Agenda and minutes

Proposed by Councillor Caillian Ellis, Seconded by Councillor Gerry Dolan and UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District meeting held on Monday, 19^th September, 2022 be adopted.”

A copy of the General Municipal Allocation 2023 Report was circulated to the Members in advance of the meeting. The report as circulated to the Members appears as Appendix No. 1 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book.

Councillor Enda McGloin (Cathaoirleach) welcomed Mr. Lar Power, Chief Executive to the meeting to provide an overview of the General Municipal Allocation (GMA). 

Mr. Power advised that he is required to be present at the Ballinamore Municipal District meeting to discuss the General Municipal Allocation, which forms part of the Budgetary process.  Mr. . Power advised the members that the General Municipal Allocation refers only to the discretionary funding that is being allocated to the Municipal Districts. He informed the Members that the Budget Meeting would be held on Monday 14^th November 2022 and discussions on non-discretionary items would take place at that meeting.  He said that a copy of the Budget would be circulated to all members in advance of the meeting for their consideration.  He then proceeded to go through the report and provided a detailed overview of the projects that will benefit from the allocations.

Mr. Power recommended that the GMA Allocation as proposed, be approved by the Members.   He advised the Members that should they wish to amend anything contained in the General Municipal Allocation they would need the approval of the members of the two other Municipal District areas as both areas have already had their meetings and agreed on their respective General Municipal Allocations.

Councillor Enda McGloin thanked Mr.  Power for his presentation and invited questions from the members present.

Councillor Brendan Barry enquired as to why the other two Municipal District areas received €8,000 and €4,000 more than the Ballinamore Municipal District Area.

Mr. Power advised that it is based on the fairest means possible having regard to the resource needs and the population of the individual areas.  He added that the Tidy Towns allocations were based on the number of groups as opposed to population.

Proposed by Councillor Caillian Ellis, Seconded by Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn and UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that: 

“The Ballinamore Municipal District adopts the General Municipal Allocation for 2023 in accordance with the provisions of Section 102 (4A) (a) of the Local Government, Act, 2001 as inserted by Section 58 of the Local Government Reform Act, 2014.” 

A copy of this report was circulated to the Members in advance of the meeting.

Proposed by Councillor Caillian Ellis, Seconded by Councillor Gerry Dolan and UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Festival & Events Grants Scheme 2022 – Phase II – Ballinamore Municipal District be approved.”

1.      Letter from Office of the Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine dated 21^st September 2022 acknowledging receipt of a letter regarding the extension to Glas 3 Projects as per the Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Brendan Barry on 19^th September 2022.         

2.      Email from the Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage dated 12^th September 2022 regarding Croi Conaithe Fund query.

The members all welcomed this scheme and in particular the decision to extend the scheme to rural areas.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke welcomed the scheme and said that this was something sought in the lifetime of the previous council.  He enquired if any regulations were available yet in relation to the Croi Conaithe Fund.

Councillor Brendan Barry said that it was his understanding that they would be available by the end of October.

The Members stated that they had already been contacted by people who were enquiring about the scheme.

Councillor Enda McGloin suggested that when the revised amendments for the scheme become available that a presentation on the scheme be provided to members.

Ms. Sinead Flynn agreed to refer this request to the Director of Services. She outlined that the request may be facilitated at the individual Municipal District meetings or alternatively at a full Council meeting for the benefit of all members.

Councillor Caillian Ellis congratulated Aughnasheelin on their on their win over Annaduff to claim the Leitrim Intermediate Football Championship Title.  He said that this was a huge achievement. He also congratulated St. Joseph’s who won the Minor Championship B Title.

I call on Ballinmore Municipal District to resurface Local Road Number 1609 in the townland of Annaghmore, Mohill, Co. Leitrim.

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to resurface Local Road Number 1609 in the townland of Annaghmore, Mohill, Co. Leitrim"

Report by Roads

"The L-1609 at Annaghmore is not on the current 3 year programme.  The current condition of the road would not deem it eligible for a full restoration. We can monitor this road and if necessary, we can submit it for a surface dressing for next year’s grant approvals."

Councillor Caillian Ellis informed the meeting that this particular stretch of road was in a very bad condition and that it was also in a bog area, which did not help.

Mr. O’Boyle reiterated that this road was not on the council’s current 3 year roads programme.  He said that there were two options available.  The first was to maintain it with the patching unit and the second was to look at the roads on next year’s progarmme and substitute one of them in favour of this road.  He explained that this would be a matter for the Councillors to review and agree on, should they wish to do so.

Councillor Caillian Ellis enquired would it be possible to carry out works to take the depressions out of the road, adding that the amount of traffic on this road is unbelievable.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke enquired if the prolonged periods of dry weather had an effect on the state of this road, given that it was in a bog area.

Mr.  O’Boyle responded that the damage was caused by the wear and tear of HGVs on this road.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to erect public lighting from Church in Aughawillian to the new Graveyard.

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to erect public lighting from the Church in Aughawillian to the new Graveyard."

Report by Roads

"The local community in Aughawillian have been successful in applying for previous grants and new public lighting has been provided at the church and its surrounds. As mentioned in previous MD meetings, Leitrim County Council does not have funding for new public lights, however, the current CLAR funding schemes allow for public lighting funding in the local community."

Councillor Caillian Ellis noted the reply and enquired if CLAR funding was the only option available.

Mr.  O’Boyle reiterated his reply and stated that CLAR funding for this year was targeted at public lighting.  He enquired if lights were needed in this area.

Councillor Caillian Ellis informed him that a number of people use this area for walking.

Mr.  O’Boyle responded that the ball was in the community’s court as Leitrim County Council do not have any money available for public lighting.

I call on Ballinamore Muncipal District to repair the Cornageeha Road from Nailor’s Cross to Sean's Cross, N41KP94.

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to repair the Cornageeha Road from Nailor’s Cross to Sean's Cross, N41KP94."

Report by Roads

"We will dispatch our maintenance crew to this section of public road L-1573"

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn said that this was similar in nature to the Notice of Motion raised by Councillor Caillian Ellis at today’s meeting. 

Mr.  O’Boyle advised that this road was not on the current 3 year roads programme.  He will put maintenance crew on it for the moment and this road can be considered for the next 3 year roads programme.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have all road markings in Cloone redone.

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have all road markings in Cloone redone."

Report by Roads

"Our current budgets will only allow us to line the new road construction schemes and not allow us to carry out full road markings in other areas this year. We will endeavor to get Cloone relined in the new year."

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn noted the reply.

Mr. O’Boyle informed the meeting that there was no money left over for this year for discretionary works.  The roads which are being lined are ones on which road works have been completed.  He advised that a section of this road may be lined in 2023 but only if a grant becomes available.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have the Rossy road resurfaced from Annadale Cross to Castlefore Lough.

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have the Rossy road resurfaced from Annadale Cross to Castlefore Lough."

Report by Roads

"The L-3355 from the townland of Rossy to Castlefore Lake is not on our current 3 year programme. We will dispatch our patching unit to carry maintenance on this public road."

Councillor Gerry Dolan informed the meeting that he had received numerous phonecalls regarding the dangerous state of the road.  He said that it required immediate attention.

Councillor Caillian Ellis supported the motion and said the road is in a horrendous state.

Mr. O’Boyle informed the meeting that since he issued his reply it has been decided to do a stretch of this road, as it is a serious public safety issue. Works will commence shortly on this stretch of road. A crew is currently at the location preparing works. The area of work being carried out is 100 metres, where it is particularly bad at the bridge. 

This news was welcomed by the members.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to write to the HSE and the Management of Sligo General Hospital to see what procedures they have in place to help ease the waiting periods in A&E, and see what we can do as a local authority to maybe help with the current situation.

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to write to the HSE and the Management of Sligo General Hospital to see what procedures they have in place to help ease the waiting periods in A&E and see what we can do as a local authority to maybe help with the current situation."

Councillor Gerry Dolan outlined to the meeting a situation involving a patient who was waiting for a x-ray in Sligo Hospital.  This person had to wait 12 hours because there was no doctor available to authorise an x-ray for her. He cited numerous incidences where people were waiting unacceptable periods of time because there was no doctor available to authorise x-rays. He noted that the nurses and staff were excellent but their seemed to be a serious lack of doctors.

All the members supported the Notice of Motion. They outlined various situations that they were aware of where people had been left waiting unacceptable periods of time in the Accident & Emergency Department of Sligo General Hospital.

Councillor Brendan Barry also highlighted the situation whereby people have contacted/attended NowDoc only to be referred to Sligo and then have to endure long waiting times in the A&E Department.

Councillor Enda McGloin highlighted the wonderful work that is carried out in the Roscommon Trauma Clinic and stated that while it was an exceptional service it did not take away from the issues in Sligo.

He also stated that some hospitals across the country do not have the same issues facing them as Sligo.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke suggested that this issue should be referred to Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire, Councillor Felim Gurn and Councillor Paddy Farrell and ask them to raise this matter in their capacity as Leitrim County Council’s representatives to the Regional Health Forum West HSE.

Proposed by Councillor Gerry Dolan, Seconded by Councillor Caillian Ellis and UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

 “That Ballinamore Municipal District write to the HSE and the Management of Sligo General Hospital to see what procedures they have in place to help ease the waiting periods in A&E and see what we can do as a local authority to maybe help with the current situation."

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Office of Public Works requesting that they do more to preserve, protect and promote the headstone inscriptions and structures of Fenagh Abbey.  The O'Duignan Plaque for example, with inscription from 1671 is wearing away and should be protected.

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Office of Public Works requesting that they do more to preserve, protect and promote the headstone inscriptions and structures of Fenagh Abbey. The O'Duignan Plaque for example, with inscription from 1671 is wearing away and should be protected."

Councillor Brendan Barry informed the meeting that the O'Duignan plaque in Fenagh Abbey is a protected structure, but the inscriptions are faded and he said the OPW should be maintaining this.

He said the O'Roddy and O'Duignan families that are buried inside the Abbey are so important to our ancient Irish history. Tadgh O'Roddy commissioned The Book of Fenagh and the O'Duignan's helped compile the Four Masters Annals which includes Irish history from the four provinces up to 1616.

He said we sometimes forget the “huge asset” that Fenagh Abbey is and we need to “honour those people who were writing books such as the Book of Fenagh from 516AD.”

Councillor Caillian Ellis seconded the Notice of Motion.

Councillor Enda McGloin complemented Councillor Brendan Barry on his research on this subject and thanked him for his informative presentation to the members.  He agreed that a letter should be sent to the Minister for the OPW.  He noted that the Minister was recently visited Keshcarrigan it was a pity that he missed an opportunity to visit Fenagh.  He suggested that a request be sent to Minister Patrick O'Donovan to invite him to visit Fenagh when he is on his next trip to Leitrim.

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

“That Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Office of Public Works requesting that they do more to preserve, protect and promote the headstone inscriptions and structures of Fenagh Abbey. The O'Duignan Plaque for example, with inscription from 1671 is wearing away and should be protected."

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District work to try to widen and make safe the bend where the road narrows between a house and shed in Aghnagollop on the Hilly Road from Drumshanbo L33848-4.

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District work to try to widen and make safe the bend where the road narrows between a house and shed in Aghnagollop on the Hilly Road from Drumshanbo L33848-4."

Report by Roads

"This motion was placed on a previous low cost safety scheme. However, land agreement, at that time, could not be reached. We can reapply to get this scheme on the Low-Cost Safety list if the situation has changed."

Councillor Brendan Barry noted the reply.  He said he hoped it would be possible to meet with the people involved again before funding can be obtained, to get a plan in place.  There have been numerous incidents at this location.

Councillor Enda McGloin recalled the previous Low-Cost Safety Scheme and stated that Mr. Padraic MacShera was the Engineer involved with it at the time.  He stated that an agreement could not be reached with the landowner concerned due to the financial settlement being offered.

Mr. O’Boyle stated that he would write to the relevant landowners to see if there was interest and to advise them this was not compulsory purchase of land.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District provide an anti-slip surface along with additional warning and illuminated signage at the bridge located between the townlands of Carrickavoher and Corraneary along the R201 in Aughavas.  This bridge is quite narrow and dangerous particularly when a motorist meets a large or Heavy Goods Vehicle.

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District provide an anti-slip surface along with additional warning and illuminated signage at the bridge located between the townlands of Carrickavoher and Corraneary along the R201 in Aughavas. This bridge is quite narrow and dangerous particularly when a motorist meets a large or Heavy Goods Vehicle."

Report by Roads

"Last year the District Office replaced warning signs along the R201 which included advance warning of bends and bridges. We do not place anti-skid on areas other than stop lines at junctions or pedestrian crossings. All bridges along the R201 now have warning chevrons indicating a bridge approach."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said that he was very disappointed with the reply.  He said that this bridge is along a very busy road and he said that he had witnessed a number of incidents.  He outlined that when a HGV or bus is crossing the bridge they have to cross over the white line and this is posing a danger to oncoming traffic.

Councillor Caillian Ellis supported the motion and said that even two vans would find it very tight to pass.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke enquired if the non-use of anti-skid was a policy specific to Leitrim County Council, as he had seen it used by other local authorities.

Mr.  O’Boyle suggested that he could put up additional signage.  He said he would check the condition of the road surface at this location and see if it could be considered for surface dressing next year.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District erect additional street lighting at Carrigallen National School between the pedestrian crossing and the ramp. This section of the road is quite dark at night and poses a threat to the high level of pedestrians who travel on this road.

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District erect additional street lighting at Carrigallen National School between the pedestrian crossing and the ramp. This section of the road is quite dark at night and poses a threat to the high level of pedestrians who travel on this road."

Report by Roads

"As mentioned in previous Municipal District meetings, Leitrim County Council do not have funding for new public lights, however, the current CLAR funding schemes allow for public lighting funding in the local community. A similar scheme in Drumshanbo Secondary School was successful in securing funding for additional public lights under the CLAR Scheme 2022."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke noted the reply.  He asked Mr.  O’Boyle if Leitrim County Council had an obligation to provide additional public lighting where there is a pedestrian crossing.

Mr. O’Boyle stated that the local authority does not have an obligation to put in public lighting at a pedestrian crossing and furthermore they do not have a budget for public lighting. He advised that the best option would be for the community to apply for a CLAR Scheme.  He advised that he could provide assistance to a Community Group with the design and costing for the application.  Mr. O’Boyle concluded by stating that there are a number of Active Travel Schemes out there which may be appropriate as a funding stream.

Can I ask the Housing Section of Leitrim County Council to treat without delay, the Japanese Knotweed to the rear of the houses they own at Dowra Road, Drumshanbo.

"Can I ask the Housing Section of Leitrim County Council to treat without delay, the Japanese Knotweed to the rear of the houses they own at Dowra Road, Drumshanbo."

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

"The most appropriate time for the treatment of Japanese knotweed is when the invasive species is in bloom from June - September. The treatment of the Japanese knotweed at this time of year will not be effective. The Housing section will liaise with the MD technical staff who deliver a programme of works annually for the treatment of Japanese knotweed with the aim of getting this area included in the 2023 Treatment Programme."

Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed the reply. He enquired as to when the members will be made aware of the 2023 Treatment Programme.

Mr. O’Boyle responded that it would be up to Housing Department and that they would inform the members accordingly.

Councillor Gerry Dolan enquired about the treatment of Japanese Knotweed for those who have private houses.

Mr. O’Boyle responded that this would be the responsibility of the landowners.

Councillor Brendan Barry commended Leitrim County Council on their work to date in the treatment of Japanese Knotweed.

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn enquired about Japanese Knotweed across from the Technical School in Ballinamore.

Mr. O’Boyle stated that the council have been treating this area.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to examine the Fahy Road, Ballinaglera, L3800 leading to the local graveyard with a view to carrying out repairs or listing it for re-surfacing under the 2023 Road Works Programme.

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to examine the Fahy Road, Ballinaglera, L3800 leading to the local graveyard with a view to carrying out repairs or listing it for resurfacing under the 2023 Road Works Programme."

Report by Roads

"The L-8300 is a public cul de sac road of 1km in length which joins the Fahy Graveyard to Ballinaglera. The road will require a full restoration. Unfortunately, it is not on the current 3 year programme. However, if the local community or graveyard committee applied for a CIS, we can consider it under this funding scheme."

Councillor Enda McGloin noted the reply.  He said that the bottom section of the road is in very bad condition.  This is a minor road that is used mostly for funerals or by people visiting the cemetery.  He said that he would discuss this matter further with the local Parish Council.

Councillor Gerry Dolan seconded this Notice of Motion.

1.      Applications for Local Improvement Schemes

Councillor Brendan Barry enquired as to when application forms would be available for people to apply for Local Improvement Schemes. Councillor McGloin said that it was his understanding that the forms would be available on the Council’s website from the 1^st November 2022.  Councillor Ellis enquired would it be possible to have hard copies of the forms sent to each of the Councillors.

Mr.  Dwyer agreed to refer the queries on the LIS to Ms. Kathryne Bohan, Administrative Officer, Roads Department.

2.      Funding for Blacktopping of Road out to Waste Water Treatment Plant in Ballinamore

Mr.  O’Boyle informed the meeting that Leitrim County Council in conjunction with Waterways Ireland and Irish Water have secured funding to blacktop the road leading to the Waste Water Treatment Plant in Ballinamore. 

This update was welcomed by the Members.

This concluded the meeting at 11.45 am.