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 18^th January, 2022 be adopted.”

Mr. Vincent Dwyer gave a report on the Schedule of Municipal District Works for 2022. The report as circulated to the Members appears as Appendix 1 to the minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book. Mr. Terry McGovern, Senior Engineer gave a report on the Annual Area Programme 2022. The report as circulated to the members which appears as Appendix 2 to the minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book.

Mr. McGovern outlined the following - the 2022 Regional & Local Road Grant Allocations were received from the Department of Transport on 15^th February, 2022. He advised that the allocation for Restoration Improvement Grants is up 8.4% on last year and the allocation for surface dressing grants is up 4.1%. Mr. McGovern noted however, that the increase in funding will be impacted by the increased prices for materials in particular bitumen. He also outlined that the Discretionary Maintenance Grant is down by 1.5% and the funding for the Bridge Improvement Works has increased this year with four bridges approved in the Ballinamore area - Lavour Bridge, Selton Hill, Druminshin Bridge and Dyers Bar Bridge.

He advised that the allocation for the Low-Cost Safety Funding has decreased slightly, however, he further advised that the Local Roads Grant and the Amenity Grants approved at the Budget meeting for 2022 increased by 7%.

Mr. McGovern stated that the Road Drainage Grant is the same as last year and CIS funding is down about 50%. He also advised that Climate Change funding has increased and that funding has been received for two Low-Cost Safety Schemes and six Active Travel Schemes in the Ballinamore area as outlined in the Roads Programme.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer outlined that there are fourteen roads proposed for Restoration Maintenance Grants, and twenty Roads proposed for Restoration Improvement Grants in 2022. He advised that once a grant has been allocated to the Lavour Bridge under the Bridge Rehabilitation Works, that the bridge will be re-opened to the public. Mr. O’Boyle confirmed that the €10,000 for the Drainage Grant will be assigned to the Ballinamore/Ballyconnell Scheme. He also advised that funding under the Climate Action Works will be provided at the Leitrim side of the bridge at Cornafest, Carrigallen.

The report was noted by the Members and the following items were raised:

·       Councillor Paddy O’Rourke queried the rationale for the Council spending money building up a road at Cornafest when the main issue is the flooding of the road by the nearby river. He proposed that if the Cullies River was drained and the bed was reduced by 12 to 15 inches, the threat of flooding on this road may be eliminated.

Mr. O’Boyle outlined that the funding received by the Council finances the completion of drainage works associated with road flooding. He further outlined that the drainage of the river or lowering of the water levels would not be the appropriate response and that the completion of these works would also require the Council to  ...  view the full minutes text for item BMD.16.21

Meetings Correspondence 

1. Letter dated 21^st February 2022 from Ms. Fiona O’Shea, Manager, Local Link.

Ms. Sinead Flynn outlined that a letter was received with the contact details for Local Link in response to Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn’s Notice of Motion.

2. Follow up on outstanding Reply from An Post.

• Councillor Enda McGloin asked if a response was received from An Post.

Ms. Flynn outlined that the last detailed correspondence issued to the Chief Executive of An Post to which no response was received.

• Councillor McGloin advised that his Notice of Motion was included on the Agenda of the October 2019 meeting regarding the theft or removal of Post Boxes, three in the Ballinamore Municipal District and one in Ballinagleara. Councillor McGloin expressed his dis-satisfaction at An Post’s failure to engage or reply to Leitrim County Council and he asked that the media present would highlight the issue.

Councillor McGloin proposed that a letter issue to the Minister of Communications Mr. Eamon Ryan outlining the lack of response received from An Post in relation to this matter.

Ms. Flynn agreed to issue a letter in this regard.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District review the road signage layout at Ardcolum, Drumshanbo to cater for traffic turning into Barna Waste and other businesses on that section of road. This work could include a small traffic island turning junction and warning speed signs to slow down traffic.

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

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District review the road signage layout at Ardcolum, Drumshanbo to cater for traffic turning into Barna Waste and other businesses on that section of road. This work could include a small traffic island turning junction and warning speed signs to slow down traffic."

Report by Roads

"The District Office will highlight these works for inclusion in future Low-Cost Safety measures. The inclusion of a segregated traffic island will have to be examined by the Road Design Office as part of this submission."

Councillor McGloin advised that there is a lot of traffic on this road and when people are turning into the various businesses, there is a possibility of an accident happening.

Mr. O’Boyle confirmed that the matter will be reviewed by the Road Design Office.

Can I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to examine the junction from Keshcarrigan to Gorvagh/Mohill at the R3452/R3051. Vehicles coming from the Gorvagh direction towards Kesh have very poor vision of on-coming traffic from the Mohill direction. Perhaps an application can be made to improve vision lines here?

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

"Can I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to examine the junction from Keshcarrigan to Gorvagh/Mohill at the R3452/R3051. Vehicles coming from the Gorvagh direction towards Kesh have very poor vision of on-coming traffic from the Mohill direction. Perhaps an application can be made to improve vision lines here?"

Report by Roads

"The junction L-3452 with the L-3051 will be re-lined and this is to encourage traffic to approach the junction at the right angle. There is vegetation that can be removed to allow clearer sight distances at this location. The verge trimming and vegetation removal will be carried out in September in line with the Wildlife Act."

Councillor McGloin welcomed the reply.

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal members write to An Taoiseach, An Tánaiste and Pascal Donohoe, Minister for Finance, to reduce the VAT Rate on diesel and petrol by 50% for six months to help reduce the cost of living.

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

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal members write to An Taoiseach, An Tánaiste and Pascal Donohoe, Minister for Finance, to reduce the VAT Rate on diesel and petrol by 50% for six months to help reduce the cost of living."

Councillor Caillian Ellis outlined the impact of the fuel increases on the farming industry in particular 

and requested that we write to all the other Local Authorities to support this Notice of Motion.

Ms. Sinead Flynn advised that correspondence would issue to the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Finance, Pascal Donohoe and that a copy of the correspondence can also be circulated to the other Local Authorities.

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

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District has there been any progress with the Department in relation to extending the sewerage scheme out to Aughoo on the R204 and also to extending the sewerage scheme out the R199 to Kilrush, Ballinamore.

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

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District has there been any progress with the Department in relation to extending the sewerage scheme out to Aughoo on the R204 and also to extending the sewerage scheme out the R199 to Kilrush, Ballinamore."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services  

"These two proposed Sewerage Schemes are currently being reviewed by Leitrim County Council along with other Group Sewerage Schemes for consideration for inclusion in the new Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2022-2024. The framework for the new programme has not yet been released by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and we expect it will be published in the next few months. It is expected that the new Multi Annual Programme will include a provision of funding for new Group Sewerage Schemes with details regarding eligibility and funding rates. All proposed schemes will be assessed for feasibility and eligibility based on the level of grant funding available. Shortlisted schemes will then be submitted to the Department to bid for funding to deliver the schemes. Please note that schemes that are submitted to the Department for funding are not guaranteed funding. An Expert Panel in the Department will review each submission and decide on the approval of schemes.

All schemes will be notified of the outcome of this shortlisting process. As soon as the Multi Annual Rural Water Framework is released each Member of Leitrim County Council will receive a copy of the Framework from Leitrim County Council."

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that when the Council is notified of the new Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2022-2024, it will be circulated to the members.

When is the expected commencement date of the proposed development in Lahard, Ballinamore?

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

"When is the expected commencement date of the proposed development in Lahard, Ballinamore?"

Report by Director of Services, Housing and Community, Corporate Services, Cultural and Emergency Services

"It is expected that the contract with the preferred tenderer for the housing project at Lahard, Ballinamore will be signed the week commencing 28th February 2022. It is envisaged that construction work will begin during April 2022 and that the 10 Unit Residential Housing project will be complete in Q3 2023."

With the agreement of the Chairperson, Councillor Enda McGloin moved this Notice of Motion on behalf of Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn.

This update was welcomed by the Members.

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to repair the verge on the L15882 from Gortermone Cross to bridge in Beaghmore, Carrigallen.

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

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to repair the verge on the L15882 from Gortermone Cross to bridge in Beaghmore, Carrigallen."

Report by Roads - General

"The L-15882 is a public cul de sac and only used by a single farm. The L-1588-2 is the public road from Gortemone to Beaghmore. We can review this area in the summer months during our road works programme. Any verges that have subsided can then be repaired."

With the agreement of the Chairperson, Councillor Enda McGloin moved this Notice of Motion on behalf of Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District seek funding to continue the footpath from the graveyard in Drumshanbo, by Mountain View Estate out to the Department of Agriculture Offices.  The wall along Mountain View Estate needs to be completed and made safe as part of these works.

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

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District seek funding to continue the footpath from the graveyard in

Drumshanbo, by Mountain View Estate out to the Department of Agriculture Offices. The wall along Mountain View Estate needs to be completed and made safe as part of these works."

Report by Roads

"These works can be included for Active Travel Schemes submission. The construction of the wall may not be funded from the Active Travel Scheme. The Mountain View Estate has been taken in charge and the Local Authority are now responsible for the roads, footpaths, public lighting and storm drainage systems only."

Councillor Barry welcomed the response in relation to the footpath, however, he outlined that in tandem with the footpath, the wall needs to be made safe and finished off as part of the taking in charge works.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the Council do not have the responsibility to repair the wall in the estate once the estate is taken in charge.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion and he requested clarification on the value of the Bond for the estate. Councillor McGloin advised that the future sale of sites remaining within this estate may generate service charges for the Council which could be used to finance the cost of repairing the wall.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that the bond that was in place for the estate was significantly less than what was needed to complete all the works and that essential works would have to be prioritised. Mr. Dwyer undertook to review the matter and revert with an update.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District repair Roscarban Bridge over the canal on the L3393-0 in Drumcong.  These works are urgently required as part of the wall is missing and there is a 20ft drop into the canal.

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

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District repair Roscarban Bridge over the canal on the L3393-0 in Drumcong. These works are urgently required as part of the wall is missing and there is a 20ft drop into the canal."

Report by Roads

"The District Office has discussed this with Waterways Ireland and we intend to include this bridge as part of our future bridge rehabilitation works. The 2022 Bridge rehab works for Ballinamore MD includes Lavaur Bridge, Selton Hill Bridge, Druminshin Glebe Bridge and Dyers Bridge."

Councillor Brendan Barry welcomed the response that Waterways Ireland will carry out the works.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion. He also requested that lay-byes be placed on this road to allow for the flow of traffic as it is not wide enough for two cars to pass.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that once there is an RIG on this road lay-byes will be provided.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to erect warning signs, prior to the stop signs at Keeldra Cross, Cloone as this is a dangerous junction.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to erect warning signs, prior to the stop signs at Keeldra Cross, Cloone as this is a dangerous junction."

Report by Roads

"We will review this junction and erect the appropriate signage and lining."

Councillor Gerry Dolan advised that the ‘Stop’ sign is at the end of the road and there is no warning of a major road ahead.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the appropriate signs will be erected.

Councillor Caillian Ellis supported the Notice of Motion. He stated that there are two big drains at this junction and he queried if works could be completed to make this safer for motorists.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that this is a busy local road and that the only potential solution would be to apply for a Low-Cost Safety Scheme at this junction.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District that when granting tree felling licences, that foresters must first carry out an audit of the site regarding power lines and fell around these first. At present, power is being cut off and on during the whole timeline of felling.  This is causing major disruption to the area where it is being done, as is currently happening in Aghacashel.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District that when granting tree felling licences, that foresters must first carry out an audit of the site regarding power lines and fell around these first. At present, power is being cut off and on during the whole timeline of felling. This is causing major disruption to the area where it is being done, as is currently happening in Aghacashel."

Report by Roads

"The tree felling licences are granted by the Department of Agriculture. The Local Authority submit observations for all tree felling and tree plants licences. These observations are included in the Local Authority submissions to the Department of Agriculture. Any tree felling licence granted by the Department would include stringent health and safety requirements. The forestry activity is not under the Local Authority charge, however, the use of the public infrastructure by Forestry Companies are monitored by Local Authorities."

Councillor Gerry Dolan advised that a Forestry Company is currently felling trees in Aghacashel. He outlined that the extraction is causing power outages when overhead cables are interfered with by the trucks extracting the timber. Councillor Dolan stated that the frequent power outages are unacceptable especially for families with young children, persons with underlying medical conditions and the elderly.

Councillor Dolan proposed that a letter issue to the Department of Agriculture requesting that there is a clause inserted in the Tree-Felling Licences to minimise the disruption to households living close to forestry plantations during the extraction process.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the Department of Agriculture issue Tree Felling Licences.

Ms. Sinead Flynn agreed to issue a letter in this regard.

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District that the road markings at the junction known as the finger board townlands of Calloughs, the town side of the Cattle Mart at Carrigallen be re-drawn to take account of the increased traffic volume.  New road signage is also required in the village indicating the right of way following the route of the R201.  Finally, Glan Cross at Beaghmore needs re-marking with possibly an island to be created and signage erected to improve what is currently a very dangerous situation.

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

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District that the road markings at the junction known as the finger board townlands of Calloughs, the town side of the Cattle Mart at Carrigallen be re-drawn to take account of the increased traffic volume. New road signage is also required in the village indicating the right of way following the route of the R201. Finally, Glan Cross at Beaghmore needs re-marking with possibly an island to be created and signage erected to improve what is currently a very dangerous situation."

Report by Roads  

"We will re-establish the road markings at this location during our road works programme later in the year. There are currently two advance signs indicating the 90 degree turn for the R201. We can refresh the junction road markings as part of the road works programme also. Finally, we are unaware of any recorded incidences at the Glan Cross junction. We can submit this junction for low-cost safety works if required, however, this funding is reliant on reported incidents and accidents occurring at the location."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke advised that the traffic island as you come out the R201 from Carrigallen and branch off towards Ballyconnell/Ballinamore at the cattle mart requires modification.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that once the road markings are completed in Carrigallen it will define the proper through traffic for motorists. He advised that funding is not available to paint the yellow boxes in Carrigallen.

Mr. O’Boyle agreed to meet Councillor O’Rourke and review the traffic island.

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District can a sign be erected indicating Aughawillan off the R199 at Cormahon.  This would alleviate traffic congestion during times of ceremonies and events in the church and school and clarify directions for those using Sat Navs.

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

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District can a sign be erected indicating Aughawillan off the R199 at

Cormahon. This would alleviate traffic congestion during times of ceremonies and events in the church and school and clarify directions for those using Sat Navs."

Report by Roads

"Aghawillin is signposted on the previous Garadice Junction to the Coramahon Junction. This directional signage is preferred as the road is more capable of catering for visiting or tourist traffic. The Cormahon Road (l-13730) is not suitable for heavy traffic volumes."

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle outlined that he is not agreeable to directing traffic on to the Cormahon Road as it is too narrow and there is a big fall off on this road. Mr. O’Boyle advised that once there is an RIG on this road, lay byes can be considered and the issue revisited.

The following items were raised with the consent of the Chairperson.

1.     Meals on wheels

Councillor Gerry Dolan advised that a Meals on Wheels Service in the Ballinagleara/Dowra area for the last 18 years was contracted to a local man, Mr. John McGourty. Councillor Dolan outlined that recently, the HSE has awarded the contract to an alternative Company based in North Leitrim. He proposed that a letter issue to the HSE expressing dis-satisfaction that the previous Supplier is no longer contracted to provide this service.

Councillor Enda McGloin and all the members supported Councillor Dolan. Councillor McGloin advised that the contract was awarded to a business operating out of a commercial kitchen based in Glenfarne, Co. Leitrim. He also advised that this facility is subsidised by the HSE and he proposed writing to the HSE and Leitrim Development Company for clarification on the matter.

Ms. Sinead Flynn requested that Councillor Dolan should submit the full wording on the matter and that a letter can then issue to the HSE.

2.     Date and Time of Next Meeting

Councillor Enda McGloin requested that the Ballinamore Municipal District meetings return to being held in person rather than the meetings being held online. He advised that a meeting space could be provided free of charge in the Food Hub in Drumshanbo to host the meeting.

Councillor Caillian Ellis suggested that the next Municipal District meeting be held in the Island Theatre, Ballinamore.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that the CPG are meeting on Friday and will be reviewing if the Municipal District meetings return to meeting in person.

Ms. Sinead Flynn advised that the next meeting of Ballinamore MD will take place on Monday 28^th March, 2022 at 10.30 a.m. with the meeting location to be confirmed.

3.     Sliabh An Iarainn/Ballinagleara Scenie Drive.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that the marketing of this route is part of the overall Lough Allen Drive Route and marketing is ongoing in this area.