Agenda and minutes

Proposed by Councillor Caillian Ellis, seconded by Councillor Gerry Dolan AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of Ballinamore Municipal District meeting held on Monday 13^th December, 2021 be adopted.”

1. Letter dated 20^th December, 2021 from the Department of the Taoiseach. 

Ms. Sinead Flynn outlined that an acknowledgement letter had been received from the Department of An Taoiseach in response to Councillor Barry’s Notice of Motion at the December meeting.

Ms Flynn also advised that several replies remain outstanding from the November meeting including a response from An Post.

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District erect signage at the Aughnasheelin Road in Ballinamore indicating the scenic mountain drive across Sliabh An Iarainn to Ballinagleara.

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

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District erect signage at the Aughnasheelin Road in Ballinamore indicating the scenic mountain drive across Sliabh an Iarainn to Ballinagleara."

Report by Roads

"There are currently 16 directional signs at this junction. The Active Travel team are examining this junction for a possible upgrade of the junction on the Aughnasheelin side (similar to what was done on the supermarket side). We can carry out a full review of signage when this is completed."

Councillor Ellis expressed his disappointment with the reply received, he stated that the scenic drive is not receiving the publicity it deserves and that a parking area and seating area is required.  Councillor Ellis proposed that the Council employ a resource to complete a survey of the county to draw up tourism routes to promote the county as a tourist location.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke supported the Notice of Motion. He stated that this scenic route is comparable to anywhere in the country and the Council should ensure that it is marketed accordingly

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion. He advised that the location is a popular with visitors but stated that more lay byes would be required to facilitate visitors pulling in to take in the views on the route.

Councillor Gerry Dolan and Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn supported the Notice of Motion

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that new tourist signs cannot be provided until the works to upgrade the junction on the Aughnasheelin side take place.

Councillor Caillian Ellis asked when the works to upgrade the junction will be carried out.

Mr.  O’Boyle advised that three applications for funding under Active Travel has been submitted to the Department for junctions this year and that details are awaited.

Councillor Ellis requested that the Council arrange for a plan of all the scenic routes in the county to be prepared and marketed to attract additional tourists to the area.

Mr. O’Boyle advised that the marketing of driving routes in the county should be referred to the Tourism Department.

Councillor Enda McGloin suggested that this Notice of Motion be forwarded to Mr. Joseph Gilhooley, Director of Services to see how these routes can be packaged with the possibility of acquiring funding from Failte Ireland.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that Leitrim County Council previously developed a tourism product of the scenic driving routes in the county. He advised that a consultant was engaged to assess the routes which were then mapped and the driving apps were developed. Mr. Dwyer agreed to review the matter with Mr.  Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services and to provide an update to the members at the February meeting.  Mr. Dwyer also proposed that Councillor Ellis consider submitting his Notice of Motion to the March Council meeting.

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District repair the depression in Local Road No L3455 just passed Fenagh GAA pitch.

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

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District repair the depression in Local Road No L3455 just past Fenagh GAA pitch."

Report by Roads

"We will dispatch our maintenance crew on this public road and we will carry out general maintenance."

Councillor Caillian Ellis welcomed the reply to his Notice of Motion. He also requested that the lay byes on this section of road be cleaned off and have fresh gravel put on them.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to investigate the provision of street lighting along the ‘Furnace Hill’ at Carricknabrack, Drumshanbo going from the Vocational School to the bottom of the hill on the Blackrock side. A lot of people use that route for walking late in the evening. With vehicular traffic also using this short stretch, with limited visibility, there are concerns that pedestrians are vulnerable.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to investigate the provision of Street Lighting along ‘Furnace Hill’ at Carricknabrack, Drumshanbo going from the Vocational School to the bottom of the hill on the Blackrock side. A lot of people use that route for walking late in the evening and with vehicular traffic also using this short stretch with limited visibility there are concerns that pedestrians are vulnerable."

Report by Roads

"We do not have funding in the roadworks program to extend public lighting. The length of this section of road is 240 m and would require 9 No. PL standards which would require substantial funding, and the only possible source of funding may be through community / town and village scheme. In any event, this road is not wide enough to accommodate a footpath, and in the absence of a footpath, we would not be encouraging its use as a walking route, most particularly as the regional road adjacent to it has a footpath and public lighting which is used by walkers and cyclists alike."

Councillor McGloin advised of the urgent requirement for public lighting to be provided on this road.  He advised that a lot of people are living on this road, schoolchildren use this road and at this time of the year they are leaving school in the dark. Councillor McGloin outlined that residents are concerned that there will be an accident and he queried why the ramps on Furnace Hill do not have public lighting in place.  Councillor McGloin called for these works to be carried out under CLAR or Town and Village Funding as soon as possible

Councillor Brendan Barry and Councillor Gerry Dolan also supported the Notice of Motion.

Councillor Enda McGloin asked if the Council have a legal obligation to have public lighting installed where ramps are in place.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that currently lights are installed in tandem with the installation of ramps.  Mr. O’Boyle stated that the road in question is too narrow to put in a footpath under the Active Travel Scheme.  He advised that if there is discretionary funding available at the end of the year, he will review public lighting in this area. Mr. O’Boyle stated that the school could make an application for these works under Clar Funding.

Councillor McGloin agreed to review with the school to consider applying for the works under Clar funding

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to consider cleaning the storm water drains along the L3298-0 (Aghacashel to Ballinaglera) just past the ‘booster station’ where the road is being damaged because of excess water lying on the surface.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to consider cleaning the storm water drains along the L3298-0 (Aghacashel to Ballinaglera) just past the ‘booster station’ where the road is damaged because of excess water lying on the surface."

Report by Roads

"This maintenance works is on our schedule of works to be carried out."

Councillor McGloin welcomed the response to his Notice of Motion. He also advised that he had received a a report of illegal dumping on that road. He requested this be referred to the Environment Department for the appropriate follow up.

I ask that the local road serving 7 households and a number of land holdings in the town land of Lisculfea, Ballinamore P.O. be declared a public road.

This proposal has the support of all householders and property owners adjoining it and is used extensively by members of the public to access the fishing area at Callohill Lake (known locally as the Burrow Lake) which supports the local tourism product and is used for competition purposes.

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

"I ask that the local road serving seven households and a number of land holdings in the town land of Lisculfea, Ballinamore P.O. be declared a public road.

This proposal has the support of all householders and property owners adjoining it and is used extensively by members of the public to access the fishing area at Callohill Lake (known locally as the Burrow Lake) which supports the local tourism product and is used for competition purposes."

Report by Roads

"When considering an application to declare a road a public road, the local authority must, among other stipulations, consider the financial implications for the authority of the proposed declaration. The council’s policy at the moment is that we are not expanding the road network, giving the resources and the demands arising from the upkeep of our existing road network."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke is proposing this road be taken in charge by the Council.  He advised that while the road serves the households living on the road it also serves as the access road for anglers to access Callohill Lake.

The Notice of Motion was supported by all members.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the taking in charge of estates needs to be progressed with the Planning Department. 

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke advised that now the Notice of Motion was unanimously supported by all the members of Ballinamore MD, he will be referring the matter to the Planning Department to progress.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District take the necessary steps to make safe the short stretch of road along the R201 in the town land of Drumshanbo North which has a very acute depression on the east bound carriageway, thus posing a very dangerous situation to an unsuspecting motorist.

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

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District take the necessary steps to make safe the short stretch of road along the R201 in the town land of Drumshanbo North which has a very acute depression on the east bound carriageway. Thus, posing a very dangerous situation to an unsuspecting motorist."

Report by Roads

"We have assigned an RIG to the R201 in 2024 which will incorporate any depressions on the regional road within the Ballinamore MD. We will assess the current situation and advise if this grant needs to be pushed forward to 2023."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke advised that this road requires urgent attention.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that this road is a high-volume, high-speed road and that the temporary solution will be, to take out the depression by the Maintenance Crew.   He also advised that if additional funding becomes available that the matter can be reviewed.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District contact the Court Service to establish the current status of the Courthouse in Ballinamore and to clarify if any proposals are in progress regarding the future use of the building.

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

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District contact the Court Service to establish the current status of the Courthouse in Ballinamore and to clarify if any proposals are in progress regarding the future use of the building."

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn requested that the Council contact the Court Service to establish the status of the building.  She stated that it is an important landmark for the town of Ballinamore and that options should be explored to develop the facility for the community.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer confirmed that he had spoken directly to a representative from the Court Service earlier today. He outlined that any proposed development of the facility had not progressed over the last 18-20 months due to the impact of Covid 19.

Mr. Dwyer advised that there are examples where Community Groups have taken a lead role in taking on similar facilities and accessed funding streams for specific projects associated with a building.  He stated that if there is a local Community Group interested in acquiring the facility, that the Council will work with them in this regard however, he outlined that a viable project would need to be prepared to access any suitable funding streams that become available for the project. Mr. Dwyer advised that the roof on the building was repaired by the Courts Service but there would be significant cost implications to bring the building back to use.  Mr. Dwyer concluded by stating that the Local Community Group would have access to funding streams that are not available to the Local Authority.

Councillor Enda McGloin requested clarification if the model is the same as Leitrim County Council are pursuing with Keshcarrigan and Dromahair Garda Stations where they acquire the properties from the OPW and the buildings are then leased back to the community under a 25/30-year lease.  The community look for funding to fund their ideas.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer agreed stating that the Community Group need to have a viable project developed for the facility in advance of the opportunity to acquire the facility becoming available. He also stated that a Project Brief would need to be in place and ready to submit should a suitable funding stream for the project become available.

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn requested that the Councill meet with the Community Group to discuss the project.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that a meeting with the Community Group would be facilitated once the Group has been established and is operational.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke outlined that Councillor Caillian Ellis has been engaging with local Oireachtas Members to lend their support to progressing the proposal.  Councillor O’Rourke queried if the transfer of the building from the Court Service to the local Community Group could be progressed for a nominal fee.

Councillor O’Rourke suggested liaising with other groups who are working on projects associated with John McGahern. Councillor O’Rourke would welcome an opportunity to look at the Courthouse, in tandem with the town team and  ...  view the full minutes text for item BMD.9.22

I  request Ballinamore Municipal District to contact the Local Link Service to establish if a designated phone number can be provided to assist Public Representatives to respond to queries received regarding the operation of the Local Link Service in Leitrim.

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

"I request Ballinamore Municipal District to contact the Local Link Service to establish if a designated phone number can be provided to assist Public Representatives to respond to queries received regard the operation of the Local Link Service in Leitrim."

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn advised that she had been contacted by people from Aughavas, who have no car, who reported to her that there was no local link or bus connection to the train station.  Councillor Reynold Flynn was unable to contact Local Link to clarify the matter and no one from Local Link returned her call.   

Proposed by Councillor Ita-Reynolds Flynn, seconded by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke and unanimously supported that "Ballinamore Municipal District to contact the Local Link Service to establish if a designated phone number can be provided to assist Public Representatives to respond to queries received regard the operation of the Local Link Service in Leitrim."

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District write to Ministers Eamon Ryan and Ossian Smyth and ask them when will the provision of financial support to persons with Lifelong/Longterm medical incontinence be introduced under the Household Waste charging arrangements. It has been a Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment proposal since the Summer of 2016 in advance of pay by weight for the removal of household waste being introduced.

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

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District write to Ministers Eamon Ryan and Ossian Smyth and ask them when will the provision of financial support to persons with Lifelong/Longterm medical incontinence be introduced under the Household Waste charging arrangements. It has been a Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment proposal since the Summer of 2016 in advance of pay by weight being introduced."

Councillor Brendan Barry advised that it is critical that the necessary financial support is put in place to compensate households affected by incontinence to offset the additional costs incurred by these households in disposing of their household waste.  Councillor Barry stated that it is over six years since these measures should have been implemented in tandem with the introduction of the Pay by Weight Waste Collection Charges.

Councillor Ita-Reynolds supported the Notice of Motion and said she was aware of many households that would benefit from this proposal.

Proposed by Councillor Brendan Barry, seconded by Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn and unanimously supported that ‘’Ballinamore Municipal District write to Ministers Eamon Ryan and Ossian Smyth and ask them when will the provision of financial support to persons with Lifelong/Longterm medical incontinence be introduced under the Household Waste charging arrangements. It has been a Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment proposal since the Summer of 2016 in advance of pay by weight being introduced."

I request an update on the housing estates that Leitrim County Council expects to take in charge in 2022 and the time period involved.

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

"I request an update on the housing estates that Leitrim County Council expects to take in charge in 2022 and the time period involved."

Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.

"The Council has not yet determined the number of estates that it proposes to take in charge this year. In determining the estates that are to be taken in charge the Council has to have regard to both its own resources and those of Irish Water and discussions on the available resources and capacities of both organisations have yet to be concluded. In addition to the resource capacities, issues relating to any necessary wayleaves that also have to be obtained will also have to be finalised in respect of any estates that are to be considered for taking in charge before they can be finalised. As a consequence, the Council will not be in a position to advise the exact number of estates that may be taken in charge until such time as it is in a position to initiate the statutory declaration of public roads public consultation process for the estates, which should take place at the end of the year."

Councillor Brendan Barry expressed his disappointed in the progress achieved by the Council regarding the taking in charge of additional estates in the county.  He expressed his disappointment with the lack of clarity in the response in terms of the timescale involved in concluding the taking in charge process for several estates in the county.

Councillor Barry also proposed that a member of the Planning Department attend a Municipal District meeting to discuss this issue further or have a Workshop for the members.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion and the proposal that a Workshop be facilitated with the members and the Planning Department to get additional clarity on the process and the issues that are impacting on the taking in charge process.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that it is difficult to get some of these estates taken in charge due to all the stakeholders involved particularly Irish Water.  He advised that other issues that present challenges are wayleaves and land ownership.  Mr. Dwyer agreed to discuss the matter at Management Team and to provide an update to the members at the next Municipal District meeting.

Councillor Barry expressed his concern that Irish Water can hold up the taking of estates in charges by refusing to take the infrastructure in charge. He also referred to the householder’s expectations that the Council will be taking their estates in charge within a reasonable timeframe. 

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have repair works carried out on the Laragan Road, L7305, in Drumshanbo from where previous resurfacing works took place to the end of the road.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have repair works carried out on the Laragan Road, L7305, in Drumshanbo from where previous resurfacing works took place to the end of the road."

Report by Roads

"The local road L-7305 in Laragan is not included in our RIG Programme. We can include this road for surface dressing grant for approval by the Elected Members in March."

Councillor Gerry Dolan outlined that this is one of the most used cul de sacs roads in the Ballinamore Municipal District.  He stated that the road is in bad condition where the felling of forestry is also taking place.  Councillor Dolan requested that this section of road be patched with black top.

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

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle agreed to send the Patching Unit out to carry out works. He also agreed to contact the Forestry Company to discuss if they would provide the match funding for a CIS.

A.O.B

The following items were raised under AOB.

1.         Public Lighting Outage in Ballinamore: Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn advised that the public lights in Ballinamore are out from Ciaran Smyth’s up the Main Street. 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle agreed to refer the matter to the Sub-Contractor

2.      Active TravelFunding Allocation: Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed the announcement Leitrim County Council have been allocated almost €2.1 million under the Active Travel Scheme to improve walking and cycling infrastructure in the county in 2022.

3.      Date & time of next meeting

Ms. Sinead Flynn advised that the next meeting of Ballinamore MD will take place on Monday 28^th February, 2022 at 10.30 a.m. via MS Teams. Ms. Flynn also advised that the CPG will be reviewing if the Municipal District meetings return to meeting in person and that the members will be advised accordingly in advance of the next meeting.