Agenda and minutes

Proposed by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke, seconded by Councillor Enda McGloin AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of Ballinamore Municipal District meeting held on 25^th January, 2021 be adopted.”

1.      Email from Minister Eamonn Ryan received on 16^th February, 2021 with an update on the extension of deadlines for funding applications under the Community Energy Grant scheme. 

This update was noted and welcomed by the Members.

Councillor Brendan Barry welcomed the revised timelines and stated that the extension of the time-frames for funding application will assist Community Groups to seek more competitive prices for works, thus ensuring better value for money under the schemes.

Schedule of Municipal District Works to include the Area Programme, 2021

Mr. Vincent Dwyer gave an overview of the Schedule of Municipal District Works, 2021. Mr. Terry McGovern provided a detailed overview of the Area Programme for 2021. The report as circulated to the members appears as Appendix I to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book.

The Members welcomed the programme and the funding allocations provided in 2021.

Councillor Enda McGloin expressed his concern that the Schedule of Municipal District Works and the Roads Area Programme may be negatively impacted by the current Level 5 Restrictions that are in place.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke and Councillor Caillian Ellis referred to different work practices being in place in adjoining Local Authorities arising from the Level 5 Restrictions.

Mr. Terry McGovern acknowledged the Members concerns, however, he stated that the Council are optimistic that there may be a return to construction in March, 2021. 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the Programmes are ready to proceed without delay once the restrictions are eased.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that the Council must comply with the CCMA and Government recommendations on work practices until such time as the Level 5 Restrictions are lifted. Mr. Dwyer outlined that the Chief Executive Mr. Lar Power will again review the matter once the new document on ‘Living with Covid’ is published by the Government.

Proposed by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke, seconded by Councillor Caillian Ellis and unanimously resolved:‘That the Ballinamore Municipal District approve the Schedule of Municipal District Works, 2021 to include the Area Programme, 2021’.

I want to welcome the recent successful Town and Village funding allocation for the Mart Link Road and Carpark in Drumshanbo. As we will see a complete transformation and renewal of this road, it is timely that this Municipal District consider giving this road an official name. I would propose the name “Arigna Avenue”.This would be one small way of acknowledging the economic contribution of the people of Arigna to the commercial life of the town of Drumshanbo over so many years.

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

"I want to welcome the recent successful Town and Village funding allocation for the Mart Link Road and Carpark in Drumshanbo. As we will see a complete transformation and renewal of this road, it is timely that this Municipal District consider giving this road an official name. I would propose the name “Arigna Avenue”. This would be one small way of acknowledging the economic contribution of the people of Arigna to the commercial life of the town of Drumshanbo over so many years."

Councillor Enda McGloin noted the significant contribution of Arigna to the economic activity of Drumshanbo . He acknowledged  the Mart for their role in donating the section of land to the Council for the provision of the ‘Mart Link Road’. Councillor McGloin proposed that it is timely that the ‘Mart Link Road’ be given an official name and he was proposing that the road be named ‘Arigna Avenue’.

Councillor Gerry Dolan did not support Councillor McGloins proposal and he suggested that a public consultation process is necessary in order to give the local community in Drumshanbo an opportunity to be consulted on any proposed naming of the road.

Councillor Brendan Barry also expressed concern on the proposal, while acknowledging the economic contribution of industry in Arigna to the community of Drumshanbo, he noted that this road was not in existence at the time that the mines in Arigna were open. Councillor Barry suggested that as the road is located on the ‘Old Fair Green’ that the road could be named in honour of that.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke sought clarification on the process of naming a road.

Ms. Sinead Flynn, advised that the legislation governing the changing of a Street Name is provided for in the Local Government Act, 2001. She advised that the Ballinamore Municipal District does not have the  authority under the legislation to change a street name. Ms. Flynn outlined that the Local Authority would have to conduct a Plebiscite for any such proposal and only households included in the Council’s Register of Electors for the area are eligible to cast their vote in the Plebiscite.  Ms. Flynn further outlined that the matter is under the remit of the Corporate Services Directorate and she proposed to refer the matter to Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Services to provide an update to the Members at the next meeting.

This update was welcomed by all Members.

I propose that Leitrim County Council call on Waterways Ireland to review the surface of the local Blueways at Kilclare and Drumshanbo. The numbers walking during the winter months has caused some wear and tear and the formation of a number of mini ‘potholes’ along the walking routes. I suggest that we contact Waterways Ireland to provide some new surface dressing where it is most needed along the walking and cycling routes.

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

“I propose that Leitrim County Council call on Waterways Ireland to review the surface of the local Blueways at Kilclare and Drumshanbo. The numbers walking during the winter months has caused some wear and tear and the formation of a number of mini ‘potholes’ along the walking routes. I suggest that we contact Waterways Ireland to provide some new surface dressing where it is most needed along the walking and cycling routes.”

Proposed by Councillor Enda McGloin, seconded by Councillor Brendan Barry and unanimously supported that:

“That Leitrim County Council call on Waterways Ireland to review the surface of the local Blueways at Kilclare and Drumshanbo. The numbers walking during the winter months has caused some wear and tear and the formation of a number of mini ‘potholes’ along the walking routes. I suggest that we contact Waterways Ireland to provide some new surface dressing where it is most needed along the walking and cycling routes.”

I wish to ask Leitrim County Council what plans are proposed with regard to the re-installation of public lighting towards Ballinamore Golf Club. Can consideration be given to installing LED lights if the public lighting at this location is to be replaced?

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

"I wish to ask Ballinamore Municipal District to fill in potholes on the Tully Road, Carrigallen. The weather has made this road treacherous."

Report by Roads

"The District Office is currently restricted in the work activities we can provide. We will investigate the R204  (Tully Road) and will provide maintenance if the deterioration of the surface represents a hazard."

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that he will review this section of road.

I wish to ask Ballinamore Municipal District to fill in potholes on the Tully Road, Carrigallen. The weather has made this road treacherous.

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

"I wish to ask Leitrim County Council what plans are proposed with regard to the re-installation of public lighting towards Ballinamore Golf Club. Can consideration be given to installing LED lights if the public lighting at this location is to be replaced?"

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the Solar lights were put in in 2009 in tandem with ramps. This road requires proper infrastructure, ducting, columns and lights and funding schemes could be explored next year under Town & Village or Tourism grants.

Councillor Caillian Ellis supported the motion, but queried if the existing lights could be upgraded.

Darragh O’Boyle advised the lights cannot be upgraded, that the system needs to be replaced.

Councillor Ita Flynn asked how much it would cost to replace the system.

Darragh O’Boyle advised the road was 2 or 3km in length and he estimated 80,000K to 90,000K.

I ask that Leitrim County Council carry out the necessary repairs on Road Number: LS 5564-0 in the town land of Mullinadaragh Carrigallen as it is in a poor state of repair.

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

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle stated that the Council have a limited budget of €10,000 annually to carry out drainage works on the Ballinamore/ Ballyconnell Drainage Scheme. He stated that it takes 8-9 years to rotate the works to cover the entire network and that additional funding would be required to carry out drainage works in the Ballinamore area.

I ask that Leitrim County Council investigate how the river flowing under the LP1534-2 at Drumeela towards the bridge at Corglass before turning back to flow towards Longfield bridge and before exiting County Leitrim into the town land of Nedd in County Cavan can be cleaned to alleviate serious flooding to roads and farmland in the area. This river features on the OPW maps and used to be the subject of cleaning in years gone by when such works were carried out.

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

I call on Leitrim County Council to carry out repair work on the L-7378-0 at Corderay, Drumshanbo.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to carry out repair work on the L-7378-0 at Corderay, Drumshanbo."

Report by Roads

"The District Office is currently restricted in the work activities we can provide. We will investigate the L-7378 and will provide maintenance if the deterioration of the surface represents a hazard."

 Councillor Gerry Dolan welcomed the reply to his Notice of Motion.

I call on Leitrim County Council to have major repair works or resurfacing of road L-5335-0 at Miskaun Glebe, Aughnasheelin.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to have major repair works or the resurfacing of road L-5335-0 at Miskaun Glebe, Aughnasheelin carried out."

Report by Roads

"The L-5335- 0 at Miskaun is not on our proposed road works programme in 2021. However, a CIS for 2022 on L-5338-0 and L-53341-0 to the east and south of this road has been taken up by forestry company. We can include the L-5335 as a proposal for the next 3-year RIG Programme”.

Councillor Gerry Dolan welcomed the reply to his Notice of Motion.

I request that Leitrim County Council carry out repairs to the local road between Aghacashel and Aughnasheelin beside Aghlin Bridge where the road has subsided.

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

"I request that Leitrim County Council put a greater focus on keeping water off our roads by cleaning more water tables, diverting water off the roads and installing more gullies."

Report by Roads

"January and February are the months that we usually carry out drainage cuts along the Rural Road Network. Unfortunately, we are behind on programme works due to the Pandemic restrictions. Once we are allowed to commence works, we will endeavour to continue to carry out these roadside works. In cases where there is flooding out on regional road carriageway, we will investigate the situation and, if required, carry out necessary essential works."

Councillor Brendan Barry was satisfied with the reply, but would like to see a greater emphasis on keeping water off our roads.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised  that due to COVID 19 restrictions there are delays in carrying out these works however, each individual situation will be assessed and if deemed a hazard to road users works will be carried out.

I request that Leitrim County Council put a greater focus on keeping water off our roads by cleaning more water tables, diverting water off the roads and installing more gullies.

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

"I request that Leitrim County council carry out repairs to the local road between Aghacashel and Aughnasheelin beside Aghlin Bridge where the road has subsided."

Report by Roads

"The L-3310, Aghacashel to Augnasheelen, is included in this year’s restoration improvement road works programme."

Councillor Barry advised that there were two core places where the bridge is subsiding.

Darragh O’Boyle advised that it is on a programme of works but it is not considered essential.

Councillor Brendan Barry stated there was a 3ft drop and requested extra signage be provided.

Darragh O’Boyle will review.    If it is causing a hazard the road could be closed temporarily.

I call on Leitrim County Council to provide an update in relation to the Greenway in Ballinamore from Corgar to Aughawillian. What is the up to date position in relation to the Part 8 process for the extension of the Greenway?

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to provide an update in relation to the Greenway in Ballinamore from  Corgar to Aughawillian. What is the up-to-date position in relation to the Part 8 process for the extension   of the Greenway?"

Report by Senior Engineer, Capital Office

"We have made an application for funding under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund for the construction of this section of the Greenway. We will be working on the Part 8 Planning process for this project as soon as the current lockdown situation ends. Our first actions will on site surveys which are not possible at present."

Councillor Caillian Ellis queried why the Council were not getting back to the landowners involved.  He wants the Council to consult with the farmers who haven’t signed up.

Councillor Gerry Dolan supported the motion.

Councillor Ita Flynn said they Council should contact the farmers to speed up the process and commented on the good relationship with Cavan County Council with regard to extending the Greenway.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke asked if the Council could advise the landowners where they stand and keep them in the loop.

I propose that Leitrim County Council re-surface Local Road L14873 on the Fenagh section of this road.

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

"I propose that Leitrim County Council re-surface Local Road L14873 on the Fenagh section of this road."

Report by Roads

"Unfortunately, the L-14873 in the townland of Mough is not included in this year’s roads programme. It can be proposed for inclusion, along with the L-14871, in the next 3-year roads programme later this year."

Councillor Caillian Ellis stated the road was in very poor condition and asked  if there was anything that could be done as there is water coming off land.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that he is aware of the condition of the road and hopes to avail of grants for next years programme.  In the meantime, the Council will maintain the road when back to normal working arrangements.

1.     Hedge Cutting Season

·       Councillor Gerry Dolan proposed that as we approach the end of the Hedge-Cutting Season that the Council publicise the date in order to remind landowners of their obligations in this regard.

Councilllor Enda McGloin supported this proposal.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle agreed to refer the matter to the Mr. Kieran Brett, Media Liaison Officer.

·       Councillor Brendan Barry queried if the Council can issue Hedge Cutting Notices.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised Notices can issue under the Roads Act or if there is a Health & Safety issue or a potential hazard to the road user.

2.     COVID 19 - Vaccine Roll-out

Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed the commencement of the Vaccine Roll Out for Covid 19 by G.P’s in the county.

3.     Date and time of Next Meeting

·       Ms. Sinead Flynn advised that the next meeting of the Ballinamore Municipal District will take place on Monday 22^nd March, 2021 at 11.00 a.m. Ms. Flynn advised that the meetings will remain online while the current Level 5 Restrictions remain in place.