Agenda and minutes

Proposed by Councillor Enda McGloin, seconded by Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn and UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

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

1. Email received on the 6^thApril 2022 from Mr. Angus Laverty on behalf of An Post

Ms. Flynn outlined that a reply had been received on the 6^th April, 2022 from An Post in relation to the missing post boxes in the Ballinamore MD. She also stated she received a phone call from Mr. Angus Laverty, Public Affairs Manager with An Post sincerely apologising for the delay in responding to the correspondence.

Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed that An Post had eventually responded to the Notice of Motion. He proposed that a further response issue to An Post expressing the members disappointment on the length to time taken to reply to the members. Councillor McGloin also requested that the response should also outline the disappointment of the members that the Post Boxes that serve many people who live away from our towns and local Post Offices have not been restored.

He stated that the missing post box in Drumshanbo was strategically placed on the Leitrim/Roscommon border which was a convenient and safe place for people to stop and drop off post. Councillor McGloin also requested that An Post review their decision not to replace the Post Boxes and to provide a designated contact person to respond to any further queries on the matter.

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn advised that the Post Box from Cornageeha has also been removed.

Ms. Sinead Flynn agreed to issue further correspondence to An Post.

2.  Email received on the 6^th April, 2022 from the Office of An Taoiseach

Ms Flynn advised that an email had been received acknowledging receipt of letter of the 8^th March 2022 in relation to VAT on petrol and diesel.

3. Email received on the 8^th April, 2002 from the Office of the Minister from Finance

Ms. Flynn advised that an email had been received acknowledging receipt of letter of the 8^th March 2022 in relation to VAT on petrol and diesel.

Councillor Brendan Barry expressed his disappointment that no reply had been received from the Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) Manager on his Notice of Motion last month.

Ms. Flynn agreed to issue a reminder to the CDNT in this regard.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to review some subsidence on the L1313, Golf Links Road (Aughnasheelan side of the golf course) with a view to repairing and reinstatement before the busier Summer months.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Enda

       McGloin – Subsidence on the L1313

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to review some subsidence on the L1313, Golf Links Road (Aughnasheelan side of the Golf Course) with a view to repairing and reinstatement before the busier summer months."

Report by Roads

"The District Office has a Restoration Maintenance Grant on the L1313 (Golf Links Road) and we have programmed these works later this summer."

Councillor McGloin welcomed the reply.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle confirmed that there was an RIG on this road and surface dressing will be carried out later in the year. He also advised that the CLAR grants available cover public lighting and that a local Community Group may wish to apply for funding for public lighting at this location.

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to confirm the position regarding the advance purchase of a grave (plot) in local authority owned graveyards in Co. Leitrim and if the Director could clarify matters in this area.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Enda

 McGloin – Purchasing of Graveyard Plots

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to confirm the position regarding the advance purchase of a grave(plot) in Local Authority owned graveyards in Co. Leitrim and if the Director of Services can clarify matters in this area."

Report by Roads

"Leitrim County Council Burial Grounds Policy (2016-2022) as adopted by the Elected Members in July 2016, states that burial spaces are allocated only as the immediate need arises and on the demise of a person. Only in circumstances where a spouse is also alive, will a double or family plot be allocated. Regard will be had to special circumstances, e.g., a sole surviving offspring or sibling."

Councillor McGloin raised the concerns of people who have no extended family left behind and wish to have their affairs in order.

Mr. Dwyer advised that the policy had to be implemented as the previous policy provided for the sale of plots which had resulted in reducing graveyeard capacity in many locations. He outlined that a significant element of the advance purchase of burial spaces was to Leitrim natives that were living abroad. Mr. Dwyer stated that in many cases their desire to be returned to their native county for burial did not mateialise and this resulted in plots not being used. 

Councillor Caillian Ellis advised the policy in Fenagh Graveyard is that a plot is only allocated following the death of a parishioner.

Councillor McGloin queried if the policy provides for the purchase of a graveyard plot in advance by an individual on the understanding that the plot would be allocated following the death of the applicant.

Mr. O’Boyle advised that under the existing policy does not cater for this scenario. He advised that plots can only be purchased following the death of an individual or in circumstances where a person has a terminal illness. He also advised that a maximum of two plots can be purchased and that exceptions to the policy are rare. Mr. O’Boyle advised that the policy is necessary to keep a proper register of burial grounds and he stated that graveyard space is at a premium especially in Carrick-on-Shannon.

Councillor Brendan Barry queried if family plots are still available. Mr. O’Boyle advised that the maximum number of plots that can be purchased is two plots unless there are exceptional circumstances involved.

Councillor Enda McGloin queried what role Leitrim County Council would play if a Community Group wanted to engage with the Church to purchase a field to provide an additional grave-yard for their Parish.

Mr. Dwyer advised that the Council can provide technical support to the Local Community and he also advised that grant-aid may be available to assist with some of the costs.

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District is there any way that Christmas lights can be connected to the main electric lights in Ballinamore town? I believe this may be the case in Carrick-on-Shannon.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Ita

 Reynolds-Flynn – Christmas Lights in Ballinamore

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District is there any way that Christmas lights can be connected to the main electric lights in Ballinamore town? I believe this may be the case in Carrick-on-Shannon."

Report by Roads

"Christmas Lights need to have a separate connection. Our Public Lighting Contractor can no longer connect anything other than lights to the metered system. The case in Carrick on Shannon is that Carrick-on-Shannon Chamber of Commerce have a separate connection and pay separately for this service."

Mr. O’Boyle advised that in Carrick-on-Shannon, the Chamber of Commerce fundraise to pay for the Christmas lights, putting the lights up, taking them down, storage etc. He advised that the option of  connecting Christmas Lights to the public lighting system is not permitted.

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn acknowledged the reply to her Notice of Motion. She advised that she would communicate back this response to the local Business Community in Ballinamore.

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District if there is funding available for safety cameras in Ballinamore town?

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Ita

 Reynolds Flynn – Safety Cameras in Ballinamore

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District if there is funding available for safety cameras in Ballinamore town?"

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

"The Department of Justice operate a Community CCTV funding scheme to a maximum amount of €40,000 at a rate of 60% of total costs. Prior to applying a Community Group/Community Company would need to design and get approval from the Garda Commissioner for any proposed CCTV scheme for a Town or particular area, once Commissioner approval is received then an application for funding can be submitted to the Department of Justice for consideration."

Councillor Ita Reynold’s-Flynn acknowledged the reply to her Notice of Motion.

Mr. Dwyer advised Councillor Reynolds-Flynn that she may wish to raise this Notice of Motion with the Leitrim Joint Policing Committee (JPC).

Mr. Dwyer outlined that there are strict criteria in place with regard to the use of CCTV’s by Local Authorities. He stated that the Data Protection Commissioner can initiate prosecutions against Local Authorities if they do not have a legal basis to use CCTV.

Councillor McGloin advised that the CCTV Scheme in Carrick-on-Shannon has been very successful.

He also suggested that it would be worthwhile if the interested parties in Ballinamore arrange to meet with the Group in Carrick-on-Shannon to gain an understanding of the issues involved and how best to develop the proposal.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District contact Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O'Gorman to ask that funds which had been allocated for the salaries of Children's Disability Network Team members since July 2021 but was not used because the positions were not filled be used to hire private therapists to provide care to Children who have been left for months without full services from the new CDNT's and to deal with waiting lists.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor

 Brendan Barry – Salaries of CDNT Team Members

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District contact the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O'Gorman to ask that funds which had been allocated for the salaries of Children's Disability Network Team members since July 2021 but not used, because the positions were not filled be used to hire private Therapists to provide care to Children who have been left for months without full services from the new CDNT's and to deal with the waiting lists."

Councillor Brendan Barry called for the salaries savings arising from the reduction in the payroll costs to be distributed to families to fund the costs associated with the hire of Private Therapists. 

Councillor Caillian Ellis and all the members unanimously supported the Notice of Motion.

Councillor Enda McGloin queried why the public service cannot fill the positions if there is no issue with the availability of Physiotherapists in the private sector.

Councillor Barry outlined that additional Physiotherapists must be employed in the public sector to provide essential healthcare to children with therapy needs. He advised that many Physiotherapists are under extreme pressure when employed in the public system and that many of them are choosing to work privately. Councillor Barry advised that many families cannot afford to avail of theses services privately and that their children are missing out on essential therapy needed to assist them in their daily lives.

Councillor McGloin suggested that the Notice of Motion also be circulated to the local TD’s in addition to circulating the correspondence to Minister O’Gorman.

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn queried the involvement of the multi-disciplinary team that would be involved in such cases. Councillor Barry advised that heretofore there were two teams, an Early Intervention Team for younger children and a School Age Team, however, he advised that the two teams have been amalgamated into one team and that some of the staff have bene transferred to other posts in Primary Care.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke advised that he understands that responsibility for these teams will soon transfer from the Department of Health to the Department of Children.

I request that works be carried out on the most dangerous parts of verge on the R208 between Kilclare and Edentinny, Ballinamore.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor

 Brendan Barry – R208 between Kilclare & Edentinny

"I request that works be carried out on the most dangerous parts of verge on the R208 between Kilclare and Edentinny, Ballinamore."

Report by Roads

"We would require a Specific Improvement Grant for these works as it includes large scale road improvement, road widening and land purchase."

Councillor Barry requested remedial works be carried out on the worst sections on this road which has heavy traffic on it. He outlined that the stretch of road contained many dangerous corners and bends and advised of a depression in the road at the steel bridge on the R208 at Kiltybardon.

Mr. O’Boyle advised that areas in the road require strengthening. He advised that delineator signs can be installed as a temporary measure pending the approval of Specific Improvement Grant for the road.

Mr. O’Boyle further advised that any issues with the bridge will be addressed through the Bridge Rehabilitation Grant System.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke supported the Notice of Motion.

I propose that Leitrim County Council take in charge the car park between Main Street and the Riverside Apartments in Ballinamore.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Caillian

Ellis – Car Park between Main Street & Riverside Apartments

"I propose that Leitrim County Council take in charge the car park between Main Street and the Riverside Apartments in Ballinamore."

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

"The car park at the Riverside Apartments does not qualify for taking in charge under the provisions of section 180 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended. The taking in charge of any development is dependent on it containing a road of ‘general public utility’. The Riverside development does not contain such a road and consists solely of a car parking area. This car park only meets the minimum County Development Plan car parking standards for an apartment development and is necessary for the sole use of the apartment owners/occupants with there being no surplus car parking that would be considered as being available for the general public. As the car park does not constitute a road of ‘general public utility’, it will not be considered for taking in charge (under the planning code) and the responsibility for its maintenance will remain with the current Owners Management Company. The section of road between the Main Street and the public car park at the rear of the AIB Bank, is a public road and in charge of the Council – this was done when the Council developed the car park behind the bank.

It is open for the Council to take the car park in charge, but not under the planning code. As there is no ‘spare’ parking spaces available, there only being sufficient to meet the needs of the apartment development, the issue of the rights of owners/residents to a parking space, versus, the general publics right to park in the car park if it is taken in charge, would have to be resolved. There may also be issues of existing owner/residents rights that may be infringed."

Councillor Ellis noted the reply to his Notice of Motion.

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District resurface the road between the road leading up to Kiltymooden and the entrance to the Canal Walk in Ballinamore.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Caillian

 Ellis – Resurfacing of entrance to Canal Bank Walk, Ballinamore

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District resurface the road between the road leading up to Kiltymooden and the entrance to the Canal Walk in Ballinamore."

Report by Roads

"This road will be assessed, and maintenance carried out as appropriate."

Councillor Caillian Ellis advised is a popular walking route which is in very poor condition with a lot of potholes.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that Leitrim County Council have a right of way on the first section of this road and have been maintaining it. He advised that the ideal solution would be to ask Irish water to contribute to a CIS Scheme for the road.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion. He stated that Irish Water had carried out upgrade works at the Treatment Plant which had contributed to increased traffic on the road than would normally be the case.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke asked who owned the road if it is not a public road.

Mr. O’Boyle confirmed that the road is owned by the landowners.

Mr. Dwyer advised he would review the matter with Irish Water.

Mr. O’Boyle advised that the road will be maintained pending the discussion with Irish Water.

I call upon Ballinamore Municipal District to carry out the very necessary repairs to road No L15283-0 in the townland of Laheen, Killygar which has suffered badly over the winter due to poor drainage.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Paddy

O'Rourke – Road L-15283-0

"I call upon Ballinamore Municipal District to carry out the very necessary repairs to road No L15283-0 in the townland of Laheen, Killygar which has suffered badly over the winter due to poor drainage."

Report by Roads

"The public road L-15283-0 on the Cavan Border is not on our 3-year plan for Road Restoration. We will carry out maintenance on this public road. There is an option for the local community to avail of the Community Involvement Scheme, if they so wish, which will allow full restoration of the public road."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke advised he cannot see a CIS as a solution as there are a limited number of households residing locally that would contribute financially to provide the Local Contribution required for a CIS for the road.

Mr. O’Boyle confirmed that the road will be maintained.

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to erect a large sign indicating the right of way when entering Carrigallen along the R201.  The absence of adequate signage is leading to some motorist assuming they have the right of way to proceed across the junction towards the Longford direction resulting in potential danger.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Paddy

 O'Rourke – Road Signage Carrigallen

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to erect a large sign indicating the right of way when entering Carrigallen along the R201. The absence of adequate signage is leading to some motorists assuming they have the right of way to proceed across the junction towards the Longford direction resulting in potential danger."

Report by Roads

"The District Office will erect a new large junction sign at the current location and refresh the existing road markings this summer."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke welcomed the reply.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have the roadside drains from, known as Gilraine’s Bridge to Stranagarvanagh Bridge, Ballinaglera cleared to stop the water flowing out onto the road.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Gerry

 Dolan – Roadside Drains, Ballinagleara

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have the roadside drains from, known as Gilraine’s Bridge to Stranagarvanagh Bridge, Ballinaglera cleared to stop the water flowing out onto the road."

Report by Roads

"We will carry out Drainage Maintenance Works on the public roads in the town land of Sranagarvan"

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to call on Minister Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to withdraw his proposals to stop the distribution of turf in rural areas.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Gerry

Dolan – Call on Minister Ryan to withdraw Turf proposals

Councillor Gerry Dolan called upon the support of his fellow members to support his Notice of Motion to write to Minister Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to withdraw his proposals to stop the distribution of turf in rural areas.

Proposed by Councillor Gerry Dolan, seconded by Councillor Brendan Barry and unanimously supported that ‘Ballinamore Municipal District to call on Minister Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to withdraw his proposals to stop the distribution of turf in rural areas’.

Councillor Dolan stated the concept of bringing in a law where you could not give a bag of turf to a neighbour or a friend for fear of prosecution is ridiculous and should be reversed.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke advised that the latest news stated that Minister Ryan will be backing down on this proposal.

1.      Date and Time of Next Meeting

Ms. Sinead Flynn advised that the next MD meeting will be on Monday 25^th May at 10.30am.

2.      Workshop on Unfinished Estates

Ms. Flynn advised that the Workshop on Unfinished Estates will take place on Monday 25^th May, 2022 at 9.30 a.m.

3.      Annual Meeting

Ms. Flynn advised that she will provide an update to the members at the next meeting on the format of the Ballinamore Annual meeting for 2022.