Agenda and minutes

Proposed by Councillor Caillian Ellis, seconded by Councillor Ita Reynolds -Flynn AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of Ballinamore Municipal District meeting held on Monday 24^th October, 2022 be adopted.”

Proposed by Councillor Ita Reyolds-Flynn, seconded by Councillor Brendan Barry AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of the Special Meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District meeting held on Monday  14^th November, 2022 be adopted.”

1. Letter dated 2^nd November 2022 from Ms. Paula McShane – Office of the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE.
2. Letter dated 10^th November, 2022 from Ms. Marian Cavanagh, RHF Administration Office, Regional Health Forum West.
3. Extract from the minutes of the meeting of the Regional Health Forum as submitted by Councillor Paddy Farrell in response to the request from Ballinamore MD Members to raise the issue of the long waiting times in the Accident & Emergency Department, Sligo General Hospital.

Ms. Flynn outlined that it is clear from the replies received from the HSE, that any Notices of Motion placed on the agenda for the Ballinamore MD will have to be referred to one of the three Leitrim County Council nominees to the Regional Health Forum. She outlined that this is the agreed procedure that the HSE have in place to respond to Notices of Motion from the members.

1.     Ms. Sinead Flynn also requested confirmation from the members that Mr. Justin Fannon, Senior Executive Officer, Housing had circulated information on the Croi Conaithe Scheme.

Councillor McGloin confirmed that the information and details on the Croi Conaithe Scheme and the new Vacant Homes Officer had been circulated to the members.  The members confirmed that now they had the details on the scheme there was no requirement for a presentation on the scheme.

2.     Councillor Caillian Ellis queried if any reply had been received from the Department regarding the Notice of Motion on ‘Ashdieback’.  This proposal was also supported by Councillor Brendan Barry. He also referred to an issue whereby Farmers Insurance is not providing cover to farmers while engaged in the activity of feeling trees affected by ‘Ashdieback’.

Ms. Flynn advised that as no reply has been received a reminder will have to issue to the Department seeking a response on the matter.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to upgrade the bridge at the bottom of the town in Ballinamore, perhaps to include a foot bridge.  It is extremely dangerous for pedestrians especially at school times and the junction is also dangerous for drivers and pedestrians alike.

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to upgrade the bridge at the bottom of the town in Ballinamore, perhaps to include a foot bridge.  It is extremely dangerous for pedestrians especially at school times and the junction is also dangerous for drivers and pedestrians alike."

Report by Roads

"The river bridge is currently part of the regional road traffic and there is a narrow footpath which can be very busy due to school, theatre and canal walkway. The District Office has requested the Active Travel Team to look at a viable option to make pedestrian movement safer at this location. This may involve investigating a traffic light solution, bridge solution or other."

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn welcomed this response.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to upgrade lighting in parts of the town at Willowfield and at Ring Road as it is in poor condition .

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to upgrade lighting in parts of the town at Willowfield and at Ring Road as it is very poor."

Report by Roads

"The is currently a Province wide tender in process for replacing and upgrading all lights within each county. The ring road in Ballinamore will be included in this process. It is anticipated that the tender will be awarded in spring 2023."

Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn welcomed this response.

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out road repairs to Road No L5326 in the town land of Greaghrevagh More and Greaghglas in Aughnasheelin.

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out road repairs to Road No L5326 in the town land of Greaghrevagh More and Greaghglas in Aughnasheelin."

Report by Roads

"The L-5326 in Greaghrevagh is not on our current RIG 3 year plan. We will carry out general maintenance on this public road when resources allow."

Councillor Ellis noted that the road is not included in the current RIG Scheme. He stated that he was hopeful that the Maintenance Crew will be able to carry out routine maintenance works to improve the road.

Councillor Brendan Barry also supported the Notice of Motion.

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District erect signs indicating “Deer Crossing” on the road between Kesh Bog and the junction where Local Road No’s L3455 and l7396 meets the R209 in the town land of Lemonish Fenagh

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District erect signs indicating “Deer Crossing” on the road between Kesh Bog and the junction where Local Road No’s L3455 and l7396 meets the R209 in the town land of Lemonish Fenagh"

Report by Roads

"We will erect signage at this location in January."

Councillor Ellis welcomed the reply to his Notice of Motion, however, Councillor Dolan stated that if is signage in place to alert motorists to the presence of deer that the insurance company will not take any responsibility for any claim arising from the driver’s car insurance. The discussion ensued as to whether this was correct or not.  Mr. Darragh O’Boyle stated that the Council would need to seek legal advise on the matter. Ms. Sinead Flynn agreed to have the matter reviewed and to provide an update at the next meeting.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District provide car park markings along the R201, opposite the viewing point overlooking the town lake at Carrigallen, in order to regulate parking, particularly that which occurs at drop off and pick up times at the nearby vocational school.  If motorists could be encouraged to reverse their vehicle towards the stone wall there the area would accommodate more and allow them re-join the traffic in either direction along the road safely once their passengers had boarded or disembarked, whichever was the case.

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District provide car park markings along the R201, opposite the viewing point overlooking the town lake at Carrigallen, in order to regulate parking, particularly that which occurs at drop off and pick up times at the nearby vocational school.  If motorists could be encouraged to reverse their vehicle towards the stone wall there the area would accommodate more and allow them re-join the traffic in either direction along the road safely once their passengers had boarded or disembarked, whichever was the case."

Report by Roads

"We will investigate if surface is applicable to fresh road lining in this area. We can include in our Road Marking Programme for 2023."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke welcomed the reply.

Councillor Brendan Barry also supported the Notice of Motion.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out the necessary works to local road L1511-5 immediately before it adjoins the R201 in townlands of Carrickavohir and Aughavas.  A severe and dangerous depression has developed here over recent time.  This depression has the potential to contribute to an accident, particularly when approached by motorists who are unaware of it and then seek to alter their driving hastily.

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out the necessary works to local road L1511-5 immediately before it adjoins the R201 in townlands of Carrickavohir and Aughavas.  A severe and dangerous depression has developed here over recent time.  This depression has the potential to contribute to an accident, particularly when approached by motorists who are unaware of it and then seek to alter their driving hastily."

Report by Roads

"We will dispatch our maintenance crew to remove the depression on this local road."

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Minister for Health and the HSE asking them to urgently change the Dental Treatment Services Scheme Conditions, so that more dentists will remain in and re-join the scheme.  There is currently only 1 dentist in County Leitrim signed up to the scheme, which provides dental care to medical card patients.  Dentists have been exiting the scheme in large numbers in recent years.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Minister for Health and the HSE asking them to urgently change the Dental Treatment Services Scheme Conditions, so that more dentists will remain in and re-join the scheme.  There is currently only 1 dentist in County Leitrim signed up to the scheme, which provides dental care to medical card patients.  Dentists have been exiting the scheme in large numbers in recent years."

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

“That Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Minister for Health and the HSE asking them to urgently change the Dental Treatment Services Scheme Conditions, so that more dentists will remain in and re-join the scheme.  There is currently only 1 dentist in County Leitrim signed up to the scheme, which provides dental care to medical card patients.  Dentists have been exiting the scheme in large numbers in recent years."

Councillor Barry outlined that the situation regarding dental services for medical card patients is critical in Leitrim. He advised that there is only one existing practice that will accept new referrals for medical card patients and that they cannot meet the demand for the service. Councillor Barry stated that patients have no alternative but to access dental treatment in neighbouring counties. He stated that if only one G.P in the county accepted medical card patients that there would be an outcry and that dental services are critical for local communities.

All members unanimously supported Councillor Barry’s proposal. It was agreed to send the Notice of Motion to the Minister for Health and to send a copy to the three Leitrim Elected Members nominated to the Regional Health Forum so that the matter can be raised there.

It was agreed to debate both Notices of Motion concurrently as they related to a similar item.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District put in place a plan and resources to keep our towns and villages streets tidy and clean, particularly after a bank holiday weekend or when festivals and large events are taking place. Great work is already been done by the council and communities but a plan is needed for mornings after large events and long weekends.

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District put in place a plan and resources to keep our towns and villages streets tidy and clean, particularly after a bank holiday weekend or when festivals and large events are taking place. Great work has already been done by the council and communities but a plan is needed for mornings after large events and long weekends."

Report by Roads

"We will endeavor to put a plan in place to cater for exceptional situations such as festivals and long weekends in Drumshanbo town. The hiring of sweepers is expensive and we are limited to the amount of times we can use it in our towns and villages and this can be sporadic as every town and village want it at the same time. We will look at our budgets in 2023 and will endeavor to cater for this request. During festivals, the Local Authority has provided additional facilities to cater for the increased number of visitors to the towns."

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District give strong consideration, to having a member of Leitrim County Council Outdoor Staff placed in the town of Drumshanbo at least 3 days a week, to deal with litter, drainage and other service issues. Recent flash flooding in the town could have been prevented with the presence of an outdoor member of staff monitoring the storm drains etc.

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District give strong consideration to having a member of Leitrim County Council Outdoor Staff placed in the town of Drumshanbo at least 3 days a week, to deal with litter, drainage and other service issues. Recent flash flooding in the town could have been prevented with the presence of an outdoor member of staff monitoring the storm drains etc."

Report by Roads

"We will endeavor to put a plan in place to cater for exceptional situations such as festivals and long weekends in Drumnshanbo town. The hiring of sweepers is expensive and we are limited to the amount of times we can use it in our towns and villages and this can be sporadic as every town and village want it at the same time. We will look at our budgets in 2023 and will endeavor to cater for this request. During festivals, the local authority has provided additional facilities to cater for the increased number of visitors to the towns. Regarding personnel, we will consider assigning an outdoor staff member once we have finalised the outdoor structure, which is currently under review."

Councillor Brendan Barry stated that the Council should have a plan in place to deal with Festivals and Events.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported Councillor Barry’s proposal.

Councillor McGloin also referred to a recent flooding incident at the Food Hub, Drumshanbo where Council staff had to attend to provide assistance to address the flash flooding incident. Councillor McGloin stated if there was regular clearing of gullies etc. that perhaps such incidents would be avoided.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that in that case that there was an unprecedented amount of rainfall and incidents of flash flooding can be experienced with no warning.

Councillor McGloin welcomed the reply to his Notice of Motion. 

Mr. O’Boyle advised that the Council will be reviewing roles and work assignments of outdoor staff in January, 2023 and arising from the review a decision on the resource allocation will be determined.

Councillor Barry stated that it would be of great benefit to the local communities if there was a plan in place to assist with clean-ups in the town particularly after busy weekends including Bank Holidays.

Mr. O’Boyle outlined that in Carrick-on-Shannon the local Business Community provide funding and resources to do this work but there is not a similar initiative in place in Drumshanbo.

To ask Ballinamore Municipal District to have the roadside filled up at the Balliangera side of the entrance to Cormongan Pier on the Dowra Road.  There is a drop on the left- hand side as you head towards Ballinaglera and it is very dangerous for motorists.

"To ask Ballinamore Municipal District to have the roadside filled up at the Ballinaglera side of the entrance to Cormongan Pier on the Dowra Road. There is a drop on the left- hand side as you head towards Ballinaglera and it is very dangerous for motorists."

Report by Roads

"The District Office has carried out works on the R207 in the last 2 years under Drainage grants and Climate Action. We have applied again for funding under Climate Action for this regional road and will assign whatever funding we get to the most needed areas along this busy regional road."

Councillor Gerry Dolan acknowledged the reply to his Notice of Motion.

Mr. O’Boyle as referenced in his reply stated that there is ongoing investment in the R207.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to contact the Forestry and ask them to cut back their hedges at Drumherriff, Drusmhanbo as they are growing out over the road.

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to contact the Forestry and ask them to cut back their hedges at Drumherriff, Drusmhanbo as they are growing out over the road."

Report by Roads

"The District Engineers Office will issue a hedge cutting notice to the landowner and remind them of their civic duty."

Councillor Dolan welcomed the reply to his Notice of Motion.

Can I ask Ballinamore Municipal District if there is any update on the placement of a traffic island or road markings around the turn off at the Barna Waste Facility/Mc Loughlin Stores at Ardcolum, Drumshanbo.

"Can I ask Ballinamore Municipal District if there is any update on the placement of a traffic island or road markings around the turn off at the Barna Waste Facility/Mc Loughlin Stores at Ardcolum, Drumshanbo."

Report by Roads

"We don't believe that a traffic island or right turning lane is a feasible option at this private development entrance. Furthermore, there are no recorded accidents at this location, however we can look at the provision of advance warning signage."

The following items were raised under AOB.

1.     Vote of Sympathy

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke proposed a Vote of Sympathy to the late Michael O’Rourke, New York former President of the Leitrim Society in New York who recently passed away.

2.     Footpath Works

Councillor Caillian Ellis complimented Mr. O’Boyle and the District Office on the the recent completion of footpaths in Ballinamore.

3.     Role of Carers in Society

Councillor O’Rourke referred to a recent documentary on the role of Carers in Ireland the paid tribute to the valuable work that they carry out in their roles. He stated that it is estimated that the economic value of the work carried out by carers in their homes is not quantified but would be in the region of millions of euros if these costs had to be financed by the Exchequer.  These comments were supported by all members.

4.     Date & time of next meeting

It was agreed that the December meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District will be held on Tuesday 13^th December in the Food Hub, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim at 11.00 a.m.

This concluded the business of the meeting at 12.15 p.m.