Agenda and minutes

Ballinamore Municipal District meetings held on:

·         24^th February 2020

·         2^nd June 2020

·         26^th June 2020

Proposed by Councillor Gerry Dolan, seconded by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of Ballinamore Municipal District meeting held on 24^th June, 2020, 2^nd June, 2020 and 26^th June, 2020 be adopted”.

·         25^th May 2020

·         22^nd June 2020

·         27^th July 2020

Proposed by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke, seconded by Councillor Caillian Ellis AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Online Minutes of the Ballinamore Municipal District meetings held on 25^th May, 22^nd June and 27^th July, 2020 be approved.”

Ms. Sinead Flynn outlined that the following items of correspondence had been circulated to the Members with the agenda for the meeting.

1.      Letter dated 4^th August, 2020 from Brendan J. McDonald on behalf of the Court Service.

Councillor Caillian Ellis stated that he was unable to access Meetings Correspondence on Issue Manager.

Ms. Sinead Flynn read the letter for the benefit of Councillor Ellis and the following discussion ensued.

·         Councillor Ellis noted the contents of the letter from the Court Service. He queried when the letter was received and expressed his disappointment that the Council had not accepted the offer to have the building transferred over to the Local Authority. 

Ms. Flynn confirmed that the letter from the Court Service was received on 6^th August, 2020. Ms. Flynn also outlined that as there was no Municipal District meeting in August, 2020 the correspondence was circulated as part of the Meetings Correspondence for the September meeting.

·         Councillor Ellis referred to the significant history associated with the building. He stated that funding could be assessed at a future date to develop the building as a tourist attraction and he called upon the Council to accept the offer to take over the ownership of the building. 

Mr. Vincent Dwyer outlined that the Council is not able to acquire the Courthouse due to the operational and maintenance costs that the Council would incur for the building.

·         Councillor Ellis re-iterated that the opportunity to acquire the building should not be missed. He proposed that once the ownership of the building is secured that funding opportunities to develop the building could then be explored.

·         Councillor Brendan Barry expressed his disappointment in the way the building has been maintained to date by the Court Service particularly as the building is a Protected Structure.  Councillor Barry queried if the building was sold on the open market would there be a role for the Local Authority in ensuring that the building was maintained in keeping with it’s original use.

·         Councillor Paddy O’Rourke supported Councillor Ellis’s proposal and agreed that the future use of the building can be explored when funding opportunities become available.

·         Councillor  Ita Reynolds-Flynn also supported the Notice of Motion.

·         Councillor Enda McGloin recommended that the Council consider the proposal and consider consulting with the local community and/or arrange a feasibility study to identify potential future uses of the building.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the former County Manager Ms. Jackie Maguire had requested a feasibility study on the building several years ago.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer agreed to review the proposal with the Management Team and to revert to the members with an update on the proposal.

2.      Email of 26^th August, 2020 from Minister Eamon Ryan, Minister for Climate Action, Communications Network & Transport, on the National Broadband Plan

This update was noted by Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn in response to her Notice of Motion.

3.      Letter received from Ms. Anita Harte, on behalf of Concerned Citizen of Ballianamore.

Ms. Flynn advised that  ...  view the full minutes text for item BMD.93.20

I want to compliment Leitrim County Council and the Contractors for providing an excellent overlay on the Carrick-on-Shannon Road, Drumshanbo. I am concerned, however, that without one or two speed ramps being provided, that excess driver speed on the new smooth straight surface may lead to an accident. I call on Leitrim County Council to provide two speed ramps on this stretch similar to Leitrim Village and Drumkeeran.

"I want to compliment Leitrim County Council and the Contractors for providing an excellent overlay on the Carrick-on-Shannon Road, Drumshanbo.  I am concerned, however, that without one or two speed ramps being provided, that excess driver speed on the new smooth straight surface may lead to an accident. I call on Leitrim County Council to provide two speed ramps on this stretch similar to Leitrim Village and Drumkeeran."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"The Restoration Grant carried out on the R207 Regional road entering Drumshanbo is now complete apart from road markings.   The grant does not allow for the construction of ramps.   We have yet to erect a driver feed-back sign indicating the speed of the vehicles approach along this section of road.   We made an application to the Department for traffic calming measures on the R207 approach to Drumshanbo for the current year, but that application was unsuccessful.    Furthermore, we have informed the Leitrim Roads Policing Unit of An Garda Siochana of a possible speeding issue on this stretch of road, and they have confirmed that they will carry out speed checks on an ongoing basis in this area. 

The table-tops that you refer to on the R280, in Drumkeeran, are located within the village at crossing points.  If funding becomes available, a table-top Pedestrian Crossing Point could be considered on the R207 approach at Corryard Wood entrance.   If a local Community Group was willing to make an application for funding for such a scheme under Clar/Town & Village/Active travel, we will actively pursue it with them."

Councillor Enda McGloin accepted the response to this Notice of Motion.  Councillor Brendan Barry also supported the proposal and stated that he would welcome an engineering solution at this location.

I call on Leitrim County Council to consider the overlay of road L5326-0, Greaghglass Lane, Aughnasheelin as part of the 2021 Road Works Programme.

"I call on Leitrim County Council to consider the overlay of road L5326-0, Greaghglass Lane, Aughnasheelin as part of the 2021 Road Works Programme."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"The 2021 road works programme has already been approved by the council as part of the 3 year programme (2019, 2020, 2021).   This road can be considered for inclusion in the next 3 year program, but it should be noted that the condition of the roads as per the PSCI survey determines whether an RIG can be provided."

Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed this response.

I ask that Leitrim County Council consider removing the earth bank on the right hand side of the road on the L15822 below Aughavas Church Of Ireland, where the hedge was removed and fencing erected some time ago. The earth bank in question is obscuring the view from both directions, on what is a sharp 90 degree-end on a busy road.

"I ask that Leitrim County Council consider removing the earth bank on the right hand side of the road on the L15822 below Aughavas Church Of Ireland, where the hedge was removed and fencing erected some time ago.   The earth bank in question is obscuring the view from both directions, on what is a sharp 90 degree-end on a busy road."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"The local road at the Church of Ireland in Aughavas is the L-1582.   The corner was removed by LCC in 2009 and a fence was constructed.   We will include this local road on the next road works programme which will allow us to reconstruct this junction regarding earthworks and drainage."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke welcomed the reply. Councillor Reynolds-Flynn also supported the Notice of Motion.

I ask Leitrim County Council that a sustained publicity campaign regarding the Hedge Cutting Grant be engaged in, while acknowledging the financial support within the grant is very small. The scheme has had some very positive results and needs to be promoted to entice more members of the public to apply.

"I ask Leitrim County Council that a sustained publicity campaign regarding the Hedge Cutting Grant be engaged in, while acknowledging the financial support within the grant is very small.   The scheme has had some very positive results and needs to be promoted to entice more members of the public to apply."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"This is the Fourth year of the Leitrim County Council Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme.  In Year 1 (2017/2018), 7 Grants were paid, in Year 2 (2018/2019) 5 Grants were paid and in Year 3 (2019/2020), 28 Grants were paid.   The annual Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme is advertised annually in the Leitrim Observer (advertised most recently on 9th September, 2020).   We also send details of the Scheme to the Leitrim Branch of the IFA and also to all Councillors, TD’s and MEP’s for this region.   In addition, last year and again this year, we have arranged that Notice of this Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme would be included in the weekly Parish Mass Newsletters.   This appears to have been a very successful initiate in 2019/2020 and certainly led to a much greater uptake on this Scheme in 2019/2020.   We have again issued details of this Grant Scheme to all the Parish’s for inclusion in their Newsletters/Bulletins.   We plan to ask them to publicise this Scheme on an ongoing basis by repeating this Notice a number of times until the Deadline for Receipt of Applications closes on 29th January, 2021.   The Scheme is also advertised on our Leitrim County Council Website at www.leitrimcoco.ie and Application Forms for this Scheme are available to download from this Website.    We will continue to publicise this Scheme on an ongoing basis in order to improve the uptake on the Scheme."

Councillor O’Rourke’s proposal was supported by all members.  There was unanimous agreement that many issues arise on an annual basis in relation to hedge-cutting, with regard to the manner in which it is carried out and the non-compliance of some landowners who do not carry out the necessary works. 

The members proposed that a local/national publicity scheme be developed and that additional information on the hedge-cutting be communicated with landowners as part of the information contained within the application form for the Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme.

Mr. O’Boyle stated that the responsibility for hedge-cutting rests with the landowners. He outlined that the current Hedge Cutting Scheme was approved by the Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) and that any proposed amendments to the scheme must be referred to the SPC for consideration. 

Mr. Dwyer advised that he will review the scheme with the Acting Senior Engineer in Roads.

Proposed by Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn, seconded by Councillor Caillian Ellis AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“I ask Leitrim County Council that a sustained publicity campaign regarding the Hedge Cutting Grant be engaged in, while acknowledging the financial support within the grant is very small.   The scheme has had some very positive results and needs to be promoted to entice more members of the public to apply. I  ...  view the full minutes text for item BMD.97.20

I request that the Ballinamore Municipal District call on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide funding and Leitrim County Council to provide assistance to landowners with roadside trees affected by Ashdieback. Sadly, many of these wonderful trees will need to be removed for health and safety reasons. The first case of the disease in Ireland was detected in a plantation in Co. Leitrim in October 2012 and the first case in a roadside tree was also detected in Co. Leitrim. Many roadside ash trees are now affected throughout Co. Leitrim and it is thought that 98% of ashtrees in the country will be dead or compromised significantly in the next 7 to 10 years. If left to decay these trees will become very dangerous to do anything with.

It was agreed to consider Motion from Councillor Barry along with Motion from Councillor Reynolds-Flynn.

Motion from Councillor Brendan Barry:

"I request that the Ballinamore Municipal District call on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide funding and Leitrim County Council to provide assistance to landowners with roadside trees affected by Ashdieback.   Sadly, many of these wonderful trees will need to be removed for health and safety reasons.   The first case of the disease in Ireland was detected in a plantation in Co. Leitrim in October 2012 and the first case in a roadside tree was also detected in Co. Leitrim.   Many roadside ash trees are now affected throughout Co. Leitrim and it is thought that 98% of ashtrees in the country will be dead or compromised significantly in the next 7 to 10 years. If left to decay these trees will become very dangerous to do anything with."

 Motion from Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn:

"I wish to request that Leitrim County Council consider a Pilot Scheme in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for the removal of ash trees on all public roads in the interest of public safety due to the Ashdieback Disease."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"We will write to the Department to request funding for such an initiative."

A detailed discussion regarding the problem with ‘Ashdieback Disease’ ensued. It was agreed to refer both Notices of Motion to the Department for their response.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District call on the Government and the different Departments which have recently approved funding to both Community Groups and Leitrim County Council to extend the deadlines for when funding must be spent. In order to get the best value for money, sufficient time needs to be given to allow the Council or Groups make the best use of own labour and resources, to get numerous quotations and to be able to plan and divide up the work so as to make the best use of the funding.

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District call on the Government and the different Departments which have recently approved funding to both Community Groups and Leitrim County Council to extend the deadlines for when funding must be spent.   In order to get the best value for money, sufficient time needs to be given to allow the Council or Groups make the best use of own labour and resources, to get numerous quotations and to be able to plan and divide up the work so as to make the best use of the funding."

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

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District call on the Government and the different Departments which have recently approved funding to both Community Groups and Leitrim County Council to extend the deadlines for when funding must be spent.   In order to get the best value for money, sufficient time needs to be given to allow the Council or Groups make the best use of own labour and resources, to get numerous quotations and to be able to plan and divide up the work so as to make the best use of the funding."

I wish to request that Leitrim County Council consider a Pilot Scheme in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for the removal of ash trees on all public roads in the interest of public safety due to the Ashdieback Disease.

"I have been contacted by a number of residents with regard to traffic calming at Willowfield Road, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim.    There is a high level of traffic on this road, with three estates and many residential properties in addition to the Enterprise Centre where the new Buscentre has been set up."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"While the council acknowledges the merits of this proposal, there is no funding available in the current roadworks program to carry out these works.   However, all Residence Committees/Tidy Towns Committees/Community Groups can apply for CIS schemes, Smarter Travel Schemes and Town and Village Schemes, Clar Schemes, which will allow access to funding to provide these facilities.   These grant aided schemes are advertised every year.   I can meet with these residents at any time and explain the process to them. Leitrim County Council do not have funding streams available to carry out these works."

Mr. O’Boyle stated that he will meet with the community and discuss various funding options that may be available for traffic calming at this location.

Councillor Reynolds-Flynn welcomed the response to her Notice of Motion.

I propose that Leitrim County Council write to Waterways Ireland requesting that a Representative make a presentation to the Ballinamore Municipal District on the Ballinamore/Ballyconnell Canal. The presentation should outline the types of activities and

the organisations using the facility and let us have any recommendations to enhance or maximise it’s benefit to the local community.

"I propose that Leitrim County Council write to Waterways Ireland requesting that a Representative make a presentation to the Ballinamore Municipal District on the Ballinamore/Ballyconnell Canal.   The presentation should outline the types of activities and the organisations using the facility and let us have any recommendations to enhance or maximise it’s benefit to the local community."

Councillor Ellis requested the support of the members to contact Waterways Ireland and seek a representative to deliver a presentation on the Ballinamore/Ballyconnell Canal. 

Proposed by Councillor Caillian Ellis, seconded by Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

"I propose that Leitrim County Council write to Waterways Ireland requesting that a Representative make a presentation to the Ballinamore Municipal District on the Ballinamore/Ballyconnell Canal.   The presentation should outline the types of activities and the organisations using the facility and let us have any recommendations to enhance or maximise it’s benefit to the local community."

I propose that Leitrim County Council clean all of the Aughnasheelin river.

"I propose that Leitrim County Council clean all of the Aughnasheelin River."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"The Aughnasheelin River is not part of the prescribed Drainage Districts which are funded every year by Leitrim County Council budgets.   The budget available allows us to clean approximately 15 km per year of the Ballinamore/Ballyconnell Drainage System."

Councillor Ellis complemented the work completed to date but called upon the Council to complete the cleaning of all the Aughnasheelin river.

Mr. O’Boyle agreed to this request.

·         Councillor O’Rourke requested that the Cloone River be cleaned as there is an issue there presently which will only deteriorate further if the matter is not attended to. This proposal was also supported by Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn.

Mr. O’Boyle stated that the consent of the owner of the land would be required before the works could be considered.

I call on Leitrim County Council to get assurance from the forestry company proposing to fell forestry at Mullagarve, Aughacashel that they have money or a bond put in place to restore the damage they will cause to these roads. I also seek an assurance from the company that these roads will be maintained in a passable condition when such works are being carried out.

"I call on Leitrim County Council to get assurance from the forestry company proposing to fell forestry at Mullagarve, Aughacashel that they have money or a bond put in place to restore the damage they will cause to these roads.   I also seek an assurance from the company that these roads will be maintained in a passable condition when such works are being carried out."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"We are pursuing the forestry companies to take part in the CIS schemes which will allow the local authority to carry out full restoration of the local roads used by these forestry companies."

Councillor Dolan stated that this road is in good condition and that the community is fearful of damage that the forestry company may cause to this road with the extraction of forestry via this road.  Councillor Dolan also sought assurances on the position with the bond.

This proposal was supported by all members.

Mr. O’Boyle outlined to the member that there is no requirement on a Forestry Company to seek planning permission for the extraction of timber and therefore the issue of a bond does not arise.  Mr. O’Boyle further outlined that the Forestry Companies have engaged with communities and the Council to provide funding for CIS Schemes on routes that have been damaged by the extraction of forestry.  

I also call on Leitrim County Council to get assurance from the forestry company proposing to fell forestry at Adoon, Cornagher and Corlulla Hall Road, Cloone that they have money or a bond put in place to restore the damage they will cause to these roads. I also seek an assurance from the company that these roads will be maintained in a passable condition when such works are being carried out.

"I also call on Leitrim County Council to get assurance from the Forestry Company  proposing to fell forestry at Adoon, Cornagher and Corlulla Hall Road, Cloone  that they have money or a bond put in place to restore the damage they will cause to these roads. I also seek an assurance from the company that these roads will be maintained in a passable condition when such works are being carried out."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"We are pursuing the Forestry Companies to take part in the CIS schemes which will allow the local authority to carry out full restoration of the local roads used by these forestry companies."

Councillor Dolan also requested that the Council contact Coillte in connection with a large volume of timber that has been felled and is floating on the river at two locations in Tullunaha and Balliaglera.

Mr. O’Boyle stated that these works may not take place until next year and he also confirmed that he would contact Coillte regarding the timber in the river.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion.

With the consent of the Chairperson, Councillor Ita-Reynolds Flynn, the following items were raised under A.O. B.

·         Mr. O’Boyle informed Members that Drumshanbo town has been selected by the Local Link to have a bus hub. He outlined the proposed location for the bus and several members sought alternative options for the facility. It was agreed that given the issues raised the matter will have to be reviewed by the Roads Design Team. Mr. O’Boyle agreed to then revert to the members to review the proposal. 

·         Councillor McGloin sought an update on the following items from previous meetings: 

o   A response from Waterways Ireland regarding a previous Notice of Motion on the Blueway.

o   A response from An Post with regard to the theft of rural post office boxes in Leitrim

Ms. Flynn confirmed that the response remains outstanding on both items and a reminder letter will be issued seeking a response.

·         Councillor Reynolds-Flynn requested that the replies to the Notices of Motions for an upcoming meeting be published and available to the Members on the previous Friday before the meeting rather than being published on the morning of the meeting.

Ms. Flynn agreed that this request can be facilitated and she also requested that where members experience difficulties accessing any items e.g. agenda’s, reports etc on Issue Manager that the matter is reported to Corporate Services who provide support on Issue Manager to the members.  Ms. Flynn also outlined that the next meeting of the Ballinamore Municipal District meeting will take place on Tuesday 27^th October, 2020.