Agenda and minutes

Proposed by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke, seconded by Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of Ballinamore Municipal District meeting held on 24th May, 2021 be adopted.”

Ms. Flynn outlined that no new items are included under Meetings Correspondence. She outlined that no response was received to correspondence issued to the Department of Agriculture and to An Post. It was agreed that a follow up letter would issue in this regard.

I propose that Leitrim County Council resurface the road and put in new foothpaths at Church Street, Ballinamore.

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

"I propose that Leitrim County Council resurface the road and put in new footpaths at Church Street, Ballinamore." 2

Report by Roads

"This street is not in the current year's Roadworks Programme, however, it can be considered for inclusion in next year's Programme. Furthermore, we can make an application to the NTA for replacement footpaths at this location in 2022."

Councillor Caillian Ellis queried if it was possible to link this footpath with the footpath on the Aughnasheelin Road.

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn supported the Notice of Motion.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the best solution is to consider making Church Street, Ballinamore a one-way system. Mr. O’Boyle outlined that if this approach is considered it could potentially open funding from the NTA under the Active Travel Grants, however, he stated that the business community may not support the proposal.

I propose that Leitrim County Council move out the speed limit sign on the R209 to the townland of Mullaghnameely, Ballycalleen, Fenagh.

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

"I propose that Leitrim County Council move out the speed limit sign on the R209 to the townland of Mullaghnameely, Ballycalleen, Fenagh."

Report by Roads

"The existing speed limits are reviewed and approved by Elected Members every five years. Any movement of existing speed limits will have an input from both the Roads Department and the Planning Department and the Executive will advise the members on these issues."

Councillor Caillian Ellis advised that the existing Speed Limit Sign is difficult for motorists to see due to its location.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the Speed Limit Review will take place next year and that any decision to amend the existing speed limits will involve input from the Planning Department and Roads Department having regard to the County Development Plan.

I ask Leitrim County Council to consider some lay byes along the L3393 (Roscarbin) from Drumcong to Letterfine. There is a large volume of traffic on a singular traffic road with no real options for traffic to pull in when two vehicles meet.

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

"I ask Leitrim County Council to consider some lay byes along the L3393 (Roscarbin) from Drumcong to Letterfine. There is a large volume of traffic on a singular traffic road with no real options for traffic to pull in when two vehicles meet."

Report by Roads

"As this local road is not on our programme of works for a Restoration or a Maintenance Grant in the current year, we will not be placing a lay-bye at this location. If a grant is assigned to this road in future 3

years, we can then consider these works. This is similar to all other requests for lay-byes on public roads."

Councillor Enda McGloin expressed concern that if a lay-by is not provided on this road that an accident may occur. He highlighted the lack of space for cars to pull in to give way when two vehicles meet and he also referred to increased traffic volumes on the road. Councillor McGloin referred to a location at a private property which was used to allow traffic to pass, however, he advised that the property owner has recently put obstacles in place to prevent vehicles using this area to give way to an oncoming vehicle.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that this road can be included in the Road Improvement Programme for 2022 to include the construction of a lay bye on the road subject to approval by the Members. Mr. O’Boyle cautioned on the placing of obstacles by a property owner stating that if a vehicle runs into the obstacles that the property owner may become liable for any damage caused to a vehicle. Mr. O’Boyle clarified that if a boundary wall is in place on a property, that the boundary wall to the edge of the road becomes part of the roadway.

Councillor McGloin advised that there was no boundary wall constructed around the property and it may be the case that the owners put the obstacles in place to protect their property.

Councillor Caillian Ellis queried why the area from a boundary wall to the roadway is not maintained by the Council if it is part of the roadway. Mr. O’Boyle advised that the Council never maintain the areas from the road to the property wall unless it is a single carriageway or if it is an unofficial lay bye with proper drainage in place.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke stated that there is an expectation that such areas would be maintained by the Council if they are being used as a lay bye.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion.

I request that Leitrim County Council cut the top of the hedges and trees along the footpath on the Carrick Road, Drumshanbo leading to the Acres Amenity as they are extremely high and dangerous.

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

"I request that Leitrim County Council cut the top of the hedges and trees along the footpath on the Carrick-on-Shannon Road, Drumshanbo leading to the Acres Amenity as they are extremely high and dangerous."

Report by Roads

"We will investigate this issue and follow up whether the Local Authority has ownership of this hedge/tree line. Under the Roads Act, we may have to inform the landowner of their civic duty to maintain their hedges."

Councillor McGloin advised that this area is frequented in large numbers by locals and tourists accessing the facilities at the Acres Lake Amenity, Drumshanbo. He outlined that CE Scheme Participants cut back the tree branches on the side of the road, however, specialist machinery would be required to cut the treetops.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion. 4

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the hedge belongs to the Development Company and that they are responsible for maintaining the hedge. Mr. O’Boyle agreed to establish if the Development Company are still in existence and to review the approach to be taken thereafter.

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

"I request that Leitrim County Council assess the Galley Bridge and road structure on the R280 and carry out road surface repairs."

Report by Roads

"We will include the Galley Bridge in the 2022 Bridge Rehabilitation Works funding application. This funding stream will allow us to access and carry out a health check on the structure."

Councillor Brendan Barry advised that there had been some subsidence on the Leitrim side approaching the bridge. He requested that essential maintenance works be carried out to the bridge in the short-term.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle agreed to this request.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion.

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

"I request that Leitrim County Council install traffic calming measures in Keshcarrigan Village."

Report by Roads

"Leitrim County Council can meet with the concerned residents on Keshcarrigan Village and advise them of community funding streams which may allow for such works to take place. Clar and Town and Village Schemes offers an opportunity for local communities, with the assistance of the Local Authority, to put forward such schemes for inclusion in the County Council’s Schedule of Works."

Councillor Brendan Barry welcomed the reply. He agreed to co-ordinate the meeting with the residents.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion.

I ask that Leitrim County Council include local road L55452 located at Druminchin, Carrigallen for substantial restoration and in the shorter term, that it be maintained with the filling of potholes and small drainage works.

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

"I ask that Leitrim County Council include local road L55452 located at Druminchin, Carrigallen for substantial restoration and in the shorter term, that it be maintained with the filling of potholes and small drainage works." 5

Report by Roads

"The District Office will be putting forward a schedule of roads for the 2022 to 2025 Roads Rehabilitation Programme. This road can be put forward for the approval of the Elected Members. In the short term, we will dispatch our Maintenance Crew to this public road."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke welcomed the reply to his Notice of Motion.

I ask that Leitrim County Council complete the works where the L5595 meets the R201 at Kilbrackan, Carrigallen to adjoin the works that were carried out on the Aughavore section of the road and also to carry out the remaining necessary works on the upper section of the Aughavore and Sonnagh road.

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

"I ask that Leitrim County Council complete the works where the L5595 meets the R201 at Kilbrackan, Carrigallen to adjoin the works that were carried out on the Aughavore section of the road and also to carry out the remaining necessary works on the upper section of the Aughavore and Sonnagh Road."

Report by Roads

"The Carrigallen area of the Ballinamore Municipal District has five Road Improvement Grants and two Road Maintenance Grants that are part of the 2021 Programme of Works. The L-5595 is not included in the 2021 Programme. This public road can be considered for the next 3-year Roadworks Plan."

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that general maintenance will be carried out on certain sections of the road as an interim measure pending the approval of the road for inclusion in the next Roadworks Programme for more substantial works.

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn supported the Notice of Motion.

I call on Leitrim County Council, if possible to continue road resurfacing works on road L-3353-0 at Liscarbin from where recent work was finished out to road number L-3307-0.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council, if possible, to continue road resurfacing works on road L-3353-0 at Liscarbin from where recent work was finished out to road number L-3307-0."

Report by Roads

"The surface dressing road works were submitted for approval to the Elected Members and approved in February. This schedule has been submitted to the Department and approval was given for the defined road lengths and road numbers. This road should be put forward for inclusion in the next 3-year Road Works Programme (2022 to 2025) in November this year."

Councillor Gerry Dolan queried if funding could be sought to carry out works on other sections of this road.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the remaining sections of that road can be put forward for approval in the next three-year plan. He agreed that the Patching Unit can be dispatched to carry out minor works to the affected areas.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion. He queried if the lengths of roads under the grants would be increasing from 1km to 2km. 6

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that a decision on the length of road to be upgraded under the Programme will be reviewed in the context of the available funding and having regard to the condition of the roads. He outlined that in some cases a 2km section of the road would require upgrading whereas on other roads the length of the section to be upgraded may be 1km.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion.

I call on Leitrim County Council to give an updated timeframe for the resurfacing of the Hilly Road, Drumshanbo, as the road is in need of repair work after all the recent works on the road.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to give an updated timeframe for the resurfacing of the Hilly Road, Drumshanbo, as the road is in need of repair work after all the recent works on the road."

Report by Roads

"This RIG will commence on 5th July, 2021."

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the works are scheduled to commence on 5th July, 2021 to blacktop the surface followed by the engagement of a Specialist Contractor to dig up the manholes. Mr. O’Boyle also advised that the installation of ramps and a pedestrian crossing will be completed later in the year.

Councillor Brendan Barry queried if Irish Water had to carry out works at the Fire Station prior to the commencement of the works on the Hilly Road.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle confirmed that Irish Water will be working on a different section of the road.

Councillor Brendan Barry requested the Council to blacktop the section of road following completion of the works by Irish Water. Councillor Barry also requested that works be carried out at the Hillcrest Grove Estate and Dristernan Estate where the Pedestrian Crossing will be located.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that Irish Water’s Road Opening Licence will require them to repair the relevant section of road following the completion of the works and they will have responsibility for the repairs/maintenance of the road for two years following completion of the works.

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

I ask Leitrim County Council if there is any update on the Courthouse in Ballinamore. I request that contact be made with the Courts Services on behalf of Ballinamore Community as to its current ownership status.

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

"I ask Leitrim County Council if there is any update on the Courthouse in Ballinamore. I request that contact be made with the Courts Services on behalf of Ballinamore Community as to its current ownership status."

Proposed by, Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn, seconded by Councillor Caillian Ellis and unanimously supported that "I ask Leitrim County Council if there is any update on the Courthouse in Ballinamore. I request that contact be made with the Courts Services on behalf of Ballinamore Community as to its current ownership status."

It was agreed to write to the Court Service and have an update on the matter available for the next meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District.

Councillor Caillian Ellis referred to the previous correspondence provided by the Courts Service outlining that they were willing to offer the Courthouse to the Council, however, subsequently, the Court Service were in negotiations with a private individual interested in purchasing the building.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that the Council will not interfere with the potential purchase of the property by a private individual. He agreed that the matter can be reviewed when a response is received from the Court Service.

I ask Leitrim County Council to provide mobile bollards at Keeldra Lake amenity area as there is occasional anti-social behaviour there in the evenings.  If bollards were made available to the local Community Group, the area in question could be closed off in the evenings and re-opened in the mornings especially coming in to the Summer. This would not affect the walking area.

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

"I ask Leitrim County Council to provide mobile bollards at Keeldra Lake Amenity Area as there is occasional anti-social behaviour there in the evenings. If bollards were made available to the local Community Group, the area in question could be closed off in the evenings and re-opened in the mornings especially coming into the Summer. This would not affect the walking area."

Report by Roads

"We will review this situation once the Covid restrictions have lessened. We have purchased bollards for the car park access and the amenity pier and hope to install when resources become available. Occasional anti-social behaviour should be reported to the local Gardai."

Councillor Reynolds-Flynn welcomed the reply. Councillor Caillian Ellis supported the Notice of Motion.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the Council are working in partnership with the local community to address the issues at this location and that arrangements are being co-ordinated with a member of the local community to have the bollards in place to prevent access to the carpark in the evenings.

•                    The date, time and place of the next meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District Meeting.

Ms. Flynn advised that the next meeting will take place on Monday 26th July, 2021 at 11.00 a.m. and that confirmation on the venue location will be provided in advance of the meeting.

This concluded the business of the meeting at 11.55 a.m.