Agenda and minutes

Approval of the Minutes of the meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District held on Monday, 27th January 2020.

Proposed by Councillor Brendan Barry, seconded by Councillor Gerry Dolan AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of Ballinamore Municipal District meeting held on Monday 27th January, 2020 be adopted”.

Matters arising from the Minutes

·        Councillor Brendan Barry requested a change to the Minutes of the Meeting under Item BMD 20/137. It was agreed to amend this section of the minutes to the following:

‘Councillor Brendan Barry did not accept 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 Ita Reynolds-Flynn requested clarification in relation to the Item BMD 20/135to establish if the proposed lighting will extend up to Kevin Murphy’s house.

Councillor Caillian Ellis proposed a Vote of Sympathy to the family of the late Michael Sammon of Aughnahseelin, Co. Leitrim.

Councillor Caillian Ellis extended a Vote of Congratulations to all of the Deputies that were recently Elected to Dáil Eireann in this constituency.

Mr. Francis Gaffney, A/Senior Engineer, Water Services provided an update in relation to Irish Water issues affecting the South Leitrim Area. Mr. Gaffney outlined that Leitrim County Council are continuing to operate a Service Level Agreement in partnership with Irish Water. He informed the Members that funding is a major issue and that no capital projects will be progressed in 2020 with the exception of one project at St. George’s Terrace, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim which is due to commence in the coming weeks. Mr. Gaffney outlined that the Council identified a number of projects as priorities for capital investment, however, Irish Water has indicated that no funding will be provided for these projects in 2020.

A detailed discussion ensued in relation to the funding model for Irish Water and their existing work practices with regard to leak detection and repair. The members expressed serious reservations in relation to the operations of Irish Water and queried if value for money is being achieved.

The Members raised a number of locations where short term measures should be put in place by the Council pending the completion of major capital works on a number of water schemes. Mr. Gaffney noted the details of the locations and agreed to review if any remedial works could be progressed in the short- term.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer provided an overview of the Schedule of Municipal District Works, 2020 and Mr. Terry McGovern provided an update on the Area Programme for 2020. The report as circulated to the members appears as Appendix I to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book.

Proposed by Councillor Enda McGloin, seconded by Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn and unanimously resolved ‘That the Ballinamore Municipal District approve the Schedule of Municipal District Works, 2020 to include the Area Programme, 2020’.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer provided a summary of the projects provisionally approved for funding under the Arts Festival Support Scheme. The report as circulated to the Members appears as Appendix II to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book.

Proposed by Councillor Caillian Ellis, seconded by Councillor Enda McGloin and unanimously resolved ‘That the Ballinamore Municipal District approves the Arts Festivals Support Scheme, 2020’.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer provided a summary of the projects provisionally approved for funding under the Tourism Festival and Events Grants Scheme. The report as circulated to the Members appears as Appendix III to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book.

Ms. Sinead Flynn outlined that additional funding will be provided later this year under an alternative funding scheme for angling projects.

Proposed by Councillor Gerry Dolan, seconded by Councillor Brendan Barry and unanimously resolved ‘That the Ballinamore Municipal District adopts the Tourism Festival and Events Grant Scheme, 2020’.

Letter dated from Irish Water dated 7th February, 2020 in response to a letter relating to a previous Notice of Motion from the Ballinamore Municipal District meeting.

This update was noted by the Members.

I request Leitrim County Council to ask the Road Design Office to investigate the possibility of providing a raised road Pedestrian Crossing  along the Carrick-on-Shannon Road, Drumshanbo on the stretch that is due to be resurfaced under the 2020 Roads Programme. The current speed of traffic on this road is excessive and with a new surface this may only get worse, a Pedestrian Crossing would help slow traffic down while providing a safe crossing for pedestrians.

"I request Leitrim County Council to ask the Road Design Office to investigate the possibility of providing a raised road Pedestrian Crossing along the Carrick-on-Shannon Road, Drumshanbo on the stretch that is due to be resurfaced under the 2020 Roads Programme. The current speed of traffic on this road is excessive and with a new surface this may only get worse, a Pedestrian Crossing would help slow traffic down while providing a safe crossing for pedestrians."

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

"The issue of speeding is a matter for the Gardai and the Council will bring your concerns to their attention. As you are aware Leitrim County Council provided a pedestrian crossing at the Acres Lake Amenity recently which follows the desire line route of pedestrians at this location. The Council will assess the desire line route of pedestrians to see if there is a need for a pedestrian crossing along the section of road that is to be resurfaced in 2020."

Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed the response to his Notice of Motion. He referred to a number of Pedestrian Crossings in Drumkeerin that have had an impact on the speed of vehicles travelling through

the village and he proposed that if similar measures were put in place in Drumshanbo that it would assist  in reducing excessive speeding by a number of motorists in Drumshanbo.

This Notice of Motion was also supported by Councillor Gerry Dolan and Councillor Brendan Barry.

Mr. Terry McGovern confirmed that the Council will review the matter to establish the desire line of pedestrians and that the matter will then be given further consideration. Mr. McGovern advised that the Pedestrian Crossings in Drumkeerin were designed in consultation with the local school to provide safe crossings for students in the village.

It was agreed by the Chairperson, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke to hear Motion No. 8 in the name of Councillor Enda McGloin and Motion No. 18 in the name of Councillor Gerry Dolan concurrently.

I call on Leitrim County Council to investigate consistent flooding of the road L3378 just past the R280-16 junction at Drumderg, Drumshanbo. It is imperative that efforts are made to clear the roadside drains each side of the road to alleviate the flooding.

"I call on Leitrim County Council to investigate consistent flooding of the road L3378 just past the R280-16 junction at Drumderg, Drumshanbo. It is imperative that efforts are made to clear the roadside drains each side of the road to alleviate the flooding."

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

"Leitrim County Council has identified this area for flooding funding in 2020. We will carry out these works in conjunction with the main Road Works Programme in summer 2020."

I propose that Leitrim County Council fill the depression on road L1568 in the townland of Sunnaghmore, Cloone, Co. Leitrim.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Caillian Ellis;

"I propose that Leitrim County Council fill the depression on road L1568 in the townland of Sunnaghmore, Cloone, Co. Leitrim."

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

"The District Engineer’s Office has no grant assigned to this road in 2020. We can carry out normal maintenance on this public road."

Councillor Caillian Ellis advised that there is an error in relation to the response to this Notice of Motion.

Mr. Terry McGovern advised that the Council will arrange to cut back the hedges and to apply for a Low Cost Safety Scheme for this property in 2020.

I propose that Leitrim County Council improve the sight distance where the L16041 meets the R201 at Cloone GAA pitch.

"I propose that Leitrim County Council improve the sight distance where the L16041 meets the R201 at Cloone GAA pitch."

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

"Land owners have been repeatedly asked to cut back the trees at this junction. No cars use this junction, it is used as an agricultural access and it would be a misuse of resources to apply a Low Cost Safety Scheme at this junction. If the Community who use this low volume road wish to get it resurfaced, they should apply for a Community Involvement Scheme grant as this is a public road."

I request an update from Leitrim County Council on the status of the taking in charge process for the Dun Na Bo Housing Estate, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim.

"I request an update from Leitrim County Council on the status of the taking in charge process for the Dun Na Bo Housing Estate, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim."

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

"Unfortunately the situation with Dun na Bo remains unchanged. At present we are still engaged in the process of pursuing a claim against the Bonds Company in respect of the completion bond attaching to this development. Due to the protracted nature of this claim it is being dealt with by our Legal Representative. As the bond expires once an estate is taken in charge we cannot consider taking in charge of this estate until such time as we have fully settled the claim."

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn relayed the concern of the residents in this estate with regard to the length of time that the taking in charge process is taking. She outlined that the residents are paying €1,200 a year to provide public lighting in the estate.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer outlined that the development currently remains in private ownership. Mr. Dwyer agreed to review the matter with Mr. Martin Donnelly, Planning Department.

Can Leitrim County Council investigate the possibility of providing a Pedestrian Crossing from the Secondary School in Ballinamore to the GAA Grounds. The students from the school use the GAA Grounds on a regular basis and it is a dangerous road for students to cross.

"Can Leitrim County Council investigate the possibility of providing a Pedestrian Crossing from the Secondary School in Ballinamore to the GAA Grounds. The students from the school use the GAA Grounds on a regular basis and it is a dangerous road for students to cross."

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

"The school should apply for Clar funding in 2020."

Councillor Ita Reynolds -Flynn queried if the school applied for Clar funding if this would mean that an any other project in Ballinamore would potentially not be funded if both applications were submitted under the same funding application. Mr. Terry McGovern confirmed that there is a specific project for schools under the Clar Programme but that all projects submitted under a programme effectively compete with each other for approval.

I ask that Leitrim County Council provide a number of overtaking bays in addition to road widening, which can be achieved by piping roadside drains and infilling on Road Number 369 adjacent to the Aughawillin GAA Grounds. Aughawillin GAA hosts a large number of fixtures in addition to providing facilities to one of the county’s most vibrant clubs.

"I ask that Leitrim County Council provide a number of overtaking bays in addition to road widening, which can be achieved by piping roadside drains and infilling on Road Number 369 adjacent to the Aughawillan GAA Grounds. Aughawillan GAA hosts a large number of fixtures in addition to providing facilities to one of the county’s most vibrant clubs."

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

"There is a Road Maintenance Grant in the townland of Stroke. We can construct lay-bys in this area. There have been a number of lay-bys constructed in this area over the past few years due to GAA match traffic."

I ask that Leitrim County Council look at providing a solution to what has increasingly become an issue at the Junction where Road Number 15885 joins the L1588 (the main road to Longford) following road widening which was carried out just south of the Junction some time ago. There have been a number of near misses at the Junction recently, where drainage has also been an issue impacting on private property.

"I ask that Leitrim County Council look at providing a solution to what has increasingly become an issue at the Junction where Road Number 15885 joins the L1588 (the main road to Longford) following road widening which was carried out just south of the Junction some time ago. There have been a number of near misses at the Junction recently, where drainage has also been an issue impacting on private property."

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

"The District Office has contacted the local land owner and advised him that the Council has applied for a continuation of a road widening under a Specific Improvement Scheme. We were unsuccessful this year, however we will re-apply as part of the 2021 submissions."

Councillor O’Rourke acknowledged the reply to his Notice of Motion. He requested that additional signage be put in place at this location to alert motorists to reduce their speed.

Mr. Terry McGovern agreed to this request.

I request that Leitrim County Council apply for funding for projects under the Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation to provide new inclusive equipment for children of all abilities in our playgrounds across the county e.g. ability roundabouts and swings.  One of the criteria under this scheme is that the playground must be accessible to all children.

"I request that Leitrim County Council apply for funding for projects under the Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation to provide new inclusive equipment for children of all abilities in our playgrounds across the county e.g. ability roundabouts and swings. One of the criteria under this scheme is that the playground must be accessible to all children."

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

"Leitrim County Council applied in 2019 for the Capital Grants Scheme from the DCYA for Mohill playground and was successful in getting a grant of €18,556. An additional 25% was provided by the Council, allowing for a total fund of €23,195. The funding was in part used to install four additional all inclusive pieces of musical equipment. Music therapy has been proven to be very effective method in dealing with autism or asperger’s. The remaining funding will be used to upgrade the surface of the playground, install new age friendly seating and paint, and upgrade current equipment. The tender process is complete and Creative Play has been appointed to carry out the works.

It is Leitrim County Council’s intention to apply for further funding under the Capital Grants Scheme in 2020. A review of all playgrounds is currently ongoing to determine possible funding applications under both Clár and DCYA schemes."

Councillor Brendan Barry welcomed the reply to his Notice of Motion and this was supported by all Members. Councillor Barry queried if all playgrounds will be accessible to children with different needs  and abilities or if a fully accessible and inclusive playground could be provided in the north and south of  the county or alternatively in each Municipal District area.

I request that Leitrim County Council carry out line marking on the Main Street in Ballinamore and use the available space to maximise the number of parking places which would be available for customers of businesses in the town. Providing additional car parking in our towns and villages must be a priority for Leitrim County Council.

"I request that Leitrim County Council carry out line marking on the Main Street in Ballinamore and use the available space to maximise the number of parking places which would be available for customers of businesses in the town. Providing additional car parking in our towns and villages must be a priority for Leitrim County Council."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"This matter will be examined be the Design Office"

Councillor Brendan Barry stated that if the line marking was carried out that additional parking would be available in the town at a minimum cost. Councillor Barry also queried if the zebra-crossing at the Church in Ballinamore could be raised.

Mr. Terry McGovern outlined that the design of new zebra-crossings provides for a raised crossing, however, he further outlined that the Council is not in a position to raise the levels of existing zebra- crossings.

I call on Leitrim County Council to have major repair works carried out to the road between the Cross Road at Drumderrig, Drumshanbo all the way to the County Bridge at Drumherriff, Co. Leitrim.

"I call on Leitrim County Council to have major repair works carried out to the road between the Cross Road at Drumderrig, Drumshanbo all the way to the County Bridge at Drumherriff, Co. Leitrim."

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

"Leitrim County Council has included this public road on the 2021 Road Improvement Grant Schedule of Works."

I call on Leitrim County Council to have footpath and lights extended to the Radharc na Baile Estate on the Dowra Road, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim.

"I call on Leitrim County Council to have footpath and lights extended to the Radharc na Baile Estate on the Dowra Road, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim."

Report by Roads - General

"The Council acknowledges the merit of this proposal, however, there is no funding available under the 2020 Roads Programme for the provision of new footpaths. If an alternative funding stream can be identified, then the matter can be reviewed."

Councillor Gerry Dolan referred to the fact that the Council recently purchased a number of dwellings in this estate, which have provided additional social housing support in the Drumshanbo area. He stated that a footpath and public lighting should be provided from the town to the estate.

Mr. Terry McGovern advised that the Council have no funding available to complete these works, however

,he stated that that a funding application for the works could be submitted under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is a local Group was established to submit the funding request.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion. He queried if the provision of a public footpath and public lighting would not have been conditions incorporated into the planning approval granted to develop the estate.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that the conditions attached to the planning application relate to the development itself. Mr. Terry McGovern also advised that the social housing units provided in this estate were delivered to the Council under a turn-key development and related solely to the completion of the units.

Councillor Enda McGloin queried if the council could contact the Developer and establish if the Company maybe in a position to provide the 10% local funding requirement for the scheme.

Councillor Brendan Barry also supported the Notice of Motion.

Councillor Enda McGloin requested that the Development Levies for the estate be reviewed. Mr. Vincent Dwyer agreed to review the matter and to revert to Councillor McGloin, however, he stated that the income received from development levies is treated as a general income stream for the Local Authority and that the money received is not ring-fenced for specific works.

1.      Councillor Paddy O’Rourke queried if the extension of additional antennae to a mast should result in additional development levies being applied to the development.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer agreed to review the matter.

2.      Councillor Gerry Dolan raised the issue of hedge-cutting where landowners have not carried out their duties within the prescribed time-frame.

3.      Councillor Brendan Barry also requested clarification on the enforcement proceedings taken by the Council against non-compliant landowners.

Mr. Terry McGovern advised that the Area Office will issue the appropriate notices where landowners are non-complaint. He requested that the details of the relevant locations be provided to the Area Office.

4.      Councillor Brendan Barry referred to the recent flooding incidents in Leitrim Village, Co. Leitrim. He queried if the Council are providing pumps to local residents.

Mr. Terry McGovern advised that the Council is providing sandbags to local residents and businesses in Leitrim Village, however, he stated that the Council do not generally provide pumps. Mr. McGovern also advised that the Council crews are operating a pump to control the water levels at the Quay Wall and at the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon.