Agenda and minutes

Venue: via Mircrosoft Teams

Contact: Sinead Flynn  Meetings Administrator

Items
No. Item

BMD.45.21

Adoption of Minutes

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke, seconded by Councillor Brendan Barry AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

 

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

 

Mr. Vincent Dwyer updated the members on progress achieved on the taking in charge of the Dun na Bo Estate, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim. He outlined that the Bond Company have recently engaged with the Council and have agreed to pay over the bond in the next few weeks. Mr. Dwyer advised that this development will enable the Council to carry out the outstanding works in the estate in 2021.

 

This update was welcomed by all members.    

 

BMD.46.21

Meeting Correspondence

Minutes:

Ms. Flynn provided an over-view of the items received under Meetings Correspondence.

 

1.      Letter dated 26th March, 2021 from the Assistance Garda Commissioner Mr. Finbarr O’Brien on Garda Resources in Leitrim.

2.      Letter dated 30th March, 2021 from Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken on Garda Resources in Leitrim.

3.      Email from Deputy Frank Feighan dated 6th April, 2021 on the NTA Allocation for Active Travel and Walking Infrastructure.

4.      Letter dated 31st March, 2021 from Bank of Ireland.

5.      Letter dated 7th April, 2021 from Mr. Patrick McCabe, Private Secretary to the Minister for Justice on Garda Resources in Leitrim.

 

 

·         Councillor Ellis stated that the replies received to his Notice of Motion do not address his request to have a 24-hour Garda presence in Ballinamore and Drumshanbo Garda Stations.  Councillor Enda McGloin with the agreement of Councillor Ellis proposed to raise this issue at the next meeting of the Joint Policing Committee.

 

·         Councillor Enda McGloin requested that the provision of a public footpath from the Radharc an Bhaile Estate to Drumshanbo towncentre be prioritised under the Active Travel and Walking Infrastructure funding allocation. Councillor McGloin stated that the provision of a footpath would be beneficial for all residents of the estate, particularly, children residing in the estate who walk to school etc.

 

·         Councillor Brendan Barry and Councillor Gerry Dolan supported this proposal.

 

BMD.47.21

Motion from Councillor Enda McGloin:

Can I ask Leitrim County Council for a report regarding the current status of Casual Trading Bye Laws in the Drumshanbo area, to detail who hold permits and the locations they apply to.  I also ask if the Council will take enforcement proceedings against illegal traders using public car parks.

Minutes:

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

 

Can I ask Leitrim County Council for a report regarding the status of Casual Trading Bye Laws in the Drumshanbo area, to detail who hold permits and the locations they apply to.  I also ask if the Council will take enforcement proceedings against illegal traders using public car parks.

 

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

"There are currently 8 no. designated trading locations in the Drumshanbo town area; 4 no. designated bays at the Mart Road; 3 no. designated bays within the car-park on the Mart Link road; 1 no. designated bay in the Main Street car- park (beside Bank of Ireland)

 

There are presently two licensed traders permitted to operate in Drumshanbo.  One trader is licensed to trade within the designated area in the Main Street car-park location on Tuesdays. Another trader currently is licensed to trade on Fridays at the Mart Link road location. The licensed times of operation are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

On foot of investigations by Council staff of unlicensed trading at both Mohill and Drumshanbo (car park off Mart Link road) we have received an application for a trading licence within the designated area in the car-park located off of the Mart Link road. There are 3 designated bays at this location.  This application is presently under consideration.

 

The Planning Authority are aware of this unlicensed trading continuing and the unlicensed trader has been clearly informed that a licence must issue prior to any trading continuing. The Planning Authority will consider the necessity to take enforcement proceedings after the licence application has been determined.

 

The Planning Authority are also aware of operators trading in the evenings when livestock sales take place in the mart opposite the above-mentioned car park. The trading is usually evening or night-time; the bye laws only permit trading from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., therefore no licence can be issued for these locations at night-time within the parameters of the existing Byelaws. The Planning Authority will consider pursuing enforcement proceedings against these traders."

 

Councillor McGloin acknowledged the reply to his Notice of Motion and the proactive role of the Planning Department in addressing this issue.  He advised that he is aware of illegal trading taking place in the mart carpark in Drumshanbo. Councillor McGloin stated that this practice is unfair to other businesses in the area who are obliged to pay commercial rates to the Council and that a Casual Trading Licence costs less than €100 a year. 

 

BMD.48.21

Motion from Councillor Enda McGloin:

I ask Leitrim County Council to provide a tarmac overlay on the lay-by at Blackrock, Drumshanbo, opposite the Canal Blueway walk bridge (named as The Orchard). This will help enhance the area which is on a major entrance point from North Leitrim to the town.

Minutes:

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

 

I ask Leitrim County Council to provide a tarmac overlay on the lay-by at Blackrock, Drumshanbo, opposite the Canal Blueway walk bridge (named as The Orchard). This will help enhance the area which is on a major entrance point from North Leitrim to the town.

 

Report by Roads

"All RIGs have been allocated for this year. It could be included in a program for future years, however it would not be a priority as does not form part of the main R208 carriageway."

 

Councillor McGloin acknowledged the reply to his Notice of Motion, however, he requested the Council to tar this lay-by to enhance the entrance point to Drumshanbo on the approach to the town from Manorhamilton.  He outlined that the Tidy Towns Committee maintain the trees, grass area and signage.

 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that this lay- by is used by HGVs for parking and is not used by the public in general. Mr. O’Boyle outlined that the layby would require funding to black- top it and that if the area is to be upgraded then the Council would consider introducing height restrictors to prevent access by Casual Traders. He advised that the works could be considered for inclusion in the Road Improvement Grants in 2021 but if the works were carried out, that, there would be a direct impact on the existing use of the location by HGVs for parking.

 

Councillor McGloin agreed to review the matter with the Tidy Towns Committee and to revert to Mr. O’Boyle.

 

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion but stated that he would not be in favour of introducing heigh restriction barriers. He queried if minor works to improve the surface could be carried out by the Patching Unit.

 

 

 

 

BMD.49.21

Motion from Councillor Paddy O'Rourke:

I ask that Leitrim County Council carry out the necessary repairs to Road NO L15531-0. This road has suffered from poor drainage and substantial construction traffic which was very necessary to facilitate the repair of bridges.  The road now experiences increased traffic, some of which is associated with the outdoor recreation facilities in the area.

Minutes:

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

 

I ask that Leitrim County Council carry out the necessary repairs to Road NO L15531-0. This road has suffered from poor drainage and substantial construction traffic which was very necessary to facilitate the repair of bridges.  The road now experiences increased traffic, some of which is associated with the outdoor recreation facilities in the area.

 

Report by Roads

"The local cul de sac road is the charge of Leitrim County Council and we will carry out maintenance along this road. The adjoining local road will receive a 2km RIG in this year’s programme as agreed by the Elected Members earlier this year. This cul de sac is a perfect candidate for a Community Involvement Scheme in 2022, if the local community wish to apply for same."

 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle clarified the road number which Councillor O’Rourke referred to as the L1553 which is a local primary route.  He advised that a two kilometre stretch of the road will be black topped this summer.  Mr.  O’Boyle outlined that as the bridges had been repaired and when the surface works are completed, the 5 tonne weight restrictions will be removed.

 

 

BMD.50.21

Motion from Councillor Paddy O'Rourke:

Can I ask that following, the meeting between officials from Longford, Leitrim and Cavan County Councils regarding the three counties Greenway that took place some time ago, what plans or progress have we made here in Leitrim regarding the proposed signage towards the meeting of the three Provinces at Gulladoo, Carrigallen?

Minutes:

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

 

Can I ask that following, the meeting between officials from Longford, Leitrim and Cavan County Councils regarding the three counties Greenway that took place some time ago, what plans or progress have we made here in Leitrim regarding the proposed signage towards the meeting of the three Provinces at Gulladoo, Carrigallen?

 

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

"Following the meeting of the three Local Authorities the point at which the three Counties meet will be assessed through the work of a community group led out of Longford. Once that actual location is assessed it would appear that the matter may then progress to the preparation of a project to secure access in conjunction with relevant landowners etc.  Once access is agreed a project can be developed around signage and orientation etc from key points in the three counties such as Gulladoo."

 

Councillor O’Rourke called upon Leitrim County Council to lead out on the project delivery and to proactively liaise with Longford and Cavan County Councils to progress the project. He referred to a previous commitment given by Leitrim County Council to have the signage for the meeting point of the three Provinces erected at Gulladoo, Carrigallen.

 

Mr. Vincent Dwyer clarified that Longford County Council are the Lead Authority for this project and that there will be ongoing co-operation and engagement between all three Local Authorities.

 

Councillor O’Rourke also called upon Leitrim County Council to engage with landowners whose land will be affected by the development and requested that landowners be communicated with directly as the project progress rather updates being reported by the media.

 

Mr. Dwyer agreed to discuss the project with Mr. Joseph Gilhooley, Director of Services and to provide an update at the next meeting.

 

BMD.51.21

Motion from Councillor Brendan Barry:

I request that Leitrim County Council carry out resurfacing works on the L15061 from Lissgillock L1511 to Kinkeen L1506.

Minutes:

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

 

I request that Leitrim County Council carry out resurfacing works on the L15061 from Lissgillock L1511 to Kinkeen L1506.

 

 

Report by Roads

"The surface dressing grants for 2021 have already been approved by the Elected Members. These local roads will require a full Restoration Grant and should be put forward for the next 3-year RIG Plan."

 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the Roads Department assess the roads and put forward the list of roads that are most of need of the works from an engineering perspective to be approved by the Elected Members into the three-year RIG work programme.

 

Councillor Brendan Barry requested that this road be considered for inclusion in the next RIG Programme.

 

Mr. O’Boyle outlined that in compiling the roads for inclusion in the RIG Programme that regard is also given to complaints received from the public and to Notices of Motion raised by the Elected Members.   Mr. O’Boyle also advised that the draft list of roads for inclusion in the Programme is circulated to the members in advance of the meeting to approve the Programme.

 

 

BMD.52.21

Motion from Councillor Brendan Barry:

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District call for emergency investment in mental health services. Traffic to the HSE mental health website increased by 490% between March and July 2020. By August last year Jigsaw had already experienced a 50% increase in demand for its service. There was an 18 week waiting time for an appointment with JIGSAW in some areas in 2020. COVID-19 has adversely affected the mental well-being of many people in Ireland and significant investment in mental health services and supports is needed to provide the capacity to cope with the additional strain on services now and into the future.

Minutes:

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

 

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District call for emergency investment in mental health services. Traffic to the HSE mental health website increased by 490% between March and July 2020. By August last year Jigsaw had already experienced a 50% increase in demand for its service. There was an 18-week waiting time for an appointment with JIGSAW in some areas in 2020. COVID-19 has adversely affected the mental well-being of many people in Ireland and significant investment in mental health services and supports is needed to provide the capacity to cope with the additional strain on services now and into the future.

 

 

Councillor Barry advised that there are long delays accessing services and the effects of the Pandemic will have exacerbated demand for supports in this service area.  He outlined that there are currently over 9,000 children waiting on a psychology assessment and that 2,000 children are on the CAMPS waiting list.  Councillor Barry called for emergency funding to be made available for these services at the same time as emergency funding has been made available in other areas affected by the Pandemic.

 

The Notice of Motion was unanimously supported by all members.

 

 

 

BMD.53.21

Motion from Councillor Caillian Ellis:

I propose that Leitrim County Council resurface the L1567, the Cornageeha side of Keeldra Cross.

Minutes:

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

 

I propose that Leitrim County Council resurface the L1567, the Cornageeha side of Keeldra Cross.

 

Report by Roads

"This local primary road has a Surface Dressing Grant this year and will be carried out in late summer."

 

Councillor Ellis queried the quality of the tar and if samples are tested.  He stated there was a problem with tar peeling off in many areas.

 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that all batches of road surface dressing met all standards for use, however, he outlined that overnight temperatures could seriously impact the life of the surface.

 

BMD.54.21

Motion from Councillor Caillian Ellis:

I propose that Leitrim County Council complete all works at St. Caillian’s View, Fenagh as soon as possible.

Minutes:

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

 

I propose that Leitrim County Council complete all works at St. Caillian’s View, Fenagh as soon as possible.

 

Report by Planning

"The Council has very limited monies available through the Bond attached to this estate – approximately €19,000. These monies are required to cover all works to the roads, streetlights, water services and open space. In common with all estates that are taken in charge the Council has to liaise with Irish Water in respect of the equitable apportionment of these monies between the parties to cover repairs and/or completion of the services that the parties have responsibility for. The Council is currently engaged in this process with Irish Water in respect of various estates, including this estate, and no works can be undertaken until such time as these negotiations are concluded: unfortunately, the impact of the COVID restrictions has delayed the various site surveys that are a necessary part of this process.

 

With specific regard to Saint Caillian’s View, the Bond monies available will not be sufficient to cover the cost of all the works that will be required and both Irish Water and the Council will have to provide additional funding from their own resources. As a consequence of the inadequate funds the Council will only be able to complete essential repairs at this time and the completion of the road surfacing will likely have to wait until an additional or alternative source of funding is available."

 

Councillor Ellis expressed his disappointed that the value of the bond is not sufficient to finance the completion of all outstanding works in the estate.

 

Mr.  Darragh O’Boyle advised that the public lighting used up a significant amount of the bond that was released.   Mr. O’Boyle suggested that the remaining bond money left over could be put towards a CIS Scheme in 2022 to complete the road.

 

Councillor Ellis enquired about getting the public lights turned on in the estate.

 

Mr.  O’Boyle advised that the lights are in place and Electric Skyline will connect them.  He also advised that as the estate has been taken in charge, the Council will have responsibility for the road maintenance within the estate.

 

Mr. Vincent Dwyer outlined that there several estates in the county in a similar position and that discussions are ongoing between the Council and Irish Water in this regard.

 

 

 

BMD.55.21

Motion from Councillor Gerry Dolan:

I call on Leitrim County Council to erect a pedestrian crossing from the car park and the Church Gate at St. Patrick’s Church, Drumshanbo.

Minutes:

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

 

I call on Leitrim County Council to erect a pedestrian crossing from the car park and the Church Gate at St. Patrick’s Church, Drumshanbo.

 

 Report by Roads

"Leitrim County Council has applied to the NTA for an Active Travel Grant to construct a pedestrian crossing and footpath repairs at this location. It is not approved on this year’s program, but hopefully will be approved by NTA for next year."

 

Councillor Dolan welcomed the reply to his Notice of Motion.

 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the Council have applied for funding for the repair and upkeep of the existing footpath to include a pedestrian crossing at the Church under the Action Travel Grant from the National Transport Authority (NTA). He outlined that the funding request was not approved for this year but may be approved in 2022.

 

Councillor Enda McGloin and Council Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion.  Councillor McGloin raised the issue of motorists driving with excessive speed close to the church on the Aughnasheelin side of the church which is dangerous of there is a large crowd in attendance e.g., at a wedding or funeral. Councillor McGloin queried if a speed ramp could be provided to slow down the oncoming traffic.

 

Councillor Brendan Barry appealed to motorists to slow down and to comply with the approved speed limits, particularly, in built up areas.

 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that all pedestrian crossings installed by the Council have ramps and signage.

 

 

 

 

 

BMD.56.21

Motion from Councillor Gerry Dolan:

I call on Leitrim County Council to give an update on the progress of the LIS Scheme’s in the county and especially in the Ballinamore Electoral Area.

Minutes:

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

 

I call on Leitrim County Council to give an update on the progress of the LIS Scheme’s in the county and especially in the Ballinamore Electoral Area.

 

Report by Roads

"In 2017, Funding for LIS Schemes was reinstated. At that stage there were 205 applications on the waiting list. In the period 2017 – 2020, Leitrim County Council received funding allocations and completed schemes as follows: -

 

• 2017 – Two tranches funding were received - (€250,000 & €237,947) – Total of €487,947 and 20 Schemes were completed.

 

• 2018 – Two tranches of funding were received - (€250,000 & €300,120) - Total of €550,120 and 24 Schemes were completed.

 

• 2019 – One tranche of funding was received (€250,000) - 10 Schemes were completed.

 

• 2020 – One tranche of funding was received (€250,000) - 9 Schemes were completed.

           

In summary, to date a total of 63 LIS Schemes have been completed between 2017 and 2020, of which there were 26 in Ballinamore MD.

 

In addition to the schemes completed, some other schemes did not proceed, and there are now a total of 110 applicants on the LIS Waiting List.  These applications are processed in chronological order in order of date of receipt, and we are currently at applications received in 2007 /2008. 

 

Of the 110 applications currently on the LIS Waiting List, the approximate breakdown per MD area is Ballinamore MD (46); Carrick on Shannon MD (23); and Manorhamilton MD (41).

 

As no allocation has as yet been received from the Department for LIS Schemes in 2021, we have made contact with the Department and they have informed us that are currently finalising the scheme criteria and allocations for 2021, and these will be made available in the coming weeks."

 

Councillor Gerry Dolan advised that he has received representations in relation to the LIS schemes and their availability.

 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the scheme is currently closed to new applications as there is a backlog of applications on hand, which will be processed in chronological order. He outlined that the Council expect to complete approximately 9-11 of the LIS’s in 2021.


Councillor Barry requested clarification on the number of the last CIS completed. 


Mr. Darragh O’Boyle agreed to circulate the list with the details of the 9 LIS’s completed in 2020.

 

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke on reviewing the reply, acknowledged that the Council would need additional funding if all the applications on the current waiting list are to be progressed.

 

Mr. O’Boyle estimated that1.5 million in funding would be required to process all LIS’s on hand.

 

Councillor Dolan requested that when the scheme re-opens to accepting new applications that a prioritisation scheme be put in place for ‘priority cases’ e.g., persons residing on road that are service users of home supports.

 

Councillor Barry stated that the members would have to agree to introducing a new points-based system for processing new applications or to continue to process  ...  view the full minutes text for item BMD.56.21

BMD.57.21

Motion from Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn:

Can I request an update on current library services with an approximate timeframe as to when the full library services may be resuming in the county.

Minutes:

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

 

Can I request an update on current library services with an approximate timeframe as to when the full library services may be resuming in the county?

 

 

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

"In line with the plan set out in ‘Covid-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead’ the current situation regarding the reopening of public libraries is that they are “Under consideration from May 4th subject to prevailing public health situation.”

 

In this regard, Leitrim County Council will be adhering to guidance which will be issued by Libraries Development at LGMA to all 31 library authorities in the country.  This guidance is expected the week beginning Monday April 26th and the likelihood is that resumption of services will be a gradual process commencing with the ‘Contact and Collect’ service.

 

Ove the past twelve months Leitrim Library Service has continued to deliver its services both in-house, when public health restrictions allowed, and virtually when physical library buildings were forced to close during levels 4 and 5.

 

Current library services (during Level 5) include access to the wide range of e-books, e-magazines, e-newspapers, e-courses, and e-languages.  Library Programming has continued online, and a wide number of events and activities have taken place under the Right to Read, Healthy Ireland and Work Matters national initiatives.  The library service has continued to engage with schools on events related to Seachtain na Gaeilge, Engineers Week, World Book Day, and the Ireland Reads campaign and has made a number of class novels available to teachers for use in the classroom.  Other initiatives include the Grow it Forward campaign where over 800 seed packs have been posted out to those with an interest in growing their own food and the Age Friendly Digital Skills programme whereby Library staff have been engaged in assisting older people access and use library online services.  The library service has also been heavily involved in Leitrim County Council’s Keep Well Campaign and has delivered the ‘Switching Off/Being Creative’ strand which included Charlie McGettigan’s Shed Sessions, Charlene Donnelly’s Dance Classes, the Wild Words Creative Writing Course and has worked with the Glens Centre in Manorhamilton on the recent set of sketches.  A considerable amount of work is also ongoing in terms of the 2021 Decade of Centenaries programme and a digitisation programme has commenced on a number of items from the local studies collection.

 

Leitrim Library Service has been supporting communities in new ways over the past year and is continually reviewing and re-examining all service delivery methods in order to address the impact of Covid-19 on our physical library buildings to ensure that a high level of service is consistently available to all library users. 

 

In terms of the reopening of our library buildings, there will be a number of factors to be considered such as the physical size of the space in question and maximum capacity levels.  Health  ...  view the full minutes text for item BMD.57.21

BMD.58.21

Motion from Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn:

I ask Leitrim County Council if there are any proposals to construct a footpath in the Park Road/Swanlinbar Road in Ballinamore.  The road is very busy with traffic and pedestrians travelling to the school and the football pitch.

Minutes:

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

I ask Leitrim County Council if there are any proposals to construct a footpath in the Park Road/Swanlinbar Road in Ballinamore.  The road is very busy with traffic and pedestrians travelling to the school and the football pitch.  

 

Report by Roads

"There is a footpath linking the town to the secondary school and GAA park. We would not recommend to extend this any farther outside the speed limit in a rural area."

 

BMD.59.21

A.O.B.

Minutes:

1.      Dog Fouling Initiative – Leitrim County Council Environment Department

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke complimented Mr. James Madden, Veterinary Inspector and the Environment Department on a new initiative to introduce DNA testing of dog excrement to trace the owners of a dog in order to combat dog fouling.

·         Mr. Vincent Dwyer stated that this initiative will act as a deterrent against dog-fouling. He outlined that dog owners who neglect to pick up dog waste deposited by their pets will be identified by the testing.

·         Councillor Brendan Barry and Councillor Enda McGloin also welcomed the initiative.

 

2.      Lack of Response from An Post

Councillor Enda McGloin noted that no response was received from An Post in respect of the replacement of Post Boxes at Ballinagleara and Mahanagh, Drumshanbo.

Ms. Sinead Flynn advised that reminder letters had issued previously to An Post requesting a response and that a further reminder can issue.

 

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 24th May, 2021 at 11.00 a.m. remotely while the current Level 5 Restrictions remain in place.