Agenda and minutes

Deimhniu Miontuairisci

At the outset of the meeting the Cathaoirleach, Councillor Caillian Ellis welcomed the members to the first meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District to be held in person in 2022. Councillor Ellis paid tribute to the Committee that manage the Island Theatre in Ballinamore and he welcomed the opportunity to host the MD meetings in this venue.  These comments were unanimously supported by all members. 

BMD/22/31

28/03/2022                                         Approval of Minutes

Proposed by Councillor Enda McGloin, seconded by Councillor Brendan Barry AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of Ballinamore Municipal District meeting held on Monday 28^th February, 2022 be adopted.”

Mr. Vincent Dwyer presented an over-view of the Communities & Festival Funds Scheme for Ballinamore Municipal District. The report as circulated to the Members appears as Appendix No. 1 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book.

The funding allocation was welcomed by the members.

Proposed by Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn, seconded by Councillor Brendan Barry AND UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED:

“That the Communities & Festival Funds Scheme 2022 for Ballinamore Municipal District be approved.”

Mr. Dwyer advised that given the scale of the Cowboys & Heroes Festival that an alternative funding stream has been identified for this festival.

Ms. Sinead Flynn advised that there were no items circulated under Meetings Correspondence.  She advised that replies are awaited on several items.

Councillor Enda McGloin expressed his dis-satisfaction with the lack of a response from An Post on the removal of post boxes in two locations in the Ballinamore Municipal District.  He requested that a letter issue to Minister Eamon Ryan, Minister for Communications to raise this issue with him.

Ms. Flynn agreed to this request.

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District is there any funding available for lighting at Stradermot, Ballinamore?

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

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District is there any funding available for lighting at Stradermot, Ballinamore?"

Report by Roads

"The District Office has no discretionary budget available for public lighting. If the area in question is within the speed limits, then there is an option for the local community to apply for Clar funding which is specifically targeted at new public lighting on public roads."

Mr. O’Boyle outlined that an application for Clar Funding can be submitted and that a Community Group can submit applications for public lighting for a number of locations in Ballinamore.

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District is there any plans for a bridge at the end of Ballinamore town?

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

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District if there any plans for the Council to provide a bridge at the end of Ballinamore town?"

Report by Roads

"Neither the District Office nor the Active Travel Department have any current plans for a footbridge at the existing road bridge over the river/canal."

Councillor Ita-Reynolds Flynn stated that this area in Ballinamore is very busy with pedestrians especially school children during term time. She further stated that the provision of a footbridge would take pedestrians away from the bridge and make it a safer option for both pedestrians and motorists.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle agreed that the provision of a footbridge at this location would be a great idea for pedestrians, however, he outlined that a funding source would have to be identified to fund the proposal. Mr. O’Boyle agreed to review the matter with Mr. Terry McGovern, Senior Engineer to establish if any funding would be available under the Active Travel Programme.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer agreed to raise the proposal with Mr. Shay O’Connor, Senior Engineer in the Capital Office to establish if any funding streams could be identified for this proposal.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District contact the Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) Manager and ask that since the reconfiguration to CDNT, when were the positions for the following disciplines Physiotherapy, Psychology, Occupational Therapy and
Speech and Language Therapy specific to County Leitrim filled?
I also wish to ask for what periods of time since reconfiguration have the therapists in the above disciplines not been available as part of the team? and when will any vacancies on the CDNT in County Leitrim be filled?

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

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District contact the Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) Manager and ask that since the reconfiguration to CDNT, when were the positions for the following disciplines Physiotherapy, Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy specific to County Leitrim filled? I also wish to ask for what periods of time since reconfiguration have the therapists in the above disciplines not been available as part of the team? and when will any vacancies on the CDNT in County Leitrim be filled?"

Proposed by Councillor Brendan Barry, seconded by Councillor Enda McGloin and unanimously supported that ‘Ballinamore Municipal District contact the Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) Manager and ask that since the reconfiguration to CDNT, when were the positions for the following disciplines Physiotherapy, Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy specific to County Leitrim filled? I also wish to ask for what periods of time since reconfiguration have the therapists in the above disciplines not been available as part of the team? and when will any vacancies on the CDNT in County Leitrim be filled?"

Councillor Barry outlined that there are several posts within the Children’s Disability Network that remain unfilled since the re-configuration of the Team. He stated that it is vital that all vacant posts are filled as soon as possible to deliver the essential health care services to the children accessing these services.

The Members unanimously supported Councillor Barry’s Notice of Motion.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District repair and resurface a short section of local road from beside Drumaweel Bridge on the L3356 in towards Crummy townland as the the middle of this narrow road is very high and catching the bottom of cars.

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

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District repair and resurface a short section of local road from beside Drumaweel Bridge on the L3356 in towards Crummy townland. The middle of this narrow road is very high and catching the bottom of cars."

Report by Roads

"The local road L-3356-1 is not on our 3-year Road Works Programme, however, we will carry out maintenance works on this road."

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District resurface a section of the R202 in the townland of Longstone, Ballinamore.

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

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District resurface a section of the R202 in the townland of Longstone, Ballinamore"

Report by Roads

"The District Office has no grant applicable to this section of the R202 at Longstone. We have a Restoration Grant on the local connector road Longstone in 2023. The road needs to be raised due to climatic flooding and we will endeavour to apply for a Climate Action Grant on this section in 2023. This will allow us to raise the road and reduce the road flood incidences."

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District write to Watersway Ireland to ask them to arrange to clean the walkway between Ballinamore and Aghoo Bridge.

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

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District write to Watersway Ireland to ask them to arrange to clean the walkway between Ballinamore and Aghoo Bridge."

Proposed by Councillor Caillian Ellis, seconded by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke and unanimously supported that: ‘Ballinamore Municipal District write to Watersway Ireland to ask them to arrange to clean the walkway between Ballinamore and Aghoo Bridge.’

With the agreement of the Cathaoirleach, it was agreed to hear the Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Gerry Dolan and Councillor Enda McGloin concurrently as they both relate to the same item on the recent flooding incidents in Ballinagleara which occurred last summer.

Is there a new LIS Scheme being rolled out in County Leitrim and especially the Ballinamore Municipal Area?

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

"I welcome the recent allocations of monies for the Ballinaglera Flood Relief. I now ask Ballinamore Municipal District to undertake estimated repair costs on all the bridges and fencing which was destroyed in the flood. This needs to be done as soon as possible as some people still have no access onto their lands."

Report by Roads - South Leitrim Area

"The District Office will carry out surfacing of the L-42961 which was badly undermined during last years flash flooding incident. We hope to resurface this road in the next couple of months. We are currently working at repairs to Stoney River Bridge and embankment in this area. We will be clearing the channels in co-operation with the OPW later in the summer."

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

"I request an update as to when the works successfully funded by the OPW for storm damage at Ballinaglera (last August) will commence and if the road from the Parochial House up will be funded separately under an OPW Scheme."

Report by Roads

"The District Office will carry out surfacing of the L-42961 which was badly undermined during last year’s flash flooding incident. We hope to resurface this road in the next couple of months. We are currently working at repairs to Stoney River Bridge and embankment in this area. We will be clearing the channels in co-operation with the OPW later in the summer."

Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed the reply to his Notice of Motion. He stated that it is important that these works are progressed as soon as possible as the flooding incident had a devasting impact on the local community.

Councillor Gerry Dolan also called on the Council to carry out the works as soon as possible. He queried the position on the repair of the two bridges.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle confirmed that the Capital Office had applied for funding for the bridge works. He also stated that he is in discussions with the OPW to establish if they will be providing any funding for the necessary works.

Councillor Enda McGloin agreed to follow up with the Ministers Office and get clarity on the funding allocation. 

I welcome the recent allocations of monies for the Ballinaglera flood relief, I now ask Ballinamore Municipal District to undertake estimated repair costs on all the bridges and fencing which was destroyed in the flood. This needs to be done as soon as possible as some people still have no access onto there lands.

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

"Is there a new LIS Scheme being rolled out in County Leitrim and in particular for the Ballinamore Municipal District Area?"

Report by Roads

"The LIS Scheme is not open to new applicants at the moment, as there is still over 50 on the waiting list, and we want to get this cleared before reopening the scheme. We have written to all applicants on the list, to update their details, as their details/particulars may have changed since their application was lodged. To date, we have not received our allocation for the current year, but if it is in line with previous years, we should be able to get 10 to 15 schemes completed, depending on the size of each project. We have made requests from the department for a sufficient allocation, to clear the backlog, but as stated, the 2022 allocations have not yet been notified."

I request Ballinamore Municipal District to consider installing a water tap at the graveyard in Fahy, Ballinaglera for the convenience of families attending to their plots.

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

"I request Ballinamore Municipal District to consider installing a water tap at the graveyard in Fahy, Ballinaglera for the convenience of families attending to their plots."

Report by Roads

"Any new water connections will have to be issued by Irish water. If the Graveyard Community wish to make an application to IW for a connection, they can apply for grant aid under the LCC Graveyard Policy Grants. They can contact the District Office for any advice and assistance on this matter."

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to consider carrying out the necessary repairs to local roads L15023 and L15021 in the townlands of Carrickmakeegan and Ardunsanagh which would apart from providing safe travel would provide an excellent loop for walking and exercise purposes.

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

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to consider carrying out the necessary repairs to local roads L15023 and L15021 in the townlands of Carrickmakeegan and Ardunsanagh which would apart from providing safe travel would provide an excellent loop for walking and exercise purposes."

Report by Roads

"The District Office has a grant on the L-1502-1 this year. The L-15021-0 has no grant allocation within our 3-year Programme. As it is a public road, we will carry out maintenance when needed."

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to carry out the necessary repairs to local road L54890 in the townlands of Drumlea, Arderry and Aughalough.

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

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to carry out the necessary repairs to local road L54890 in the townlands of Drumlea, Arderry and Aughalough."

Report by Roads

"We will dispatch our Maintenance Crew to this public road."

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

1. Ballinamore Courthouse: Councillor Caillian Ellis raised the issue of Ballinamore Courthouse. He referred to a letter he received from Senator Robby Gallagher which stated that the Court Service were prepared to dispose of the Courthouse in Ballinamore to Leitrim County Council free of charge. Councillor Ellis stated that the Council refused to take over the building.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer stated that there had been very little communication from the Court Services on this matter. He advised that the Council would not be able to take on the building as there is no funding stream that could be accessed to meet the operational costs for the building. Mr. Dwyer outlined that the Council will support a Local Community Group to advance a project proposal for the building. He further outlined that the Council will support a Community Group in developing a project brief and accessing suitable funding streams for the project.

Mr. Dwyer confirmed that arrangements are in progress with Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn to arrange a meeting with the local Community Group and Officials from Leitrim County Council.  He advised that the Community Group have provided a Project Plan for the building.

Councillor Ellis again queried why the Council would not take over the building. Mr. Dwyer further outlined the reasons as to why the Council would not take over the building. He explained in detail the proposed methodology of the Council engaging with the local Community Group to assist them in developing their project brief and assisting them with accessing a suitable funding stream for the project.

Councillor Enda McGloin and Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn welcomed that a meeting with the Local Community Group will take place to progress the matter.

Mr. Dwyer concluded by stating that he will provide an update at the next meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District.

2. Workshop on Unfinished Estates: Mr. Vincent Dwyer informed the members that a Workshop on Unfinished Estates will take place before the May meeting of the Ballinamore Municipal District meeting at 9.30 a.m. in the Island Theatre, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim.

3. Disabled Car-Parking Spaces in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim: Councillor Brendan Barry raised the issue on the marking of the allocated spaces for Disabled Drivers in Carrick-on-Shannon following the recent completion of the Public Realm Works in the town.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle confirmed that the spaces allocated within the Public Realm Works for Disabled Persons Parking will not be painted in blue. He advised that they will possibly be painted white with a wheelchair symbol on them.

Councillor Barry outlined that the lack of visibility of the allocated spaces for Disabled Persons Parking is causing difficulty. He advised that there is a   fear that if the spaces are not visibly marked for Disabled Persons Parking then there is a likelihood that other motorists will take these spaces for parking.

Mr. O’Boyle outlined that the Draft Parking Bye-Laws for Carrick-on-Shannon are currently at public consultation stage. He also outlined that the Community Wardens will  ...  view the full minutes text for item BMD.45.22