Agenda and minutes

Proposed by Councillor Enda McGloin, seconded by Councillor Gerry Dolan AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of the annual meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District held on 28^th June, 2021 be adopted.”

Proposed by Councillor Gerry Dolan, seconded by Councillor Brendan Barry AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District held on 28^th June, 2021 be adopted.”

1.      Letter dated 24^th June, 2021 from Mr. Aiden Kelly, Private Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine in response to a letter from Ballinamore Municipal District on Veterinary Medicinal Products.

Ms. Sinead Flynn read out the correspondence to the members.

Councillor Caillian Ellis expressed his dis-satisfaction with the reply received. Councillor Ellis outlined that this is another cost to be borne by farmers as a prescription must be obtained from a Vet before the products can be purchased in local Co-Ops.

Councillor Ellis proposed that the matter be raised at a local and national level with the Irish Farmers Association (IFA). Councillor Gerry Dolan and Councillor Brendan Barry supported the proposal.

It was agreed to issue correspondence to the IFA. 

I call on Leitrim County Council to clean and repair ‘Crummy Bridge’ along the L3356 (at the turn for Crummy/Drumaweel). There maybe a crack on the wall requiring some repairs also.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to clean and repair ‘Crummy Bridge’ along the L3356 (at the turn for Crummy/Drumaweel). There may be a crack on the wall requiring some repairs also."

Report by Roads

"This bridge will be inspected and considered for inclusion in the submission to the Department for next year’s Bridge Rehabilitation Program."

Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed the response. He requested that an update be provided to him following the inspection of the bridge. Ms. Alison McGloin agreed to this request.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion. He also requested that consideration be given to carrying out maintenance works to another bridge known locally as “Cobbs Bridge”.

I call on Leitrim County Council through Failte Ireland to provide the maximum flexibility to the Outdoor Seating and Accessories Scheme to ensure covers like awnings, pergolas are permitted and that there is flexibility around new outdoor surfaces to ensure commercial bars and restaurants receive the maximum support during the Covid-19 crisis

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

I call on Leitrim County Council through Failte Ireland to provide the maximum flexibility to the Outdoor Seating and Accessories Scheme to ensure covers like awnings, pergolas are permitted and that there is flexibility around new outdoor surfaces to ensure commercial bars and restaurants receive the maximum support during the Covid-19 crisis."

Report by Planning

"Leitrim County Council aims to support businesses during the phased recovery from the Covid-19 Pandemic and this extends to our regulatory role under the Planning and Development legislative provisions. Emergency legislation was introduced to fast track the licensing of these outdoor dining applications such as introducing a number of appliances that could be regulated by a license as opposed to seeking planning permission during this Covid restricted period. The appliances are as follows: Awnings, coverings, canopies, parasols, shades, windbreakers, heaters or other similar structure for the purpose of facilitating outdoor dining. Whilst there is no Section 254 application fee presently for applications to install street furniture to facilitate outdoor dining as part of the national recovery, applications are still required before operators place any such structure in front of their premises on the public footpath, car parking spaces or along the public footpath.

In assessing any of the Section 254 applications submitted in relation to Street Furniture Applications in public spaces, Leitrim County Council have been extremely flexible in assisting & facilitating businesses in setting up outdoor dining areas. However, in all instances, an unobstructed footpath of 1.6 metres must be maintained to facilitate pedestrians but also persons with mobility considerations, wheelchairs, buggies, etc. Car parking spaces are being assigned to those where there was limited space outside their premises but subject to safety considerations being satisfied which the submitter of the motion would accept as being necessary.

License applications are being processed as quickly as possible but unfortunately the quality of some of the applications does not contain the required information which required Further Information having to be requested. The Planning Authority would encourage early engagement in all instances before any applications are submitted. Each application must be individually assessed & considered under public health, fire safety, public circulation and planning criteria."

Councillor Enda McGloin advised that the grant applications from Failte Ireland are open to the end of September. Councillor McGloin called upon the Council to apply a flexible approach to assessing the applications.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer referred to the reply from the Planning Department and stated that each application for grant-aid will be considered on an individual basis.

Councillor McGloin acknowledged the role of the Planning Department and Mr. Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer, in engaging with the business community regarding the scheme. Councillor McGloin stated that the scheme will provide vital funding to assist the hospitality sector with the costs of providing outdoor dining facilities for the public.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion.

I propose Leitrim County Council resurface road no L15115 in the town land of Cornafostra, Fenagh.

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

"I propose Leitrim County Council resurface road no L15115 in the town land of Cornafostra, Fenagh, Co. Leitrim."

Report by Roads

"This road will be inspected. It is a local tertiary road and may be a suitable candidate for a CIS Scheme for inclusion in next year’s Program. In the meantime, routine maintenance will be carried out."

Councillor Caillian Ellis outlined that this is a bog road and routine maintenance will not be sufficient to address the issue. Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion.

Ms. McKeon agreed to carry out an inspection of the road and to revert to the Members with an update. 

I will ask Leitrim County Council if Irish Water will be resurfacing the roads when the have all the pipe laying complete.

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

"I will ask Leitrim County Council if Irish Water will be resurfacing the roads when they have all the pipe laying completed."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"Irish Water has already completed all permanent reinstatements on the trunk main pipeline works on the R209 and R202."

Councillor Ellis stated that as far as he was concerned that the reinstatement works completed by Irish Water on the R202 and the R209 are substandard.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer acknowledged Councillor Ellis’s concerns. He agreed to have the road inspected and to revert to Irish Water in this regard.

I request an update on the provision of an underpass for The Blue way at Drumhauver Bridge, Drumshanbo on the R280 and that hedge trimming and additional signage be provided in the short term.

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

"I request that Leitrim County Council provide traffic calming measures in Hillcrest Grove and Allen Brook estates in Drumshanbo. With construction expected to soon start on new houses in Allenbrook it is expected there will be a lot of additional construction traffic travelling through these estates which are in the charge of Leitrim County Council."

Report by Roads

"The Local Authority does not install traffic calming measures within housing estates except in rare circumstances where the roads are through roads which are being used as an alternative bypass route to avoid using the main roads and/or junctions in the vicinity of the estate. The Hillcrest Grove and Allenbrook housing estates are cul de sacs and, generally, the only people using these roads are people visiting or living there. We have erected 30kph speed limit signs and children at play signs at the entrance to these estates and this is considered sufficient. In addition, it is considered that the layout of the roads within these estates, containing short straights and sharp bends, creates a natural traffic calming design and any further engineering interventions would be unlikely to have any significant effect. If there are any issues of poor driver behaviour within these estates, then that is something that should be reported to An Garda Síochána."

Councillor Brendan Barry stated that there is concern locally about the safety of children in the Hillgrove and Allenbrook estates as construction works to construct new dwellings is due to commence in the Allenbrook Estate. He called upon the Council to have safety ramps installed to slow down the traffic.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion. Councillor McGloin advised that access to the Allenbrook Estate is only available via the Hillcrest Grove estate and he called upon the Council to make an exception in this instance given the circumstances outlined.

Councillor Gerry Dolan also supported the Notice of Motion.

Ms. Alison McKeon advised that it is part of the Construction Company’s Risk Assessment to put safety measures in place to ensure that construction traffic will not have an adverse effect on residents living in the two estates.

Councillor Barry queried if the Construction Company would install ramps.

Ms. Alison McKeon advised that the Construction Company may use additional signage, barriers or cones

to reduce the width of the road to slow traffic down.

I request that Leitrim County Council provide traffic calming measures in Hillcrest Grove and Allen Brook estates in Drumshanbo. With construction expected to soon start on new houses in Allenbrook it is expected there will be a lot of additional construction traffic travelling through these estates which are in the charge of Leitrim County Council.

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

"I request an update on the provision of an underpass for The Blueway at Drumhauver Bridge,Drumshanbo on the R280 and that hedge trimming and additional signage be provided in the short term."

Report by Roads

"A funding application has been made under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) for funding to provide an underpass for the Blueway at Drumhauver Bridge.  There are already two signs in place, (for both pedestrians and cyclists), on both approaches to this bridge. We will examine the requirement for hedge trimming in this area."

Councillor Brendan Barry welcomed the funding application and confirmation that the Council will carry out hedge-cutting and provide additional signage pending the outcome of the funding request.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion and stated that if the ORIS application is successful, it may take a long time before the works are finalised. He called upon the Council to carry out the hedge-cutting and the provision of additional signage to slow down the traffic on the approach to the Drumhaver Bridge as soon as possible.

Councillor Gerry Dolan and Councillor Paddy O’Rourke also supported the Notice of Motion.

Ms. Alison McKeon advised that there are two signs in place on both approaches, for pedestrians and cyclists. She confirmed that contact has been made with the Hedgecutting Contractor to include this road on the priority list for hedge cutting.

Councillor Brendan Barry enquired if there were any other innovative signs that could be used to alert motorists to the possibility of cyclists and pedestrians crossing the road at this location.

Ms. McKeon agreed to liaise with the Road Design office in this regard.

Can I request Leitrim County Council to ensure all walks in Ballinamore have dog foul collection bags and if litter bins can be made available.

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

"Can I request Leitrim County Council to ensure all walks in Ballinamore have dog foul collection bags and if litter bins can be made available."

Report by Roads

"Outside the urban area, it is not proposed to provide litter bins along walkways, Greenways / Blueways etc., as a "Leave no Trace" policy will be implemented, i.e. where users are required to leave no trace of their visit. As regards, the provision of dog foul collection bins on such walkways, this can be considered in conjunction with the environment department and the dog warden service."

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that the provision of dog fouling collection bins on walkways can be considered in conjunction with the Environment Department and the Dog Warden Service.

Councillor Caillian Ellis supported the Notice of Motion.

I wish to bring up my concern wth the situation in Ballinamore Community Hospital with regard to the provision of Day Services for the Ballinamore area.

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

"I wish to bring up my concern with the situation in Ballinamore Community Hospital with regard to the provision of Day Services for the Ballinamore area."

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn outlined her concerns regarding the closure of HSE provided Day Care Service in Mohill. She stated that that this may have a negative impact on persons residing in the Ballinamore area who wish to access the services in Ballinmore Community Hospital if no service is available locally to persons residing in the Mohill area.

Councillor Caillian Ellis advised that the HSE had confirmed that there is sufficient capacity available in the Ballinamore facility to facilitate the current demand for the service.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke and Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion.

Councillor Brendan Barry stated that he would welcome a reversal of the decision to close the facilitates at Arus Carolan in Mohill, Co. Leitrim.

Proposed by Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn, seconded by Councillor Cailian Ellis and unanimously supported that ‘Ballinamore Municipal District Members wish to bring up their concern with the situation in Ballinamore Community Hospital with regard to the provision of Day Services for the Ballinamore area.

I ask that Leitrim County Council have a survey carried out on the bridge at Longfield Killygar (adjacent to the creamery) Road No: L1528-2 as there has been no repair or maintenance carried out on this very old structure in many years and it urgently requires repair.

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

"I ask that Leitrim County Council have a survey carried out on the bridge at Longfield Killygar (adjacent to the creamery) Road No: L1528-2 as there has been no repair or maintenance carried out on this very old structure in many years and it urgently requires repair."

Report by Roads

"This bridge will be inspected and considered for inclusion in the submission to the Department for next year’s Bridge Rehabilitation Program."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke advised that urgent works are required to the bridge.

Ms. Alison McKeon advised that the bridge was inspected last week and that she will provide an update to Councillor O’Rourke following receipt of the report.

I ask that Leitrim County Council widen the junction of local road L55691 in the townland of Lugganamer where it meets the L5569-2. There is no view whatsoever when exiting the L55691 onto the L55692 which is a road that has seen much increased volume of traffic in recent times.

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

"I ask that Leitrim County Council widen the junction of local road L55691 in the tonal and of Lugganamer where it meets the L5569-2. There is no view whatsoever when exiting the L55691 onto the L55692 which is a road that has seen much increased volume of traffic in recent times."

Report by Roads

"This junction will be inspected and considered for inclusion in our application for funding under the Low-Cost Safety Improvement Works scheme for 2022."

I call on Leitrim County Council to resurface the road known as Derrien Lane, Aghacashel.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to resurface the road known as Derrien Lane, Aghacashel."

Report by Roads

"This road will be inspected. It is a local tertiary road and may be a suitable candidate for a CIS scheme for inclusion in next year’s program. In the meantime, routine maintenance will be carried out."

Councillor Gerry Dolan outlined that there are up to 8 households residing in this area and that in the past the residents arranged to have the road repaired themselves, however, they are no longer able to do so.

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

Ms. Alison McKeon advised that the road will be inspected and that the most suitable option may be to include the road in the 2022 CIS Scheme. Ms. McGloin acknowledged that the residents may not be in a position to provide the match-funding requirement for a CIS.

Councillor Enda McGloin requested that the list of CIS’s for the Ballinamore Municipal District be provided to the Members. Ms. McKeon agreed to this request.

I call on Leitrim County Council to look at the possibility of having a lay-bye for pedestrians boarding the local link buses on the left hand side of the Mart Road as currently people have to enter and exit the buses on the right hand side, getting off into oncoming traffic.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to look at the possibility of having a lay-bye for pedestrians boarding the Local Link buses on the left-hand side of the Mart Road as currently people have to enter and exit the buses on the right-hand side, getting off the bus into oncoming traffic."

Report by Roads

"This will be investigated and if a suitable location is found and a funding stream identified, then this can be considered."

Councillor Dolan outlined that passengers departing the Local Link bus must do so onto oncoming traffic and he called upon the Council to provide a parking place for the bus so that passengers can exit the bus safely.

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

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke advised that a meeting has been facilitated with Local Link in September and that the matter can be raised at the meeting.

Ms. McKeon agreed to investigate the issues raised.

1.      Councillor Caillian Ellis enquired if a reply had been received from the Courts Service regarding Ballinamore Courthouse.

Ms Sinead Flynn advised that a reply is awaited.

2.      Councillor Barry welcomed Ms. Alison McKeon, Assistant Engineer to her new role. He also paid tribute to Mr. Tom Vaughan, Acting Executive Engineer, Roads Department, for all his help and wished him well in his new role with Longford County Council. This was supported by all members. 

3.      Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn thanked the Council for works carried out at Nailer’s Cross.

4.      Ms. Flynn advised that the format of the Municipal District meetings will be reviewed by the Corporate Policy Group (CPG) and the members will be notified of the decision of the CPG in advance of the next MD meeting on Monday 27^th September, 2021.