Agenda and minutes

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 25^th September 2023  be adopted”

A copy of the General Municipal Allocation 2024 was circulated to the Members in

advance of the meeting.    This appears as Appendix 1 to these Minutes in the

Minutes Book.

Mr. Gilhooly, Chief Executive (Interim) informed the meeting that there was a slight

increase in the General Municipal Allocation overall from €82,000 to €112,000.  The

draft presented to the members today was for their consideration and adoption.

Mr. Dwyer then went through the budget allocation of €32,035 for the Ballinamore

Municipal District.

Councillor Barry enquired if the figures used for the population distribution were

based on recent census figures.

Mr Dwyer responded that the breakdown by Municipal District for the last census have not been provided so they are still the figures for 2016 that are being used. 

Councillor Barry also asked for the number of Residents Associations in the

Ballinamore Municipal District which come under the heading “Active Residents

Association”.  He said it would be great if more Resident’s Associations could be set

up which would possibly generate more funding for future General Municipal

Allocations and it would be great if we could identify potential new groups to advise

them to any potential funding or any assistance which could be provided.

Councillors McGloin and O’Rourke supported this motion.

Proposed by Councillor Caillian Ellis, Seconded by Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn and UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that: 

“The Ballinamore Municipal District adopts the General Municipal Allocation for 2024 in accordance with the provisions of Section 102 (4A) (a) of the Local Government Act, 2001 as inserted by Section 58 of the Local Government Reform Act, 2014.”

Copy of online submission made to Iarnrod Eireann regarding “Proposed Timetable Changes” was included for the Members. 

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District repair the depression in the road in Cloone Village.

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

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District repair the depression in the road in Cloone Village.

Report by Roads

"We are hoping to include the Main Street of Cloone in our next 3 year plan as a full RIG Grant, as it will require extensive reconstruction."

Councillor Ellis noted the reply and said that this road cannot be left for the next 3 years for work to be completed on it and Councillor Reynolds-Flynn supported the motion.

Mr. O’Boyle said that he is aware of the issue of deterioration and that this road is placed on a priority list, and it will require a full Restoration Improvement Grant (RIG).  In the meantime the Roads Department would look to seal up the road and carry out protective maintenance on it.

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out works on the road verges on Local Road Numbers L5561 and L5569 in the townland of Sunnaghmore.

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

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out works on the road verges on Local Road Numbers L5561 and L5569 in the townland of Sunnaghmore.

Report by Roads

"All works are now complete on this section of road. The verge will mature and recover over time."

Councillor Ellis said that there are cracks between the roadside and the road verges.

Mr. O’Boyle said he will look to see if it is possible to carry out maintenance works at this location.

Can I request an update on Local Studies in Ballinamore Library please.

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

Can I request an update on Local Studies in Ballinamore Library please.

Report by Corproate Services

"The Local Studies Library in Ballinamore is an important resource for those researching all aspects of the history of the county. The Local Studies Librarian is continuously updating the collection in terms of adding new material and indexing items of local interest from a variety of publications including newspapers, serials and items of historical importance. With a busy workload, access to the collection, like most other library local studies collections around the country, is by prior appointment.

Leitrim County Council’s Decade of Centenaries Programme has had a significant impact on the work of the local studies librarian who has been involved in organizing events, making arrangements regarding the digitisation of material as well as providing administrative support to the council’s Decade of Centenaries Committee.  As part of her remit, Artist-in-Residence with the Programme, Sinéad Guckian has also been working to promote the collection and this has resulted in the collection being brought to new audiences which has brought in additional queries and interest. Two ‘Poetry as Commemoration’ workshops have been organised to take place in the coming weeks.  This is in cooperation with UCD and poet Mary Melvin Geoghegan.

This year’s Heritage Week events in Ballinamore Library included a presentation on ‘Old Irish Lughnasa Customs’ by Dr Marion McGarry and to mark Ballinamore Family Festival, a recording of Dr Liam McNiffe presentation ‘Garda Siochana Mutiny 1922’ was shown daily for the week.

The Local Studies Librarian is also currently supporting the work of Leitrim County Council’s Diaspora Strategy Working Group and working with TY students and history teachers on the annual Young Historian Programme which is aimed at second level schools around the county."

Councillor Reynolds Flynn acknowledged the comprehensive reply.  She said that her query was more about the availability of the service and that prior to Covid people could drop in without an appointment, now an appointment is required all year around to visit and that large numbers of tourists used to drop into the facility.  She requested that during the summer months for this to revert back to a walk in system to encourage tourism and drop in visitors as the facility is a great asset to the town.

Councillor McGloin supported the motion and commended former Councillor Sinead Guckian for the wonderful work she is doing.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to investigate subsidence on Road No. L1553.

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

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to investigate subsidence on Road No. L1553.

Report by Roads

"Following investigation of the public road in Gortnalougher (L-1553), the District Engineer's Office will be recommending that this local road will be placed on the next 3 year roads programme for restoration. The remaining section of this road heading towards Cloone village, was completed as part of the last roadworks programme."

Councillor Reynolds Flynn noted the reply.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to request the Road Design Department to consider new road markings and a pedestrian safety study alongside a new tarmacadam surface around the Mayflower roundabout and junctions at Carricknabrack, Drumshanbo.

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

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to request the Road Design Department to consider new road markings and a pedestrian safety study alongside a new tarmacadam surface around the Mayflower roundabout and junctions at Carricknabrack, Drumshanbo.

Report by Roads

"The District Office will look at erecting additional roundabout signs and apply advance road lining strips at the approach from Drumkeeran. The Road Design Office will carry out a road safety audit when resources allow."

Councillor McGloin noted the reply especially with the increased number of students at this location have given rise to safety concerns for residents.

Councillors Barry and Dolan supported this motion.

I call Ballinamore Municipal District to write to the Department of Transport requesting them to provide a properly funded budget for the refurbishment of some local footpaths, currently there seems to be no source of funding to repair dangerous sections of our footpath network in the county.

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

I call Ballinamore Municipal District to write to the Department of Transport requesting them to provide a properly funded budget for the refurbishment of some local footpaths, currently there seems to be no source of funding to repair dangerous sections of our footpath network in the county.

Councillor McGloin said that all Councillors had submitted motions down through the years regarding the poor condition of footpaths in the area and are told there is no funding mechanism available to complete repairs.  He said that it was important to contact the Department of Transport to seek funding to deal with the worst footpaths in the area and that paths are disintegrating and it is very frustrating when a member of the public highlights a footpath to an elected member and they have to tell them that there is no funding available to repair it.

All members supported the motion.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District call on the HSE to provide a building for the Leitrim/West Cavan Children's Disability Network Team. The team and its patients need a building with therapy rooms and office space to maximise the amount of time Therapists will have to help the children of the area and therefore not spending time in cars and traffic travelling to several different buildings.

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

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District call on the HSE to provide a building for the Leitrim/West Cavan Children's Disability Network Team. The team and its patients need a building with therapy rooms and office space to maximise the amount of time Therapists will have to help the children of the area and therefore not spending time in cars and traffic travelling to several different buildings.

Councillor Barry informed the meeting the issue is in relation to “The Beeches” house at Summerhill, Carrick on Shannon.  This facility has recently failed a health and safety audit and is now not suitable for use.  He explained the difficulties being experienced by therapists when they have to come from the Leitrim Road facility to Summerhill with equipment, notes etc.  He suggested that the recently vacated NowDoc facility in Cortober would be an ideal location for operation of same with a longer term plan to move the facility to St Patrick’s Hospital when works have been completed but that this may take a number of years to materialise. 

Councillor O’Rourke suggested the support should be sought from the elected members representing the Cortober area in Co Roscommon in relation to this matter. 

Ms. Sharkey advised that correspondence will issue to the members of the HSE West Forum as per protocol with any queries relating to the HSE.

All members supported the motion.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out pedestrian safety and traffic calming measures in Keshcarrigan beside Ceis Lawns, on the Drumshanbo road and the Astro Pitch on the Mohill road. Residents are very concerned about pedestrian safety in the village.

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

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out pedestrian safety and traffic calming measures in Keshcarrigan beside Ceis Lawns, on the Drumshanbo road and the Astro Pitch on the Mohill road. Residents are very concerned about pedestrian safety in the village.

Report by Roads

"The District Office have met with the local residents on this issue. We have advised the local community to apply for CLAR funding for a crossing at the Astro Turf pitch. Space is not available to create a new footpath from the village side and landowner agreement is not forthcoming from the Mohill side. All speed limit signs are in proper order. The District Office has invested a lot of money in the village of Keshcarrigan over the last 2 years and have made significant safety changes to the infrastructure"

Councillor Barry said that this was a continuous issue.  He acknowledged the work already done by the District Engineer’s Office and the Active Travel Department.  He enquired if it would be possible to get the driver feedback sign moved from its position on the Fenagh road to either the Carrick or Mohill road in the village. He also said that the Educational Training Board would be willing to give a small piece of land to facilitate works.

Councillor McGloin supported the motion and complemented the residents on the great work they have achieved.

Mr. O’Boyle responded that the feedback sign was going to be moved to Fenagh.  He said that there is a very active community in Keshcarrigan and the best process would be for them to seek funding under CLAR for a footpath and pedestrian crossing at the Astro Turf pitch. 

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have a public light erected outside Ballinaglera Hall.

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

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have a public light erected outside Ballinaglera Hall.

Report by Roads - General

"The District Office cannot provide new lighting to rural areas as it would be contrary to good climate action governance. We have no objection to the community centre erecting a light and column within their property, but we do not have any budget to include it in our public lighting infrastructure."

Councillor Dolan said that this hall is used quite a bit and it would facilitate further use if they could get a light and if the community would be eligible for any funding. 

Mr. O’Boyle said he could meet the community out at the location to see what options are available to them.  He clarified that if any light is installed the community centre would be responsible for the management and maintenance for this light.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have “Slow Down” signs erected, to allow people crossing the road to the footpath from the houses at Acres, the Drumshanbo side of the swimming pool.

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

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have “Slow Down” signs erected, to allow people crossing the road to the footpath from the houses at Acres, the Drumshanbo side of the swimming pool.

Report by Roads

"We will be installing a raised junction at the Corryard entrance which will force traffic to slow down. We also have 2 driver feedback signs erected from Corryard to the swimming pool indicating to drivers that they are in excess of the legal limit. The remaining port of call is enforcement and issuing speeding tickets. This should be broached at the Joint Policing Committee."

Councillor Dolan noted the reply and informed the meeting that he recently witnessed two elderly people trying to cross the road at this location when a van approaching at speed just blew at them to get them out of the way instead of slowing down.

Councillor McGloin supported the motion and queried when will these works be completed.

Mr O’Boyle noted that they are waiting for contractors for a number of works projects presently and they are trying to confirm dates from them to ensure projects are completed as timely as possible and will follow up on this matter.

Councillor Barry supported the motion and said that drivers have become more aggressive on the roads adding that the increasing number of deaths on the roads is unacceptable with a lot of this down to driver behaviour.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out a short stretch of resurfacing on road No: LT15882-0 in the town land of Beaghmore, approximately 300 metres south of Glan Cross. This should be carried out in order to prevent the further deterioration of this road which is carrying a great deal of trafffic.

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

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out a short stretch of resurfacing on road No: LT15882-0 in the town land of Beaghmore, approximately 300 metres south of Glan Cross. This should be carried out in order to prevent the further deterioration of this road which is carrying a great deal of traffic.

Report by Roads

"This road can be considered and put forward for inclusion for Restoration Maintenance Grant in spring of 2024."

Councillor O’Rourke noted the reply. 

Mr. O’Boyle advised him that this was only a consideration and that this road would have to be brought forward by the members for inclusion in the next Roads Programme.

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District when will the works to make Greagh Cross safe be completed?  While the signage and other measures have assisted in a small way, the reduction of the hill on the approach from the Drumnamore side, which blocks the view of those crossing from Fenagh to Aughavas and vice versa, is the only long term solution. I understand adjoining landowners are agreeable to having the water mains resited within their property.

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

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District when will the works to make Greagh Cross safe be completed?  While the signage and other measures have assisted in a small way, the reduction of the hill on the approach from the Drumnamore side, which blocks the view of those crossing from Fenagh to Aughavas and vice versa, is the only long-term solution. I understand adjoining landowners are agreeable to having the water mains re-sited within their property.

Report by Roads - General

"The District Engineer has met with stakeholders regarding Greagh Cross alignment and safety. It was agreed that the District Office would reduce the vegetation and hedges on the approach (LCC property) and apply for a Low Cost Safety to widen the Longford side of the junction. This will require landowner agreement. Reducing the alignment is not an option unless a Specific Improvement Grant is made available to carry out such works."

Councillor O’Rourke noted the reply. 

Welcome to Leitrim Signage

Councillor O’Rourke enquired if there had been any update on notice of motion he raised in July requesting “Welcome to Leitrim” signage be erected on regional road entrances into the county.

Mr. O’Boyle said that the had passed this onto the Community Section of Leitrim County Council and will follow up on this request.  

Presentation by Allie Reynolds

Ms. Allie Reynolds, Leaving Cert Student from The Kings Hospital School gave a presentation to the members of Ballinamore MD.

The presentation was part of her Politics & Society module and was entitled “Sports Washing”.

The members thanked Ms. Reynolds for her informative presentation.

Date and Time of Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday 27^th November 2023 at 10.30 am in The Island Theatre, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim.

This concluded the business of the meeting at 11.25 am.