Agenda and minutes

Proposed by Councillor Enda McGloin, seconded by Councillor Brendan Barry AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of Ballinamore Municipal District meeting held on 22nd February, 2021 be adopted.”

•          Ms. Flynn also advised that the Notice of Motion relating to the proposing renaming of the Mart Road in Drumshanbo has been referred to Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Service. Ms. Flynn outlined that the matter is being reviewed and that an update will be provided at the next meeting of Ballinamore MD.

Ms. Flynn advised there are no items under Meetings Correspondence, however, the following matters were raised:

•          Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that a funding application to extend the Greenway in Ballinamore from Corgar to Aughawillian, has not been approved by the Department for funding. He advised that Mr. Shay O’Connor, Senior Engineer, Capital Projects Office, will review any alternative funding options that may be available to progress the project.

The Members expressed their disappointment that the funding application was declined and requested that the Council pursue any alternative funding options available.

•          Councillor Caillian Ellis queried if a response has been received from Minister Charlie McConalogue on his Notice of Motion for a proposed Drainage Scheme in Leitrim.

Ms. Flynn outlined that a response in this regard is awaited. It was agreed to issue a follow up letter to the Minister’s Office. Councillor Ita-Reynolds Flynn also supported Councillor Ellis’s comments. 

•          Councillor Enda McGloin referred to the new Safe Routes to School Programme (SRTS), which is open to all schools in Ireland for active travel funding and delivery.  Councillor McGloin referred to a previous Notice of Motion he had regarding traffic congestion and a need to provide public lighting at Drumshanbo Vocational School. He queried if these works could be funded under the Safe Route to School Programme.

Councillors Brendan Barry and Councillor Gerry Dolan supported the proposal.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that Department of Education are the Lead Authority for this scheme and that they will communicate directly with School Principals in this regard. He also advised that he is available to meet with the School Principal to review any project proposal for the scheme.

I request that Leitrim County Council to erect a fence or similar safety barrier along the dangerous sections of the river walk between the Hillyroad and St. Patrick’s National School, Drumshanbo. In several places, the verge between the river and path is very narrow.For much of the school year there is a very strong flow of water gushing down the river and if someone were to fall in they could be swept away.

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

I request that Leitrim County Council to erect a fence or similar safety barrier along the dangerous sections of the river walk between the Hilly Road and St. Patrick’s National School, Drumshanbo. In several places, the verge between the river and path is very narrow. For much of the school year there is a very strong flow of water gushing down the river and if someone were to fall in, they could be swept away.

Report by Roads

"This project will be run by the community and they should include this in their tendering for the scheme. The District Engineer can assist them preparing the documentation. It is unclear whether the funding will allow the construction of a fence along the river walkway. It would be unusual for a fence to be placed along the river as it is an amenity walkway, while a low earth bund would be more effective and less obtrusive."

Councillor Barry welcomed the response to his Notice of Motion, however, he considered that a fence should be provided on some sections of the river due to health and safety concerns.

Councillor Gerry Dolan and Councillor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that this work would have to be progressed by the local community through CLAR or Town & Village funding.  He advised that the school could consider all options in preparing the contract documents for the project.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District call on Bank of Ireland and the Minister for Finance not to shut branches of the bank, on behalf of the people of Ireland, who are the largest shareholders in Bank of Ireland and to use that influence to halt the closing of our local branches.It cost €4.7 billion to bail out the Bank and they can't be let abandon ship when so many businesses and towns need them most to try and recover from closures and losses due to the Pandemic restrictions.

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

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District call on Bank of Ireland and the Minister for Finance not to shut branches of the bank, on behalf of the people of Ireland, who are the largest shareholders in Bank of Ireland and to use that influence to halt the closing of our local branches. It cost €4.7 billion to bail out the Bank and they cannot be let abandon ship when so many businesses and towns need them most to try and recover from closures and losses due to the Pandemic restrictions.

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

‘That Ballinamore Municipal District call on Bank of Ireland and the Minister for Finance not to shut branches of the bank, on behalf of the people of Ireland, who are the largest shareholders in Bank of Ireland and to use that influence to halt the closing of our local branches. It cost €4.7 billion to bail out the Bank and they cannot be let abandon ship when so many businesses and towns need them most to try and recover from closures and losses due to the Pandemic restrictions. The Members also call for assurances that there will be access to a 24-Hour ATM machine provided by Bank of Ireland in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim.’

Councillor Barry referred to the recent announcement by Bank of Ireland to close several of their branches throughout the country including branches in Drumshambo and Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim. Councillor Barry expressed his concern on the impact of the branch closure in Drumshabo and stated that if the decision could not be reversed, that it should be deferred for an additional 12-18 months to assist the business community in getting their businesses back up and running following the Pandemic. Councillor Barry stated that customers are dealing with a bank and staff that they are familiar with rather than using online banking facilities.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion and he expressed his concern in relation to the direct impact that the closure of the Drumshanbo branch of Bank of Ireland will have on the local community.  Councillor McGloin stated if the closure of the Bank of Ireland in Drumshanbo goes ahead, then the local community will not have access to a 24-hour ATM.  He also outlined that while the local Post Office has expanded its banking service, they will need additional resources to cope with increased demand.  Councillor McGloin called upon the Council to consider the purchase of the building from Bank of Ireland to develop a Rural Working Hub for remote working.

It was agreed to write to Bank of Ireland and the Minister for Finance to amend the original content of the Notice of Motion to include the following: ‘The Members also call for assurances that there will be access to a 24-Hour ATM machine provided by Bank of Ireland in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim.’

I propose that Leitrim County Council give an update on the progress it has made in relation to the taking in charge of the Dun Na Bo Estate, Ballinamore.

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

"I propose that Leitrim County Council give an update on the progress it has made in relation to the taking in charge of the Dun Na Bo Estate, Ballinamore."

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

"The Council has sought to engage with the relevant Bonds Company in settlement negotiations regarding its claim in respect of the Bond attaching to this estate. Unfortunately, to date, the Bonds Company has not reciprocated and has failed to acknowledge or respond to correspondence from the Council or its Legal Representative. In light of the continued failure by the Bonds Company to engage with the Council in respect of this Bond claim the Council has instructed its Legal Representative to refer this matter to the Financial Services Regulator, i.e., the Central Bank of Ireland and the matter may ultimately have to be taken before the Courts. Until the Council’s claim in relation to this Bond is finalised it is unable to give any consideration to taking this estate in charge as it is a condition of the Bond that it will cease to have effect should the estate be taken in charge by the Council: this is common for all Bonds. Whilst it is regrettable that this matter remains unresolved, unfortunately, the scope and cost of works required to complete this estate means that the Council is reliant on the Bond monies to fund the works and so cannot do anything that may prejudice its claim."

Councillor Ellis acknowledged the reply to his Notice of Motion. He expressed his concern that if the Bond Company fail to engage with the Council that the Taking in Charge of the estate could take many years to finalise.

The members unanimously supported the Notice of Motion.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that when legal action is initiated it might precipitate a more positive reaction from the Bond Company.

The members acknowledged that the current situation on the Taking in Charge for this estate is disappointing, but that the Council have no alternative but to initiate legal proceedings against the Bond Company.

Mr. Dwyer agreed to provide an update at the next meeting of Ballinamore MD.

I propose that the Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner seeking to have a full time Garda presence in the Garda Stations in both Ballinamore and Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim.

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

I propose that the Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner seeking to have a full time Garda presence in the Garda Stations in both Ballinamore and Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim.

Proposed by Councillor Caillian Ellis, seconded by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke and unanimously resolved that:

‘That the Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner seeking to have a full time Garda presence in the Garda Stations in both Ballinamore and Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim.’

Councillor Ellis stated that a 24 Garda Service should be provided in both the Ballinamore and Drumshanbo Garda Stations.  He requested that a letter in this regard issue directly to the Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, in advance of the Commissioners attendance at the meeting of the Joint Policing Committee on Monday 29th March, 2021.

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn, Councillor Brendan Barry and Councillor Gerry Dolan supported the Notice of Motion.

Councillor Enda McGloin stated that the Garda Stations have standard opening hours. He outlined that there is a new Community Policing Unit in Drumshanbo Garda Station lead by Sergeant Orla McGrath. Councillor McGloin proposed that the members invite Sergeant McGrath to give a presentation on the Community Policing Unit when the Level 5 Restrictions on Covid are eased. 

I ask Leitrim County Council to consider erecting traditional street signs in Drumshanbo. Street Signs were erected previously in the early 1980’s around the town many of which have disappeared since.

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

I ask Leitrim County Council to consider erecting traditional street signs in Drumshanbo. Street Signs were erected previously in the early 1980’s around the town many of which have disappeared since.

Report by Roads

"We can consider these street signs as part of this year’s programme of works subject to the private properties agreeing to placing these signs on their gable walls. These works and other non-planned works will not commence until 3rd quarter of the year due to our shortened work year."

Councillor McGloin advised that there are approximately 20 signs which were previously erected in the town in the 1980’s and were a nice feature to the town.  He outlined that he has procured a local company to replace the signage at a cost of approximately €35 each. Councillor McGloin proposed that if the Council could fund the project, that the Tidy Towns Committee would erect the new signage subject to the private property owner’s agreement.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle agreed in principle to the proposal subject to the compliance with Health and Safety requirements, an agreement being put in place with the private property owners and no objection from the Unions on the works being carried out by the Tidy Town’s Committee.

Mr. O’Boyle referred to the delay in the progression of the Annual Roads Work Programme due to the current Level 5 Restrictions that are in place.

The members again expressed their concern on the delivery of the 2021 Roads Work Programme and the drawdown of funding for projects due to the Level 5 restrictions that are in place.

Councillor Enda McGloin requested that the members concerns be relayed to Mr. Lar Power, Chief Executive.  Mr. Dwyer agreed to this request.

I ask Leitrim County Council to consider clean up works and renewal at Mahanagh Amenity Area at the Sluice Gates, Drumshanbo. This is an area of great potential for anglers and walkers so I ask that consideration be also given for perhaps a CLAR funding application.

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

I ask Leitrim County Council to consider clean up works and renewal at Mahanagh Amenity Area at the Sluice Gates, Drumshanbo. This is an area of great potential for anglers and walkers, so I ask that consideration be also given for perhaps a CLAR funding application.

Report by Roads

"The community can apply for funding through CLAR is conjunction with the Community and Enterprise Department of Leitrim County Council."

Councillor Enda McGloin outlined that local recreational amenities are now being used to the maximum due to COVID 19 restrictions.  Councillor McGloin queried the rationale for a Community Group to provide the 10% local contribution for a Clar Project given that the Council own the amenity.

Councillor Brendan Barry queried if funding could be sought from Waterways Ireland to resurface the road to access the lake.  

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle agreed to review the matter.

I call on Leitrim County Council to have sections of the drain piped along Road Number L-42971-0 at Cortober, Ballinaglera, to allow for meeting cars to pass without ending up in the drain.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to have sections of the drain piped along Road Number L-42971-0 at Cortober, Ballinaglera, to allow for meeting cars to pass without ending up in the drain."

Report by Roads

"This public cul de sac has currently 9 overtaking lay-byes that can be utilised. We do not place lay-byes on public roads unless there is a grant attached to that road. As it is a cul de sac, it is unlikely to get a Department grant, however, the locals who live and farm along this road can apply for a CIS Scheme next year which will allow for resurfacing, drainage and additional lay-bye construction."

Councillor Dolan advised that this is the main road out of Ballinagleara, past Slievenakilla onto Aghacashel and Ballinamore.  He requested that the Council consider some works to alleviate the problem.

Councillor Brendan Barry and Councillor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion.

It was agreed that Mr. O’Boyle will meet Councillor Dolan on site to review the matter.

I call on Leitrim County Council to have lay-by’s for walkers erected on road L7321-0 at Aughlin, as the road is just the width of a car and makes it impossible for walkers or cyclists to stand in to allow cars past them.

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

I call on Leitrim County Council to have lay-bys for walkers erected on road L7321-0 at Aughlin, as the road is just the width of a car and makes it impossible for walkers or cyclists to stand in to allow cars past them.

Report by Roads

"We do not place lay-byes on public roads unless there is a grant attached to that road. This road can be considered for a grant in the next 3-year programme. If the landowners cut back their hedges along this section of public road, there would be ample amount of room for pedestrians to set in from on-coming traffic."

Councillor Dolan advised that the road was raised in 2019 and that there is no place for people walking to stand in to allow cars pass.

Mr. O’Boyle outlined that the Council will not be able to carry out any works on this section of road unless a landowner was willing to give the Council a section of land. He advised that alternatively the trimming of the roadside hedges might be sufficient to provide additional space for pedestrians to avoid oncoming traffic.

It was agreed that Mr. O’Boyle will meet Councillor Dolan on site to review the matter.

I request that Leitrim County Council make contact with Cavan and Longford County Council’s with regard to a joint venture in marking the point of a unique geographical setting where the three provinces meet at Tycuster (Cavan/Ulster), at Fyhora (Leinster/Longford)  and at Gulladoo (Leitirm/Connaught). This is a unique opportunity to create a tourist gem for hill walkers etc. to provide this tourist attraction across the three counties and provinces.

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

I request that Leitrim County Council make contact with Cavan and Longford County Council’s with regard to a joint venture in marking the point of a unique geographical setting where the three provinces meet at Tycuster (Cavan/Ulster), at Fyhora (Leinster/Longford) and at Gulladoo (Leitrim/Connaught). This is a unique opportunity to create a tourist gem for hill walkers etc. to provide this tourist attraction across the three counties and provinces.

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

"Contact is in place between the Council's in this regard and initial discussions have taken place.  The Council will be happy to support the development of suitable and achievable initiatives going forward."

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

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke supported the Notice of Motion and stated that the project would develop the tourism potential of the county. He requested that if the project progresses, that the Council engage with landowners to keep them informed of developments of the project. 

I request the roads in the townlands of Corrine, Camber, Bundarragh and Leaganomer be repaired.  There are many potholes and the surface is in a dangerous condition.

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

"I request the roads in the townlands of Corrine, Camber, Bundarragh and Leaganomer be repaired.  There are many potholes, and the surface is in a dangerous condition.

Report by Roads

"We will assess this road and carry out maintenance as soon as restrictions allow."

I ask that Leitrim County Council investigate the possibility of developing a walkway at Corrawalleen, along the L55241 which would lend itself very well to such an amenity. In recent years this has become a very popular route for walkers but requires a structure put on it in order to make it safer.

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

"I ask that Leitrim County Council investigate the possibility of developing a walkway at Corrawalleen, along the L55241 which would lend itself very well to such an amenity. In recent years this has become a very popular route for walkers but requires a structure put on it to make it safer."

Report by Roads

"The local road will need considerable upgrade prior to any official walkway being considered. We can erect signage indicating to motorists that there may be walkers on the road. Unfortunately, we are unsure when this can be carried out as our planned works will take precedent this year."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke advised that this road has a low volume of traffic, mainly agricultural.  The road has opening to two bog passes and with small investment on this road can create walkways to enjoy.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that we could look at resurfacing it, widening it where possible and maintain access to the bog entrances subject to funding.  If it becomes popular for walking signage can be erected for pedestrians.  Mr. O’Boyle agreed to meet Councillor O’Rourke on site to review.

I ask that Leitrim County Council when is the cleaning of roadside signage scheduled to be carried out and also has any consideration been given to the hiring of a contractor to carry out this work. I refer in particular to the signs along the R201 as it proceeds from Mohill to where it exits the county east of Carrigallen.

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

I ask that Leitrim County Council when the cleaning of roadside signage is scheduled to be carried out and has any consideration been given to the hiring of a contractor to carry out this work. I refer in particular to the signs along the R201 as it proceeds from Mohill to where it exits the county east of Carrigallen.

Report by Roads

"Due to the shorter working year, these types of works will be delayed until the planned works are complete. It is difficult to say when these works can be complete. New signage has been erected on the R201 from Mohill to Aughavas and it is envisaged that this process will continue towards Carrigallan and to the county boundary."

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that clean signs enhance the visual presentation of the county and that regrettably these works will be delayed arising from the current restrictions that are in place.

Illegal Dumping

1.         Councillor Gerry Dolan raised an issue with regard to alleged illegal dumping on forestry owned lands in Aghascashel. Councillor Dolan requested that the Forestry Company be contacted in this regard.

•          Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn, and Paddy O’Rourke supported this proposal.

Ms. Sinead Flynn requested that Councillor Dolan email the details of the location of the incident to the Meetings Administrator and that on receipt of the details that the matter will be referred to the Environment Department for the appropriate follow up.

•          Councillor Brendan Barry in acknowledging the issue with illegal dumping also raised the unfairness of a situation, whereby, a landowner is responsible for cleaning up an area if someone disposes of waste on their property. Councillor Barry suggested that this issue would be alleviated if the Council had surveillance cameras to catch the offender.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer noted that regrettably there has been an increase in the level of illegal dumping in the county, however, he stated that it would be impossible for the Council to have the resources to provide CCTV cameras adjacent to all private landholdings in the county.  Mr. Dwyer also referred to the challenges in providing CCTV in public areas to act as a deterrent against illegal dumping and while acknowledging Councillor Barry’s concerns, he stated that the legislation is clear and places the responsibility for cleaning up waste with the landowner. Mr. Dwyer also outlined that the Council has taken enforcement proceedings through the Courts against offenders for illegal dumping with successful outcomes in recent months.

•          Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn stated that the Environmental Initiative on the ‘Adopt a Road Programme’ has been very successful and that many communities have embraced this initiative in their local areas. 

•          Councillor Paddy O’Rourke referred to the significant amount of rubbish disposed of on roadsides and in carparks from fast-food outlets.  

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that any fast-food outlet must provide bins outside their premises which they must maintain as part of their licence.

•          Councillor Enda McGloin commended the Environment Department for their assistance and the supply of PPE equipment to the local community in Drumshanbo for a litter clean-up.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that the issue of illegal dumping will be included on the agenda for the next meeting of the Environment SPC on 30th April, 2021.

2.       Date and time of Next Meeting

Ms. Sinead Flynn advised that the next meeting of the Ballinamore Municipal District will take place on Monday 26th April, 2021 at 11.00 a.m. remotely while the current Level 5 Restrictions remain in place.