Agenda and minutes

Venue: via zoom

Contact: Sinead Flynn  Meetings Administrator

Items
No. Item

BMD.127.20

Adoption of Minutes

·         Minutes of meeting held on 27th October 2020

·         Minutes of meeting held on 4th November 2020

Minutes:

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

 

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

 

BMD.128.20

Motion from Councillor Enda McGloin: Social Housing, Drumshanbo

Can I ask for a summary report of how many local authority houses are currently vacant, awaiting works in the Drumshanbo area and if the members could get a report on what plans this council has to build or purchase housing stock. Finally, if we could get an overall idea of how many applicants are currently on the Housing Waiting List for the Drumshanbo town area.

Minutes:

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

 

"Can I ask for a summary report of how many Local Authority houses are currently vacant, awaiting works in the Drumshanbo area and if the members could get a report on what plans this Council has to build or purchase housing stock.  Finally, if we could get an overall idea of how many applicants are currently on the Housing Waiting List for the Drumshanbo town area."

 

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

"Drumshanbo forms part of the South 1 Housing Area (Drumshanbo/Drumcong/Keshcarrigan).  The latest housing needs report shows a household need figure for the South 1 Area of;

·       29 households on the housing waiting list not receiving any form of social housing support (this figure does not include households on the transfer list)

·       48 households on the transfer list (46 of which are HAP accommodated and 2 Local Authority rented accommodated)

 

There is currently 1 local authority unit in Drumshanbo that is vacant and awaiting works.  

 

The Housing Capital section is aiming to deliver 5 housing Units comprising 4 No. 2 bedroom units and 1 No. 3 bedroom unit through a turnkey development in Drumshanbo during 2021.  The Council is actively seeking to purchase one off properties in Drumshanbo and will continue to do so in 2021 whilst ensuring not to compete against first time purchasers."

 

Councillor McGloin welcomed the reply to his Notice of Motion, however, he queried if there is anything preventing the Council from purchasing former Local Authority rented houses that are available for sale in Drumshanbo. 

 

Ms. Flynn advised that when the Council sell a property under the Tenant Purchase Scheme, the sale of the property assists in achieving a level of mixed tenure in estates to build sustainable communities, by buying back these properties, the existing level of mixed tenure that has been achieved in the estates would be altered.  Ms. Flynn also outlined that there are other factors that influence the selection of properties to be acquired under the Housing Acquisition Programme e.g. a requirement to provide ground floor accommodation to meet specific housing needs and not to compete unfavourably with first-time buyers.

 

BMD.129.20

Motion from Councillor Enda McGloin: repairs to L33031, Lavour

In call on the Council to provide emergency repairs to the road; L-33031, Lavour towards the upper section of the mountain road. There are some severe potholes that need to be filled.

Minutes:

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

 

"In call on the Council to provide emergency repairs to the road; L-33031, Lavour towards the upper section of the mountain road.  There are some severe potholes that need to be filled."

 

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"The District Office will carry out maintenance works to this public cul de sac public road L-33031 in the townland of Lavour."

 

 

BMD.130.20

Motion from Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn: Oughteragh Graveyard

I call on the Council to provide road markings to improve parking safety at the outreach graveyard Ballinamore.

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn;

 

"I call on the Council to provide road markings to improve parking safety at the outreach graveyard Ballinamore."

 

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"The District Office can arrange for car parking lining to be done once the landowner (ST. FELIM'S DIOCESAN TRUST) issues a request for same.  We will carry out these works when we have completed the footpaths on the Oughteragh Road."

 

BMD.131.20

Motion from Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn: Keeldra Walk Trail

I request the Council to provide road signage at The Keeldra Walk Trail and at Cornageeha (known locally as Sean's cross L1567 and L1609 2).

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn;

 

"I request the Council to provide road signage at The Keeldra Walk Trail and at Cornageeha (known locally as Sean's cross L1567 and L1609 2)."

 

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"The District Office can order and place this sign once the community that developed the Walking Trail are involved in this decision."

 

Councillor Reynolds-Flynn welcomed the reply to the Notice of Motion. She requested that the Council provide reflective bollards at this location.

 

Mr. O’Boyle advised that the Council do not provide reflective bollards at a junction where two local roads meet. He agreed to review the road sign and markings.

 

BMD.132.20

Motion from Councillor Brendan Barry: Resurface L13431-0 Corraleehan

I request that the Council resurface the L13431-0 in the townland of Curraghnawall, Corraleehan. What if any works are planned for this section of road in the short to longer term?

Minutes:

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

 

"I request that the Council resurface the L13431-0 in the townland of Curraghnawall, Corraleehan.  What if any works are planned for this section of road in the short to longer term?"

 

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"There are no plans to resurface this road in the short or longer term.  A Restoration Improvement Grant was spent on this public road in 2017 which cover approximately 1km of the road surface."

 

Councillor Brendan Barry acknowledged the reply to his Notice of Motion; however, he expressed his disappointment that the remaining section of the road could not be resurfaced. He proposed that if the Council do not have the finances to fund the cost of the works that the Council seek the support of the

local Forestry Company to provide funding for the works under a Community Involvement Scheme (C.I.S).

 

Mr. O’Boyle agreed to examine the possibility of a CIS with the engagement of the Forestry Company.

 

BMD.133.20

Motion from Councillor Brendan Barry: Salt Bins and Gritting at Keshcarrigan

While I welcome the commitment I was given at the last meeting of Leitrim County Council to provide salt bins at Shanleys Hill, Keshcarrigan and at the bend beside Dohertys near Letterfine, will a staff member be designated to spread that salt during times of freezing temperatures or snowfalls? What is the capacity in kg of rock salt that the gritting lorry which passes Letterfine can carry? Will the Council seriously consider adding the 2.4km from Letterfine to Keshcarrigan village to the Winter Maintenance Plan? Keshcarrigan should not be left isolated from a route on the Winter Maintenance Plan.

Minutes:

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

 

"While I welcome the commitment I was given at the last meeting of Leitrim County Council to provide salt bins at Shanleys Hill, Keshcarrigan and at the bend beside Dohertys near Letterfine, will a staff member be designated to spread that salt during times of freezing temperatures or snowfalls?  What is the capacity in kg of rock salt that the gritting lorry which passes Letterfine can carry?  Will the Council seriously consider adding the 2.4km from Letterfine to Keshcarrigan Village to the Winter Maintenance Plan?  Keshcarrigan should not be left isolated from a route on the Winter Maintenance Plan."

 

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"No staff member will be assigned to spreading the salt at this location or any salt bin locations.  During exception cold spells, winter maintenance will be carried out on all roads during the normal working day, similar to last winter.  The capacity of our largest gritting truck is 12,000 kg and the other trucks are 8,000kg.  As previously outlined at the full council meeting, we cannot add any additional roads to the Priority 2 routes as we have not the capacity."

 

Councillor Brendan Barry expressed his dis-satisfaction that the Council refused to include an additional route of approximately 2.4/2.6km from Letterfine to Keshcarrigan Village into the Winter Maintenance Plan. He proposed that there was capacity to include the route in the plan.

 

Councillor Enda McGloin and Councillor Caillian Ellis supported the Notice of Motion and called for the location to be included in the Plan.

 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the Winter Maintenance Plan was approved by the Elected Members and that there is no provision to include any additional roads to the Priority 2 Routes included in the Plan. Mr. O’Boyle stated that in the event of a heavy snowfall that measures would be taken to grit the road, however, he advised that he would review the matter with the Senior Executive Engineer with responsibility for managing the Winter Maintenance Plan.

 

BMD.134.20

Motion from Councillor Gerry Dolan: Repair to Laragan Road, Drumshanbo

I call on the Council to have repair works carried out on the upper half of the Laragan Rd, Drumshanbo. (L730.51/0)

Minutes:

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

 

"I call on the Council to have repair works carried out on the upper half of the Laragan Rd, Drumshanbo. (L730.51/0)"

 

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"We will dispatch our Patching Unit to this public "Cul de sac" L-73051."

 

BMD.135.20

Motion from Councillor Gerry Dolan: Repair to Cornabaine Road, Aughnasheelin

I call on the Council to have repair works and resurfacing works carried out on the Cornabaine Road, Aughnasheelin,(L53/29/0) which have been damaged by forestry works in the area.

Minutes:

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

 

"I call on the Council to have repair works and resurfacing works carried out on the Cornabaine Road, Aughnasheelin, (L53/29/0) which have been damaged by forestry works in the area."

 

 

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"This public "cul de sac" has been used for forestry activity and the forestry company are engaging with the District Engineers Office and will apply for a Community Involvement Scheme next year if funding is available."

 

BMD.136.20

Motion from Councillor Caillian Ellis: Planning Permission for 'One Off Housing'

I will ask the Council what progress has been made in relation to one off houses and how many Planning Permissions have been granted in the Ballinamore Municipal District for 2019 - 2020?

Minutes:

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

 

"I will ask the Council what progress has been made in relation to one off houses and how many Planning Permissions have been granted in the Ballinamore Municipal District for 2019 & 2020?"

 

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

"As advised in response to a Notice of Motion at the September full Council meeting, a review of the current EPA Code of Practice has been concluded with a revised Code of Practice awaiting Departmental review. When approved and published, the revised Code of Practice will be assessed regarding impact on the County. However, it is expected to contain only marginal alterations. Secondly, discussions with the Department were delayed due to Government formation, etc. The Council will endeavour to renew discussions.

 

In 2019, Leitrim County Council granted planning permission for 20 no. individual houses served by individual wastewater treatment systems – 5 no. Ballinamore M.D., 5 no. Carrick on Shannon M.D. and 10 no. in Manorhamilton M.D.

 

Planning permission was granted in 2019 for 8 no. replacement houses served by individual wastewater treatment systems - 3 no. Ballinamore M.D., 1 no. Carrick on Shannon M.D. and 4 no. in Manorhamilton M.D.

 

In addition, planning permission was granted in 2019 for 5 no. individual houses which were able to connect to piped water services - 1 no. Ballinamore M.D., 2 no. Carrick on Shannon M.D. and 2 no. in Manorhamilton M.D.

 

In 2020 to date (20/11/20), Leitrim County Council has granted planning permission for 23 no. individual houses served by individual wastewater treatment systems – 15 no. Ballinamore M.D., 2 no. Carrick on Shannon M.D. and 6 no. in Manorhamilton M.D.

 

Planning permission has been granted in 2020 to date for 3 replacement houses served by individual wastewater treatment systems - 1 no. Ballinamore M.D. and 2 no. Carrick on Shannon M.D.

 

Finally, planning permission has been granted in 2020 to date for 7 no. individual houses which were able to connect to piped water services - 1 no. Ballinamore M.D., 5 no. Carrick on Shannon M.D. and 1 no. in Manorhamilton M.D.

 

No planning application for any of these categories of development has been refused in the Ballinamore M.D. area in 2019 or 2020."

 

Councillor Ellis acknowledged the reply to his Notice of Motion, however, he stated that this issue has been ongoing for the last number of years and requires resolution. He stated if planning permissions cannot be granted then it will prevent new households building their family homes in Leitrim.  Councillor Ellis stated that there is a high demand for one off houses to be provided as many households are seeking to move to rural locations particularly now with the increase in employees working remotely arising from the Pandemic.

 

Councillor Reynolds-Flynn supported the Notice of Motion and stated that as many people as possible should be encouraged to move back to Leitrim and that the planning issue needs to be addressed to  ...  view the full minutes text for item BMD.136.20

BMD.137.20

Motion from Councillor Caillian Ellis: Drainage Grant

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Charlie McConalogue with a view to having a drainage grant put in place for the West of Ireland for a five year period.

Minutes:

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

 

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Charlie McConalogue with a view to having a drainage grant put in place for the West of Ireland for a five year period".

 

Proposed by Councillor Brendan Barry, seconded by Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

 

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Charlie McConalogue with a view to having a Drainage Grant put in place for the West of Ireland for a five year period".

 

BMD.138.20

Motion from Councillor Paddy O'Rourke: BEAM Scheme

I propose that the Ballinamore Municipal District contact the Department of Agriculture and ask them to provide all the farmers who participated in the BEAM Scheme last year with up to date figures as to where they stand regarding the 5% reduction in Bovine Nitrogen produced on their holding which roughly equates to a 5% reduction in herd size (subject to the classification of their animal dairy or beef). Farmers need to know where they stand in order to take the necessary action altering their herd size in the time remaining in order to avoid a claw back of the money, they received last year.

Minutes:

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

 

"I propose that the Ballinamore Municipal District contact the Department of Agriculture and ask them to provide all the farmers who participated in the BEAM Scheme last year with up to date figures as to where they stand regarding the 5% reduction in Bovine Nitrogen produced on their holding which roughly equates to a 5% reduction in herd size (subject to the classification of their animal dairy or beef).  Farmers need to know where they stand in order to take the necessary action altering their herd size in the time remaining in order to avoid a claw back of the money, they received last year."

 

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

 

"That the Ballinamore Municipal District contact the Department of Agriculture and ask them to provide all the farmers who participated in the BEAM Scheme last year with up to date figures as to where they stand regarding the 5% reduction in Bovine Nitrogen produced on their holding which roughly equates to a 5% reduction in herd size (subject to the classification of their animal dairy or beef).  Farmers need to know where they stand in order to take the necessary action altering their herd size in the time remaining in order to avoid a claw back of the money, they received last year."

 

BMD.139.20

Motion from Councillor Paddy O'Rourke: Road Repairs - L5662

I ask that the Council carry out the necessary repairs on the road leading from the former Station House at Adoon leading to join the L55151 serving the town land of Cornagher. Both roads require urgent attention.

Minutes:

"I ask that the Council carry out the necessary repairs on the road leading from the former Station House at Adoon leading to join the L55151 serving the town land of Cornagher.  Both roads require urgent attention."

 

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads

"We will dispatch our maintenance crew to the L-5662 and surrounding areas.  We have drainage crews working in the Halls town land to help alleviate the surface drainage issues."

BMD.140.20

AOB:

Minutes:

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

 

1.     Councillor Reynolds-Flynn raised the issue of the lighting in Ballinamore and queried if a response has been received from the Department on the letters sent regarding the issue of ‘Ash Dieback’ in Leitrim.

 

Ms. Flynn confirmed that a reply is outstanding from the Department on this item and that a reminder letter can issue.

 

 

Mr. Vincent Dwyer proposed that the next meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District will be held on Wednesday 16th December 2020 at 11.00 a.m.  The Members agreed to the meeting being held on this date. Councillor Enda McGloin requested that if the Level 5 Restrictions are lifted, that the next meeting of the Municipal District be held in person in the Council Chamber.  Mr. Dwyer advised that this matter had been discussed by the Corporate Policy Group and that the decision is to continue to host the meetings remotely.