Agenda and minutes

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

“That the Minutes of Ballinamore Municipal District meeting held on Monday 22nd November, 2021 be adopted.”

Ms. Mary Quinn outlined that Leitrim County Council are obliged to have the Housing Delivery Action Plan 2022-2026 submitted to the Department by the 17th of December, 2022. Ms. Quinn stated that the Plan sets out how the Council will address the Social Housing Need in the county over the next five years. The Housing Action Plan 2022-2026 as circulated to the Members appears as Appendix 1 of the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book.

Ms. Quinn provided a detailed overview of the plan and outlined the following:

•          the Department has set out the housing target of 139 units to be delivered by Leitrim County Council over the lifetime of the Plan. 

•          the numbers reflected in the plan are 180 which represents a 30% uplift on the target to ensure that the targets identified in the Plan are delivered.

•          the net social housing need for Leitrim is 177 applicants, however, with the inclusion of HAP applicants and existing tenants seeking transfers to alternative accommodation, the total social housing need in Leitrim is 502 applicants.

•          there are currently 144 social housing applicants on the Housing Waiting List in the Ballinamore Municipal District Area (figure is inclusive of transfer applicants). 

•          the Plan provides for the provision of 38 new housing units in the Ballinamore Municipal District.

•          the Plan specifies the house types required and demonstrates a significant demand for one and two-bedroom units based on the household composition of applicants on the Social Housing Waiting List. 

•          the Plan also outlines the provision of housing for People with Disabilities and Age Friendly Housing.

•          In Leitrim, the target is based on 100% delivery by Leitrim County Council through the following mechanisms - Part V, developments on own land, future land purchases, turnkeys, buy and renew etc.

Ms. Quinn advised that the Department have identified 14 Local Authorities including Leitrim that don’t meet the criteria to include any actions for the delivery of Affordable Housing options in the Plan.

The Cathaorileach, Councillor Ellis thanked Ms. Quinn for her report.  With the agreement of the Cathaoirleach, it was agreed to also discuss the Notice of Motion from Councillor Brendan Barry concurrently as it relates to the Social Housing Waiting List for Leitrim.

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

 "I request an update on the number of applications to get on the Social Housing List in Co. Leitrim in the last 12 months and how that is comparable to previous years."

Report by Housing 

"To date, Leitrim County Council has received 231 Local Authority Housing Group Scheme applications in

2021. This is in line with prior years where 240 applications were received in 2020 and 235 in 2019"

•          Councillor Brendan Barry acknowledged the reply to his Notice of Motion. He queried how the social housing need of all households currently on the Housing Waiting List will be addressed if the target for delivery to meet the entire housing need for Co. Leitrim provides for the delivery of a total of 180 units over the next five years. 

Ms. Mary Quinn advised that there is always movement in and out of the county where many households will not continue to reside in the county on a long-term basis.  She also outlined that in addition to new units coming on stream, that, approximately 50 units per annum are returned to the Local Authority from its existing Social Housing Stock. Ms. Quinn stated that these units (casual vacancies) are re-allocated to households on the Housing Waiting List to address their housing need.

•          Councillor Caillian Ellis queried what the average weekly rent is for a Local Authority Rented dwelling.

Ms. Sinead Flynn advised that the weekly rent is determined by the Council’s Differential Rents Scheme having regard to the household income. She outlined that for a single tenant on a weekly Social Welfare payment of €188.00, their weekly rent payment is calculated at €34.80 per week.

•          Councillor Enda McGloin stated that there are no land banks available to the Local Authority to provide social housing particularly in the Drumshanbo area.

Ms. Mary Quinn advised that land banks have been exhausted in some areas, but plans are in progress to identify landbanks in several locations in the county where there is an identified social housing need.

•          Councillor McGloin also raised the issue there is no land zoned for housing in Drumshanbo in the County Development Plan.

Ms. Mary Quinn advised that discussions with the Senior Planner in relation to the zoning of land are ongoing. 

•          Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn queried the eligibility criteria for tenants to purchase their Local Authority Dwellings under the Tenant Purchase Scheme.

Ms. Mary Quinn outlined that to purchase a Local Authority dwelling under the current Tenant Purchase Scheme, the tenant is required to have 20% of their income from another income source other than Social Welfare.

Councillor Enda McGloin requested representations be made to the Department on this as someone who is now retired and has worked all their lives is excluded from the Tenant Purchase Scheme as it stands.

1.         Letter dated 3rd December, 2021 from Mr. Martin Collum, General Manager, Services for Older People, CHO1, Health Services Executive.

Ms. Sinead Flynn outlined that she had circulated a reply received by the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District Members from the Health Services Executive (HSE) regarding the closure of the Mohill Day Care Centre. She advised that she circulated this correspondence to the Ballinamore Municipal District members as it is similar to correspondence recently submitted to the HSE on behalf of the Members regarding the HSE facility in Ballinamore and the impact that the closure of the facility in Mohill has had on the service in Ballinamore.

Ms. Flynn noted the response of the HSE where they have outlined that they are not willing to facilitate a meeting with the Carrick-on-Shannon MD members to address their concerns regarding the closure of the Mohill Day Care Centre. She also noted that the HSE requested that all future correspondence on this issue should be addressed through the appropriate channels as detailed in the letter i.e., the Regional Health Forum or PQ Process which has been set up specially to assist members with their queries. Ms. Flynn concluded by stating that the correspondence was also copied to Mr. Paul Reid, CEO of the HSE.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke expressed his dissatisfaction on the response received from the HSE to the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District members. He stated that the stance adopted by the HSE to refuse to meet with the Elected Members was unacceptable.  Councillor O’Rourke’s comments were supported by all members.

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn advised that there were 39 people on the waiting list for the Ballinamore Community Hospital.

Councillor O’Rourke advised that the Ballinamore facility is not being used to its full potential and that the members should be afforded the opportunity to discuss the matter directly with the HSE.

It was agreed that the matter will be reviewed when a formal response is received to the latest correspondence submitted to the HSE on behalf of Ballinamore Municipal District Members.

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District open the Water Tables along the roads to take the water off the Roads

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

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District open the Water Tables along the roads to take the water off the Roads"

Report by Roads  

"The District Office has planned to get started on regional road land drain cuts in January."

Councillor Caillian Ellis advised that after the heavy rain last week many roads are flooded and asked if it was possible that the Council arrange to clean the roadside water tables. Councillor Ellis advised that surface water can be a contributing factor to accidents on the roads.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion and requested Mr. Darragh O’Boyle to inspect the road from the Booster Station, Aghacashel across the mountain to Ballinagleara.  Councillor McGloin outlined that it was reported to him that the volumes of water on the road is having a detrimental effect on the road surface.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the land drains or drain cuts in place cannot cater for the large volumes of rainfall that are experienced. He confirmed as detailed in the reply to the Notice of Motion, that works will commence on the regional land drainage cuts in January, 2022.

Can I request that consideration be given under the Roads Programme to resurface a short section of the Dowra Road (R 207-6) from Corlough TD. to Mc Manus’s house. The surface is very uneven and not conducive to safe walking or cycling.

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

 "I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District request an inspection of Drumshanbo Outdoor Swimming Pool with a view to upgrading the walls of the pool that were not done since 2012. I further request that a deep clean and a painting upgrade would be considered next spring in good time before the 2022 summer season."

Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation. "This request will be looked at and given consideration over the next few months."

Councillor Enda McGloin outlined that the swimming pool in Drumshanbo is a great recreational facility for the people of County Leitrim and beyond, however, he stated that the last refurbishment works to the facility were completed 10 years ago.  Councillor McGloin stated that the brickwork surrounding the pool needs to be upgraded and he requested that a review of the facility be completed as soon as possible to avail of any Department funding streams that may become available in 2022.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer agreed to review the request with Mr. Joseph Gilhoooly, Director of Panning, Economic Development and Transportation and to report back to the members with an update in January, 2022.                                                                  

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District request an inspection of Drumshanbo Outdoor Swimming Pool with a view to upgrading the walls of the pool that were not done since 2012. I further request that a deep clean and a painting upgrade would be considered next spring in good time before the 2022 summer season.

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

"Can I request that consideration be given under the Roads Programme to resurface a short section of the Dowra Road (R 207-6) from Corlough TD. to Mc Manus’s house. The surface is very uneven and not conducive to safe walking or cycling."

Report by Roads

"Resurfacing on regional road R207-6 will be carried out under our 3-year Programme as was approved by the Elected Members. It is envisaged that these works will be completed in late 2022 once the footpath to the estate is completed under the Active Travel Programmme."

Councillor McGloin confirmed the location of the road in relation to his Notice of Motion.  He advised that the stones have come apart and the surface is very rough for people walking and cycling.

Councillor Brendan Barry seconded the Notice of Motion and requested that several road crossings also be looked at in that area.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle confirmed that there is approval to provide a generic 1km length of black top from the location of the speed limit on the Dowra Road, Drumshanbo towards Dowra which should cover these works.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have the road from Fahy Graveyard, Ballinaglera to the main road re-surfaced.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have the road from Fahy Graveyard, Ballinaglera to the main road re-surfaced."

Report by Roads

"The road leading to the old Fahy Graveyard is a public cul de sac. This road is not included in our approved 3-Year Plan, however, the local community can apply for a Community Involvement Scheme to get this road upgraded."

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle suggested that the Graveyard Committee contact him to discuss the process involved in submitting a CIS application and in the interim, general maintenance works will be carried out.

Councillor Gerry Dolan advised that it is one of the most used cul de sac roads from Dowra to Drumshanbo and that the road has been patched on numerous occasions but that it requires more significant works.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion, however, he proposed that if an alternative funding stream could be accessed for the works rather than the Local Community having to provide the match funding for a CIS application. Councillor Enda McGloin also supported the Notice of Motion.

I request that the maintenance crew realign road markings in Cloone Village.

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

 "I request that the maintenance crew realign road markings in Cloone Village."

Report by Roads

"The District Office has no funding remaining for 2021 for works such as this, however, we can consider this issue when we are carrying out road markings in 2022."

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn welcomed the response and advised that the road markings have faded where the new footpaths have been put in.

Is there any update on parking space markings at Oughteragh Graveyard in Ballinamore  and markings at the Technical School in Ballinamore.

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

 "Is there any update on parking space markings at Oughteragh Graveyard in Ballinamore and markings at the Technical School in Ballinamore."

Report by Roads 

"We have no plans or funding to line the Oughteragh Graveyard. The road marking on the regional road at the school is now complete."

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle agreed to follow up on the road markings at Oughteragh Graveyard.

I ask that the dangerous roadside drain along RD NO: L5501-2 in the townland of Lisnatullagh towards the townland of Aughoyoula be piped and infilled for the safety of motorists, who are dicing with danger when meeting other traffic.  Hopefully, next June Bank Holiday weekend, will see a return of the Cowboys & Heroes Festival which will see huge volumes of traffic on this road.

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

 "I ask that the dangerous roadside drain along RD NO: L5501-2 in the townland of Lisnatullagh towards the townland of Aughoyoula be piped and infilled for the safety of motorists, who are dicing with danger when meeting other traffic.  Hopefully, next June Bank Holiday weekend, will see a return of the Cowboys & Heroes Festival which will see huge volumes of traffic on this road."

Report by Roads

"The District Office has no funding for any additional drainage works in 2021. We can apply for a drainage grant to allow such works to be carried out in 2022."

Councillor Caillian Ellis and Councillor Gerry Dolan supported the Notice of Motion

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised these works will be considered when we get a funding stream for drainage in 2022.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District take action to remedy the cobbled area at the  Local Authority Estate in Bredagh, Carrigallen. The cobbles have for some time been lifting from where they were set in concrete, presenting a very dangerous surface  along with being unsightly in an otherwise very well kept estate.

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

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District take action to remedy the cobbled area at the Local Authority Estate in Bredagh, Carrigallen. The cobbles have for some time been lifting from where they were set in concrete, presenting a very dangerous surface along with being unsightly in an otherwise very well-kept estate."

Report by Roads

"There is no funding in the roadworks budget for these works. If a funding source can be identified, going forward, then this can be considered."

Councillor O’Rourke stated that this area was a feature entering the estate in Bredagh, Carrigallen, however, he cautioned that in recent times the cobblestones have become loose and dangerous.  Councillor O’Rourke asked if the Council could have the cobbles reinstated and if not, can they be removed and the area tarmacked.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle requested that Councillor O’Rourke provide clarity of the exact location of the cobbled area in order that an inspection be carried out. Mr. O’Boyle advised that it may be necessary to cordon off the area pending a permanent solution being provided to the structure. 

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke also requested that Mr. O’Boyle arranges to inspect the R202 in the townland of Druminchin, Carrigallen.  Councillor O’Rourke outlined that flooding occurs when there is high rainfall on this stretch of road.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle agreed to carry out an inspection at this location.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District call on government party leaders to reduce taxation on fuel to in some way try and reduce the spiralling cost of living in Ireland.

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

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District call on Government Party Leaders to reduce taxation on fuel to in some way try and reduce the spiralling cost of living in Ireland."

Councillor Barry advised that over 50% of the cost of the product is going on tax.  Councillor Barry outlined that the fuel price increases are contributing to the cost of living spiralling out of control.   

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke supported the Notice of Motion.  Councillor O’Rourke advised that the farming community don’t have the capacity to absorb the required price hike to cover the fuel increases.

Councillor Caillian Ellis and Councillor Gerry Dolan supported the Notice of Motion.

Proposed by Councillor Brendan Barry, seconded by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke and unanimously adopted that ’Ballinamore Municipal District call on government party leaders to reduce taxation on fuel to in some way try and reduce the spiralling cost of living in Ireland."

Ms. Flynn confirmed that a letter on this Notice of Motion will issue to all three-Party Leaders in Government for their response.

1.    Hedge cutting: Councillor Gerry Dolan requested the Council initiate enforcement proceedings against landowners who fail to cut hedges on their landholdings in the New Year. 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the under the Roads Act offenders will be written out to.

1.      Vote of Sympathy: Councillor Paddy O’Rourke proposed a vote of sympathy to the family of the late Mr. Jim Williamson, Arvagh, Co. Cavan.  Councillor O’Rourke outlined that Mr. Williamson was active involved with the production of the Leitrim Guardian production over the last 40 years.

The Vote of Sympathy was supported by all members.

2.      Date & time of next meeting

Ms. Sinead Flynn advised that the next meeting of Ballinamore MD will take place on Monday 24^th January, 2022 at 10.30 a.m. via MS Teams.

Councillor Ellis thanked his fellow members and the Executive for their support throughout 2021.

He also took the opportunity to wish everyone a safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to give an update or any decision made regarding a pedestrian crossing at St. Patricks Church Drumshanbo which requires urgent attention.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to give an update or any decision made regarding a pedestrian crossing at St. Patricks Church Drumshanbo which requires urgent attention."

Report by Roads

"The District Office has no plans or funding to construct a pedestrian crossing at this location. We have advised all communities that there is Clar funding available for these safety works for Community Centres, Schools and Church’s."

Councillor Enda McGloin advised that he understood that CLAR funding was available for a Pedestrian Crossing and to repair the footpath from the town up to the Church.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that Leitrim County Council have applied for funding under Active Travel to replace the footpath from the town up to the Church.  Mr. O’Boyle advised that the Council have no funding to install a pedestrian crossing and it would not be covered under Active Travel.  However, communities can apply under CLAR or Town & Village funding to have a Pedestrian Crossing at the church.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion.