Agenda and minutes

Leas Cathaoirleach Councillor Caillian Ellis chaired the meeting in the absence of the Cathaoirleach Councillor Paddy O’Rourke

BMD.108.23                Adoption of Minutes – Ballinamore Municipal District Ordinary Meeting

25.09.23                      Monday 24^th July 2023

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

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

A copy of the presentation was circulated to the Members in advance of the meeting.    This appears as

Appendix 1 to these Minutes in the Minutes Book.

Ms. Nicola McManus, Broadband Officer, Leitrim County Council went through the presentation.

Councillor Ellis remarked that it was good to see the progress being made and the following issues were raised by Councillor Reynolds Flynn and Councillor Barry

·       Breakdown of areas of the Ballinamore Municipal District covered by Aughnacliffe.

·       Update on application by Gortletteragh National Schools for Broadband.

·       If it could be established who would maintain the fibre cables once they had been installed on poles

Ms. McManus said she would follow up on these queries and revert with the responses.

A copy of this report was circulated to the Members in advance of the meeting and appears as Appendix 2 to these Minutes in the Minutes Book.

Mr. Liam Flynn, Executive Planner went through the Part 8 proposal with the Members.

Councillor McGloin commented that it was a good proposal and for promoting healthy walks.

Both Councillors Barry and Dolan agreed that that it was good to see the old railway reopened.

Proposed by Councillor Enda McGloin, Seconded by Councillor Brendan Barry and UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Chief Executive’s Report on the Part 8 Planning Proposal for the Drumshanbo Narrow Gauge Walking/Cycle Trail be approved.”

A number of items of correspondence were received, these were circulated to the Members in advance of today’s meeting.

1.     Acknowledgement from Office of Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD regarding Pine Martens – 2^nd August 2023.

2.     Acknowledgement from Office of Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD regarding Lairage Facilities at Rosslare – 2^nd August 2023.

3.     Copy of Submission made by Leitrim County Council to the Rural Water Unit, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding Domestic Wastewater Treatment System Grant – 3^rd August 2023.

4.     Acknowledgement from Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding Domestic Waste Water Treatment System Grants (Septic Tanks) - 3^rd August 2023.

5.     Letter from Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding Pine Martens – 8^th August 2023.

6.     Correspondence from Office of Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding Domestic Waste Water Treatment System Grants (Septic Tanks) – 8^th August 2023.

7.     Acknowledgement from Office of Minster for Housing, Local Governmetn and Heritage regarding – Retained Fire Fighters 10^th August 2023.

8.     Correspondence from Office of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding Lairage Facilities at Rosslare – 11^th August 2023.

9.     Correspondence from Office of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding ACRES payment – 18^th August 2023.

10.  Correspondence from Office of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding Retained Fire Fighters – 22^nd August 2023.

11.  Report from Bernard Green, Senior Planner regarding Casual Trading Bays in Drumshanbo Town – 21^st September 2023.

Responding to the items of correspondence the following was noted:

Lairage Facilities – Rosslare

·       Councillor Ellis noted the reply and said it would be a case of wait and see.

ACRES Payments

·       Councillor Dolan said he was disappointed with the response from the Minister for Agriculture deciding not to reverse his decision on payments.  He said that it was disgraceful and not acceptable.  He informed the meeting that people were being forced to sell their cattle and weanlings a month early as they are depending on the payments.

·       Councillor Barry supported the comments made and said  that the Minister had moved on the score cards and hopefully all the people involved would get their ACRES payment this year.

·       Councillor McGloin said that there is new payment system software being used and it will be late for one year, but hopefully going forward this will all be resolved.  He suggested that the Minister for Agriculture should intervene with financial institutions and convey to them that currently farmers are under pressure but that this will be resolved.

Septic Tank Upgrades

·       Councillor Barry welcomed the news of the review.  He said he know of several people who had inspections and were working with architects and various other people to come up with solutions.  They get a shock when they realise they may be  ...  view the full minutes text for item BMD.111.23

We the members of Ballinamore Municipal District, Leitrim County Council formally lodge a submission to the public consultation on new services across the rail network that excluded the Dublin Sligo rail line and formally call on Iarnrod Éireann to include the Sligo-Dublin route and examine additional commuter trains and extra services from Carrick-on-Shannon/Dromod and Longford to ensure this section of the country gets a similar rail commuter service to other regions.

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

We the members of Ballinamore Municipal District, Leitrim County Council formally lodge a

submission to the public consultation on new services across the rail network that excluded  the Dublin Sligo rail line and formally call on Iarnrod Éireann to include the Sligo-Dublin route and examine additional commuter trains and extra services from Carrick-on-Shannon/Dromod and Longford to ensure this section of the country gets a similar rail commuter service to other regions.

Councillor Enda McGloin told the meeting that it had been brought to his attention that a number of people are hybrid working where their work base is in Dublin or students attending college in Sligo and they would use this rail line frequently.  He called on Iarnrod Éireann to ensure this section gets similar commuter services as other services both to and from Sligo and Dublin.

All Members supported this motion.

Can I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to clarify with the TII and the Departments of Culture and Transport, why the spelling on road signs vary so much for Drumshanbo. Some signs include an ‘m’ instead of an ‘n’. Incorrect spelling of the town on road signs should be amended when we receive clarification.

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

Can I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to clarify with the TII and the Departments of Culture and Transport, why the spelling on road signs vary so much for Drumshanbo. Some signs include an ‘m’ instead of an ‘n’. Incorrect spelling of the town on road signs should be amended when we receive clarification.

Report by Roads

"When town lands and village spelling shows discrepancies, the municipal district office usually refers to the old OS maps for clarification. From this information, the spelling that we would include in the regional and local road signage is Drumshanbo with a "n". The TII signage refers to signage along the National Roads. If there are discrepancies in spelling, we will advise them of same."

Councillor McGloin noted the reply and said that this matter had been brought to his attention.  The town is now synonymous with a well-known product worldwide and it was important to get it right.  He informed the meeting that the translation of Drumshanbo means “the ridge of the old hut” and goes back to when iron ore was mined at Sliabh an Iarainn and that is how the town was formed.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have a broken yellow line placed along the footpath which extends from the GAA grounds to the Vocational School entering Carrigallen on the R201. Some motorists have difficulty distinguishing the road edge and have brushed off the kerb causing concern to pedestrians using the footpath.

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

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have a broken yellow line placed along the footpath which extends from the GAA grounds to the Vocational School entering Carrigallen on the R201. Some motorists have difficulty distinguishing the road edge and have brushed off the kerb causing concern to pedestrians using the footpath.

Report by Roads

"The District Engineers Office will get yellow lines placed at edge of footpath. We are hoping to reconstruct part of this regional road as part of the next 3 year Roads Programme."

Councillor Brendan Barry moved the motion in the absence of Councillor Paddy O’Rourke.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District provide street lighting along the R201 from the junction with the R203 at the townland of Kivvy, Carrigallen where there has been a footpath in place for many years. The footpath is very well used while the junction is extremely busy serving two major roads.

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

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District provide street lighting along the R201 from the junction with the R203 at the townland of Kivvy, Carrigallen where there has been a footpath in place for many years. The footpath is very well used while the junction is extremely busy serving two major roads.

Report by Roads

"We currently have no budget for new Public Lighting Columns in the operation and maintenance budgets. Active Travel budget will not cover this scheme."

Councillor Brendan Barry moved the motion in the absence of Councillor Paddy O’Rourke.

Can I have an update on when fast car chargers will be provided in Ballinamore town.

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

Can I have an update on when fast car chargers will be provided in Ballinamore town.

Report by Capital Projects Office

"Leitrim County Council is involved with the Faster Project which involves provision of fast EV chargers in the border counties. The contractor has been appointed for the project. At the moment this project will provide chargers in Carrick on Shannon and Manorhamilton.  Ballinamore is on a reserve list and if funding becomes available a charger will be provided in Ballinamore.  It is too early yet in that project to confirm if one will be provided in Ballinamore.

The Department of Transport has also requested that all local authorities develop an EV infrastructure strategy.  Leitrim County Council is working with Cavan County Council to develop this strategy for this region.  Work is about to commence on the strategy and we will keep members updated on its progress."

Councillor Reynolds Flynn asked when it was likely that a fast car charger would be installed.

Mr. O’Boyle responded that civil works have been put in to facilitate same at “The Junction” however the installation of a charger will depend on funding.

Councillor McGloin supported the motion and said that fast chargers should be considered where possible.

That Ballinamore Municipal District stands in solidarity with FÓRSA members in Leitrim County Council and other local authorities across the state as they commence industrial action to address issues around job evaluation and pay.  That we support their call for a formal job evaluation process to ensure workers jobs are properly graded and enumerated.
We call on the Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien, the LGMA and the executives of local authorities to return to negotiations with FÓRSA and to agree a mechanism for progressing the job evaluation process. 

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

That Ballinamore Municipal District stands in solidarity with FÓRSA members in Leitrim County Council and other local authorities across the state as they commence industrial action to address issues around job evaluation and pay.  That we support their call for a formal job evaluation process to ensure workers jobs are properly graded and enumerated.
We call on the Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien, the LGMA and the executives of local authorities to return to negotiations with FÓRSA and to agree a mechanism for progressing the job evaluation process. 

Councillor Barry said that this industrial action has since been postponed, both sides were now attending the Workplace Relations Commission to resolve the issue.

I request an update on the number of applications to get on the social housing list in Co Leitrim in the last 12 months, how that is comparable to previous years and the current wait time for Housing Supports/Housing List application decisions?

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

I request an update on the number of applications to get on the social housing list in Co Leitrim in the last 12 months, how that is comparable to previous years and the current wait time for Housing Supports/Housing List application decisions?

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

"The number of housing application received for social housing support over the past 12 months up to September 2023 is 258.This is only slightly up on the previous 12 month figure of 254 up to September 2022.The number of housing support application up to September 2021 was 230.The typical application assessment time is currently up to 16 weeks due to a short term resource issue however priority cases are being fast-tracked."

Councillor Barry noted the reply and remarked that the numbers have slightly increased.  He said that 16 weeks is too long to wait and said he would like to see additional staff put into housing to deal with the backlog.

All members supported this.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have the road at Murhaun, Drumshanbo from the new graveyard to the Laragan crossroad resurfaced.

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

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have the road at Murhaun, Drumshanbo from the new graveyard to the Laragan crossroad resurfaced.

Report by Roads

"The L-3303, from the Drumshanbo Cemetery to Laragan cross, is not on the current 3 year roads programme. The L-3306, from the graveyard to Aghagraina, will be reconstructed next year."

Councillor Dolan stated that looking at this road you would think it is in good condition but it is sinking in places.  He asked could the road be black topped in meantime to level it off.  Mr. O’Boyle responded that they will look to put on next year’s Road Improvement Grants and that the patching unit would be the only option available at the present time

Councillors McGloin and Barry supported the motion.

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District for an updated timeframe for the works to be started on the Fahy Rd, Ballinaglera, from the main road to the graveyard.

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

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District for an updated timeframe for the works to be started on the Fahy Rd, Ballinaglera, from the main road to the graveyard.

Report by Roads

"The additional works at this location (resurfacing of damaged road leading to the graveyard at Fahy) are now complete."

Councillor Dolan stated that he was happy with the reply.

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District repair the two bridges on Road No L5374 in the townland of Corgar, Ballinamore.

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

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District repair the two bridges on Road No. L5374 in the townland of Corgar, Ballinamore.

Report by Roads

"We can include the old stone bridge on the L-5374 on our bridge rehab program list of proposals to the department. The other bridge traverses the green way and will not be applicable to this program of works for public roads. I will advise the capital office of this request for inclusion on their program of works for green ways."

Councillor Ellis stated that it would be lovely to see both bridges restored.

Mr. O’Boyle agreed and said that they are both fine cut stone bridges and stressed that there was a need to maintain this built heritage.

Councillor Ellis enquired if the stone used by contractors could be native limestone.  Mr O'Boyle responded that many of the bridges are eroded over time and people take the stone or it washes away but we will endeavour to reinstate whatever stone we have.

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District repiar the roadside damage on the L1511-2 in the townladn of Halls, Cloone.

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

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District repair the roadside damage on the L1511-2 in the townland of Halls, Cloone.

Report by Roads

"The damage done to the verge in this location was done by NBI (or their agents). I will advise them to repair it as soon as possible."

Councillor Ellis informed the meeting that some minor works have been carried out since he tabled the motion.

Councillor Barry remarked that it was good to see contractors coming back to do works such as NBI.

Proposed One Way System – Church Street, Ballinamore

Councillor Ellis enquired from Mr. O’Boyle if there had been any progress on proposals to create a one-way system for Church Street, Ballinamore.

Mr. O’Boyle responded that he intends to do a letter drop to all properties on Church Street.  He said that he believed that making the street one way was the safest option and this would provide car parking on the left hand side and double yellow lines all the way on the right hand side.

Councillor Ellis suggested a walk around the area before the next monthly meeting.

Active Travel Scheme – Church Street, Drusmhanbo

Cllr Enda McGloin said that he and his fellow councillors had received a number of complaints with regard to an Active Travel project that is ongoing at Church Street in Drumshanbo.  He said that the road will be significantly narrowed and HGV drivers are concerned about being able to navigate the street safely.

Mr. O’Boyle said his office had received numerous complaints about children not being able to walk safely from the town to the school. 

Councillor McGloin responded that the drivers are saying they are concerned about the welfare of their vehicles and their ability to drive safely.  He asked if a representative from Active Travel could meet with elected members at the location.

Councillor Barry said that the was hoping to meet an engineer on site next week.  He said it was about finding a balance between slowing cars down and allowing larger vehicles to pass safely. 

Mr O'Boyle said that only one car park space will be lost and added that the ramped pedestrian crossing was introduced as motorists were driving too fast at this location.

Mr. Dwyer said that he would contact Mr. Terry McGovern, Senior Engineer, Roads Department to confirm details of the proposed meeting and also to request him to include all members of Ballinamore Municipal District in this meeting.

Date and Time of Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday 23^rd October 2023 at 10.30 am in The Island Theatre, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim.

This concluded the business of the meeting at 11.45 am.