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 26th October, 2021 be adopted.”

1.         Letter dated 26th October, 2021 from Mr. Fergal McPartland, Manager, Drumshanbo Credit Union on the proposed installation of an ATM facility at the Credit Union in Drumshanbo. 

Ms. Sinead Flynn outlined that the letter was received after the October Municipal District meeting on Monday 26th October, 2021 and that a copy of the correspondence was circulated to the Members by email.

•          Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed the response from the Credit Union confirming that they have applied for planning permission to have an ATM installed in Drumshanbo. He advised that the Credit Union is also launching a new app to assist customers with their banking needs. Councillor McGloin welcomed the new initiatives proposed by the Credit Union, however, he outlined that the measures do not compensate for the recent closure of the Bank of Ireland branch in Drumshanbo. 

2.         Ms Flynn advised that she had recently contacted the Customer Services Department of An Post regarding the lack of response to correspondence issued on behalf of the Municipal District relating to the theft of Post Boxes in Leitrim.

Ms. Flynn advised that while a commitment was given by An Post to revert with a response for the Municipal District meeting no reply has been received. She agreed to again contact An Post in this regard.

3.         Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed the recent allocation of €152,432 approved by the OPW to carry out remedial works in Ballinagleara following the recent flooding incidents. Councillor McGloin complimented the Council on their successful funding application. 

Councillor Brendan Barry and Councillor Gerry Dolan also welcomed the funding allocation.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the Council have also sought additional funding under the Climate Action funding to assist with the repair costs arising from the flooding in Ballinagleara.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District call on Ministers Charlie McConalogue and Eamon Ryan to provide state funding and Leitrim County Council to provide assistance to Landowners with roadside trees affected by Ash dieback. Sadly many of these wonderful trees will need to be removed for health and safety reasons. Many roadside Ash trees are now affected throughout Co.Leitrim and it is thought that 98% of Ash trees in the country will be dead or compromised significantly in the next 7 to 10 years.If left to decay these trees will become very dangerous to do anything with.

A detailed discussion ensued on the background to the disease and Councillor Barry’s Notice of Motion was unanimously supported by all members.

Proposed by Councillor Brendan Barry, supported by Councillor Caillian Ellis and unanimously supported that: ‘Ballinamore Municipal District call on Ministers Charlie McConalogue and Eamon Ryan to provide state funding and Leitrim County Council to provide assistance to Landowners with roadside trees affected by Ash die back. Sadly, many of these wonderful trees will need to be removed for health and safety reasons. Many roadside Ash trees are now affected throughout Co. Leitrim and it is thought that 98% of Ash trees in the country will be dead or compromised significantly in the next 7 to 10 years. If left to decay these trees will become very dangerous to do anything with’.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District in preparation for the winter, place salt on steep hills and junctions on roads not included in the winter maintenance routes. Roads such as the Drumshanbo to Ballinamore road via Aughnasheelan , Clarkes Hill Kilclare and the Hill beside Charltons Cross.

Councillor Brendan Barry requested that additional salt bobs be provided by the Council in locations on the Drumshanbo to Ballinamore Road via Aughnasheelin.

Councillor Gerry Dolan supported the Notice of Motion. He requested that the Council provide a salt bob on the road between Ballinamore and Drumshanbo. He referred to previous access problems at this location during a severe weather event. 

Councillor Ita Reynolds- Flynn also supported the Notice of Motion. She requested that consideration be given to providing a saltbob at Sean’s Cross and Nailer’s Cross.

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District for an up date on the extension of the Sewerage Scheme from Ballinamore Town out to Aughoo.

Councillor Caillian Ellis acknowledged the reply to his Notice of Motion.

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out repairs to Road No L1511 at Greagh Cross.

Councillor Ellis welcomed the response to his Notice of Motion.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District Council again consider the installation of a raised pedestrian crossing along the Carrick Road, Drumshanbo at or in and around Mc Cormack’s garage. The speed of traffic is excessive and requires some initiative to deal with this problem and the many people walking who need to cross this busy road.

Councillor McGloin outlined that this is a busy straight stretch of road for motorists and pedestrians with several older people living on the Carrick-on-Shannon road crossing the road at this location. He also referred to the road providing access to the Blueway, the playground and the swimming pool facility at Acres Lake. Councillor McGloin outlined that he did not consider that the removal of car parking space would be an issue and he proposed locating the pedestrian crossing at McCormack’s old garage.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion. He proposed that the installation of a ramp may be an alternative option to consider to slow down the traffic. 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle outlined that a suitable funding stream would need to be identified for the works to be considered. He also cautioned that the provision of a Pedestrian Crossing would have an impact on the availability of car parking close to the crossing. He advised that a Local Community Group apply for CLAR funding for the project or that a Low-Cost-Safety Scheme may be considered if there is a history of recorded incidents at this location. Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the Council do not install ramps if there is no Pedestrian Crossing. He agreed to review the request with the Active Travel Department, the local Community and The Tidy Town’s Committee’s to take their views into consideration.

Can I ask I what the current position is with available local authority housing in the Drumshanbo town area. Are there are any vacant units awaiting upgrades or refurbishment and finally how many are currently on the waiting list with Drumshanbo as their first choice area?

Councillor McGloin queried how long the 4 houses were vacant and what the turnaround times would be  to get them available for occupancy with newly appointed tenants. Councillor McGloin noted that there are 81 applicants on the Social Housing Waiting List for South 1 with only four properties available to meet that housing need. Councillor McGloin stated that the Council will have to seek additional units to meet the housing demand and he called upon the Housing Department to have the necessary works completed to the vacant units as soon as possible.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion. He also supported the proposal to complete the necessary pre-letting repairs to the existing vacant Local Authority units in the area as soon as possible.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke proposed that other Government incentives be introduced to bring older rural properties back into use to meet the housing demand in the county. He agreed to raise this issue at the next meeting of the Housing SPC.

Councillor Caillian Ellis advised that social housing applicants are choosing to be accommodated in towns rather then in rural areas.

Councillor Enda McGloin agreed and stated that the Council have disposed of some rural properties where there has been no demand from households on the Social Housing Waiting List. He outlined that the sale of these dwellings has facilitated private individuals to purchase these dwellings to meet their accommodation needs as an alternative to seeking planning permission for a new build property where planning issues may have arisen. 

Mr. Vincent Dwyer agreed to revert to the Housing Department and to seek an update on the time-frame for the completion of the necessary pre-letting repairs on the existing vacant units in the South Leitrim Area 1 Area of Choice for social housing applicants.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out immediate repairs to local road L5489-0 commencing at Drumlea Cemetery at the Bring Bank Centre inwards to the town lands of Aughalough and Arderry towards Kinkeen.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke outlined that there are elderly people living on that road who are receiving calls from Home Help and Carer’s and there have been instances where cars have gone off the road and if something could be done in the short term.

Councillor Caillian Ellis asked if lay-byes could be put on this road.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that he will arrange to get the Patching Unit to this road. He advised that a lay-bye can be considered in tandem with any works to be carried should the road be approved under the Roads Work Programme in 2022. 

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District provide an update on what progress has been made regarding the project at the 3 Provinces site, i.e. where Connaught, Ulster and Leinster meet just a few kilometres east of Carrigallen. This is a project well worth progressing as regards Tourism and we have to be at the ready when funding comes available.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that the Options Report should be ready before the end of the year. He outlined that the report will look at the location and how it can be developed and marketed. Mr. Dwyer stated that the three Local Authorities will then examine potential funding streams to develop the proposal. 

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke stressed the importance of Leitrim County Council playing their part in finalising this project as it will increase footfall and the tourism potential for the area.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer confirmed that the Council remain committed to the delivery of the project. 

Can Ballinamore Municipal District request that the embankments at Keeldra Lake, Cloone be improved.

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn welcomed the reply. She outlined that there have been several accidents at this location and she requested that additional measures are put in place to protect motorists.

Councillor Caillian Ellis supported the Notice of Motion.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that once the crash incidents at this location are recorded by the Gardai that there should be no difficulty in the Council obtaining approval for a Low Cost Safety Scheme. He advised that he will arrange to have temporary delineator posts installed as a temporary measure pending the outcome of the Low-Cost-Safety-Scheme application.

Can Ballinamore Municipal District members request an update on the status of the Courthouse in Ballinamore and perhaps a meeting between Director of Service and the Courthouse Committee can be arranged.

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn outlined that the local Committee are anxious to have a meeting with the Council to discuss the future use of the Courthouse in Ballinamore.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer outlined that the Courthouse remains in the ownership of the Court Service and that an update on the matter will be sought from the Court Service and brought back to the Members. He advised that there would be no merit in the Council meeting with the Committee at this juncture.

A detailed discussion ensued on the potential for developing the building as a tourist facility. Similar projects in neighbouring counties were referenced in terms of options that could be considered if the building is acquired and funding available to finance the project.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to give me a reply/update regarding my motion last month requesting a  Pedestrian Crossing at Main Street, Drumshanbo.

Councillor Gerry Dolan outlined the difficulty people have in coming down from the Hilly Road to get to the Post Office. Councillor Dolan proposed that there is a need for up to three separate pedestrian crossings to be provided in the town, at the bottom of the Hilly Road on Main Street and at the Post Office.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that funding can be accessed under CLAR, Low Cost Safety or Active Travel.  He advised that a Pedestrian Crossing on Main Street would have a significant impact on the availability of car parking spaces on Main Street as the areas on both sides of the crossing to a certain distance are no longer available for car parking. 

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion, but he expressed concern about any loss of car parking availability on Main Street. Councillor Brendan Barry also supported the Notice of Motion and expressed his reservations about any reduction to carparking availability in the town. 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised he will request the Active Travel Department to look at the Junctions in Drumshanbo to consider measures that may assist in slowing down traffic in the town. 

I call on the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to have it mandatory that all forestry and afforestations have deer fencing erected on all sites.  It is required in order to help control the spread of wild deer to protect landowners and the public.

Councillor Gerry Dolan referred to his Notice of Motion and outlined that measures should be put in place to ensure that Forestry Companies are compelled to put proper fencing in place to keep deer’s from wandering onto the public roads. Councillor Dolan outlined that where there is an accident involving a vehicle and a deer that the Insurance Companies are refusing to pay an insurance claim arising from the incident if warning signs alerting to the presence of deer are in place. 

Mr. O’Boyle advised that the Council can include in their observations on Tree Felling Licences for the Forestry Companies that applicants erect a deer fence. He further advised that the Council have no additional authority to compel Forestry Companies to erect the fencing.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion. He stated that the increased deer population in the county is posing a risk to motorists.

Proposed by Councillor Gerry Dolan, seconded by Councillor Brendan Barry that ‘Ballinamore Municipal District call on the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to have it mandatory that all forestry and afforestation’s have deer fencing erected on all sites.  It is required in order to help control the spread of wild deer to protect landowners and the public."

1.      Ballinmore Community Hospital

·         Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn raised the matter of Ballinamore Community Hospital. She raised the issue of residents from the Mohill area now having to access the facility in Ballinamore due to the closure of HSE provided Day Care Service in Mohill. Councillor Reynolds-Flynn stated that the HSE has refused to meet with Council officials to afford the members the opportunity to discuss concerns that they have regarding access to the facility.

·         Councillor Paddy O’Rourke supported the proposal and requested that a further letter issue to the HSE on the matter and that a meeting with officials from the HSE and the Elected Members of Ballinamore Municipal District be sought. 

·         Councillor Brendan Barry said he hoped that the facilities in Mohill will be back in operation  shortly.

Proposed by Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn, seconded by Councillor Caillian Ellis and unanimously supported that ‘The Members of Ballinamore Municipal District call on the Health Services Executive (H.S.E) to use the Ballinamore Community Hospital for the purpose that it was intended. The Members also requested that the HSE agree to facilitate a meeting between the six Elected Members of Ballinamore Municipal District and HSE Officials to discuss issues regarding the facility’.

2.      Update on Water Outages in Drumgownagh and Mullnavannoge areas of Corraleehan

• Mr. Vincent Dwyer provided an update on Councillor Barry’s motion 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. 

• Mr. Dwyer advised that Irish Water have engaged in the business case proposal that was forwarded to them. He further advised that once the proposal is approved by Irish Water an update will be provided to the members.

3.      Update on Dun na Bo Estate, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim.

• Mr. Vincent Dwyer provided an update on the taking in charge of Dun na Bo Estate in Ballinamore. Mr. Dwyer advised that the Bond Company and the Council reached a settlement and that payment has been received in this regard. He further advised that the Dun na Bo estate will be considered for inclusion in the next tranche of estates to be taken in charge in 2022.

4.      Update on St. Caillian’s View, Fenagh, Co. Leitrim.

·         Mr. Dwyer also advised that St Caillian’s View in Fenagh will be considered for a CIS Scheme.

·         This update was welcomed by the members.

·         Councillor Caillian Ellis advised that the public lights in the estate have not been turned on. Mr. Darragh O’Boyle agreed to follow up in this regard.

5.      Date and time of the next meeting. 

·         Mr. Vincent Dwyer informed the Members that a meeting of the CPG had taken place last week and it has been agreed that all the Municipal District meetings will take place on MS Teams due to the rising number of Covid 19 cases recorded in Leitrim in recent weeks.

·         Ms. Sinead Flynn confirmed that  ...  view the full minutes text for item BMD.163.21