Agenda and minutes

Proposed by Councillor Brendan Barry, seconded by Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn and UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of Ballinamore Municipal District meeting held on Monday 25^th April, 2022 be adopted.”

The report on the proposed Tidy Town’s Allocation under the General Municipal Allocation, 2022 from Mr. Terry McGovern, Senior Engineer as circulated to the Members appears as Appendix No. 2 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book. 

Mr. Vincent Dwyer outlined that the figures were in line with last year’s allocation.

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn highlighted arecent incident of anti-social behaviour in the playground in Ballinamore.  She advised that this behaviour was very disappointing in light of all the good work done by the Tidy Towns Committee. 

Councillor Caillian Ellis conveyed his disappointment in relation to the incident and advised of the importance of the community being vigilant and reporting these incidents to An Gardaí.

Councillor Brendan Barry asked that that the camera footage from the adjacent sports centre CCTV system be examined with a view to apprehending the offender who vandalised the playground.

Ms Sinead Flynn advised that the incident will be reported to the Director of Services for Community as it may need to be reviewed by the Joint Policing Committee.

Vincent Dwyer recommended the matter be forwarded to the Joint Policing Committee and Ms. Flynn agreed to notify Kieran Brett, Meetings Administrator in this regard.

Proposed by Councillor Enda McGloin, seconded by Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn and unanimously supported that: ‘The Tidy Town’s Allocation under the General Municipal Allocation, 2022 be approved.’

Proposed by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke, seconded by Councillor Brendan Barry and UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

The members agreed to hold the Annual Meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District in the Island Theatre, Ballinamore on Thursday 23^rd June 2022 at 10.30am to be followed by the ordinary meeting of the Ballinamore Municipal District at 10.45am.

1. Letter received from Edel Quinn, Head of Service Disability in the HSE, Area 1, who advised that there are 4 WTE posts under recruitment /awaiting start dates

·       2 x Autism Therapists Post

·       Senior Speech and Language Therapist

·       Senior Speech and Language therapist (Maternity Cover)

Councillor Brendan Barry referred to the correspondence received from the HSE and the fact that seven posts were vacant in July 2021, one was filled in December 2021, January 2022 and April 2022.  The remaining four positions have yet to be filled almost twelve months later.  Councillor Barry advised that he is awaiting a response from the HSE where he has called for the salaries of those seven positions which were not used since July 2021, to be used now to help parents or hire private therapists to deal with the backlog that has developed.

2. Letter received from Samantha Healy, Director of Service with Longford County Council on the 20/04/22 from Granard MD requesting Leitrim County Council to nominate a point of contact so that an appropriate programme of works can be developed in respect of the maintenance of Joint Arterial Drainage Districts shared with Longford and Leitrim.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that Mr. Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer, would be the point of contact in this regard, however there is no funding for this project at present.  The members agreed for a response to issue accordingly.

3. Email received on the 16^th May 2022 on behalf of Marian Harkin TD advising that she had written to the Minister in relation to Cllr Barry’s motion on the reallocation of salaries of CDNT members.

4. Email received on the 19^th May 2022 from Deputy Frank Feighan advising that he had written to the Minister in relation to Cllr Barry’s motion on the reallocation of salaries of Children’s Disability Network Team members.

5. Email received on the 5^th May 2022 from Michael McAuley, Waterways Ireland to advise that the walkway between Ballinamore and Aghoo Bridge was walked by a local Waterways Ireland foreman following our letter to them and have reported that the route is in reasonably good order.

I propose that the RoadsDepartment go back and complete the drainage works they started on the Road from the R199 to Local Road No L5374 in the townland of Drumcullion, Glennan Beg.

"I propose that the Roads Department go back and complete the drainage works they started on the Road from the R199 to Local Road No L5374 in the townland of Drumcullion, Glennan Beg."

Report by Roads - General

"The drainage undertaken at this section of public road is works carried out prior to road grants to assist rain off the final surface. These works are complete. We have a specific drainage grant on the adjoining road L-1371 which will allow this section of road to be piped thus allowing safer passage of vehicles."

Ms. McKeon advised that there is no funding to complete the drainage works on this section of road however the drainage works carried out on the adjoining road will allow this section of road to be piped.

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District extend the footpath and the public lighting out as far as the road leading into Kiltymoodan on the R204.

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District extend the footpath and the public lighting out as far as the road leading into Kiltymoodan on the R204."

Report by Roads - General

"There is currently a design being undertaken by the Active Travel section to place a footpath along the R204 towards Aghoo Bridge. This is at planning stage and, if approved, will allow for a footpath with public lighting along the R204."

Councillor Ellis welcomed the reply but queried if the footpath and public lighting will go the whole way to Aghoo Bridge.

Ms McKeon agreed to review and to report back on this matter.

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn supported the motion.

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to carry out immediate repairs to the wall and steps at High Street, Drumshanbo which were damaged following an accident. It looks very unsightly in its current disrepair coming into the summer holiday period.

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

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to carry out immediate repairs to the wall and steps at High Street, Drumshanbo which were damaged following an accident. It looks very unsightly in its current disrepair coming into the summer holiday period."

Report by Roads - General

"The district office has this repair on its programme of works and hopefully we can repair in the next couple of weeks. We will liaise with the Gardai to see if there is any evidence to who damaged the wall. If this is forthcoming we can recoup the costs from the driver."

Councillor McGloin welcomed the reply.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the motion.

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to examine the damage done to Crummy Bridge, Kiltubrid which was damaged by vehicular impact recently and to carry out any repairs to prevent stones from the bridge falling into adjoining lands.

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

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to examine the damage done to Crummy Bridge, Kiltubrid which was damaged by vehicular impact recently and to carry out any repairs to prevent stones from the bridge falling into adjoining lands."

Report by Roads - General

"The Design Office will assess this bridge and it can be placed on our bridge rehabilitation scheme list for next year."

Councillor McGloin welcomed the reply.

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to provide signage to indicate the Kiltubrid GAA grounds along the R208.  While it is a straight stretch of road with recently enhanced road markings,  many have difficulty exiting from the grounds and signage would help alert motorist to the likely traffic associated with such a facility.

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to provide signage to indicate the Kiltubrid GAA Grounds on the R208. While it is a straight stretch of road with recently enhanced road markings, many have difficulty exiting from the grounds and signage would help alert motorist to the likely traffic associated with such a facility."

Report by Roads - General

"The GAA pitch is situated on a straight stretch of road which has adequate sight lines for vehicles exiting the grounds. We have no knowledge of any incidents that has occurred at this location. No signs have been removed during the road upgrade."

Councillor O’Rourke expressed his dissatisfaction with the reply.  He advised that the new road surface has resulted in increased speed on this stretch.  He stated that there is no signage to alert traffic that there may be cars entering and exiting the grounds until you are right beside the it.  He advised that traffic coming from Drumshanbo and turning into the grounds have to stop and let the approaching traffic from Ballinamore pass which may lead to rear-end collisions.

Ms. McKeon advised that she would review the road signage on this stretch of road.

Councillor Brendan Barry seconded the motion.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District provide road safety signage before the bad bend on the L1534-2, immediately before the county bridge between Drumeela and Doogary.

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District provide road safety signage before the bad bend on the L1534-2, immediately before the county bridge between Drumeela and Doogary."

Report by Roads - General

"The district office will replace the existing sign with a new sign at this location."

Councillor O’Rourke advised that in the short term a sign might help to avert an accident but the long-term solution will require a short distance of road to be realigned.

Ms. McKeon advised that in the short term a new sign will be erected and the road will be considered for a funding application in the future.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District  survey subsidence and carry out road repairs to make the local road L8299-1 safe in the townland of Tullyveacan, Ballinaglera just past the junction with L82991-0.

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District survey subsidence and carry out road repairs to make the local road L8299-1 safe in the townland of Tullyveacan, Ballinaglera just past the junction with L82991-0."

Report by Roads - General

"An inspection will be undertaken in this area and maintenance carried out as required"

Councillor Brendan Barry highlighted the safety concerns of the drivers of heavy vehicles using this road.

Ms. McKeon advised that the road will be inspected in the coming week.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to call on Minister McConalogue and Minister Ryan to provide funding to landowners with roadside trees affected by Ash dieback. Sadly many of these wonderful trees will need to be removed for health and safety reasons. If left to decay these trees will become very dangerous. The timber from these trees could make excellent sustainable fuel for home heating, if an initiative is put in place to use it, rather than allowing it to decay and rot and this initiative could be piloted in Co. Leitrim before been rolled out nationwide.

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to call on Minister Charlie McConalogue and Minister Eamon Ryan to provide funding to landowners with roadside trees affected by Ash dieback. Sadly many of these wonderful trees will need to be removed for health and safety reasons. If left to decay these trees will become very dangerous. The timber from these trees could make excellent sustainable fuel for home heating, if an initiative is put in place to use it, rather than allowing it to decay and rot and this initiative could be piloted in Co. Leitrim before been rolled out nationwide."

Councillor Brendan Barry outlined that the timber from these trees would be an ideal source of fuel and a good alternative to burning turf.  However, landowners will require funding from the Government to deal with these roadside trees given that the government is responsible for permitting infected plants to be imported.  The issue needs to be addressed right away as there is also a safety issue involved.

All the members supported the motion.

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn queried if there was a scheme available in this regard from the IFA.

Councillor Barry advised that there is a scheme for forestry’s replanting trees but unfortunately there is no funding for trees impacted by Ash Dieback.  He advised that landowners will need to be encouraged to address the problem.

Councillor Enda McGloin seconded the motion and suggested copying the motion to Minister Hildergarde Naughton, Minister of State at the Department of Transport with a view of possible funding from her department.

I request an update on when cutting of hedges at crossroads occurs.

"I request an update on when cutting of hedges at crossroads occurs."

Report by Roads - General

"The District Office will be carry out hedge cutting at regional road junctions in June."

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn welcomed the reply and highlighted that hedging at Sean’s Cross, Cornageeha is a public safety issue.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to provide an up to date progress report on my previous motions regarding a pedestrian crossing on Main Street, Drumshanbo and also the pedestrian crossing from the car park at St. Patricks Church, Drumshanbo to the church.

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to provide an up to date progress report on my previous motions regarding a pedestrian crossing on Main Street, Drumshanbo and also the pedestrian crossing from the car park at St. Patricks Church, Drumshanbo to the church."

Report by Roads - General

"As previously discussed at the municipal district, we have no plans for a pedestrian crossing on Main Street as it will sterilize car parking spaces along Main Street. The pedestrian crossing at the church is being funded by Active Travel and it is on our schedule of works for late summer."

Ms. McKeon confirmed that the pedestrian crossing at the church will proceed, however there is the issue of sterilising car parking spaces if a pedestrian crossing were to be installed on Main Street.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported Councillor Dolan on the need for a pedestrian crossing on Main Street, Drumshanbo however he feels the loss of car parking spaces on Main Street would be very severe on businesses.  He is hopeful that in the future the RDF budget at the BOI will increase parking.

Councillor Gerry Dolan suggested a pedestrian crossing from the car park going across to the steps up to the high street.  Ms McKeon advised that to install a pedestrian crossing at this location would require wheelchair accessibility and a footpath at the far side of the road which would result in a loss of car parking spaces.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have the road from Laragan Cross to the new graveyard, through Murhaun which is along the Leitrim Way resurfaced.

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have the road from Laragan Cross to the new graveyard, through Murhaun which is along along the Leitrim Way resurfaced."

Report by Roads - General

"The schedule of works for the Ballinamore Municipal district does not include any works at this location.(L-3303, Old Dowra Road). We do, however, have a grant allocated to Laragan Cross which will be constructed in June/July."

Councillor Dolan advised that this is a popular road for walkers and it is in poor condition at the moment.

Ms McKeon advised that the road works programme is finalised for this year, however she will send the patching unit out to this location.

Councillor Dolan asked if this road could be included in next year’s work programme and Ms McKeon agreed to consider this proposal.

Councillor Brendan Barry seconded the motion.

1.     Councillor Caillian Ellis on behalf of Ballinamore MD wished Ms Sinead Flynn, Meetings Administrator, the very best of luck on her upcoming weddingto Mr. Michael O’Hanlon.