Agenda and minutes

At the outset of the meeting Councillor Caillian Ellis expressed his sympathy to the Gilmartin family on the recent passing of Francie Gilmartin R.I.P, former Elected Member of Leitrim County Council. Councillor Ellis proposed that the meeting be adjourned for fifteen minutes as a mark of respect to their former colleague. This proposal was unanimously supported by all members. The meeting was adjourned and reconvened at 11:15 a.m.

Proposed by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke, seconded by Councillor Gerry Dolan AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of Ballinamore Municipal District meeting held on 26^th July, 2021 be adopted.”

The report as circulated to the members appears as Appendix 1 of the minutes of the meeting in the Minute Book.

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

“To consider the Chief Executive's Report and Recommendation 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 following proposed development at Corgar (Carrigallen By) Td., Glennan Beg Td., Drumcullion Td., Corduff(Carrigallen By) Td., Lisgruddy Td. and Corramahan Td., Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim: Provision of a new walking/cycling route to extend for a distance of approximately 2.9km from Corgar Lough as far as Aughawillan along the former Cavan - Leitrim narrowgauge railway”

The report as circulated to the members appears as Appendix 2 of the minutes of the meeting in the Minute Book.

Proposed by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke, seconded by Councillor Gerry Dolan AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Ballinamore Municipal District:

“Approve the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) Application (where the cost exceeds the current approval limit of €65,000) in respect of Roadway at Drumsillagh/Kilbracken,Carrigallen - Ref: No.3068 ”

The report as circulated to the members appears as Appendix 3 of the minutes of the meeting in the Minute Book. 

Proposed by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke, seconded by Ita Reynolds Flynn AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Ballinamore Municipal District:

“Approve the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) Application (where the cost exceeds the current approval limit of €65,000) in respect of Roadway at Killegar, Carrigallen, Co.Leitrim - Ref: No.3069”

A discussion ensued regarding the Local Improvement Schemes in Leitrim having regard to the amount of the allocation received for the LIS’s verses the demand and waiting list for the schemes. 

The members requested that a list of the applications on the Waiting List for the LIS’s be provided. 

It was agreed to refer this request to the Roads Department for a response. Mr. Vincent Dwyer outlined that Mr. Terry McGovern, Senior Engineer, Roads had recently addressed a full Council meeting and gave a detailed over-view of the Local Improvement Scheme. He advised that Mr. McGovern would be able to respond to individual queries from the Members.

1.     Letter dated 10^th September, 2021 from HSE regarding the provision of day services in Ballinamore.

2.     Letter dated 10^th September, 2021 from Leitrim Integrated Development Committee regarding the provision of day services in Ballinamore.

Ms. Sinead Flynn read out the correspondence to the members and the update was noted by the Members.

Ms. Sinead Flynn welcomed the members back to the first in person meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District in 2021. Ms. Flynn proposed that the meetings of Ballinamore Municipal District continue to be held in the Council Chamber to year-end pending the sourcing of a suitably socially distanced meeting facility in Ballinamore. She also outlined that the hosting of the meetings will be guided by the available Public Health Guidance in place at the time of the meetings. The Members agreed to this proposal. Caillian Ellis proposed that the meetings commence at the earlier time of 10.30 a.m., this proposal was seconded by Councillor Enda McGloin and unanimously agreed.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to call on the appropriate Minister (Minister Patrick Donovan, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works) to seek funding for the residents of Ballinaglera who suffered recently from the flash flooding.

With the agreement of the Chairman, Councillor Ellis, Motions No. 7 & No. 8 in the name of Councillor Gerry Dolan and Motion No. 12 in the name of Councillor Enda McGloin were heard concurrently as they related to the same item.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to call on the appropriate Minister (Minister Patrick Donovan, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works) to seek funding for the residents of Ballinaglera who suffered recently from the flash flooding."

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

‘Ballinamore Municipal District to call on the appropriate Minister (Minister Patrick Donovan, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works) to seek funding for the residents of Ballinaglera who suffered recently from the flash flooding."

I ask if the two main rivers in the Ballinaglera area were assessed to see what maintenance needs to be done to prevent a reoccurrence of the recent flash flooding.

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

"I ask if the two main rivers in the Ballinaglera area were assessed to see what maintenance needs to be done to prevent a reoccurrence of the recent flash flooding."

Report by Roads

"Leitrim County Council has made three applications to the OPW under their Minor Flood Mitigation Scheme for works in the rivers and some repairs to bridges and existing barriers following the recent severe weather in Ballinaglera. We have had a meeting on site with the OPW and they have requested further information. We are compiling this information at present and it will be send back to them shortly. The OPW have advised that they will make a decision on our applications immediately."

Councillor Dolan expressed his concern for the local community that had been impacted by the flooding event in Ballinagleara. His concerns were unanimously supported by all Members and they called upon the Council and the Department to provide funding to carry out any necessary works to prevent such an incident occurring again.

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District have the hedges cut back on Local Road L1511 where it meets the R201.

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

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District have the hedges cut back on Local Road L1511 where it meets the R201."

Report by Roads

"Leitrim County Council carry out hedge cutting at local and regional road junctions during the summer period. There are no hedges at this junction as it is in the village of Fenagh. We can and do issue hedge cutting notices to landowners and remind them to carry out their civic duty. The hedge cutting grants are available to all and apply to landowners who maintain 1Km or more of public road hedges/trees."

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine and the Minister for Agriculture as to why it can take up to two months to have an amendment done for the movement of cattle.

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

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine and the Minister for Agriculture as to why it can take up to two months to have an amendment done for the movement of cattle."

Proposed by Councillor Caillian Ellis, seconded by Councillor Gerry Dolan and unanimously supported that:

‘’Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine and the Minister for Agriculture as to why it can take up to two months to have an amendment done for the movement of cattle."

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to consider Road Number L83001 Ballinaglera (Druminafinla) for resurfacing in the 2022 Road Works Programme. This can be a busy area with a number of houses on this road.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to consider Road Number L83001 Ballinaglera (Druminafinla) for resurfacing in the 2022 Road Works Programme. This can be a busy area with a number of houses on this road."

Report by Roads

"Our Surface Dressing Grant allocation will be known early next year, and we will submit the local road surfacing programme to the elected members for approval in February 2022. The 3-year programme for full restoration of local roads will be issue to the Elected Members later this year. The L-83001 is a public cul de sac and is unlikely to get a funding under the normal Department grants. This road would be an ideal candidate for a Community Involvement Scheme. The maintenance of this road and all public roads remains the responsibility of the District Office and we can and will continue to carry out maintenance on this road."

Councillor Enda McGloin agreed to consult with the local community to establish if they will consider a CIS Scheme.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the local community contribution for a CIS has been lowered from 15% to 10% and that the road does not have to be a cul de sac.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to provide an update on progress with the OPW on the application for flood damage/repair funding in Ballinaglera Village particularly the roads damaged including the L42964.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to provide an update on progress with the OPW on the application for flood damage/repair funding in Ballinaglera Village particularly the roads damaged including the L42964."

Report by Roads

"Leitrim County Council has made 3 applications to the OPW under their Minor Flood Mitigation scheme for works in the rivers and some repairs to bridges and existing barriers following the recent severe weather in Ballinaglera. We have had a meeting on site with the OPW and they have requested further information. We are compiling this information at present and it will be send back to them shortly. The OPW have advised that they will make a decision on our applications immediately."

Councillor Gerry Dolan acknowledged the reply to his Notice of Motion. He proceeded to outline that the issue of the cleaning of the local rivers could possibly be a contributing factor to the recent flooding event that occurred in Ballinaglera.

Councillor Enda McGloin queried if it is the responsibility of Inland fisheries to have a role in the cleaning of the rivers.

Councillor Brendan Barry queried if the landowner can use machinery to carry out the works if the river is on their landholding.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle confirmed that any landowner is entitled to clean out drains or rivers on their lands.

Councillor Gerry Dolan advised that a project to clean the Stoney and Yellow rivers on an annual basis would be beneficial.

Councillor McGloin queried if the Council would need permission form the OPW to carry out these works and he also requested that if funding becomes available that the direction of the river path can be altered to divert the path away from a private dwelling that is located close to the river.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that Leitrim County Council can carry out the works, but funding would need to be provided and the input and direction of the relevant statutory bodies would be required.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District consider putting in place a vehicle activated sign indicating the extremely dangerous bend located on the R204 at Drumcoura Cross. The Cross in question has been the scene of numerous accidents over the years especially in adverse weather conditions. In spite of there being significant investment through use of conventional signs and road markings, a digital sign highlighting the dangerous bend ahead would greatly enhance safety for all road users at what is developing into an accident black spot.

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

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District consider putting in place a vehicle activated sign indicating the extremely dangerous bend located on the R204 at Drumcoura Cross. The Cross in question has been the scene of numerous accidents over the years especially in adverse weather conditions. In spite of there being significant investment through use of conventional signs and road markings, a digital sign highlighting the dangerous bend ahead would greatly enhance safety for all road users at what is developing into an accident black spot."

Report by Roads

"The District Office will submit this scheme for Low-Cost Safety funding for inclusion in our 2022 submissions."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke stated that the use of conventional signs/road markings are not working to slow down traffic at Drumcoora Cross. He outlined that the Council have a duty to prevent road accidents in Leitrim. Councillor O’Rourke called upon the Council to provide a digital road safety sign at this location, and he stated that the cost should not be prohibitive.   

Councillor Caillian Ellis supported the Notice of Motion.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the provision of the sign would cost approximately €3,000 and that funding can be sought under the Low-Cost Safety Scheme for 2022. He also advised that if there is any surplus funding available towards the end of 2021, that the request can be reviewed then.  

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District undertake a survey of overgrown hedgerows associated with forestry plantations in order that the beneficial owners of these properties be tracked down and informed of their responsibilities regarding hedge cutting/road safety. It has been extremely frustrating trying to make contact with the beneficial owners. In many cases, their hedgerows are presenting as major safety issues whilst their neighbours on adjoining farms have all co-operated.

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

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District undertake a survey of overgrown hedgerows associated with forestry plantations in order that the beneficial owners of these properties be tracked down and informed of their responsibilities regarding hedge cutting/road safety. It has been extremely frustrating trying to make contact with the beneficial owners. In many cases, their hedgerows are presenting as major safety issues whilst their neighbours on adjoining farms have all co-operated."

Report by Roads

"The District Office will continue to issue hedge and tree cutting notices to all forestry companies that are brought to our attention. It is unlikely that resources will allow us to carry out a survey of all the regional and local roads within the county. However, we welcome the general public input and information on some of the less obvious hedge and tree cutting issues associated with rural forestry plantations around the district."

Councillor O’Rourke called upon the Council to complete the survey to tackle landowners who fail to carry out their hedge-cutting duties on an annual basis.

Councillor Caillian Ellis supported the Notice of Motion. 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle outlined that under the Roads Act, 1993, the Council must enforce hedge cutting on public roads. He outlined that land ownership can be established via Land Registry to enable the Council to identify the landholder and to issue Hedge Cutting Notices to those who fail to meet their responsibility to cut hedges on their lands. Mr. O’Boyle also outlined that where a landowner fails to comply, that the Council can carry out the works and seek to have the cost of the works reimbursed from the landowner. He also referred to the grant assistance available to landowners under the Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme which assists with the costs incurred in carrying out the works.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke stated that many landowners ignore the Hedge Cutting Notices issued by the Council. He called upon the Council to be more proactive in their enforcement proceedings.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle clarified a notice is issued to confirm that the owner has a statutory obligation to remove a tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation if it poses a hazard or potential hazard to persons using a public road or where it obstructs or interferes with the safe use of a public road or with the maintenance of a public road.

Councillor Gerry Dolan advised that the Notice issued from Cavan County Council requires that the hedges to be cut back to 4ft.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that such a stipulation is not in place in Leitrim and that any amendment to the existing policy on Hedge-Cutting would have to be agreed by the relevant SPC. Mr. O’Boyle confirmed that €50,000 has been spent to date on hedge cutting in 2021.  It was agreed that the matter should be referred to Corporate Services to include on the agenda of the relevant SPC.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District call on Irish Water to allocate funds to upgrade and maintain the Waste Water Treatment Plant in Keshcarrigan Village. A number of people have noticed a smell from the plant and it does not appear to be functioning correctly.

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

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District call on Irish Water to allocate funds to upgrade and maintain the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Keshcarrigan Village. A number of people have noticed a smell from the plant and it does not appear to be functioning correctly."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"Leitrim County Council are aware of issues regarding the operation of the plant. The Council are actively seeking approval from Irish Water to complete upgrade works. In the meantime, essential maintenance is ongoing to address concerns in the short term."

Councillor Brendan Barry requested a letter issue to Irish Water from the Ballinamore Municipal District members in this regard.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that Leitrim County Council will consult with Irish Water and it was also agreed to write to Irish Water relaying the concerns of Ballinamore Municipal District Members.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District review the Disabled Parking Place in the car park on the Mart Link Road, Drumshanbo and carry out works to make it more user friendly.

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

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District review the Disabled Parking Place in the car park on the Mart Link Road, Drumshanbo and carry out works to make it more user friendly."

Report by Roads

"As part of the town and village funding received earlier this year, the district office has created a proper surfaced car parking facility at the Mart in Drumshanbo. There are 2 dedicated disabled spaces provided and these are located at the dropped kerb locations allowing wheelchair access to the surrounding footpaths. We have to complete the yellow hatch markings and signage for these spaces which we hope to do in November. The mart wall is now nearing completion which will allow considerably more parking spaces along the Mart Road. The bollards will be replaced preventing car parking on the footpath adjacent the shop front. It is an offence to park on any public footpath and car owners should realise that they are hampering the safe movement of pedestrians, wheelchair user and people with perambulators."

Councillor Brendan Barry acknowledged that we need to maximise parking close to shops, but we also need disabled parking with drop kerbs and if possible get a Disabled parking space on the Mart Road.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that funding was received under Towns & Village funding to build a wall long the Mart which will provide for the provision of two disabled paces in the new carpark.  Once the wall is complete the bollards will be reinstated adjacent to the shop. Mr. O’Boyle thanked the Mart in Drumshanbo and ‘GALA’ shop for co-operation in facilitating the works.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion. Councillor McGloin referred to a practice whereby a street trader that does not have a licence to trade in a public place continues to operate a business from the car park which is taking up car parking spaces for public use. He outlined that there are allocated Trading Bays in Drumshanbo and he requested that the matter be referred to the Planning Department for follow up. It was agreed to refer the issue to the Planning Department.

I wish to ask for an update on the Junction Project at St. Felims, Ballinamore. There has been no move on the project and it is a vital asset to the progression of Ballinamore town and surrounding area.

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

"I wish to ask for an update on the Junction Project at St. Felims, Ballinamore. There has been no move on the project and it is a vital asset to the progression of Ballinamore town and surrounding area."

Report by Capital Projects Office

"Leitrim County Council have received tenders for the refurbishment of the railway buildings under the Junction Project. The tenders received are above the approved budget. We have made a request for extra funding to the Department of Rural and Community Development. The Department have advised that we will receive a response to this request by the end of September."

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn acknowledged the reply to her Notice of Motion. She expressed the hope that the additional funding request to the Department will be approved to ensure the progression of the project which will enhance the Railway Buildings for the benefit of Ballinamore.

With the closing of banks in the north of the county can Leitrim County Council ask AIB in Ballinamore are they intending to keep our Bank open as it is a necessity service for the town and hinterland.

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

"With the closing of banks in the north of the county can Ballinamore Municipal District ask AIB in Ballinamore are they intending to keep our Bank open as it is a necessity service for the town and hinterland."

Proposed by Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn, seconded by Councillor Caillian Ellis and unanimously supported by all members that ‘With the closing of banks in the north of the county can Ballinamore Municipal District ask AIB in Ballinamore are they intending to keep our Bank open as it is a necessity service for the town and hinterland."

Councillor Ita Reynold’s-Flynn expressed her concern on any proposed closure of the local branch of Allied Irish Bank (AIB) in Ballinamore.  She stated that any change to the existing banking facilities currently provided by AIB would be detrimental to Ballinamore and the surrounding area.

Councilllor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion, he referred to the upcoming closure of the Bank of Ireland branches in Drumshanbo and Ballinamore on 8^th October, 2021.

Councillor McGloin referred to the existing Credit Union facility in Drumshanbo and he proposed that a letter issue to the Credit Unions in Manorhamilton and Drumshanbo to establish if they have any proposals to extend their existing service provision and/or to provide an ATM facility in Drumshanbo.

It was agreed to write to the Credit Union as requested.

1. Date and time of the next meeting.

Ms. Sinead Flynn confirmed that the next meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District will take place on Tuesday 26^th October, 2021 at 10.30 a.m. in the Council Chamber.

This concluded the business of the meeting at 12.25 a.m.