Agenda and minutes

The Members extended a vote of sympathy to Mrs Patricia Ward, Aughawillian, Carrigallen on the death of Delia Higgins R.I.P.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Cllr. Paddy O’Rourke

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the meeting of the 8^th January 2024.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Finola Armstrong McGuire

             SECONDED by Cllr. Sean McGowan

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Climate Action Meeting held on the 19^th February 2024.

Councillor Des Guckian said if he had not intervened at the meeting, the Climate Action Plan would have been adopted without discussion and he hoped the items he raised at the meeting would be addressed in the Climate Action Plan.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said discussions took place at the meeting to clarify concerns raised by the members concerning the reference to of figures in relation to suckler herds which he reiterated was incorrect and their inclusion could not allow the adoption the Plan and by raising these issues the members had done the  county a service.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Sean McGowan

             SECONDED by Cllr Thomas Mulligan

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council consent to the disposal of plot of land comprising circa 0.49 hectares in the townland of Cloonmorris, Bornacoola (registered in the name of Leitrim County Council – Folio No LM 14081) 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 0.49 hectares in the townland of Cloonmorris, Bornacoola (registered in the name of Leitrim County Council – Folio No LM 14081).

The Consideration proposed in respect of the disposal:   The purchase price for the disposal of the property is €500. Leitrim County Council will be responsible for their own legal fees.  The Purchaser will be responsible for the purchaser’s own legal fees associated with this disposal.  The Property being disposed of is being disposed in its present condition.  The disposal of this property is conditional upon the Contract for Sale being completed within 3  months of this disposal being approved by the Members of Leitrim County Council.

Councillor Sean McGowan referred to a workshop with the Engineering consultants and the members of the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District on the options for pedestrian traffic on Roosky Bridge.  The proposal is to introduce traffic lights and put a footpath in place on the bridge.  Councillor Sean McGowan said this proposal is unsatisfactory and he proposed that Option 2, as presented by the consultants at that meeting be considered, as it is the safest option to take. He proposed that a cantilever bridge be constructed on the northern side of the existing bridge.

A discussion took place amongst the members on the merits of the provision of cantilever bridge. Cllr McGowan’s comments were supported by councillors Enda Stenson, Des Guckian, Thomas Mulligan, Finola Armstrong McGuire, and Paddy Farrell. The members stated that it was unanimous decision of the Carrick MD members that Option 2 is the only proper option to consider.

Mr Justin Fannon advised the National Transport Authority has given approval and funding for the appointment for the TechnicalEngineering Specialist toexamine optionsfor theprovision ofactive travelmeasures across RooskyBridge.

This bridgeis a major crossing point overthe RiverShannon andacts as astrategic roadlink between Leitrim and Roscoom viathe Regional RouteR371. Thepurpose of the scheme isto providea safeoption for activetravel overRoosky Bridge and toencourage an uptakein moresustainable transport options byproviding safer roadinfrastructure for vulnerableroad users.

Justin Fannon confirmed the views of the members will be brought back to the TII for further consideration. For now, the proposed traffic light option will be trialled on a pilot basis over 2 days.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly advised the members they are recommended to approve the Section 85 Agreement and if funding for the project is provided, Leitrim County Council will be the lead Local Authority on this project.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Sean McGowan

             SECONDED by Cllr. Enda Stenson

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council enter into an agreement with Roscommon County Council under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 2001 concerning the design, construction and completion of the Roosky Bridge Active Travel Scheme with Leitrim County Council being the administrating authority.

Mr Vincent Dwyer informed the members, the 2023 Rate Demands issued in February 2023 to 1,137 customers with a total rates value of €6,817,665.

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.

Councillor Enda McGloin sought clarification on the arrears figure. 

Councillor Mary Bohan expressed her disappointment with the long delay in revaluating properties by the Valuation Office.

Councillor Des Guckian said the 25% rates liability is penal and he queried what percentage is included in the list.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan queried if some of the arrears are as a result of the COVID pandemic.

Councillor Gurn said businesses are still being billed for 7 days even though they may only be open for 4 to 5 days and there is no discount allowed for this.

Councillor Brendan Barry queried how rates arrears in 2023 compare to 5 or 10 years ago.

Mr Vincent Dwyer responded to the members queries as follows:

• Net closing arrears is €3,241,099. A provision for irrecoverable rates has been built up, which currently stands at approximately €1.5m. Approximately €1.7m is the collectable amount of rates and this will be pursued.  Some customers are on payment plans over a 5 to 10 year period, depending on the volume of arrears.
• The preliminary overall percentage collection for commercial rates in Leitrim for 2023 is 77%.  This figure is pending completion of the 2023 Annual Financial Statement.
• A total of €556,804 was written off in 2023. This figure consisted of €541,040 due to vacancy, and €15,765 of irrecoverable debt.
• The issue of revaluating properties by the Valuation Office is a long standing issue and this is intolerable for businesses that are looking for revaluations.
• The COVID pandemic does not appear to have had as negative an effect as may have been anticipated.
• There is no provision in the Rates Legislation to allow for a reduction in rates due to reduced trading hours. This issue has been raised nationally.
• The arrears figure of €3.2 million is a roll over figure, it has increased by approximately €200,000 this year. This is due to a number of different scenarios, however overall the arrears figure in recent years has been relatively stable at €3 million.

Councillor Enda McGloin said the rates system is flawed and this is a matter for the Government.

Vincent Dwyer outlined that commercial rates are a liability for businesses to pay and it is an important revenue source for the local authority.  Mr Dwyer advised that the Rates team continue to engage with ratepayers on an ongoing basis, particularly with any ratepayer experiencing difficulty in paying their rates liability, with a view to negotiating a mutually agreeable payment plan, so as to discharge their annual rates liability together with a contribution towards any arrears as applicable.

The report was noted by the Members.

The Annual Report, 2023 from the Audit Committee to Leitrim County Council, submitted in accordance with the provisions of Section 122 of the Local Government Act, 2001, as amended by Section 5 of the Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006, as circulated was noted by the members.

The Annual Report, 2023 from the Leitrim Community Development Committee to Leitrim County Council, as circulated was noted by the members.

Report from Environmental Awareness Officer, dated 23rd February 2024 in relation to the measures taken during 2023 in relation to the prevention and control of litter, as circulated to each Member, and as appears as Appendix 1 to the minutes of this meeting was noted by the members.

The Monthly Management Reports for December 2023 & January 2024 as circulated, were noted by members.

Councillor Des Guckian raised the following queries:

• Civil Defence carry out valuable work and should be given credit for what they do.
• What options have been possibly agreed on Carrick on Shannon bypass and where can people give feedback
• Community Voluntary Car Service is a most valuable service

Mr Justin Fannon responded as follows:

The preferred option for the Carrick on Shannon bypass has been identified and will be on public display on 20^th March 2024 in the Landmark Hotel for the public to view. Discussions are ongoing with landowners.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly advised that the preferred option is a 200 metre wide corridor coming from the Dublin Road to the south of the town and rejoining the existing N4 above the showgrounds in Cortober. 

Councillor Des Guckian queried if the preferred route is going near Glas Na hAbhainn and where can people give feedback on the preferred option.

Mr Gilhooly advised that the route is going south of Glas na hAbhainn estate.

The members noted the December and January reports.

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

There were no commitments to be noted.

Ms. Mary Quinn, advised that the Corporate Policy Group considered the following items at their meeting held on 1^st March 2024:

The update from the CPG was noted by the Members.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Enda McGloin

             SECONDED by Cllr Enda Stenson

It was AGREED that the attendance of Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn at the LAMA Conference on the 19^th January to 20^th January 2024 in the Abbey Hotel, Donegal be retrospectively approved.

It was AGREED that the attendance of Councillor Sean McDermott, Councillor Frank Dolan, Councillor Thomas Mulligan and Councillor Paddy Farrell at the AILG Training on the 27th January 2024 in the Greenhills Conference Hotel, Limerick be retrospectively approved.

It was AGREED that the attendance of Councillor Sean McGowan, Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn, and Councillor Paddy O’Rourke at the AILG Training on the 14^th & 15^th February 2024 in the Arklow Bay Hotel, be retrospectively approved.

It was AGREED that the attendance of Councillor Paddy Farrell at AILG Training on the 23^rd March 2024 in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone be approved.

1.                  Resolution dated 20^th December 2023 from Offaly County Council calling on the Government to ensure that state lands where renewable energy projects have been development cannot be sold.

2.                  County Leitrim Society of New York Newsletter dated 11^th January 2024

3.                  Government legislation Programme Spring 2024

4.                  Resolution dated 16^th January 2024 from Mayo County Council calling on the Department of Children, Equality Disability Integration and Youth to agree on a strategy for the co-ordination, provision of additional services for communities, housing refugees and international protection applicants.

5.                  Resolution dated 16^th January 2024 from Offaly County Council calling on the Taoiseach for support to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Councillor Sean McGowan, Councillor Enda Stenson, Councillor Barry and Councillor Justin Warnock supported this.

6.                  Resolution dated 16^th January 2024 from Offaly County Council calling on the Israel Ambassador requesting an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

7.                  Resolution dated 22^nd January 2024 from Carlow County Council calling on the Government to provide funding opportunities by either expansion of current schemes such as LIS or a new funding scheme.

8.                  Email from James Madden, Veterinary Officer of the 22^nd January 2024 in regard to Deer Management Strategy Group.

9.                  Resolution from Sligo County Council calling on Government to introduce effective laws to prosecute those who wilfully break the law on bicycles, electric bicycles and electric scooters.

10.        Email from the Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

acknowledging receipt of Resolution passed by Leitrim County Council in regard to Special Allocation of Funding for drainage in Leitrim.

11.              Letter from the HSE dated 30^th January 2024 in regard to Ambulance and Crews in County    Leitrim.

Councillor Brendan Barry expressed his disappointment that the reply only refers to the Western Region. Councillor Barry noted that 75% calls are reached within 19 minutes which proves that people are dying and are not getting emergency services within an appropriate time frame.

Councillor Padraig Fallon supported this.

12.              Letter dated 31^st January 2024 from the Office of the Taoiseach acknowledging receipt of resolution passed by Leitrim County Council for a special allocation for drainage.

13.              Letter dated 31^st January 2024 from the Office of the Taoiseach acknowledging receipt of resolution passed by Leitrim County Council in regard to construction costs increasing.

14.              Resolution from Sligo County Council calling on the Minister of Transport and Bus Eireann to add additional bus services from Dublin Airport to Sligo after 11.15 pm at night for the people in this region as planes continue to come into Dublin airport right through the night.

15.              Email of the 8^th February 2024 from Minister O’Brien acknowledging receipt of Resolution from Leitrim County Council in relation to the current income limits for social housing support.

Councillor Padraig Fallon proposed that there should be an increase in income thresholds for social housing.  Councillor Fallon proposed that a letter issue to the Minister as a matter of priority as there is  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.41.24

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Justin Warnock welcomed Joe Gavin, Chief Commercial Officer, Broadband Ireland to the meeting and he gave a presentation to the members on the National Broadband Project Plan overview for Leitrim.

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Justin Warnock and the members thanked Mr Gavin for the presentation.

The members raised the following:

• Little pockets of areas do not have broadband service
• Acknowledged the greater levels of activity surveying and installing poles.
• Acknowledged great work carried out at hubs in local communities
• Service passed by a number of houses and they could not get connected – something needs to be done in this regard
• Kescharrigan covers a lot of the Ballinamore Municipal District and members queried if homeowners can now avail of the service and purchase high speed broadband.
• When is the cutoff point for National Broadband Ireland?
• Trees/branches cuts into cables.  This is going to have an effect on the life expectancy of the service. Are contractors going to be appointed to cut back branches that are in contact with cables.?
• Drumkeerin is listed as having broadband yet it is not available in the village but is available outside the village. There are anomalies such as this and these need to be cleared up.
• Fibre optic cable – it is necessary to replace these cables?
• Some contactors carrying out the tree pruning work for Broadband installation are leaving the branches in unsafe positions, as when it is windy the trimmings are blown back out on the roads leaving is very dangerous for motorists.
• Is there any directive from Government on the ceiling of costs?
• What collaboration is there between Eir and NBI?
• How is the Broadband service connected to rural houses?

Mr Joe Gavin responded to Members as follows:

• National Broadband Ireland  will ensure all people and businesses will have access to high speed broadband, no matter where they live or work.
• The Intervention Area is the area identified that don’t currently have access to High Speed Broadband as provided by an existing service provider. 
• It is a 7 year build programme with a date for completion in 2026.
• NBI are responsible for the management and maintenance of the NBI network for the next 25 years.
• NBI pass premises with fibre. Consumer orders can be submitted to retail service providers.  Consumers will be connected to HSB by retail service providers.
• There are 13 deployment areas in Leitrim.
• The deployment areas ready for service in Leitrim are Carrick on Shannon and

Keshcarrigan.

• By the end of 2024 over 50% of the premises in the intervention area in County Leitrim will be able to order and connect to high speed broadband.
• National Broadband Ireland Network Map is available at www.nbi.ie/map/. On this website it is possible to check if a premises is included  in the National Broadband Plan and if so the anticipated connection timeframe.

·           Elected members can email their queries to reps@nbi.ie

·           Coil of cable on poles will connect houses either on a pole or via a duct.

·           Building Regional  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.42.24

What funding is available to Community Groups, Local Authorities, or Developers to extend the public sewer network to accommodate and enable new development in our towns and village where there is an existing wastewater treatment facility.

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

"What funding is available to Community Groups, Local Authorities, or Developers to extend the public sewer network to accommodate and enable new development in our towns and village where there is an existing wastewater treatment facility."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"Under the Multi- Annual Rural Water Programme Framework 2024-2026 there is no funding measure available to community groups or Local Authorities to extend the public wastewater collection network in our towns and villages where there is an existing wastewater treatment facility with available capacity. At the Rural Water workshop on 28th February 2024 the Department of Housing confirmed that this is the case.

However, the Department stated that discussions are ongoing with Uisce Eireann in this regard."

Councillor Enda Stenson said the reply was stark and he queried as to how people are going to build houses. He said it is important to upgrade what is already there. Cllr Stenson proposed that this be followed up with the Department.

Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Mary Bohan supported the motion.

Mr Vincent Dwyer said the Department have made it clear that no funding is being provided. The Department have outlined that they are in discussion with Úisce Éireann on this matter.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said this is all about water quality and it is under review, and nobody wants to put the level of investment in that is required.

I call on the support of members and Leitrim County Council to ask the government to tackle the current Childcare Crisis experienced by many families, locally and nationally. There is a lack of facilities available to care for young babies when maternity leave has ended, which in turn means that parents cannot return to work, are not in receipt of sufficient income and this can put the family under financial stress /pressure.

It was unanimously agreed that Motion No 15 in the name of Councillor Paddy Farrell and Motion No 16 in the name of Councillor Padraig Fallon be taken concurrently as they relate to the same issue.

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

"I call on the support of members and Leitrim County Council to ask the government to tackle the current Childcare Crisis experienced by many families, locally and nationally. There is a lack of facilities available to care for young babies when maternity leave has ended, which in turn means that parents cannot return to work, are not in receipt of sufficient income and this can put the family under financial stress /pressure."

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

"I propose that this Local Authority call on Minister Roderic O'Gorman to adequately fund and increase capacity in the early childcare sector. There is a shocking shortage of spaces, availability, and overall resources for this vital sector."

Councillor Paddy Farrell gave the background to his motion.

Councillor Padraig Fallon supported the motion and said there is a shortage of spaces for this vital service.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Paddy Farrell

             SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council ask the government to tackle the current Childcare Crisis experienced by many families, locally and nationally. There is a lack of facilities available to care for young babies when maternity leave has ended, which in turn means that parents cannot return to work, are not in receipt of sufficient income and this can put the family under financial stress /pressure.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Padraig Fallon

             SECONDED by Cllr Paddy Farrell

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council call on Minister Roderic O'Gorman to adequately fund and increase capacity in the early childcare sector. There is a shocking shortage of spaces, availability, and overall resources for this vital sector.

That we, wish to get it across to all of the bodies controlling the Shannon water levels,  that we are opposed to the flow of the Shannon & its tributaries being held back so that it causes floods which threaten houses, towns and farmland from  Lough Allen to Limerick. We urge that Lough Allen be lowered, that all shallows be deepened, and rocky nick-points be removed and that the River be kept flowing fast when heavy rainfall is forecasted. Also, that a copy of this motion be forwarded to the OPW etc and to Councils along the Shannon.

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

"That we, wish to get it across to all of the bodies controlling the Shannon water levels, that we are opposed to the flow of the Shannon & its tributaries being held back so that it causes floods which threaten houses, towns and farmland from Lough Allen to Limerick. We urge that Lough Allen be lowered, that all shallows be deepened, and rocky nick-points be removed and that the River be kept flowing fast when heavy rainfall is forecasted. Also, that a copy of this motion be forwarded to the OPW etc and to Councils along the Shannon."

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion and urged that Lough Allen be lowered, that all shallows be deepened, and rocky nick-points be removed, and that the river be kept flowing fast when heavy rainfall is forecasted.

Councillor Enda McGloin said Lough Allen was already lowered and it has less flooding. He said he did not know how much more the Shannon can be lowered. The ESB have control and they should be included in any correspondence issued.

Councillor Brendan Barry and Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Councillor Des Guckian said this is a major issue for upcoming elections.

On the Proposal of Cllr Des Guckian

             Seconded by Cllr Brendan Barry

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council wish to get it across to all of the bodies controlling the Shannon water levels,  that Leitrim County Council  are opposed to the flow of the Shannon & its tributaries being held back so that it causes floods which threaten houses, towns and farmland from  Lough Allen to Limerick. We urge that Lough Allen be lowered, that all shallows be deepened, and rocky nick-points be removed and that the River be kept flowing fast when heavy rainfall is forecasted.

I seek an update on if there has been much engagement from the business community or private enterprise across the region, or indeed success, in getting additional tenants for the Carrick Campus offices in Carrick-on-Shannon, which will deliver an economic boost to County Leitrim.  

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

"I seek an update on if there has been much engagement from the business community or private enterprise across the region, or indeed success, in getting additional tenants for the Carrick Campus offices in Carrick-on-Shannon, which will deliver an economic boost to County Leitrim."

Report by Economic Development

"Since the Carrick Campus came into the ownership of the Leitrim Economic Growth and Capital Development Designated Activity Company (DAC) three additional companies have become established tenants. The DAC continues to receive intermittent enquiries from other interested parties for office accommodation with the potential for further additional tenancies. Plans are currently being finalized with respect to an Energy Upgrade Works Contract for the building which will improve its rental appeal within the commercial sector. A 5 Year business strategy is currently being developed which will direct the campus toward its medium-term objectives. A recruitment competition is currently underway to secure a Business Development Manager whose main task will be the attraction of appropriate businesses to the Carrick Campus. An external advisory board is being established with a high level of industry knowledge and experience to provide guidance to the DAC. The IDA have visited the Carrick campus within the last two weeks and welcomed the internal upgrades to date whilst reiterating their commitment to promoting the Campus to respective clients."

Councillor Sean McGowan welcomed the reply received in this regard and he said it would be great if an organisation such as Google or Facebook had an interest in this space as it would create employment in the county. There has been big investment by the Local Authority and he would like to see it improved and he acknowledged the significant Government funding that has been received for this building.

Councillor Paddy Farrell queried if there has been any communication from the IDA about coming to the next meeting.

Mr Justin Fannon outlined that 3 companies have become tenants since the Campus came into the ownership of DAC. Plans are currently being finalised for the energy upgrade works. A Business Development Manager is being recruited and an external high level advisory board is being established to provide guidance to DAC in attracting additional companies in this campus.

The IDA have visited Carrick in the last 2 weeks and are committed to promoting Carrick Campus to potential clients.

Due to the very considerable waiting period for Driving Tests we call on the Department responsible, to set about reducing waiting times as many people have invested heavily in time and money for lessons in order to allow them to take up jobs.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Thomas Mulligan;

"Due to the very considerable waiting period for driving tests we call on the Department responsible, to set about reducing waiting times as many people have invested heavily in time and money for lessons in order to allow them to take up jobs."

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Thomas Mulligan

             SECONDED by Cllr Mary Bohan

It was AGREED that due to the very considerable waiting period for driving teststhat Leitrim County Council call on the Department responsible, to set about reducing waiting times as many people have invested heavily in time and money for lessons in order to allow them to take up jobs.

I propose that Leitrim County Council call on the HSE to immediately increase Home Help hours. The current provision is not adequate to cater for the numbers requiring the service and is causing delays in hospital discharges.

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

"I propose that Leitrim County Council call on the HSE to immediately increase Home Help hours. The current provision is not adequate to cater for the numbers requiring the service and is causing delays in hospital discharges."

Councillor Mary Bohan outlined that this issue has been raised by a number of members through motions and it has not been properly addressed. Councillor Bohan said it costs less to keep people in their own homes than in hospital.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

             SECONDED by Cllr Enda Stenson

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council call on the HSE to immediately increase Home Help hours. The current provision is not adequate to cater for the numbers requiring the service and is causing delays in hospital discharges.

That Leitrim County Council calls on Úisce Éireann to halt their planned extraordinary hike in water charges, reputed to in the region of 29 percent, along with an equally extraordinary hike in standing charges which will fall heavy on farmers with multiple connections. Farmers are making great efforts to do their bit in the improvement of water quality by excluding livestock from using rivers and lakes for drinking purposes by providing piped water from mains supplies. The farming community could be forgiven for thinking they are about to be punished for co-operating with the national effort in improving water quality.

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

"That Leitrim County Council calls on Úisce Éireann to halt their planned extraordinary hike in water charges, reputed to in the region of 29 percent, along with an equally extraordinary hike in standing charges which will fall heavy on farmers with multiple connections. Farmers are making great efforts to do their bit in the improvement of water quality by excluding livestock from using rivers and lakes for drinking purposes by providing piped water from mains supplies. The farming community could be forgiven for thinking they are about to be punished for co-operating with the national effort in improving water quality."

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Paddy O’Rourke

             SECONDED by Cllr Brendan Barry

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council calls on Úisce Éireann to halt their planned extraordinary hike in water charges, reputed to in the region of 29 percent, along with an equally extraordinary hike in standing charges which will fall heavy on farmers with multiple connections. Farmers are making great efforts to do their bit in the improvement of water quality by excluding livestock from using rivers and lakes for drinking purposes by providing piped water from mains supplies. The farming community could be forgiven for thinking they are about to be punished for co-operating with the national effort in improving water quality.

The Help to Buy Scheme has assisted 124 individuals and families to date in County Leitrim, with up to €30,000 of their taxes back from the previous four years, towards a deposit to either build or purchase their first home.

Leitrim County Council supports the governments extension of the Help to Buy scheme to the end of 2025 and calls for the scheme to be extended to the end of 2026 in Budget 2025, to introduce certainty for prospective buyers or those seeking to build their first home.

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

"The Help to Buy Scheme has assisted 124 individuals and families to date in County Leitrim, with up to €30,000 of their taxes back from the previous four years, towards a deposit to either build or purchase their first home. Leitrim County Council supports the governments extension of the Help to Buy scheme to the end of 2025 and calls for the scheme to be extended to the end of 2026 in Budget 2025, to introduce certainty for prospective buyers or those seeking to build their first home."

Councillor Enda McGloin said in Leitrim there are not that many new homes being built and he called on the Government for the scheme to be extended and broadened, as this will create certainty for prospective buyers and people who are seeking to build their first home.

Councillor Sean McGowan and Cathaoirleach, Councillor Justin Warnock supported the motion.

Councillor Padraig Fallon sought clarification if stage payments under the Crioí Conaithe scheme have been agreed.

Ms Mary Quinn advised that the Crioí Conaithe Scheme is under review, and it is expected that the findings of the review will be published in May.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan sought clarification on situations where a parent may sell their home to their children, is the home then eligible under the Crioí Conaithe Scheme and what is the criteria for people with a disability under this scheme.

Ms Quinn said she would revert to Cllr Mulligan on this matter.

 On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Enda McGloin

             SECONDED by Cllr Sean McGowan

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council calls for the Help to Buy scheme to be extended to the end of 2026 in Budget 2025, to introduce certainty for prospective buyers or those seeking to build their first home.  The Help to Buy Scheme has assisted 124 individuals and families to date in County Leitrim, with up to €30,000 of their taxes back from the previous four years, towards a deposit to either build or purchase their first home. Leitrim County Council supports the government’s extension of the Help to Buy scheme to the end of 2025.

Following the completion of my 50 mile Leitrim GAA challenge, I can be honest, without being biased, that we have some of the most Outstanding Areas of Natural Beauty in Ireland, but I was sickened to see the amount of dumping of black bags of household waste in the environment along our rural roads and lanes. Therefore, I will ask the Council to hold a brainstorming workshop with the elected members, members of the PPN and staff from the Environment section of the council to develop a strategy in dealing with this horrendous issue.

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

"Following the completion of my 50-mile Leitrim GAA challenge, I can be honest, without being biased, that we have some of the most Outstanding Areas of Natural Beauty in Ireland, but I was sickened to see the amount of dumping of black bags of household waste in the environment along our rural roads and lanes. Therefore, I will ask the Council to hold a brainstorming workshop with the elected members, members of the PPN and staff from the Environment section of the council to develop a strategy in dealing with this horrendous issue."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"Prevention is better than cure, since the beginning of the year the Environment Department has received 76 complaints, regarding Illegal dumping of bags and various other items along Main Roads, Rural Roads, Side Roads and Bring Banks. This dumping is spoiling our lovely county.

The Council welcomes this suggestion of a brainstorming workshop and will plan such an event in April during National Spring Clean month. We will arrange to bring an expert to this event to talk through possible preventative measures."

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Justin Warnock gave the background to his motion, and he proposed that a brainstorming workshop be held with Elected Members, members of the PPN and staff from Environment department of Leitrim County Council to develop a strategy for this serious issue.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said a rapid respond is necessary when litter is dumped/reported to the Local Authority.

Councillor Enda McGloin said every household should be able to provide evidence as to who is collecting their waste.

Mr Vincent Dwyer advised a workshop will be held in April during National Spring Clean to deal with this issue.

I request that Leitrim County Council recognise that bullying is still a major issue within the county and across the country. I call on parents, grandparents, teachers and communities to talk with children and teenagers about the serious effects bullying can have on those affected by it. Maybe they are being bullied themselves see others been bullied or are knowingly or unknowingly involved in bullying. We all need to talk about bullying and Be Buddies not Bullies.  In memory of Eden Heaslip, whose life ended tragically because of bullying, and all those who have been affected by bullying, we all must do more to prevent bullying.

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

"I request that Leitrim County Council recognise that bullying is still a major issue within the county and across the country. I call on parents, grandparents, teachers, and communities to talk with children and teenagers about the serious effects bullying can have on those affected by it. Maybe they are being bullied themselves, see others been bullied or are knowingly or unknowingly involved in bullying. We all need to talk about bullying and Be Buddies not Bullies. In memory of Eden Heaslip, whose life ended tragically because of bullying, and all those who have been affected by bullying, we all must do more to prevent bullying."

Councillor Brendan Barry gave the background to his motion and said this is a very serious issue and he proposed a letter issue to all schools in this regard.

Councillor Mary Bohan supported the motion, and she complimented Cllr Barry for putting this motion on the agenda. Cllr Bohan said this is happening on-line also and many parents are not aware it is happening.

Councillors Enda Stenson, Paddy O’Rourke, Des Guckian and Felim Gurn also supported the motion.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Brendan Barry

             SECONDED by Cllr Mary Bohan

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council recognises that bullying is still a major issue within the county and across the country and they call on parents, grandparents, teachers, and communities to talk with children and teenagers about the serious effects bullying can have on those affected by it. Maybe they are being bullied themselves, see others been bullied or are knowingly or unknowingly involved in bullying. We all need to talk about bullying and Be Buddies not Bullies. In memory of Eden Heaslip, whose life ended tragically because of bullying, and all those who have been affected by bullying, we all must do more to prevent bullying.

I call on Leitrim County Council to write to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to put a Shannon Flood Scheme in place for all land owners along the River Shannon. It was good to see the Shannon Callows Flood Scheme passed, but I feel a similar scheme should be in place for all landowners effected along the Shannon.

Councillor Padraig Fallon proposed to move Councillor Gerry Dolan’s motion as he was not in attendance.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to write to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to put a Shannon Flood Scheme in place for all land owners along the River Shannon. It was good to see the Shannon Callows Flood Scheme passed, but I feel a similar scheme should be in place for all landowners affected along the Shannon."