EIA Directive or appropriate assessment (AA) under the Habitats Directive,

·         and the development works in question are commenced by no later than 31 December 2024. 

New Article 39A of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001, as amended, requires Local Authorities to submit quarterly reports on the use of the exemption and enables the

Minister to request information on the number of potential sites available for use under the exemption within the functional area of a Local Authority. 

New Article 81A of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001, as amended: 

·         requires the Chief Executive to formally notify Elected Members of a proposed housing development prior to issuing a site notice and newspaper notice. The notices must be issued at least 8 weeks prior to the commencement of works. The 8 week period is the standard,

·         period allowed in the Act to seek leave to apply for judicial review,

·         sets out the information and details that must be included in the site notice and newspaper  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.66.23

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

There are no commitments to be noted.

Ms Mary Quinn advised members that following a meeting of the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee (LTACC) on 23^rd March last, Mr Christopher Stokes was proposed as the Traveller representative on the committee.  

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Paddy Farrell

            SECONDED by Cllr. Enda Stenson

It was AGREED that Mr Christopher Stokes be appointed as a Traveller representative on the   Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee.

The Members AGREED to hold the Annual Meeting of Leitrim County Council on Friday, 30^th June 2023 at 12 noon in Council Chamber, Aras An Chontae, Carrick-on-Shannon and it was also agreed that the Annual Meetings of each Municipal District Meeting would take place in June 2023 on same date as monthly meeting.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Enda McGloin

             SECONDED by Cllr Enda Stenson

It was AGREED that the attendance of Cllr Enda McGloin, Cllr Paddy O’Rourke, Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn, Cllr Sean McGowan, Cllr Thomas Mulligan, Cllr Enda Stenson, Cllr Mary Bohan, Cllr Paddy Farrell, Cllr Frank Dolan, Cllr Padraig Fallon, Cllr Brendan Barry,  Cllr Felim Gurn, Cllr Sean McDermott and Cllr Justin Warnock on a field study trip to Kerry to study the development and construction of greenways, presentation of towns and villages, development of recreational walks and trails, and how the county council engages with the business sector to promote, develop and enhance the visitor experience and the offering to tourists from 10^th May to 12^th May 2022 be approved.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Finola Armstrong McGuire

             SECONDED by Cllr Enda Stenson

It was AGREED that the attendance of Councillor Enda McGloin at the business event in New York to showcase Leitrim  from 5^th April to 10^th April 2023 be retrospectively approved.

1.                  Letter dated 28^th February 2023 from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to Resolution passed by Leitrim County Council calling on the Government to hold, without any further delay, the long-promised referendum on voting rights for Irish Citizens abroad.

2.                  Resolution dated 3^rd March 2023 from Westmeath County Council calling on the Minister for Finance to design and implement a comprehensive regional public banking system that makes full use of the remaining financial services infrastructure in local towns and other areas in this county to deliver an essential local banking service to local communities and businesses that would augment the work of post offices and credit unions and give local people and business real finance and borrowing options and keep local towns thriving.

3.                  March 2023 Co Leitrim Society of New York Newsletter.

4.                  Resolution dated 14^th March 2023 from Clare County Council calling on the Minister for Housing and Local Government requesting that the laudable Croi Conaithe scheme targeted to assist this objective is adjusted to allow owners of qualifying properties to access the scheme subject to conditions that the property is subsequently used for long term occupancy either through sale or long-term lease.

5.                  Email of the 15^th March 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Health acknowledging receipt of Resolution passed by Leitrim County Council calling on the Minister for Health and the Government to consider abolishing the HSE and reinstating regional Health Boards to deliver the country's health services.

6.                  Resolution from Sligo County Council dated 16^th March 2023 calling on the Minister for Health to make the CF medication Kaftrio available to all patients who require it within the state.

7.                  Email from Senator Victor Boyhan of the 21^st March 2023 with Press Release on the official launch of new state agency, Tailte Eireann.

8.                   Email of the 22^nd March 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage acknowledging receipt of Resolution passed by Leitrim County Council in regard to Septic Tanks.

9.                  Email of the 27^th March 2023 from the Office of the Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning acknowledging receipt of Resolution passed by Leitrim County Council in regard to Residential Zoned Land Tax legislation.

10.              Resolution dated 22^nd March 2023 from Wexford County Council calling on the Minister to strengthen Section 29/b/sub section (1) and (2) of the planning and development  to put an end to bogus submissions or objections.

11.              Email of the 28^th March 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine in relation to Resolution passed by Leitrim County Council in regard to the grant for land drainage.

Councillor Caillian Ellis referred to the  reply received from the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Marine and expressed his disappointment that the Minister cannot make a decision on a small amount of money to enable farmers in the West of  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.72.23

That we Councillors instruct our Council officials not to entertain any further major development proposals from any development company that has already left a major mess behind them in the form of unfinished estates etc.

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

"That we Councillors instruct our Council officials not to entertain any further major development proposals from any development company that has already left a major mess behind them in the form of unfinished estates etc."

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

"Section 35 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, deals with ‘Refusal of planning permission for past failures to comply’.  It provides that where the Planning Authority is satisfied that a person is not in compliance with a previous permission or with a condition to which the previous permission is subject, has carried out a substantial unauthorised development, or has been convicted of an offence under this Act, the authority may form the opinion:

(i) that there is a real and substantial risk that the development in respect of which permission is sought would not be completed in accordance with such permission if granted or with a condition to which such permission if granted would be subject, and

(ii) that accordingly planning permission should not be granted to the applicant concerned in respect of that development.

It specifies the manner in which notice under this section should be served on such a person and allows for the person to make submissions which the Planning Authority must take into account before making their decision. The Act also provides that the decision of the Planning Authority may be referred to the High Court for an annulment of this decision within specified parameters. This section applies to companies as well as individuals and partnerships.

The decision to apply the provisions of the Act in the making of a decision on a planning application is an Executive function under the Planning & Development Act 2001, as amended."

Councillor Des Guckian said he was not happy with the reply he received in this regard as it was very general.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said Members cannot put a blanket ban on developers.  Councillor O’Rourke said these are the people who make things happen and have provided homes in the past. Councillor O’Rourke acknowledged that officials and Government have learned from the mistakes of the past and some people should not be entertained again. The reality is that  major development in this county is needed to provide homes for people to live in.

Cllr Des Guckian said, in his experience, small builders have a good reputation. He outlined that he was surprised Cllr O’Rourke was supporting rogue developers. Councillor Paddy O’Rourke rejected Cllr Des Guckian’s comments.

I will seek the support of members in again calling on the Dept. of Transport & the Local Link office to look at the possibility of providing transport to our rural towns & villages to support the night-time economy, particularly at weekends.

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

"I will seek the support of members in again calling on the Department of Transport & the Local Link office to look at the possibility of providing transport to our rural towns & villages to support the night-time economy, particularly at weekends."

Councillor Sean McGowan complimented Local Link for the current services they have in operation.  Councillor McGowan proposed Ms Fiona O’Shea, Manager of Local Link be invited to attend a meeting of Leitrim County Council to hear the views of the members with regard to providing nighttime services.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Sean McGowan

            SECONDED by Cllr. Enda Stenson

It was AGREED Leitrim County Council call on the Department of Transport & the Local Link office to look at the possibility of providing transport to our rural towns & villages to support the night-time economy, particularly at weekends.

Regarding the transition from diesel / petrol cars to electric cars, has our Fire Service been trained in how to deal with electric cars & HGVs when these EV’s are involved in collisions and when they go on fire? Is specialised training required in dealing with such events, and has our new fire tenders, which we are thankful for, got the necessary apparatus to get such EV fires under control?

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

"Regarding the transition from diesel / petrol cars to electric cars, has our Fire Service been trained in how to deal with electric cars & HGVs when these EV’s are involved in collisions and when they go on fire? Is specialised training required in dealing with such events, and has our new fire tenders, which we are thankful for, got the necessary apparatus to get such EV fires under control?"

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"The Fire Service are very aware of the risks posed by EV cars and HGV’s involved in either a fire or a collision. The Fire Service is being proactive in helping our firefighters to prepare for such incidents.

An Introductory EV Training / Workshop has been held for all Junior Officers. One Senior Officers and an RTC instructor have attended a one-day Rescue Organisation Ireland EV Course in Sligo.

Specialised equipment (EV plugs) for each fire station and other equipment to deal with EVs in emergency situations is currently being procured.

In addition, discussions are underway with Dublin Fire Brigade to run a one-day EV course for every firefighter in each station in Leitrim shortly"

Councillor Felim Gurn gave the background to his motion, and outlined there has been an 26% increase in electric cars being purchased. Cllr Gurn welcomed the new Fire Station in Manorhamilton and he hoped further training is carried out for the Fire Service to deal with EV fires.

Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

That this Counicl calls on Iarnród Éireann asking that fares purchased at box offices or at ticket machines at train stations are priced in line with online purchases. There is an unfair charge on those who purchase at machines at train stations. Service users deserve fair treatment at every level.

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

"That this Council calls on Iarnród Éireann asking that fares purchased at box offices or at ticket machines at train stations are priced in line with online purchases. There is an unfair charge on those who purchase at machines at train stations. Service users deserve fair treatment at every level."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire called on Iarnród Éireann to examine fares purchased at box offices and ticket machines at train stations and to ensure they are priced similar to online purchases.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Finola Armstrong McGuire

            SECONDED by Cllr. Sean McGowan

It was AGREED Leitrim County Council call on Iarnród Éireann asking that fares purchased at box offices or at ticket machines at train stations are priced in line with online purchases. There is an unfair charge on those who purchase at machines at train stations. Service users deserve fair treatment at every level."

Councillor Padraig Fallon supported the motion.

I ask what is this Local Authority's policy with regard to supporting  indigenous, small family run, rate paying businesses in County Leitrim.

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

"I ask what is this Local Authority's policy with regard to supporting indigenous, small family run, rate paying businesses in County Leitrim."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"The Council is actively involved in the Economic Development of the County through numerous initiatives.  The Council is progressing through the implementation of a significant rolling capital investment programme much of which is focused on economic related projects, town regeneration or tourism development.  All of this investment is contributing to the development of the County in a way that equips it to continue to increase its economic wellbeing.  In addition to capital investment the Council has a very active Local Enterprise Office which offers a suite of supports to small and medium sized business across business mentoring, grant aid, training and development and support for specific initiatives such as online trading, export support etc. In addition, the resources of other departments such as preplanning are available to assist and advise any business on expansion or growth plans. In conclusion the Council also provides consider destination marketing and development for the County as a visitor destination which aids individual operators in this sector."

Councillor Padraig Fallon said he wrote to the Finance Department about this issue a year ago and he hoped this can be reviewed. Councillor Fallon referred to a small family run business that supplied fuel to the Local Authority, but due to energy efficiency measures and the introduction of fuel cards, the Local Authority has ceased to purchase fuel from this local retailer. This was quite a significant expenditure by the Local Authority with this small family run business. Councillor Fallon said this is not environmentally or economically beneficial for the Local Authority to purchase fuel elsewhere using a fuel card, as they will have to travel 38kms to get this fuel and he asked if this decision is impacting on other small businesses in the county.

Councillor Mary Bohan said this is unintended and it does have a considerable impact on other small businesses in the county.

Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

I call on Leitrim County Council to contact the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, to provide more dentists to deal with medical card patients in County Leitrim, as there is only one at present leading to long delays and patients having to travel long distances to get treatment.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to contact the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, to provide more dentists to deal with medical card patients in County Leitrim, as there is only one at present leading to long delays and patients having to travel long distances to get treatment."

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Paddy Farrell

            SECONDED by Cllr. Mary Bohan

It was AGREED Leitrim County Council contact the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, to provide more dentists to deal with medical card patients in County Leitrim, as there is only one at present leading to long delays and patients having to travel long distances to get treatment.

Councillor Gerry Dolan, Councillor Des Guckian, Councillor Brendan Barry and Councillor Justin Warnock supported the motion.

In the aftermath of COVID-19,  we are seeing an alarming increase in deaths and serious illness due to cancer. Most can be attributed to lockdowns and the limited access to GP's and medical services. So therefore, I ask that we write to the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, and to all party and group leaders in the Oireachtas to rollout a National Cancer Screening Test for every citizen over the age of 50 with the same enthusiasm and financial support as was committed for COVID testing and screening.

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

"In the aftermath of COVID-19,  we are seeing an alarming increase in deaths and serious illness due to cancer. Most can be attributed to lockdowns and the limited access to GP's and medical services. So therefore, I ask that we write to the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, and to all party and group leaders in the Oireachtas to rollout a National Cancer Screening Test for every citizen over the age of 50 with the same enthusiasm and financial support as was committed for COVID testing and screening."

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Justin Warnock

            SECONDED by Cllr. Paddy Farrell

It was AGREED Leitrim County Council write to the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, and to all party and group leaders in the Oireachtas to rollout a National Cancer Screening Test for every citizen over the age of 50 with the same enthusiasm and financial support as was committed for COVID testing and screening. In the aftermath of COVID-19, we are seeing an alarming increase in deaths and serious illness due to cancer. Most can be attributed to lockdowns and the limited access to GP's and medical services.

Councillor Mary Bohan and Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

I ask that Leitrim County Council consider the current number of available EV charging points in the county and the projected numbers of fast and standard EV charging points up to 2024 across Co Leitrim and consider if those numbers are sufficient from a business and tourism point of view. 

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

"I ask that Leitrim County Council consider the current number of available EV charging points in the county and the projected numbers of fast and standard EV charging points up to 2024 across Co Leitrim and consider if those numbers are sufficient from a business and tourism point of view."

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

"The Government has published the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2025 which identifies collaborations including local authorities in the roll out of charging points.  The Council has had an initial engagement with the relevant Department Officials in this regard and will continue this engagement going forward through which it is expected that the charging infrastructure rollout will be achieved in due course."

Councillor Enda McGloin noted he did not get an answer as to how many EV charging points are in the county.  Councillor McGloin said Carrick-on-Shannon is the only charging point and he said if we are going to attract visitors, we need to change this serious situation.  According to the statistics more electric cars were bought this year than diesel cars.

Councillor O’Rourke said he raised this motion before and he was told there is one EV Charging point in both Carrick-on-Shannon and Manorhamilton and smaller towns would be considered

Councillor Padraig Fallon supported the motion and he said this was raised 4 years ago and it is an issue with the increase in Electric Vehicle sales.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said he will send the details of the locations of the EV charging points to the member in question.

Councillor McGloin said the Minister needs to be talking to the ESB for this infrastructure to be put in place.

Councillor Felim Gurn supported the motion.

An increase in the wild deer population appears to be a particular problem in Leitrim and the North West due to the high level of forestry. Increasingly, wild deer are causing road traffic hazards, and cause damage to young trees, gardens, fences and private property. Recently there has been near accidents on the Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher regional road.

I ask the Council to write to the Minister for Agriculture to request the NPWS to carry out an analysis of all deer in Ireland to include, numbers, age, sex, species and genetic profiling, and a regulated cull of deer and to protect the true native Irish Red Deer whose population has been limited to only a few places in Ireland.

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

"An increase in the wild deer population appears to be a particular problem in Leitrim and the North West due to the high level of forestry. Increasingly, wild deer are causing road traffic hazards, and cause damage to young trees, gardens, fences and private property. Recently there has been near accidents on the Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher regional road.

I ask the Council to write to the Minister for Agriculture to request the NPWS to carry out an analysis of all deer in Ireland to include, numbers, age, sex, species and genetic profiling, and a regulated cull of deer and to protect the true native Irish Red Deer whose population has been limited to only a few places in Ireland."

Councillor Frank Dolan moved this motion for Councillor Sean McDermott as he was absent from the meeting.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the motion.

I ask Leitrim County Council for an update on the housing situation in the county. How many people have presented as being homeless in County Leitrim or have valid notices of termination with termination dates that have passed but are still in the property or termination dates that will be in next 3 months and been offered or found a different home? How many people are in emergency accommodation? How many people were offered a sleeping bag?

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

"I ask Leitrim County Council for an update on the housing situation in the county. How many people have presented as being homeless in County Leitrim or have valid notices of termination with termination dates that have passed but are still in the property or termination dates that will be in next 3 months and been offered or found a different home? How many people are in emergency accommodation? How many people were offered a sleeping bag?"

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

"To date in 2023 there have been 11 homeless presentations to Leitrim County Council. There are currently 6 Individuals and 1 family (1 Adult & 2 Children) residing in Temporary Emergency Accommodation. In 2023 to date, Leitrim County Council has secured homes for 3 homeless individuals. Nobody presenting as homeless to Leitrim County Council has been offered a sleeping bag.

11 households have presented to the Council with valid notices of termination with effective dates up to the end of April 2023. A further 14 valid Notices of Termination have been served for the months of May, June and July. To date, the Council has secured alternative accommodation for 7 Individuals/Families in receipt of Notices of Termination."

Councillor Brendan Barry thanked the Executive for the response and he said the reply shows the number of people affected in a small county like Leitrim.

Mary Quinn advised the needs of 7 individuals/families have been addressed.

I propose that Leitrim Co Council write to ESB regarding the recent supply outages in the Dromahair/Killargue areas. The length of the outages are totally unacceptable.

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

"I propose that Leitrim Co Council write to ESB regarding the recent supply outages in the Dromahair/Killargue areas. The length of the outages is totally unacceptable."

Councillor Mary Bohan referred to one particular area of Killamummery where there was an electricity outage for 9 hours. People were notified that this was due to upgrading of the network, but it was accommodating Coillte. Councillor Bohan said this should not have been allowed to have been taking place for a full day as this left people without power under false pretenses. Councillor Bohan proposed that a letter issue to the ESB stating that ESB outages of 8 hours is not acceptable and very unfair especially, when we are paying high prices for ESB. Councillor Bohan said that Coillte have confirmed they will be requesting more outages.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr.Mary Bohan

            SECONDED by Cllr. Brendan Barry

It was AGREED Leitrim Co Council write to ESB regarding the recent supply outages in the Dromahair/Killargue areas. The length of the outages is totally unacceptable.

I ask what exactly is Leitrim County Council’s policy on the building of rural cottages for families who have applied in good faith and confirmed they have suitable sites which have passed the percolation test and are qualifying persons on the housing list? The application form asks the question would the applicant prefer a rural cottage, and could they provide a site which suggests we would build a house in order to meet their needs.

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

"I ask what exactly is Leitrim County Council’s policy on the building of rural cottages for families who have applied in good faith and confirmed they have suitable sites which have passed the percolation test and are qualifying persons on the housing list? The application form asks the question would the applicant prefer a rural cottage, and could they provide a site which suggests we would build a house in order to meet their needs."

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

"Where an applicant is approved for social housing and has indicated a preference for rural house, Leitrim County Council will in the first instance review to determine if the housing need can be met through the allocation of an existing property within its housing stock either directly or through Choice Based Letting. Alternatively, the Council may review options to purchase suitable existing property in the area. These delivery methods are the most expeditious means to provide a home to the applicant as the process to construct a single rural dwelling is a minimum 24 months once the decision to build a rural cottage is taken and approved for funding by the Department."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke asked what is the position with the provision of rural cottages in this county.

Ms Mary Quinn said the process to construct a single rural dwelling is a minimum of 24 months once the decision is taken and funding approved by the Department.  Ms Quinn acknowledged that Leitrim County Council have not had a rural house programme for a number of years.

Councillor Justin Warnock supported the motion, and he said it is difficult for farming families in Leitrim who want to live on farms, stating Leitrim County Council should support this.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion and said Leitrim County Council have moved away from this model and he complimented Councillor O’Rourke for raising the motion. 

Councillor Gerry Dolan, Councillor Mary Bohan and Councillor Felim Gurn supported the motion.

Any other Business

The Cathaoirleach on behalf of the Council  made a presentation to Leonie Kiernan, Journalist with ‘The Leitrim Observer’ on the occasion of this being her last assignment as a reporter at a Leitrim County Council meeting. The Members thanked Ms. Kiernan for her fairness in reporting on Council meetings and events and relaying the news from the Elected Members to the public. The members and the Chief Executive wished her well in her future endeavors. Ms Leonie Kiernan thanked the members for their good wishes, and she said it was a pleasure to have worked with them.

The Cathaoirleach and members also extended good wishes to Fiona Heavey, Journalist who is also leaving the Leitrim Observer to embark on other endeavors.