Agenda and minutes

“That the Minutes of the Meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District meeting held on Monday 24^th April 2023 be adopted.”

A copy of this report was circulated to the Members in advance of the meeting (Appendix 1 to these Minutes in the Minutes Book).

Mr. Vincent Dwyer informed the meeting that the amount allocated was the same as last year.  He then went through each of allocations.

Proposed by Councillor Caillian Ellis, Seconded by Councillor Brendan Barry and UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Tidy Towns Allocations 2023 under the General Municipal Allocation (GMA) be approved.”

There were no items for consideration under meeting correspondence. With the consent of the Chairperson the following items were raised under Meetings Correspondence:

Retained Fire Fighters – Proposed Industrial Action

Councillor Enda McGloin referred to correspondence that he and the other members had received from the Retained Fire Fighters seeking their support in their forthcoming proposed industrial action.

The Councillors discussed the various issues being faced by Retained Fire Fighters such as the difficulty in recruiting and the loss of experience of Retained Fire Fighters who have left the service because of pay conditions.

Irish Water – Proposed Industrial Action

Mr. Vincent Dwyer informed the meeting that SIPTU members working in Water Services in local authorities across the country will begin a campaign of industrial action on 7th June which may take the form of strike action.  The dispute relates to the transfer of water services from local authorities to Uisce Éireann.

The objective of the action is to ensure that workers not transferring to Uisce Éireann but remaining in local authorities will not suffer any loss of earnings.

A discussion took place regarding the issues associated with Uisce Éireann since it was set up.

Councillor Gerry Dolan made reference to a “No Confidence” Motion which was raised in the past, he said that this should be taken one step further and that Uisce Éireann should be disbanded.  They fail to provide a satisfactory service.

ACRES Scheme

Councillor Brendan Barry made reference to a recent Notice of Motion in which he sought an extension to the ACRES scheme.    He noted the acknowledgement received and enquired if there had been any further correspondence.  He requested that this matter be followed up and a response sought.  He informed the meeting that Examiners have been given additional time to deal with applications, but the Advisors involved in preparing the applications on behalf of farmers have not been given an extension of time.  He said that this was unfair given the huge volume of work to be carried out.

Departure of Ms. Sinead Flynn, Meetings Administrator

Mr. Vincent Dwyer informed the meeting that Ms. Sinead Flynn, Meetings Administrator would be leaving her role as Meetings Administrator and moving to the Community Development Section of Leitrim County Council.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda McGloin, on behalf of the members, thanked Ms. Sinead Flynn for her service as Meetings Adminstrator to the Ballinamore Municipal District.  He commended her on a job well done and thanked her for her courtesy and assistance to the members over the years.  He wished her well in her new role.

Meeting with National Winners – Junior Category Student Enterprise Awards 2023

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda McGloin informed the meeting that directly after the meeting students from Drumshanbo Vocational School would be coming in to meet the Members.

The students, Freya Whitney, Alexandra O’Looney and Amy Keaveney were the National Winners of the Junior Category in the Student Enterprise Awards.  They designed a “Grasper”, which is a farm safety lifting mechanism which helps farmers open  ...  view the full minutes text for item BMD.60.23

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District resurface road no. L1568 before it joins the L1566. 

“I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District resurface road no. L1568 before it joins the L1566. “

Report by Roads

"The 2023 road grants have been agreed and the L-1568/1566 is not included in the 2023/24 restoration grants. It may be considered for 2024 surface dressing grants."

Councillor Caillian Ellis noted the reply.  He said that the road surface is gravel. 

He asked Mr. Darragh O’Boyle to keep an eye on the road and fill in any potholes, if they should appear.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have a survey conducted in and around the town of Drumshanbo, for signage and routes for cyclists to safely use in the area.  Cycling is becoming more and more popular around the area as a recreational activity. This would help with tourism and keep both pedestrians and cyclists safe.

“I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have a survey conducted in and around the town of Drumshanbo, for signage and routes for cyclists to safely use in the area.  Cycling is becoming more and more popular around the area as a recreational activity. This would help with tourism and keep both pedestrians and cyclists safe.”

Councillor Gerry Dolan informed the meeting that cycling was becoming very popular in several towns and villages across the county.  He raised concerns about the numbers of visitors cycling in the area who were not familiar with the local streets and roads.

In addition to the above concerns raised, Councillor Brendan Barry highlighted the issue of public footpaths being used by cyclists and scooter users. 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle responded that under the Road Traffic Act, it was illegal to ride a bicycle/scooter on a public footpath.  He said that he believes that signage won’t work and this matter should be raised through the Joint Policing Committee.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the motions and said the behaviour of some of those involved was a cause for concern.  They were acting dangerously and abusing the footpath.  He enquired if it was possible to get signage erected to show that using the footpath was prohibited.

He said that he felt that the local Gardai also had a role to place. 

He suggested that the members of Ballilnamore Municipal District write to the local Gardai in Drumshanbo to highlight their concerns and to ask them what measures can be taken to deal with this matter under the Roads Traffic Act.

Councillor Brendan Barry enquired if there was any sort of road safety education provided in schools to make children aware that you cannot cycle on footpaths.

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn said that schools partake in “National Bike Week”, whereby Gardai go out to the various schools.

Councillor Enda McGloin suggested the erection of a couple of small signs in Drumshanbo to raise awareness.  He said a photo could be taken and put up on social media and in the Leitrim Observer and hopefully it might get some people to stop and think about using a footpath.  Hopefully the Gardai would also come on board and the combination of publicity/enforcement might yield some results.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported this motion and said that it would legitamise a person’s actions when they tell someone that they can’t use their bicycle/scooter on the footpath.  The sign would be in place and visible and they would be within their rights to point it out.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle enquired as to the type of sign the Councillors were proposing.

Councillor Enda McGloin responded that a very simple sign attached to a pole in a visible area would be fine.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle said that this would have to be piloted and suggested the targeting of one street.

Councillor Gerry Dolan suggested the stretch from the Carrick turn to the Leitrim Development Company.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle said he would get a small sign made  ...  view the full minutes text for item BMD.62.23

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District erect signage and have a safety campaign around the issue of cyclists and scooter users on footpaths in our towns and villages.  Residents and shoppers have raised incidents of accidents and near misses when stepping out of buildings onto a footpath and being hit with a cyclist or scooter.

“I request that Ballinamore Municipal District erect signage and have a safety campaign around the issue of cyclists and scooter users on footpaths in our towns and villages.  Residents and shoppers have raised incidents of accidents and near misses when stepping out of buildings onto a footpath and being hit with a cyclist or scooter.”

Councillor Gerry Dolan informed the meeting that cycling was becoming very popular in several towns and villages across the county.  He raised concerns about the numbers of visitors cycling in the area who were not familiar with the local streets and roads.

In addition to the above concerns raised, Councillor Brendan Barry highlighted the issue of public footpaths being used by cyclists and scooter users. 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle responded that under the Road Traffic Act, it was illegal to ride a bicycle/scooter on a public footpath.  He said that he believes that signage won’t work and this matter should be raised through the Joint Policing Committee.

Councillor Enda McGloin supported the motions and said the behaviour of some of those involved was a cause for concern.  They were acting dangerously and abusing the footpath.  He enquired if it was possible to get signage erected to show that using the footpath was prohibited.

He said that he felt that the local Gardai also had a role to place. 

He suggested that the members of Ballilnamore Municipal District write to the local Gardai in Drumshanbo to highlight their concerns and to ask them what measures can be taken to deal with this matter under the Roads Traffic Act.

Councillor Brendan Barry enquired if there was any sort of road safety education provided in schools to make children aware that you cannot cycle on footpaths.

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn said that schools partake in “National Bike Week”, whereby Gardai go out to the various schools.

Councillor Enda McGloin suggested the erection of a couple of small signs in Drumshanbo to raise awareness.  He said a photo could be taken and put up on social media and in the Leitrim Observer and hopefully it might get some people to stop and think about using a footpath.  Hopefully the Gardai would also come on board and the combination of publicity/enforcement might yield some results.

Councillor Brendan Barry supported this motion and said that it would legitamise a person’s actions when they tell someone that they can’t use their bicycle/scooter on the footpath.  The sign would be in place and visible and they would be within their rights to point it out.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle enquired as to the type of sign the Councillors were proposing.

Councillor Enda McGloin responded that a very simple sign attached to a pole in a visible area would be fine.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle said that this would have to be piloted and suggested the targeting of one street.

Councillor Gerry Dolan suggested the stretch from the Carrick turn to the Leitrim Development Company.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle said he would get a small sign made and  ...  view the full minutes text for item BMD.63.23

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to give an updated time frame of resurfacing works to be carried out on the road known as the Laughey road, from the old barracks to the Slievenakilla road, Ballinaglera.

“I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to give an updated time frame of resurfacing works to be carried out on the road known as the Laughey road, from the old barracks to the Slievenakilla road, Ballinaglera.”

Report by Roads

"The Slievenakilla road is not on the current 3 Year Programme for Restoration Works. The Dowra /Ballinaglera area has 2 no. RIGs in 2023 (Cornamucklagh North and Dowra Village)"

Councillor Gerry Dolan said that he did not have a road number for the particular road.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle said when he has determined the road number, he will get the patching crew to go out to it.

Can I request that maintenance is approved for Lisnatullagh road.

“Can I request that maintenance is approved for Lisnatullagh road.”

Report by Roads

"The L-5501 at Lisnatullagh is in very good condition. The local road received a restoration grant last year and the pavement condition is perfect. If locals are requesting a road widening, then it cannot be done under our current grant allocations."

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn noted the reply and commented that the area around the corner was very narrow.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle responded that the road cannot be widened.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said someone always has to back up on the road to allow the other road user to pass.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle said that the only option would be to put in a lay-by but in his opinion there are sufficient lay-bys in place already.

He requested that Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn email him the Eircode of the house nearest to the corner mentioned and he will go out and have a look and assess it.

I wish to request an update on the “Taking in Charge” of Dun na Bo Estate, Ballinamore.

“I wish to request an update on the “Taking in Charge” of Dun na Bo Estate, Ballinamore.”

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

"Leitrim County Council recently appointed ORS design consultant to prepare site resolution plans for 7 estates of which Dún na Bó is one. It is expected to have this plan completed within the next few months.

The preparation of a Site Resolution Plan will thereafter enable the commencement of the consultation process between the Council and Irish Water which must be concluded before the taking in charge of the development can be considered."

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn noted the reply and enquired how long the “Taking in Charge” process usually takes.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle replied that this would be a matter for the Planning Department to answer.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said that it was his understanding that there is an issue with an open drain adjacent to this development.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out the necessary repair on road L-53721-0 in the townland of Mulnavannoge, off the R202.

“I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out the necessary repair on road L-53721-0 in the townland of Mulnavannoge, off the R202.”

Report by Roads

"We will dispatch our maintenance crew to this public road to carry out repairs."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke noted the reply.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District would erect a stop sign on which ever road is appropriate where the LS 5538-1 meets the LS 5540 at the town land of Drumanure near Killegar.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District would erect a “Stop” sign on which ever road is appropriate where the LS 5538-1 meets the LS 5540 at the town land of Drumanure near Killegar

Report by Roads

"The District Office will erect a “Stop” sign on the Local Secondary Road L-5540. The L-5538 is also a secondary local road but has the right of way at this junction."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke noted the reply and enquired if a “Stop” line could also be painted on the road.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle responded that this was a minor junction and a “Stop” sign would be sufficient.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out traffic calming measures on the road between Aughnasheelin Hall and the National School, the local community are very concerned about pedestrian safety in this area.

“I request that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out traffic calming measures on the road between Aughnasheelin Hall and the National School, the local community are very concerned about pedestrian safety in this area.”

Report by Roads

"The District Office tried to construct a footpath along this section a number of years ago but were unable to acquire land.  We can put forward this request to Active Travel Department and seek funding for footpath and possible pedestrian crossing along this location."

Councillor Brendan Barry noted the reply.

Councillor Gerry Dolan supported the motion.

The Aughrim road and bridge at Ballinaglera are currently in a very poor state of repair. The damaged bridge needs urgent stonework repair and replacement. The road surface from Mc Partlan’s house entrance down as far as Tullynaha is particularly poor and I urge Ballinamore Municipal District to carry out road maintenance as a matter of urgency.

“The Aughrim road and bridge at Ballinaglera are currently in a very poor state of repair. The damaged bridge needs urgent stonework repair and replacement. The road surface from Mc Partlan’s house entrance down as far as Tullynaha is particularly poor and I urge Ballinamore Municipal District to carry out road maintenance as a matter of urgency.”

Report by Roads

"We will dispatch our maintenance crew to the public road. Following an inspection, we can place the bridge on our ongoing Bridge Rehabilitation Programme."

Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed the response.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle informed the meeting that a bridge inspection had been carried out and it had received a rating value of 3.  He has asked for it to be placed for consideration on the Bridge Rehabilitation Programme.

Councillor Gerry Dolan supported this motion.

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to review the Knocknasowna to Lisconnor Road (between Kilclare and Drumshanbo) regarding its width in particular and see if any sections or lay-bys can be achieved. The volume of traffic along this road has increased significantly in recent years and action is needed.

“I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to review the Knocknasowna to Lisconnor Road (between Kilclare and Drumshanbo) regarding its width in particular and see if any sections or lay-bys can be achieved. The volume of traffic along this road has increased significantly in recent years and action is needed.”

Report by Roads

"We can review the lay-by situation once we have a Restoration or Surface Dressing Grant on this public road."

Councillor Enda McGloin noted the reply, he commented that the road surface was good, but it was the increased traffic that was the problem.

Councillor Brendan Barry referred to the clay banks below Lynchs of Kilclare.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle said that they would look for a Restoration Improvement Grant at some stage for this road.

Councillor Enda McGloin enquired if it was an option to take out the clay banks that are in place. 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle responded that this would require the purchasing of land.

The date of the next meeting is Monday 26^th June 2023 at 10.30 am.

The AGM and Ordinary Meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District will both take place on this day.

This concluded the business of the meeting at 11.35 am.