Agenda and minutes

Proposed by Councillor Caillian Ellis, seconded by Councillor Brendan Barry AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of Ballinamore Municipal District meeting held on Tuesday 17^th December, 2019 be adopted.”

Acknowledgment of letter dated 30^th December, 2019 from the Department of the Taoiseach.

The meeting correspondence was noted by the members.

I call on Leitrim County Council to investigate the situation of the An Grianan Housing Estate, Hilly Road, Drumshanbo, with a view to acquiring the properties to fulfill the housing needs in the surrounding area.

"I call on Leitrim County Council to investigate the situation of the An Grianan Housing Estate, Hilly Road, Drumshanbo, with a view to acquiring the properties to fulfil the housing needs in the surrounding area."

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

"During 2019 an additional 19 Social Houses were delivered in the town of Drumshanbo which included 9 No. 3 bedroom houses at Radharc an Baile and 10 No.3 bedroom houses at Cnoc an Iuir. Based on the additional housing units delivered and the most recent assessment of need, the current Housing Waiting List in the South 1 area which includes Drumshanbo is approximately 58. It should be noted that the 12 houses in An Grianan estate are owned by 6 different individuals and consist of large 4 bedroom family houses whereas the predominant house type now required in Drumshanbo is 2 bedroom units. The Housing Section is currently determining how best to provide further additional social housing in the Drumshanbo area and the potential of An Grianan will be examined as part of this process."

Councillor Gerry Dolan stated that this estate has been unoccupied for a considerable length of time and that the Council should consider acquiring the dwellings to meet the social housing demand in the area.

This Notice of Motion was supported by Councillor Enda McGloin and Councillor Brendan Barry.

Councillor Brendan Barry queried if an update could be provided on the taking in charge of the estate.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer read out the reply to the Notice of Motion for the benefit of all members which outlined the number of units provided by the Council in Drumshanbo in 2019 to meet the social housing need. Mr. Dwyer stated that the current social housing need in Drumshanbo is for 2 bedroom units and that the dwellings in this estate are larger 4 bedroom dwellings.  Mr. Dwyer agreed to review the taking in charge of the estate and to revert to the members with an update.

There are many people using the new Blueway  stretch from the Lough Allen Hotel, Drumshanbo to Wynne’s, where it crosses the road at Blackrock heading to Acres Lake, Drumshanbo. Many visitors unfamiliar with the route get confused at this point, therefore, I request Leitrim County Council to ask Waterways Ireland to erect clear signage indicating the route of the Blueway from Blackrock onwards towards Acres Amenity.

"There are many people using the new Blueway  stretch from the Lough Allen Hotel, Drumshanbo to Wynne’s, where it crosses the road at Blackrock heading to Acres Lake, Drumshanbo. Many visitors unfamiliar with the route get confused at this point, therefore, I request Leitrim County Council to ask Waterways Ireland to erect clear signage indicating the route of the Blueway from Blackrock onwards towards Acres Amenity."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"We will advise Waterways Ireland of your request for additional signage at this location. Waterways Ireland is currently liaising with Leitrim County Council to apply for funding to allow construction of an underpass at the R280 crossing and will continue to liaise with the affected landowners."

I call on Leitrim County Council to cut the hedging/trees along the Manorhamilton road out of Drumshanbo at Carraic na Breac which over looks the new section of the Blueway.  This would present a very pleasant view of this area for visitors to Drumshanbo.

"I call on Leitrim County Council to cut the hedging/trees along the Manorhamilton road out of Drumshanbo at Carraic na Breac which overlooks the new section of the Blueway.  This would present a very pleasant view of this area for visitors to Drumshanbo."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"Leitrim County Council will endeavour to maintain the hedges that belong to the Local Authority. If the hedges in question are in public ownership we will provide a hedge cutter at this location."

Councillor Enda McGloin requested that the Council liaise with the landowners and arrange to complete these works on a once off basis to enhance the tourism offering of the area.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle stated that the Council do not maintain private property but they may consider on a one off exceptional basis cutting the trees if the landowners agreed to remove the felled trees.

This proposal was also supported by Councillor Brendan Barry.

I call on this Council to install public lighting adjacent to the footpath at Lahard, Ballinamore on the Swanlinbar Road up to the property at N41 AY89. I understand that some of the necessary infrastructure is already in place to facilitate the extension of the public lighting at this location.

"I call on this Council to install public lighting adjacent to the footpath at Lahard, Ballinamore on the Swanlinbar Road up to the property at N41 AY89. I understand that some of the necessary infrastructure is already in place to facilitate the extension of the public lighting at this location."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"The property in question is on the Newtowngore Road. The Council have not provided any budget for new public lighting, however we have a Restoration Improvement Grant at this location and will endeavour to construct two public lights at this location."

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn requested that three public lights be provided instead of two.

Mr. O’Boyle advised that the provision of an additional light may require a re-design of the proposed works and he agreed to review the request.

The road from Tully Cross, Beaghmore to Gortomone, Carrigallen is in urgent need of repair. The bridge on this section of road also needs to be repaired as there is a long fall down from the bridge which is extremely dangerous.

"The road from Tully Cross, Beaghmore to Gortomone, Carrigallen is in urgent need of repair. The bridge on this section of road also needs to be repaired as there is a long fall down from the bridge which is extremely dangerous."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"The road from Tully Cross to Beagh More is the local road L-1588. This road received a surface dressing grant in 2015. It is currently not on our 3 year Road Improvement Grant plan. We will include this bridge in our Bridge Rehabilitation List for future funding."

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn stated that the bridge is extremely dangerous and that urgent repair woks are required to the bridge. Councillor Paddy O’Rourke supported the Notice of Motion.  

Mr. O’Boyle advised that the bridge will be included on the Bridge Rehabilitation List.

That Ballinamore Municipal District notes the failures of the current Fine Gael/Fianna Fail Government to deal with the trolley crisis in our hospitals over successive years.It has got so bad, our hospitals can't cope and elective medical procedures have been cancelled in hospitals across the country as a result.The Irish people deserve and demand better.

"That Ballinamore Municipal District notes the failures of the current Fine Gael/Fianna Fail Government to deal with the trolley crisis in our hospitals over successive years.It has got so bad, our hospitals can't cope and elective medical procedures have been cancelled in hospitals across the country as a result. The Irish people deserve and demand better."

The Chairperson, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke clarified the position in relation to the current agreement between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. He stated that Councillor Barry’s Notice of Motion was factually incorrect and he clarified that Fianna Fail are not in coalition with Fine Gael.

Councillor Brendan Barry accepted Councillor O’Rourke’s comments, however, he stated that a number of national budgets have been passed by Fine Gael and Fianna Fail under their confidence and supply agreement.  Councillor Barry referenced the statistics relating to the number of patients waiting in Accident and Emergency Departments on trolleys due to hospital overcrowding. He also expressed concern in relation to the number of people waiting on elective medical procedures that have had their appointments cancelled due to the A& E crisis.

Councillor O’Rourke stated that all of the Ballinamore Municipal District members agree that the current situation in hospitals is unacceptable and that attempts to improve the health service and the HSE have failed under a number of Ministers and Governments.

Councillor Enda McGloin referred to ongoing measures initiated by the Government e.g. the recruitment of additional Consultants in order to address staffing shortages in the HSE, the opening of additional bed capacity in hospitals to address the situation. Councillor McGloin also stated that the problems within the health sector are multiple and will not be addressed in the short term. 

Councillor Caillian Ellis also expressed his concern in relation to the number of patients waiting on beds following their admission to hospital. He stated that the HSE is over staffed with managers and that there are not sufficient numbers of nursing and medical staff employed to provide patient care.

Councillor Gerry Dolan also supported the front line medical and nursing staff and stated that additional posts in the HSE should be sanctioned to alleviate waiting lists etc.

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn stated that the HSE also experience difficulties in the recruitment and retention of staff which has an impact on patient care and waiting lists.

I request that Leitrim County Council carry out piping and infilling of watertables and to use material to make a verge along local road between Cornabrone and L3310 in the townland of Derrinkeher. I also request that resurfacing works be carried out.

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

"I request that Leitrim County Council carry out piping and infilling of water tables and to use material to make a verge along local road between Cornabrone and L3310 in the townland of Derrinkeher. I also request that resurfacing works be carried out."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"The local road that joins Aghnasheelin and Aghacashal is the L3310. The road is elevated on a number of sections and will require a Specific Improvement Grant (SIG) at this location as it will require substantial works and land purchase. We will include this section of road in any future SIG funding streams. In the interim, we will provide maintenance such as land cuts and patching along this local road."

This proposal was supported by all Members.

I ask that Leitrim County Council remove the light shrubbery which has grown up on many corners, where excavation had taken place by the Council in order to create a better view for safety. In many cases, landowners gave the lands free of charge in the interest of improving road safety but are disappointed to see how this shrubbery has been allowed to spring up rendering useless the earlier excellent work done.

"I ask that Leitrim County Council remove the light shrubbery which has grown up on many corners, where excavation had taken place by the Council in order to create a better view for safety. In many cases, landowners gave the lands free of charge in the interest of improving road safety but are disappointed to see how this shrubbery has been allowed to spring up rendering useless the earlier excellent work done."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"We can advise once we know the locations. It is important to note that hedges or shrubberies on the side of the local road network are usually the property of the land owner."

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle requested that Councillor O’Rourke forward a list of the locations concerned in order that the matter could be reviewed.  Mr. O’Boyle stated that if the Council are in ownership of the lands concerned that they have a duty to maintain the areas.

I ask when will the small lay-by which was agreed to be provided at Road Number 156192 in the townland of Doogra, Killmakenny, Corriga be put in place. Currently, motorists have on occasions to back up their cars often 300 metres, when meeting oncoming traffic. Thankfully, we have a few new families in the area who use the road to access schools, crèches etc which has led to a welcome increase in traffic on a road which had experienced population decline for many years.

"I ask when will the small lay-by which was agreed to be provided at Road Number 156192 in the townland of Doogra, Killmakenny, Corriga be put in place. Currently, motorists have on occasions to back up their cars often 300 metres, when meeting oncoming traffic. Thankfully, we have a few new families in the area who use the road to access schools, crèches etc which has led to a welcome increase in traffic on a road which had experienced population decline for many years."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"As this road has a Road Improvement Grant assigned to it, we will carry out lay-by construction on the L-5619 and adjoining local roads."

I propose that Leitrim County Council write to Irish Water requesting that they replace the water mains from Carrick-on-Shannon to Ballinamore.

"I propose that Leitrim County Council write to Irish Water requesting that they replace the water mains from Carrick-on-Shannon to Ballinamore."

Councillor Ellis outlined that significant damage was caused to this road by Irish Water. 

Councillor Gerry Dolan and Councillor Brendan Barry also supported this Notice of Motion.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer agreed to follow up with Irish Water and he also proposed that Mr. Francis Gaffney, Senior Engineer attend the next meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District to give an update on Irish Water issues affecting the South Leitrim area.

I propose that Leitrim County Council resurface the R202 at Fenagh Village.

"I propose that Leitrim County Council resurface the R202 at Fenagh Village."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"We note that the R202 at the school has deteriorated and will require attention. We shall include this regional road for approval at the Roads Programme meeting."

I call on Leitrim County Council for an update on the taking in charge of the Cluain Alainn Housing Estate, Carrigallen by Leitrim County Council.

"I call on Leitrim County Council for an update on the taking in charge of the Cluain Alainn Housing Estate, Carrigallen by Leitrim County Council."

Report by Planning

"The Council is currently preparing tender documentation to invite tenders from competent contractors to undertake the works necessary to complete this and a number of other estates. It is proposed to issue an invitation for tenders via the etenders web portal during the latter part of February and the process of appointing a contractor is expected to be complete by mid to late May. Works, however, will only commence once any estate has been formally taken in charge.

In tandem with the tendering process the Council will be engaged, as is required, with our partners in Irish Water in respect of the taking in charge of water services in these estates. Once these consultations are finalised it is proposed to commence the statutory public consultation in mid to late March with the process due for conclusion in June."

Councillor Gerry Dolan welcomed the response to his Notice of Motion, however, he stated that there is a perception that the estate has already been take in charge as the Council completed some works in the estate in 2019.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke outlined that a drainage issue arose in the estate last year when pubic footpaths were installed and that the Council had completed some works in the estate.  

Councillor Dolan also queried if traffic calming measures could be provided close to the entrance to the estate due to the speed of oncoming traffic.  Mr. Darragh O’Boyle outlined that the area is located within a speed limit zone and that motorists should be observing the speed limit for this section of road. 

 Mr. O’Boyle also outlined that new public lighting will be installed at this location later this year.

1.      Councillor Brendan Barry queried if a Government Agency/Department can be a partner to provide funding for a Community Improvement Scheme.

·        Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that the Council cannot provide match funding for a CIS, however, he was not aware of the position for a Government Department.

·        Councillor Gerry Dolan and Councillor Paddy O’Rourke also supported this proposal.

·        Mr. Darragh O’Boyle stated that there is merit in the proposal. He advised that the total allocation of funding for CIS’s is not always fully committed due to difficulties raising the local contribution requirement for the scheme.

2.      Councillor Enda McGloin queried if there is funding to provide a footpath from the Radharc an Baile Estate, Drumshanbo into the town.

3.      Councillor Caillian Ellis called on the Council to re-instate the opening times of the County Library in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim.  Councillor Enda McGloin stated that this issue was raised at a recent Council meeting and the members were informed that the WRC are involved and that is a matter for the Executive to address.

Ms. Sinead Flynn informed the Members that the next meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District will take place on Monday 28th February, 2018 in the Library Ballinamore at 11.00 a.m.