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 27^th September, 2021 be adopted.”

Councillor Caillian Ellis welcomed Mr. Lar Power, Chief Executive to the meeting to provide an overview of the General Municipal Allocation (GMA). 

Mr. Power advised that he is required to present at the Ballinamore Municipal District meeting to discuss the GMA which forms part of the Budget process.  Mr Power advised that an extensive report had been circulated to the members in advance of the meeting. The GMA refers only to the discretionary funding that is being allocated to the Municipal Districts.

Mr. Power recommended that the GMA Allocation as proposed be approved by the Members. He requested Mr. Vincent Dwyer to provide an overview of the projects that will benefit from the GMA Allocation.    

Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance advised that the Budget process started back in July with the adoption of the LPT.  Mr. Dwyer outlined that the allocation was €82,000, which is the same as last year and gave an overview on how the €82,000 is broken down.  Mr Dwyer advised that the Budget Book will be available on Friday and the Budget Meeting will be on the 8^th of November. The report as circulated appears as Appendix 1 of the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book.   

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke asked how much funding was available for Ballinamore MD under the Community, Tourism and Arts Grants and Mr. Dwyer confirmed the amount available to Ballinamore Municipal District was €4,616.

Caillian Ellis queried if the Council had any proposal to do a Town Plan for Ballinamore.

Mr. Lar Power advised that he would keep this on the Agenda, and have look at a Master Plan for the town.

Councillor Brendan Barry asked if there could be a more even distribution of funding between the three GMA’s next year.

Mr. Power advised that it is based on the fairest means possible having regard to the resource needs and the population of the individual areas.

Mr. Dwyer advised that the GMA is the discretionary spend available and is small relative to the overall spend made in these areas throughout the year as provided for in the annual Budget. 

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

‘The Ballinamore Municipal District adopts the General Municipal Allocation for 2022 in accordance with the provisions of Section 102 (4A) (a) of the Local Government, Act, 2001 as inserted by Section 58 of the Local Government Reform Act, 2014’. 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle presented a report on the Restoration Improvement Grant Programme 2022-2025. The report and map which is colour coded for each area as circulated to the members appears as Appendix No. 2 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book. 

Mr. O’Boyle outlined that the funding for the programme for Ballinamore Municipal District is based on last year’s amount at just over two million per annum for RIG.  The way the roads are allocated is based on the Engineering need having regard to the Paveway Survey Management System, the time spent maintaining the roads and the Elected Members motions over the last three years are also reviewed and factored into the programme.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke sought clarification on the surface dressing grants and Mr. O’Boyle advised that the second tranche of funding is the Restoration Maintenance Grants which are our surface dressing grants which will be put forward to the members in March and have to be put on roads that have a pavement index of 7 to 10.  

Mr. O’Boyle advised that we will have 10 RIG per year and represents our major tranche of funding for roads over the next three years.

Councillor Brendan Barry queried why some roads are scheduled to be done next year and some roads in poor repair are left until the following year.

Mr O’Boyle advised that there are a number of outside factors such as forestry extraction and Irish Water pipe replacement that reflect when roads are done.  Mr O’Boyle also clarified that surface dressing grants are a yearly process.

Councillor Caillian Ellis sought clarification on the inclusion of a number of roads in the proposal. 

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke stated that there is a lot of confusion in the public domain in relation to the LIS and CIS Schemes.

Councillor Brenda Barry agreed with Councillor O’Rourke.

Mr. O’Boyle clarified that an LIS Scheme is a scheme for a private road/laneway  based on certain criteria and the scheme is currently closed to new applications with 97 LIS’s on the current list.

The CIS is open to public roads, estates, cul de sacs. The Scheme is open to accepting new applications, however, there is a contribution of 10% of costs required by the community involved.

Proposed by Councillor Brendan Barry, seconded by Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn AND RESOLVED: “That the 2022-2025 Multi Annual Road Restoration Improvement Programme be approved.”

Ms. Sinead Flynn outlined that there was no correspondence for consideration at the meeting. She advised that replies are awaited to a number of items. 

•      Councillor Enda McGloin expressed his disappointment that no reply was received from An Post regarding the theft of some rural Post Office boxes in the Ballinamore Municipal District. Councillor McGloin requested that a letter issue to the CEO, An Post, regarding the matter.

•      Councillor Brendan Barry queried if the boxes were actually stolen or if they were removed by An Post.

•      Councillor Paddy O’Rourke advised that an explanation should have been received from An Post.

Ms. Flynn advised that another letter would issue to the CEO of An Post on the matter.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District consider re-surfacing the section of the R210 road in Drumcong, from the new graveyard to the bridge below the crèche and school on the Carrick-on-Shannon side. The road is very uneven and I suggest unsafe, especially for cyclists.

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

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District consider re-surfacing the section of the R210 road in Drumcong, from the new graveyard to the bridge below the crèche and school on the Carrick-on-Shannon side. The road is very uneven and I suggest unsafe, especially for cyclists."

Report by Roads - General

"The proposed 3 year plan includes this section of regional road for approval by the Elected Members"

Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed the response but requested that the works be prioritised and carried out in the first year if possible.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that there are CLAR and Town and Village Schemes that have applications in for that particular area and that is why the re-resurfacing has been delayed in this case.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to review the location of the storm water grill beside the old railway bridge at Drumshanbo grave yard. There are numerous reports of water gathering and flooding at the bottom of the road following intensive rain, it is obvious that the the storm water grill is in the wrong location and needs to be moved to the lowest part of the road.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to review the location of the storm water grill beside the old railway bridge at Drumshanbo grave yard. There are numerous reports of water gathering and flooding at the bottom of the road following intensive rain, it is obvious that the storm water grill is in the wrong location and needs to be moved to the lowest part of the road."

Report by Roads 

"We will carry out gully cleaning on this local road and investigate the location of the gully system."

Councillor McGloin advised that he had been contacted by a member of the public who got caught in the flood and requested that the issue be addressed out of concern for other motorists. Councillor McGloin advised that flooding occurs on this road after prolonged rain or flash flooding and the issue is the location of the gully.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that new gullies will be installed.  Councillor Enda McGloin requested this work be prioritised.

I request an update on the proposed solution for people in the general Drumgownagh and Mullnavannoge areas of Corraleehan who are affected by daily water outages and low pressure and when is this issue likely to be resolved.

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

"I request an update on the proposed solution for people in the general Drumgownagh and

Mullnavannoge areas of Corraleehan who are affected by daily water outages and low pressure and when is this issue likely to be resolved."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services 

"A solution to the low pressure issues in the public network in Drumgownagh and Mullnavannoge has been identified and a business case proposal has been sent to Irish Water to approve funding to construct a pipeline to interconnect this area to the upper network in Corraleehan which will provide adequate pressure to these customers in Mullanannogue and Drumgownagh. We will follow up with Irish Water to get this included in the programme for construction as soon as possible."

Councillor Brendan Barry advised that there are people there without water for long periods of time.  The pumps are now operating for longer periods yet where is the extra water going?.  Councillor Barry advised that there’s a lack of understanding on how this extra pipe is going to provide more water and if there was a diagram provided in this regard.

Councillor Caillian Ellis advised that he is aware where a pipe was upgraded at Corraleehan which did not resolve the issue of water outages and low pressure.

Mr. Dwyer advised that there are problems across the network which will cause water issues.  Mr. Dwyer will arrange for a diagram to issue to all members for clarity in relation to how this solution is going to solve the problem. He also agreed to follow up with Irish Water in this regard. 

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District allocate additional funds in next years budget for river maintenance and that the Longstone river be cleaned (No.32) .The last time it appears to have been cleaned was with spades and drags.The river joins between No.31 and No.33 which both flow into the Ballinamore/Ballyconnell canal.

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

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District allocate additional funds in next years budget for river maintenance and that the Longstone river be cleaned (No.32). The last time it appears to have been cleaned was with spades and drags. The river joins between No.31 and No.33 which both flow into the Ballinamore/Ballyconnell canal."

Report by Roads 

"The municipal allocation for drainage in the Ballinamore District can be allocated to this section of the old

OPW drainage scheme. This is subject to land owner permissions."

A detailed discussion ensued with regard to the level of funding provided for Drainage Works in the Ballinamore Municipal District. The Members stated that the level of funding provided is inadequate to meet the demand for drainage works to be carried out. 

Can the Executive advise if the road Drumlegga to Cloone is included in the Roads Work Programme? There is a lot of traffic on this road since the Walkway was opened.

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

"Can the Executive advise if the road Drumlegga to Cloone is included in the Roads Work Programme?

There is a lot of traffic on this road since the Walkway was opened."

Report by Roads - General

"The local road L-56141 at Drumlegga towards the village of Cloone is part of the proposed 3 year roads programme which will be presented to the elected members for approval."

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that it is on the roadworks programme for this year.

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn welcomed the response.

Can I ask the Executive to provide an update on the Greenway in Ballinamore to include an  indication of the proposed opening time for the amenity?

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

"Can I ask the Executive to provide an update on the Greenway in Ballinamore to include an indication of the proposed opening time for the amenity?"

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services 

"The final works to be completed on the Ballinamore to Corgar Greenway is the construction of a section of the greenway off local road L55002. We are at an advanced stage in securing the land for this work. We expect to commence this work in the next 2 to 3 weeks. Following completion of these works the greenway will be opened."

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn expressed her disappointment at the delays in the Greenway being opened.

Councillor Caillian Ellis also expressed his disappointment in this regard.

Councillor Brendan Barry referred to the many landowners involved who have given access to their land. 

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out urgent repairs to road no L15823 leading from the R201 at the Dugout towards St. Joseph’s Church, Aughavas past the Local Authority Estate. This road is currently in a very poor state of repair.

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

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out urgent repairs to road no L15823 leading from the R201 at the Dugout towards St. Joseph’s Church, Aughavas past the Local Authority Estate. This road is currently in a very poor state of repair."

Report by Roads 

"We can dispatch our maintenance crew to this public low volume road for repair works.(L-15823)"

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke welcomed the fact that the immediate repairs would be dealt with. Councillor O’Rourke requested that Housing Section should be contacted to contribute to a CIS Scheme due to the Local authority houses in this area.

Mr. O’Boyle advised that the matter can be reviewed in March with regard to an RIG and that he did not think that the Local Authority can provide the local contribution for a CIS. 

I ask that the Junction where the L5600-1 meets the R201 be widened and improved to allow traffic emerging off the L5600 to join the R201 in safety. Their view is currently very obscured with earth banks and hedgerows therefore it is very dangerous to all road users.

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

"I ask that the Junction where the L5600-1 meets the R201 be widened and improved to allow traffic emerging off the L5600 to join the R201 in safety. Their view is currently very obscured with earth banks and hedgerows therefore it is very dangerous to all road users."

Report by Roads -

"We shall include this as an application to the Department for a Low Cost Safety Scheme next year. This will require land take from the adjoining land owners."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke advised that traffic volumes and speed has increased on this regional road.   

Mr. O’Boyle advised that it will be pursued as a Low Cost Safety Scheme, however, the works would  involve purchasing land and taking out hedgerows. 

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out works on Dun na Bo estate in Ballinamore and St Caillian’s View in Fenagh as soon as possible.

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

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out works on Dun na Bo estate in Ballinamore and St Caillian’s View in Fenagh as soon as possible."

Report by Planning

"The Dun na Bo estate in Ballinamore is not in charge of the Council and no works will be undertaken on this estate until such time as it is in charge: the reason that the Council does not undertake works in estates that are not in its charge has been advised on previous occasions and relates to the potential exposure of the Council to injury claims. In addition, the Council has no legal entitlement to enter onto what is private property. As has also been advised previously, Covid restrictions have had a significant impact on the Council’s works programmes, including taking in charge with the result that no further estates will be progressed and advertised to be taken in charge until next year. The Dun na Bo estate is one of a number of estates included in our provisional taking in charge programme for 2022.

St Caillian’s View in Fenagh is in charge of the Council and various works have already been carried out. At this time, the final road surfacing remains outstanding, however, there are insufficient monies available to fund the works and a source of funding will need to be identified to enable the installation of the final wearing course. The Council had to prioritise spending a significant portion of the available funds to ensure that the street lighting was made safe as it had been operating in an unsafe manner. In the meantime, the Council will undertake local repairs and patching where necessary."

Councillor Caillian Ellis advised that it was his understanding and the understanding of the residents of Dun na Bo that the estate was taken in charge.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that the estate has not been taken in charge, however, the Bond Company after a long period of time is now engaging.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke advised that now the Bond Holders are engaging every effort should be made to have the matter progressed.

Councillor Brendan Barry advised that alot of estates had been taken in charge in 2020 and as works remain ongoing in these estates it has pushed out works being carried out in estates like St. Caillian’s View which were originally due to commence in 2021.

Mr. Dwyer advised that once estates are taken in charge that is only the start of it, the works have to be carried out after that.  Mr. Dwyer advised that he will bring a report to the next MD meeting to clarify the exact timeframe of when the works will be carried out in the estates taken in charge.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle confirmed that St. Caillian View is taken in charge and will go on the CIS list for next year.

I propose Ballinamore Municipal District put in rumble strips on the R202 in the town land of Aghadark, Ballinamore.

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

"I propose Ballinamore Municipal District put in rumble strips on the R202 in the town land of Aghadark, Ballinamore."

Report by Roads 

"We will carry out these works when we can get lining contractor back to Ballinamore MD."

Councillor Caillian Ellis advised that speed is an issue on this road and queried if the rumble strips could be raised to slow down traffic.

Mr. O’Boyle advised that there is a speed limit in place and that rumble strips are there to advise people of the speed limit.  Mr O’Boyle advised he will refer the matter to the JPC Committee.

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn queried if the kerbs would be looked at and if the Japanese Knotweed could be sprayed.

Councillor Brendan Barry queried if spraying Japanese Knotweed was carried out this year.

Mr. O’Boyle advised that spraying takes place in Autumn and it is now finished. 

Councillor Brendan Barry advised that there is Japanese Knotweed beside the pumping station at Hillcrest Grove, Drumshanbo.  Mr. O’Boyle advised that it is Irish Water property and that the Council would not be responsible for attending to the matter at this location. 

Mr. O’Boyle advised that the weed had been treated in Hillcrest Grove, however, there is Japanese Knotweed in the AllenBrook Estate in Drumshanbo that needs to be dealt with by the landowner.

Councillor Enda McGloin queried if the landowner could be written out to in this regard and Mr. O’Boyle advised that this would be under the remit of the Environment Department. 

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to put a pedestrian crossing in place on Main Street, Drumshanbo close to the car-park.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to put a pedestrian crossing in place on Main Street, Drumshanbo close to the car-park."

Report by Roads 

"This proposal has been looked at previously. The introduction of a pedestrian crossing on Main Street would require the removal of parking on both sides of the road for 15m each side and therefore would prevent any parking along this section of main street where businesses are located"

1.      Date and time of the next meeting. 

Ms. Sinead Flynn confirmed that the next meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District will take place on Monday 22^nd November, 2021 at 10.30 a.m. in the Council Chamber. 

2.      Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn requested that the December Municipal meeting be in the Island Theatre in Ballinamore. Ms. Sinead Flynn and Mr. Vincent Dwyer will review and update the members at the November meeting.