Agenda and minutes

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed everyone to the monthly meeting. 

BMD.44.23                        Adoption of Minutes

24.04.23

Proposed by Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn, Seconded by Councillor Gerry Dolan and UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of Ballinamore Municipal District meeting held on Monday 27^th March, 2023 be adopted.”

Councillor Enda McGloin enquired if an update was available on his previous Notice of Motion requesting the provision of netting to stop birds entering watercourses in Drumshanbo.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that this matter has been referred to Irish Water and that a response in this regard is awaited.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer gave a breakdown of the €10,000 awarded to the 9 successful projects under the scheme. A copy of the report as circulated to the members appears as Appendix 1 of the Minutes of the meeting in the Minute Book.

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

“That the Festival & Events Grants Scheme 2023 for Ballinamore Municipal District be approved.”

Ms. Sinead Flynn informed the meeting that there were two items of correspondence as circulated to the members with the agenda for the meeting.

1.     Letter dated 29^th March, 2023 from the HSE Community Healthcare regarding a proposed Respite Facility for Children and Adolescents in South Leitrim.

2.     Email dated 14^th April, 2023 from the office of Minister Charlie McConalogue T.D.,   Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine acknowledging receipt of correspondence regarding supports for the sheep sector.

Ms. Flynn advised the Members that the following correspondence had been received after the agenda had issued and she circulated a copy to the Members in attendance.

3.     Email dated 20^th April, 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine – with a detailed response regarding issues raised by Ballinamore Municipal District relating to supports for the sheep sector.

Councillor Brendan Barry noted the reply received.

4.     Croi Conaithe Scheme

·       Councillor Enda McGloin informed the members that the Government are considering a proposal to extend the remit of the Croi Conaithe Scheme which will broaden the remit of the scheme to remove the requirement that the property is occupied as a principle private residence. Councillor McGloin stated that this amendment should increase the supply of accommodation in the private rented sector as properties upgraded by funding provided under the scheme will then be available for rent.

·       Councillor Paddy O’Rourke welcomed the news and said that there were a lot of houses which are currently vacant but are structurally sound.  He raised the issue regarding the lack of accommodation, citing a forthcoming Autumn Fishing Festival which will have 50 or 60 participants.  He outlined that it is proving impossible to source accommodation for the participants.

·       Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn remarked that this was the same problem faced by those organising the forthcoming Cowboys and Heroes Festiva with very limited availability for accommodation in the Ballinamore area.

·       Councillor Caillian Ellis said that a lot of landlords are exiting the rental market for various reasons including landlords that have had damage caused to their properties by tenants.

·       Councillor Brendan Barry welcomed the proposed changes to the scheme.  He said that there are a lot of expenses incurred by landlords when it comes to maintaining properties.  He suggested that the Government should look at some way of offsetting this against tax to reflect the fact that landlords are effectively running a business and providing a service.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District take the appropriate action to remedy the situation whereby following the resurfacing of Road No L55693 at Corriga, access to lands owned by the occupants of H12 F635 is proving impossible to achieve with a car, as no provision for a sloped gradient from the road to the lane way was provided when the works were carried out, presumably by private contractors.

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

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District take the appropriate action to remedy the situation whereby following the resurfacing of Road No L55693 at Corriga, access to lands owned by the occupants of H12 F635 is proving impossible to achieve with a car, as no provision for a sloped gradient from the road to the lane way was provided when the works were carried out, presumably by private contractors."

Report by Roads

"We reviewed the location above and there is no issue with interface between the 2022 RIG and the driveway to this property.

The 2023 Grant on the L-1582 at Corriga has yet to receive a surface dressing and all entrance points to this new road construction will be levelled and sealed."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke noted the reply to his Notice of Motion. He stated that there was good work carried out on this road, however, he outlined that the road was raised at a number of entrances to farmyards with the result that people are unable to get in of the farmyards safely with a car/van and that the undercarriage of cars were being damaged as a result.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle informed the meeting that he went out to look at the property, per the Eircode provided by Councillor O’Rourke and that he did not see any issues with access at this location.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke replied that the issue was not at the residence itself but located further down the road at the entrance to the farmyard, he added that you can see the scrape marks on the road from where vehicles have been trying to access it.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle requested co-ordinates from Councillor O’Rourke to identify the location. He also stated that the work was completed over a year ago and that no issues were reported following the at that time. 

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke remarked that a few scoops of gravel are all that is required to allow vehicles to access the yard.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that it would be the responsibility of the landowner to stone the entrance into his farm and that Leitrim County Council would not be carrying out these works.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District consider replacing the under road bridge & fencing which improvises for parapets on Local Road No 1574-2 at the boundary of Drumadorn - Edenbawn.  The works previously carried out on this, while effective for a number of years, was of a low budget nature and have deteriorated to the point of being dangerous for road users.

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

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District consider replacing the under-road bridge & fencing which improvises for parapets on Local Road No 1574-2 at the boundary of Drumadorn - Edenbawn.  The works previously carried out on this, while effective for a number of years, was of a low budget nature and have deteriorated to the point of being dangerous for road users."

Report by Roads

"We will place this bridge on the Bridge Rehabilitation List of future works."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke noted the reply and said that the bridge and the parapets have decayed and are dangerous. He advised that after a recent heavy rainfall there was an enormous flow of water under the bridge.  Councillor O’Rourke outlined that several local people have raised their concerns regarding the bridge and they are also raised concern for other road users who may not be from the area and aware of the condition of the bridge.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the area around Keeldragh Lake is popular for walking etc. He further advised that this is a worthwhile project to progress subject to funding being available under the Bridge Rehabilitation Scheme.

I wish to request an update on the Carrickmakeegan Road. Is it due for an upgrade?

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

"I wish to request an update on the Carrickmakeegan Road. Is it due for an upgrade?"

Report by Roads

"The L-1502 at Carrickmakeegan received a Restoration Grant in 2022."

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle outlined that the Restoration Grant in 2022 covered an area of 1km. The total length of this road is 3km. He informed the meeting that this road can be included on the list for future grants or can be considered for surface dressing for a section of it next year.

I request that the L-3355 between Annadale Cross on the R208 to Rossy be resurfaced as soon as possible, it is in very poor condition.

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

"I request that the L-3355 between Annadale Cross on the R208 to Rossy be resurfaced as soon as possible, it is in very poor condition."

Report by Roads

"The District Office sought funding through the Climate Action fund in 2023 but were unsuccessful. However, we will endeavor to carry out minor road strengthening works in the areas worst affected by the flooding issues."

Councillor Brendan Barry noted the reply, however, he stated that the road is in very poor condition and needs to be upgraded.

Councillor Gerry Dolan supported the Notice of Motion.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle acknowledged that this section of road had suffered from settlement and damage caused by flooding. He outlined that the council had sought funding under the Climate Action Fund to finance these works. Mr. O’Boyle further outlined that as funding was not approved that he will need to seek funding from an alternative funding source to tarmacadam the first two hundred metres of the road leading up to and just beyond the bridge.

Councillor Brendan Barry enquired as to when this work will be carried out. 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that he expects to get the works completed this year, subject to funding being available and the availability of a Contractor to complete the works.

Councillor Brendan Barry welcomed this response.

I request an update on the Pilot Waste Water System study for one-off housing in County Leitrim and what progress has been made to date.

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

"I request an update on the Pilot Waste Water System Study for one-off housing in County Leitrim and what progress has been made to date."

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

"As the Members may recall the Pilot Scheme involves the development, installation and monitoring of a number of systems at existing Council owned residential sites through the retrofitting of the onsite wastewater treatment system.  Following a detailed assessment, sites have been selected at Gorvagh and Aughavas.  Detailed design has now been completed for these sites.  It is expected that the construction of the systems will commence in the coming 6 to 8 weeks."

Councillor Brendan Barry stated that this issue has been ongoing for a long number of years and impacts on people being able to build their own homes on family landholdings.  He stated that funding for the Pilot Wastewater System Study for one-off housing was secured in 2021 but to date nothing has been constructed.  Councillor Barry outlined that the scheme would have to be monitored for a period of 2 to 3 years before any recommendation could be made to the public.  He noted the reply and enquired how many houses would be on the trial and what was the length of time for completion of the trial.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke welcomed the update.

Councillor Brendan Barry remarked that this would be a wonderful solution if it worked, as the current legislation on the criteria for passing the Percolation Tests is very strict and rigid.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer agreed to revert to Councillor Barry with the details regarding the number of houses involved in the trial and the time limit estimated for the completion of the pilot scheme.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District not to carry out any works at the Junction, Fenagh, Co. Leitrim.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District not to carry out any works at the Junction, Fenagh, Co. Leitrim."

Report by Roads

"The proposed works to Fenagh Junction are an integral part of the Active Travel scheme as approved by the National Transport Authority for the village.  The aim of which is to ensure children can walk safely to Fenagh National School.  The planned modifications to this junction are designed in line with all current standards and vehicle auto tracking has been carried out at this junction.  We can examine the current design to see if it can be adjusted, however the objectives of slowing traffic down to improve pedestrian safety must be achieved."

Councillor Caillian Ellis acknowledged the reply to his Notice of Motion, however, he outlined his concerns regarding the proposed works to be carried out. Councillor Ellis outlined that the road in question has been marked out and he expressed his concern about the proposed layout.  He stated that HGVs and buses will have to cross the other side of the road to turn and he called on the Council to leave the junction as it currently is.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle responded that these proposed works are an initiative under the Active Travel Scheme to allow children to walk safely to Fenagh National School.  Mr. O’Boyle also outlined that planning permission has been approved for this project and that no submissions were made by any member of the public highlighting their concerns during the public consultation process.

Mr. O’Boyle further outlined that the planned modifications to the junction are designed in line with all current standards and vehicle auto tracking was also carried out.  He confirmed that he had received concerns from parents, bus drivers and lorry drivers about the re-design and he agreed that he will take these concerns on board and review the current proposed design/layout. Mr. O’Boyle concluded by stating that the objective to improve pedestrian safety must be achieved and that the funding allocated

for this project will have to be utilized.

Councillor Caillian Ellis requested that a Pedestrian Crossing be put in the centre of the village as an alternative to the works planned at the Junction.

Mr. O’Boyle stated that this option could not be considered as there is not sufficient space available for such a development. 

Councillor Enda McGloin also supported the Notice of Motion and welcomed the review of the proposed re-design.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to carry out road maintenance works on Fenagh/Creagh Crossroads in the townland of Annagh and Cornafostra.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to carry out road maintenance works on Fenagh/Creagh Crossroads in the townland of Annagh and Cornafostra."

Report by Roads

"The L-1511 local road connecting Fenagh to Greagh Cross is in need of a Restoration Grant and we will place this road on the next 3-year plan. The section in most need of repair is at Greagh Cross and we will endeavor to resurface this 200m section in 2023."

Councillor Caillian Ellis informed the meeting that he and Mr. Darragh O’Boyle looked at this road last year.  He enquired if there was anything that could be done on this road.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle stated that the whole section of road needs to be upgraded and that funding for this road would be required over the 3 years of the Roads Programme to complete it in full. Mr. O’Boyle advised that he would arrange for the Patching Unit to this location to carry out routine maintenance works.

Councillor Enda McGloin commended the Patching Unit for recent maintenance works carried out at Gortletteragh football field.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to erect speed zone or slow down signs in Ballinaglera,both sides of Skerrie Rynn’s Shop, Ballinaglera.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to erect speed zone or slow down signs in Ballinaglera, both sides of Skerrie Rynn’s Shop, Ballinaglera."

Report by Roads

"The area you refer to is already in the defined village speed limits of 50km/ph. The speed limit signs are clear and if speeding in the location is apparent, then this should be brought up at the JPC meeting."

Councillor Gerry Dolan informed the meeting that he was looking for signs at this location because of traffic speeding, particularly from the church side of the village. 

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the Notice of Motion. 

Councillor Gerry Dolan asked if “Children Crossing” signs could be erected in a bid to focus driver’s attention.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle responded that the area is defined within the village speed limits of 50 km/ph.

He outlined that there is appropriate signage in place and is driver behaviour and speeding is an ongoing issue in the village that the matter should be raised at a Joint Policing Committee meeting.

Mr. O’Boyle outlined that there are alternative options that could be considered e.g., a Low-Cost Safety grant to provide road markings and speed bars on the Dowra side of the village or an alternative option to consider is for the local community to apply for a Town & Village Grant or seek CLAR funding.

Councillor Gerry Dolan enquired if the speed limit could be reduced to 30 km/ph in this location.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle responded that this was not possible unless it was under the Active Travel Scheme and consisted of a walking/cycling route.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have serious repair works done to the road leading into Mullaghgarve Famine Graveyard.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have serious repair works done to the road leading into Mullaghgarve Famine Graveyard."

Report by Roads

"The local public cul de sac L-73151 services this area. We can provide general maintenance with the Patching Unit at this location."

Councillor Gerry Dolan welcomed the update.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to apply for funding under the Play and Recreation Funding Scheme 2023 (Dept of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth) to facilitate the refurbishment and development of the existing playground at Dristernan, Drumshanbo.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to apply for funding under the Play and Recreation Funding Scheme 2023 (Dept of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth) to facilitate the refurbishment and development of the existing playground at Dristernan, Drumshanbo."

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

"The closing date for funding under the DCEDIY Play and Recreation Funding Scheme 2023 has passed. The refurbishment and development of the playground at Dristernan, Drumshanbo will be considered in future funding proposals for playgrounds."

Councillor Enda McGloin noted the reply to his Notice of Motion. He expressed his disappointment that the closing date for receipt of applications had passed as he had only seen it advertised last week in a circular sent to Elected Members advising them of the various funding streams available.  Councillor McGloin requested that the council continue to pursue any suitable funding streams to enhance this playground.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion. He outlined that the existing playground is not suitable for children who have special needs and he further outlined that he would like to see something more suitable for all children provided.

Councillor Gerry Dolan also supported the Notice of Motion.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke enquired if this scheme is advertised on an annual basis. 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle stated that the closing date for this scheme has passed, however, he advised that the council continue to pursue all avenues of funding for playgrounds. Mr. O’Boyle advised that the annual operational budget for playgrounds is limited and that there are significant costs associated with the upkeep of playgrounds including insurance costs that must be budgeted for.

1.     Aughagrania Bridge

·       Councillor Gerry Dolan complemented Mr. Darragh O’Boyle on the good work recently carried out at Aughagrania Bridge.

·       Councillor Enda McGloin also supported Councillor Dolan’s comments in this regard.

2.     Vote of Sympathy

·       Councillor Paddy O’Rourke proposed a Vote of Sympathy to Councillor John Paul Feeley, Cavan County Council on the death of his brother Patrick Feeley, RIP.

·       Councillor Paddy O’Rourke also proposed a Vote of Sympathy to the family of the Late Paul Mayville, R.I.P, former Planner with Leitrim Council Council. The Vote of Sympathy was unanimously supported by all members, and they paid tribute to Mr. Mayville’s role as a Planner in the Planning Department.

3.     Presentation to Fiona Heavy, Leitrim Observer

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Enda McGloin outlined that today’s meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District is the last meeting for Ms. Fiona Heavey, Reporter with the Leitrim Observer.

He thanked Fiona and the Leitrim Observer for their coverage of the work carried out by the Members of the Municipal District on behalf of the community. 

On behalf of the Members of Ballinamore Municipal District he wished Fiona good health and best wishes for her future endeavours. Councillor McGloin made a presentation to Fiona to acknowledge her role in reporting on the activities of the Ballinamore Municipal District.