Agenda and minutes

Proposed by Councillor Enda McGloin, Seconded by Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn and UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of the Meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District meeting held on Monday 29^th May 2023 be adopted.”

The Chief Executives’ Report as circulated to the Members appears as Appendix 1 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book. 

Proposed by Councillor Enda McGloin, Seconded by Councillor Gerry Dolan and UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Chief Executive’s Report on the Part VIII Planning Proposal for a footpath and public lighting & associated drainage works on the R207 in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim be approved.”

David McGlinchey from KPMG gave a presentation on the Objectives, Actions & Outcomes of the Leitrim Local Economic & Community Plan (LECP).

The presentation as circulated to the Members appears as Appendix 2 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book. 

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

Sewerage Plant

Councillor Enda McGloin requested an update on the sewerage plant.  Vincent Dwyer confirmed that the issue had been raised with Uisce Eireann and that Leitrim County Council would raise again.

ACRES Scheme

Councillor Brendan Barry enquired if there had been a response from Minister Charlie McConalogue to correspondence issued to him regarding an extension to the ACRES scheme and it was confirmed that no response has been received to date.  Cllr. Barry requested that this matter be followed up and a response sought. 

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District put in place a “Welcome to Leitrim” sign at the entry point to Leitrim at Kilbrackan, Carrigallen on the R201 similar to what is in place elsewhere when entering the county via a regional road.

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District put in place a “Welcome to Leitrim” sign at the entry point to Leitrim at Kilbrackan, Carrigallen on the R-201 similar to what is in place elsewhere when entering the county via a regional road."

Report by Roads

"We will discuss with Leitrim Tourism and see if there is an over-arching plan regarding signage. We will erect new signs if these signs fit the vision proposed by the Leitrim Tourism"

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke noted the reply. 

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District put in place a number of short pull in/laybys on the L1570 in the townland of Drumderglin, as you proceed up the hill overlooking Mullinadara Lake. Many motorists are experiencing difficulty meeting oncoming traffic which necessitates them pulling into the grass margin, which is unsafe.

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District put in place a number of short pull in/laybys on the L-1570 in the townland of Drumderglin, as you proceed up the hill overlooking Mullinadara Lake. Many motorists are experiencing difficulty meeting oncoming traffic which necessitates them pulling into the grass margin, which is unsafe."

Report by Roads

"We will construct lay byes when we have a roads grant or a drainage grant on this public road"

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke noted the reply. 

Can I request that Ballinamore Municipal District consider providing dog fouling bags on the canal walkway in Ballinamore.

"Can I request that Ballinamore Municipal District consider providing dog fouling bags on the canal walkway in Ballinamore."

Report by Roads

"The canal walkway belongs to Waterways Ireland. We can write to them and seek further information regarding their policies on this issue."

Can I request Ballinamore Municipal District  to cut growth at various junctions as visibility is poor.

 "Can I request Ballinamore Municipal District to cut growth at various junctions as visibility is poor."

Report by Roads

"Leitrim County Council will cut back the verges on the regional road junctions. This is programmed for June/July period."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke noted the reply and requested that the verges at Gulladoo Lake be trimmed as a matter of urgency.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle outlined that July is the time scheduled annually to trim verges.  He advised that tenders are in and he has directed the contractor to start as soon as possible. Leitrim County Council maintain verges on Regional and National Roads. In relation to Local Roads, these verges are the responsibility of the land owner, and Leitrim County Council will write to any landowners in relation to this.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle confirmed he will go back to contractor and discuss area of priorities including Gulladoo. Councillor Brendan Barry asked that he add the R280 junction at the Gally Bridge to the priority list.  

Can I ask Ballinamore Municipal District in conjunction with Inland Fisheries Ireland to examine the re-development of Lough Yugan Amenity Area (Dowra) including the fishing stand and the car park, perhaps an application under ORIS can be considered?

"Can I ask Ballinamore Municipal District in conjunction with Inland Fisheries Ireland to examine the re-development of Lough Yugan Amenity Area (Dowra) including the fishing stand and the car park, perhaps an application under ORIS (Outdoor Recreational Infrastructural Scheme) can be considered?"

Report by Economic Devleopment

"The re-development of Lough Yugan Amenity Area (Dowra) including the fishing stand and the car park could be considered under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2023 Scheme which is now open with full details available on the Council's website. Summary details as follows:

Measure 1: Small Scale Repair/Development/Promotion and Marketing. Maximum grant aid available up to €30,000.

Project Development Measure: Development Costs for Strategic Large-Scale Projects. Maximum grant aid available up to €50,000.

Applications for both Measure 1 and the Project Development Measure must be submitted to Leitrim County Council by 4pm on Friday 7th July 2023.

Measure 2: Medium Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Trail/Amenity Development Maximum grant aid available up to €200,000.

Measure 3: Strategic Large-Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Strategic Trail/Amenity Development. Maximum grant aid available up to €500,000.

Applications for Measure 2 and Measure 3 must be submitted to Leitrim County Council by 4pm on Friday 8th September 2023.

Staff within the Economic Development Dept. are available to work with the relevant Community Group to advise and assist with the completion of the EOI Form."

Councillor Enda McGloin noted the reply.

It was agreed that Mr. Darragh O’Boyle would put Economic Development in contact with Councillor Enda McGloin directly so he can connect them to his contact in Inland Waterways who he has discussed the project with previously as they are the land owners. He will also connect them with members of the local community who use the facility and may be interested in forming  a Community Group to submit the application.  

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to consider works along the R-280 on the Carrick side of Drumhauver Bridge to include road widening, piping of the roadside verge and reducing the height of the road on the hill, to improve sight lights for homeowners along this busy route.

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to consider works along the R-280 on the Carrick-on-

Shannon side of Drumharvour Bridge to include road widening, piping of the roadside verge and reducing the height of the road on the hill, to improve sight lights for homeowners along this busy route."

Report by Roads

"We have works currently going on the R-280 to protect the road verge as the rainfall is causing verge failure. These works are on the Drumshanbo side of the bridge. Road widening of the R-280 would require a specific improvement grant. These road widening specific grants have not been given to Leitrim County Council in over 15 years."

Councillor Enda McGloin noted the reply. 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle confirmed that they will apply for a Significant Improvement Grant for these works.

Councillor Gerry Dolan and Councillor Brendan Barry supported the motion.

I request an update on the current wait times for Housing Adaptation Grants for both council houses and privately owned houses. There appears to be very long delays with getting Department approval for grants on council houses.

"I request an update on the current wait times for Housing Adaptation Grants for both council houses and privately owned houses. There appears to be very long delays with getting Department approval for grants on council houses."

Report by Housing

"The average wait time for grants for privately owned houses from receipt of a valid application to approval is approximately 18 weeks currently. This average wait time includes a significant period of time where the Council is awaiting the requested clarification information from applicants.

Grants which have a doctor’s certificate are deemed as Priority 1 (Person is terminally ill or fully/mainly dependent on family or a carer or Adaptations to the home would help them leave hospital/residential care) and are treated as urgent and given priority in terms of processing have an average wait time of 3 weeks.

In relation to grant funding for Council owned houses the funding submission to the DHLGH detailing the desired works can only made once a year usually in Q1. The 2023 funding application to the Department was submitted on 3rd February 2023 and was approved on 12th May 2023 with adaptation works currently progressing."

Councillor Brendan Barry noted the reply and welcomed the fact that Leitrim County Council do everything they can to process priority 1 applications quickly where adaptations done will help people leave hospital/residential care.

Councillor Brendan Barry expressed concern that grant funding for Council owned houses can only be made once a year in Q1, he said there needs to be some way to put in applications in emergency situations.

Vincent Dwyer said he would relay the concerns of the Councillor’s to the Housing Department.

All Councillor’s supported the motion.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District resurface the remainder of L33783 in Mahanagh from where last works ended to the sluice gates bridge.

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District resurface the remainder of L33783 in Mahanagh from where last works ended to the sluice gates bridge."

Report by Roads

"This section of public road can be considered for surface dressing in 2024. All surface dressing grants for 2023 have already been approved."

 Councillor Brendan Barry noted the reply. 

Councillor Gerry Dolan and Enda McGloin supported the motion.

I call for an updated position on the new footpath at Corlough, Drumshanbo from Moorlands entrance to Keogh’s entrance.

"I call for an updated position on the new footpath at Corlough, Drumshanbo from Moorlands entrance to Keogh’s entrance."

Report by Roads

"The proposed footpath on The R-207 in Drumshanbo is being presented to the elected members under Part VIII of Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), at this meeting for approval. Funding is available under the active travel scheme and it is anticipated that the scheme will commence in Q3 of 2023."

Councillor Gerry Dolan noted the reply and that an important step had been taken today approving Part 8 Planning. He enquired about the timeline of these works and if they would be completed before the dark evenings.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle outlined the timeline of the Active Travel Scheme programme in Drumshanbo. There are three projects – Corryard Junction, Church Road and Dowra Road. It is expected the foootpath on the R-207 would be completed in Q3 - Q4 2023.

Councillor Enda McGloin asked if it would be possible to carry out the works here before Church Street.  Mr. Darragh O’Boyle explained that the works to be carried out on the other two projects would run in conjunction with each other. He explained that there should not be any delay with works to the footpath on the R-207 as kerbing was already in.  

Councillor Enda McGloin and Councillor Brendan Barry supported the motion.

Councillor Brendan Barry  expressed concern regarding loss of parking space for the Active Travel Scheme at Church Street. Mr. Darragh O’Boyle outlined that there would be minimal loss of parking space. The design was approved by the NTA and it will not be possible to regain the lost space. It was necessary to sacrifice parking space to provide a safe method of travel to school for the children.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to provide an updated position on a footpath from the new Graveyard at Derryhallow, Drumshanbo to the District Veterinary Office.

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to provide an updated position on a footpath from the new Graveyard at Derryhallow, Drumshanbo to the District Veterinary Office."

Report by Roads

"This footpath can be considered under active travel for future funding."

Councillor Gerry Dolan noted the reply. 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle confirmed he met with the NTA last Friday in relation to a possible Active Travel Scheme at this location and is hopeful they will get approval.