Agenda and 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 26^th April, 2021 be adopted.”

To consider the CE’s Report pursuant to Section 179 of the Planning & Development Act, 2000 (as amended) and Part 8 of the Planning & Development Regulations, 2001 (as amended) in respect of the proposed development of 10 social housing dwellings at Lahard, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Services provided a detailed over-view of the proposed Part VIII Planning Report in respect of the proposed development of 10 social housing dwellings at Lahard, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim. The report as circulated to the Members appears as Appendix No. 1 to the Minutes of the meeting in the Minute Book. Ms. Quinn outlined that the proposal consists of developing a green field site to construct four 2-bed and six 3-bed units with the provision of 23 additional carparking spaces, landscaping works and to connect to the existing infrastructure at Lahard, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim.

Ms. Quinn outlined the policy context within which the development has been designed and to the identified social housing need in Ballinamore. She advised that if the project if approved to proceed it will address the housing need by the provision of 10 additional social housing dwellings in the Lahard Estate,  Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim. Ms. Quinn outlined that no submissions were received from An Taisce, Irish Water or the ESB regarding the proposed development and that a total of eight submissions were received from members of the public as detailed in the report. She advised that the submissions received from the public raised concerns over traffic and car parking, restriction of pedestrian movement, removal and potential lack of open green spaces, concerns over the capacity of the town’s water supply and treatment facilities and vacancy of existing housing stock in the town to cater for housing need. Ms. Quinn advised that a consultation process with the Residents had been completed by the Housing Department to listen to their concerns in relation to the project. She concluded her report by recommending that the Part VIII proposal be approved by the members.

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn, Chairperson, stated that she is opposing the proposed development of 10 social housing dwellings at Lahard, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim. She expressed her concern of the potential impact that the development would have on the existing residents in the estate, particularly residents that have purchased their dwellings under the Tenant Purchase Scheme. Councillor Reynolds-Flynn also referred to the concern of the existing residents. 

Councillor Caillian Ellis supported Councillor Reynolds-Flynn in opposing the proposed development.

Councillor Enda McGloin queried if the Council could provide a commitment to upgrade the footpaths in the existing estate as part of the suite of works to be completed if the development is approved to proceed.

Councillor Gerry Dolan stated that there is a need for the Council to provide additional social housing dwellings to address the housing need in Ballinamore. Councillor Dolan stated that he receives representations from households that are currently on the Council’s Housing Waiting List seeking social housing support in Ballinamore.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke supported Councillor Enda McGloin’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item BMD.61.21

The report on the proposed Tidy Town’s Allocation under the General Municipal Allocation, 2021 from Mr. Terry McGovern, A/Senior Executive Engineer as circulated to the Members appears as Appendix No. 2 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book. 

Proposed by Councillor Brendan Barry, seconded by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke and unanimously approved that: ‘The Tidy Town’s Allocation under the General Municipal Allocation, 2021 be approved.’

The report on the Arts Festival Support Scheme from Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Services as circulated to the Members appears as Appendix No. 3 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book. 

Proposed by Councillor Enda McGloin, seconded by Councillor Caillian Ellis and unanimously approved that: ‘The Arts Festival Support Scheme, 2021 be approved.’

The members agreed to hold the Annual meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District on Monday 28^th June 2021 at 11.00am to be followed by the ordinary meeting of the Ballinamore Municipal District at 11.30am.

Councillor Enda McGloin queried if the meeting would be a physical meeting. Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance, advised that the matter will be reviewed in keeping with the public health advise in place closer to the meeting date. 

1.      Letter dated 23^rd April, 2021 from Bank of Ireland.

Ms. Sinead Flynn provided an over-view of the response received from Bank of Ireland regarding the proposed closure of the branch in Drumshanbo. Ms. Flynn outlined that the correspondence confirmed that the branch closure in Drumshanbo will go ahead to include the decommissioning of the ATM.

Ms. Flynn further outlined that the letter references the partnership of Bank of Ireland with An Post and confirms that the bank will liaise directly with their existing customers to advise them of alternative banking arrangements in advance of the branch closure. 

This update was noted by the members and the following comments were made:

• Councillor Enda McGloin advised that the closure of the bank and ATM meant the loss of lodgement and withdrawal facilities for both the local community and tourists visiting the town.   He queried if the Credit Union will have any capacity to provide an ATM facility in the town.

• Councillor Brendan Barry advised that with tourists visiting the town the phased re-opening of the economy including the night-time economy that people will need access to cash outside of the limited opening hours available in the Post Office.

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue to take action so that farmers can buy dosing mineral for their animals in the local Co-Op's and not only in Veterinary Surgeries.

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

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue to take action so that farmers can buy dosing mineral for their animals in the local Co-Op's and not only in Veterinary Surgeries."

Councillor Caillian Ellis outlined that new EU rules will be in place in the Republic of Ireland from January, 2022 that will mean farmers will require a prescription from a VET to enable then to purchase dosing mineral for their animals. 

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke supported the Notice of Motion and advised that the six counties in the North of Ireland, who are not in the EU, are governed by a different set of rules which may lead to cross border trade in accessing animal remedies which would be undocumented. 

Councillor Brendan Barry also supported the proposal. He advised that farmers complete herd health plans with their Vet’s which sees antibiotics used only when necessary and that this new ruling will add further cost to farmers and make it more difficult for them to get access to medicines.

Proposed by Councillor Caillian Ellis, seconded by Councillor Brendan Barry and unanimously supported that: ‘Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue to take action so that farmers can buy dosing mineral for their animals in the local Co-Op's and not only in Veterinary Surgeries."

I propose that Leitrim County Council start putting in place public lighting from Ardrum to Edentinny, Ballinamore as soon as possible.

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

"I propose that Leitrim County Council start putting in place public lighting from Ardrum to Edentinny, Ballinamore as soon as possible."

Report by Roads

"Funding has been approved and these works will be carried out in the current year."

Councillor Caillian Ellis welcomed the reply.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the works will be carried out in September. The proposal is to erect public lighting on the far side of road which will illuminate the road and footpath which will act as a safety mechanism as well.

Councillor Enda McGloin requested the footpath from the Radharc na Baile Estate into the town of Drumshanbo to be prioritised in the interests of public safety.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that all Active Travel Grants will to be completed by the end of November.

I call on Leitrim County Council to consider upgrading the tennis courts at the Acres Amenity, Drumshanbo to include lighting, surface upgrades and nets etc. I ask the Executive to examine any funding potential to carry out these works, which would add greatly to local sport facilities in the area.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to consider upgrading the tennis courts at the Acres Amenity, Drumshanbo to include lighting, surface upgrades and nets etc. I ask the Executive to examine any funding potential to carry out these works, which would add greatly to local sport facilities in the area."

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

"The Council can examine potential opportunities. However, this process would be greatly assisted by the engagement of a local group or club in regard to the use of the courts."

Councillor Enda McGloin stated that works will be carried out by Leitrim County Council at the Acres Amenity facility in the coming months to provide service blocks at the facility with grant funding provided from Bord Failte, however, he stated that the tennis courts also require upgrading and the provision of public lighting.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle suggested that the Local Community liaise with Leitrim Sports Partnership regarding the ‘Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme’ (ORIS) in this regard as the funding is targeted at amenities located beside lakes or rivers.

The completion and taking in charge of the Cnoc an Iuir Estate on the Carrick-on-Shannon Road,Drumshanbo in recent times has presented issues around the speed of traffic in the estate, which includes over 40 houses and a lot of young children playing around the estate. I call on Leitrim County Council to consider ramps at a few locations, in an effort to reduce the speed of vehicles and reduce the risk of an accident.

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

"The completion and taking in charge of the Cnoc an Iuir Estate on the Carrick-on-Shannon Road, Drumshanbo in recent times has presented issues around the speed of traffic in the estate, which includes over 40 houses and a lot of young children playing around the estate. I call on Leitrim County Council to consider ramps at a few locations, in an effort to reduce the speed of vehicles and reduce the risk of an accident."

Report by Roads

"The Local Authority do not install ramps within housing estates. This housing estate is a cul de sac and the only people using the infrastructure are people visiting or living there. We have erect 30kph speed limit signs and children at play signs at the entrance. Driver behaviour of the residents will need to change and consideration should be given to the vulnerable footpath and road users."

Councillor Enda McGloin acknowledged the reply to his Notice of Motion and queried if there was any other alternative solution that could be considered to slow down traffic within the estate.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that it may be possible to apply for a CIS Scheme for other alternatives for speed reduction such as rumble strips.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion but expressed his concern against the use of rumble strips as they cause noise disturbance no properties nearby. Councillor Barry stated that there is a need for ramps to be provide in some housing estates, e.g., Hillcrest Grove, Drumshanbo due to additional houses getting planning permission in Allen Brook where the only access is through Hillcrest Grove.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that there are many factors including cost and potential public liability claims that impact the Council’s decision not to install ramps within housing estates.

I ask that Leitrim County Council consider putting in place a walkway along the R203 in the town land of Drumbreanlis to provide a safe link between the Gulladoo Road and Errew Roads. There is sufficient space alongside the road and this link would join two minor roads, one leading to where the 3 Provinces meet and the other back towards St. Patrick’s Well and the Ancient Mass Pass.

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

"I ask that Leitrim County Council consider putting in place a walkway along the R203 in the town land of Drumbreanlis to provide a safe link between the Gulladoo Road and Errew Roads. There is sufficient space alongside the road and this link would join two minor roads, one leading to where the 3 Provinces meet and the other back towards St. Patrick’s Well and the Ancient Mass Pass."

Report by Roads

"It would be unsafe to construct a walkway adjacent this high-speed regional road. The available land take for segregated footpath or cycle track is not available within the existing road land take. The bridge at Drumbreanlis would also throttle people out onto the carriageway. Along with these safety issues, the local authority could not provide public lighting in such a rural area."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke expressed disappointment with the reply to his Notice of Motion. Councillor O’Rourke advised that this is a popular road for walkers, and it links to where the three provinces meet, and it also links to the Ancient Mass Pass towards the Church. Councillor O’Rourke queried if an alternative engineering solution could be considered for the road. 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the only solution would be to gain property from landowners and create a path to link the two local roads together which would still require a substantial footbridge across the Gulladoo river. Mr. O’Boyle further advised that this proposal would most likely be refused by the National Transport Authority (NTA) from a safety point of view and that from an environmental point of view, public lighting is not to be provided in rural areas.

Councillor O’Rourke accepted the additional clarification provided by Mr. O’Boyle regarding the proposal.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that Longford County Council are the lead authority for the ‘Three Counties Project’ and that there has been no further progress on the project since the update provided to the members at the last meeting. He agreed to keep the matter under review and provide regular updates on the project to the members.

I ask that Leitrim County Council carry out the necessary repairs to the early section of the Beaghmore Road L1588-2 just above Glan Cross. Excellent work has been carried out further along this road but there remains a section closer to Glan Cross which urgently needs attention and is quite dangerous to unsuspecting motorists.

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 the early section of the Beaghmore Road L1588-2 just above Glan Cross. Excellent work has been carried out further along this road but there remains a section closer to Glan Cross which urgently needs attention and is quite dangerous to unsuspecting motorists."

Report by Roads

"We will dispatch our Maintenance Crew to this public local road."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke advised that he does not feel that patching on this section of road will be sufficient.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the remainder of this road can be put forward on the next three- year plan for strengthening. However, he will review this section of the road when surface dressing is being carried out on other parts of the road.

Can I have an update on the restructuring of footpaths in Ballinamore town including the footpath at the Canal adjacent to the John Joe McGirl Memorial.

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

"Can I have an update on the restructuring of footpaths in Ballinamore town including the footpath at the Canal adjacent to the John Joe McGirl Memorial."

Report by Roads

"There is no plan to restructure the footpath at this location in Ballinamore."

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn acknowledged the reply to her Notice of Motion, however, she advised that that there is a lot of footfall at this school time particularly at school times and it is quite dangerous.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised this project would require a significant capital allocation to carry out the necessary works at this location. Mr. Vincent Dwyer agreed to refer the matter to Mr. Shay O’Connor, Capital Projects Office to assess if any funding stream could be accessed for the project and to provide an update to the members at the next meeting.

Are there any plans to install electric car chargers in Ballinamore or other towns in the county?.

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

"Are there any plans to install electric car chargers in Ballinamore or other towns in the county?."

Report by Roads

"As part of the Urban Renewal Works at the Junction Project at the Old Railway Depot, the District Office has provided power supply for 2 should E-Charging Points. It is envisaged that these ports will be installed as part of these works. Any new car parking facilities provided by the Local Authority will include a number of E-Charging Points."

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn advised that she has received several enquiries from members of the public on the availability of electric car charging points in Ballinamore.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that there are no charging points in Ballinamore at present, however, there will be two E-Charging Points when construction starts in the Old Railway Depot.

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn enquired about a new funding stream announced by Minister Heather Humphries, Minister for Rural & Community Development and if this funding could be accessed to provide additional car charging points.

Councillor Enda McGloin advised that the funding was available to support the development of Ireland’s first national network of Remote Working Hubs. Councillor McGloin outlined that part of the funding will be used to install electric car charging points, upgrade disability access and improve IT facilities located within Hubs or Broadband Connection Points (BCPs).

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn queried if the Rural Hub at Willowfield Road in Ballinamore would be eligible for the grant. Mr. Vincent Dwyer agreed to refer the matter to Mr. Joseph Gilhooley, Director of Services.

I request that Leitrim County Council carry out resurfacing works on a badly damaged section of road on the L8299 in the townland of Tullyveacan, Ballinaglera to include the widening of the road on the corner opposite a house with an Eircode of N41TF98 and to carry out drainage works opposite the lane to a house with an Eircode of N41 DP99.

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

"I request that Leitrim County Council carry out resurfacing works on a badly damaged section of road on the L8299 in the townland of Tullyveacan, Ballinaglera to include the widening of the road on the corner opposite a house with an Eircode of N41TF98 and to carry out drainage works opposite the lane to a house with an Eircode of N41 DP99,"

Report by Roads

"The Restoration Maintenance Grants are already approved by the Elected Members for 2021. The L-8299 is not included in this year’s Programme. This road can be put forward for inclusion in the next 3-year plan.

We can carry out general maintenance at these areas once our Road Works Programme is established and completed."

Councillor Enda McGloin supported Councillors Barry’s Notice of Motion.

I ask Leitrim County Council what specific parts of the proposed system for the Zero Discharge Pilot Scheme are not tried and tested already and need to be studied to see if it is a workable solution for sites which fail a T-Test.

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

"I ask Leitrim County Council what specific parts of the proposed system for the Zero Discharge Pilot Scheme are not tried and tested already and need to be studied to see if it is a workable solution for sites which fail a T-Test."

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

"On-site wastewater treatment systems, comprising standard septic tank/percolation area or some form of packaged wastewater treatment system, are reliant on the ground characteristics of any particular site. With such systems the ground receives the treated effluent, which still contains biological and chemical contaminants. These contaminants are subsequently ‘polished’ out as the effluent flows through the ground. This is an essential part of the treatment process and is required to ensure that such contaminants do not enter ground or surface water bodies in the area. In order for the ground to act as an integral part of the treatment process it must be capable of percolating the discharged effluent at within a specified range – i.e., the effluent must be able to ‘flow’ through the ground at a particular rate in order for the effluent to be ‘polished’. It is also necessary that the area where such polishing of the effluent takes place is separated by a minimum distance from the underlying water table to ensure that no un-polished effluent enters the underlying ground waters.

On-site wastewater treatment systems are problematic for large areas of county Leitrim due to either too high water tables or the soils are too dense and have percolation values that exceed the maximum values set out in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Code of Practice for Waste Water Systems for Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (Population Equivalent = 10) which provides guidance on domestic waste water treatment systems (DWWTSs) for single houses or equivalent developments with a population equivalent (PE) of less than or equal to 10. The Code sets out a methodology for site assessment and selection, installation, and maintenance of an appropriate DWWTS. The requirement to comply with the Code of Practice is further stipulated by Part H of the Building Regulations and the European Union Construction Products Regulations.

Where ground conditions permit, the use of standard on site wastewater treatment systems does not pose any problems and such systems and technologies are recognised as being ‘tried and tested’. (Assuming the particular system has been designed specifically for any particular site and correctly installed).

Where ground conditions do not permit the use of such standard systems, the possibility of using zero-discharge systems is being considered. Evapotranspiration (ET) is a method of onsite wastewater treatment and disposal that offers an alternative to conventional soil absorption systems for sites where protection of the surface water and groundwater is essential. An ET system disposes of wastewater into the atmosphere through evaporation from the soil surface and/or transpiration by plants, without discharging wastewater to the surface water or groundwater reservoir. Evapotranspiration is  ...  view the full minutes text for item BMD.75.21

I call on Leitrim County Council to have repair works carried out on the roads L-7306-0 at Corloughlin and carry on the repairs onto roads L-73141-0 and L-7315-0 as far as it meets the main road above Aghacashel Post Office.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to have repair works carried out on the roads L-7306-0 at Corloughlin and carry on the repairs onto roads L-73141-0 and L-7315-0 as far as it meets the main road above Aghacashel Post Office."

Report by Roads

"We will dispatch our Maintenance Crew to these public roads."

I call on Leitrim County Council to give an update on letters sent to Bank of Ireland regarding the closure of branches in Drumshanbo and the rest of the county.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to give an update on letters sent to Bank of Ireland regarding the closure of branches in Drumshanbo and the rest of the county."

Report by Meetings Administrator 

"The most recent response from Bank of Ireland relating to the closure of the branch in Drumshanbo was received on 23rd April, 2021. The full contents of this response have been circulated to the Members under 'Meetings Correspondence'. The response confirms that the proposed closure of the BOI Branch in Drumshanbo will proceed. The letter also confirms that the closure of the bank will include the decommissioning of the ATM. The response references the new partnership between An Post and Bank of Ireland and outlines that cash withdrawal and lodgement will be available at the local Post Office in Drumshanbo. In addition, the bank outlines that they will be contacting all customers in advance of the bank closure giving them all of the information that they need and that they also plan on engaging directly with vulnerable customers and carers to assist them with their banking needs."

The update was noted by the members and they again expressed their concern of the impact that the closure of the Bank of Ireland branch will have on the local community and economy.

Water Mains Replacement

1.      Councillor Brendan Barry advised that there was a mains replacement works at Drumlitten, Fenagh and that a Drilling Machine was parked on a very dangerous bend over the weekend with no traffic lights in place to alert motorists. He stated that this was not best practice from a health and safety point of view and requested that the matter be addressed by the Council.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer confirmed that he will refer this issue to the Water Services Team for immediate follow-up. This concluded the business of the meeting at 12.47 p.m.