Agenda and minutes

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

“That the Minutes of the Meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District held on Monday 23^rd October 2023 be adopted”.

Ms. Laura Sharkey informed the meeting that there were no items received for consideration under Meetings Correspondence.

I proposed that Ballinamore Municipal District resurface the road at Castlefore on the R209 before the frost starts.

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

"I proposed that Ballinamore Municipal District resurface the road at Castlefore on the R209 before the frost starts."

Report by Roads - General

"The season for surface dressing is well over. We cannot surface dress after September as the night time temperatures do not allow. We will seek approval from the Elected Members in March 2024 to carry out a Restoration Maintenance Grant on this section of the regional road."

Councillor Ellis noted the reply and Councillor Barry supported the motion.

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District improve the sight distance where Local Road No. L-16091 joins Local Road No. L-15671 at Cornageeha.

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

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District improve the sight distance where Local Road No. L-16091 joins Local Road No. L-15671 at Cornageeha."

Report by Roads - General

"The local road cul de sac L-15671-0 intersects the Cloone to Drumlish road at Drumhass. We will advise the local landowner to maintain his hedges/trees at this location which will provide proper safe sight lines."

Councillor Ellis noted the reply and stated that this junction is extremely dangerous and to request the hedge is cut to increase visibility and Councillor Reynolds Flynn supported the motion.

Mr O’Boyle stated that this is private land and will follow the formal notification process in relation to hedge cutting where Leitrim County Council write to the Landowner advising them to cut their hedges. If no action is taken, a formal hedge cutting notice is issued stating there is 14 days to comply.  If still no action taken by the landowner, Leitrim County Council will cut the hedge and bring the landowner to court to recoup the cost. 

Councillor Barry supported the motion and referred to difficulties faced in applying for hedge cutting grants in getting signatures from landowners where land has been leased.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District provide public lighting or fix the current lighting at the Carraig Breac Estate, Carrick Road, Drumshanbo. There are a lot of residents without adequate public lighting and it is very dangerous.

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

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District to provide public lighting or fix the current lighting at the Carraig Breac Estate, Carrick Road, Drumshanbo. There are a lot of residents without adequate public lighting and it is very dangerous."

Report by Roads - South Leitrim Area

"This estate is a private estate which has not been taken in charge, thus the local authority have no charge regarding public lights."

Councillor McGloin noted the reply.

There are currently 3,227 dogs in shelters and pounds across the country.  There has been a 95% increase in the number of stray dogs entering dog pounds in recent years.

It is noted that the figures do not include “the hundreds of dogs that are on waiting lists for a space in a shelter”.

What is the current situation in Leitrim and can we have a report from the Leitrim Dog warden please?

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

"There are currently 3,227 dogs in shelters and pounds across the country. There has been a 95% increase in the number of stray dogs entering dog pounds in recent years.

It is noted that the figures do not include “the hundreds of dogs that are on waiting lists for a space in a shelter”.

What is the current situation in Leitrim and can we have a report from the Leitrim Dog warden please?"

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"The situation in Leitrim in relation to Stray & Surrendered Dogs YTD on 31st Oct. 2023 is as follows:

In Leitrim to 31 Oct 2023, there were 93 requests to surrender dogs to the Dog Warden Service, of these 25 were accepted. However, the Dog Warden often provides support to owners wishing to surrender / rehome their dog. Such support may include publication of the dog’s photograph and details on the Dog Pound Social Media accounts and facilitating direct contact between prospective new owners and the dog owner. On occasion, the appropriate advice is for the dog to be put-to-sleep by the owner’s Veterinary Surgeon as the dog may not be suitable for re-homing."

Councillor McGloin noted the reply and urged people to make contact with the Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre if they wished to acquire a dog and to look at fostering a dog first before adopting.

Councillors Gerry Dolan, Brendan Barry and Paddy O’Rourke supported the motion.

Can I request an update on lighting and footpaths in Lakeview housing estate in Keshcasrricagan.

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

"Can I request an update on lighting and footpaths in Lakeview housing estate in Keshcarrigan."

Report by Roads - South Leitrim Area

"The Lakeview Estate in Keshcarrigan is a private estate which has not been taken in charge by the local authority."

Councillor Reynolds Flynn noted the reply and Councillor Barry supported the motion and stated that he was aware the residents had signed a form to apply for taking in charge of this estate and it was submitted to Leitrim County Council.   Mr.  Dwyer noted this and would follow up on the current status of this application .

Can I request that road no. L1609-2 be considered for an upgrade or for repair works to be carried out on it.

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

"Can I request that road no. L1609-2 be considered for an upgrade or for repair works to be carried out on it."

Report by Roads - General

"The local road L-1609-2 is not currently on our 3 year programme. The road can be put forward at the end of 2024 for inclusion of the next 3 year roads programme for approval by the Elected Members."

Councillor Reynolds Flynn noted the reply.

I ask what is the plan to resurface Road No: LS 53260 in the townland of Greaghrevagh and also Road No. LT 56002 in the townland of Drumkievey.  It is over 20 years since any significant works have been carried out there and the surface is seriously deteriorating. While residents are grateful for the patching recently carried out, a more long term plan is urgently required.

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

"I ask what is the plan to resurface Road No: LS 53260 in the townland of Greaghrevagh and also Road No. LT 56002 in the townland of Drumkievey. It is over 20 years since any significant works have been carried out there and the surface is seriously deteriorating. While residents are grateful for the patching recently carried out, a more long term plan is urgently required."

Report by Roads - General

"The local Road L-5326-0 is public and was last surfaced in 2009. It is not currently on our 3 year programme for road restoration. The local road L-5600-2 at Drumconny was last surfaced in 2006. This public road is also not on the current 3 year plan for road restoration."

Councillor O’Rourke noted the reply.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District make the necessary arrangements to remove the two rows of trees on the entry roadway to the Lake View Estate at Cloone Village. These trees are non native and upon reaching maturity have become a nuisance preventing sunlight from reaching many peoples gardens and the western gable of the Community Centre along with being a source of green slime following rainfall which contributes to an unsightly and slippery surface both on the footpaths and the roadway.

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

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District make the necessary arrangements to remove the two rows of trees on the entry roadway to the Lake View Estate at Cloone Village. These trees are non native and upon reaching maturity have become a nuisance preventing sunlight from reaching many peoples gardens and the western gable of the Community Centre along with being a source of green slime following rainfall which contributes to an unsightly and slippery surface both on the footpaths and the roadway."

Report by Roads - General

"We are awaiting tender returns from competent tree surgeons to carry out this work and reduce and remove the Laylandii trees on local authority owned property. It is envisaged that these works will be done in January 2024"

Councillor O’Rourke noted the reply.

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District provide additional litter and dog fouling bins in Drumshanbo and Keshcarrigan.

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

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District provide additional litter and dog fouling bins in Drumshanbo and Keshcarrigan."

Report by Roads - General

"Keshcarrigan is one of the most litter free villages in South Leitrim. There are currently no public litter bins in the village. Waterways Ireland have no litter bins at their facilities also. The introduction of litter bins to this village will cause litter hot spots and possible vermin issues. All shops are obliged to cater for their customers by providing a waste/litter bin during opening hours. Dog fouling bins is a matter for the Environment Section as they maintain these services and we can advise the Veterinarian Officer of your request."

Councillor Barry noted the reply and stated that the community had requested that additional bins to be installed in the towns. 

Mr. O’Boyle advised that the introduction of litter bins has been known to create a litter hot spot in small towns and it was a requirement of some planning permissions for retail that they provide a bin on or near their premises.  Mr. Dwyer confirmed that if there is a local group, Leitrim County Council will provide support the them to assist with litter pickers, bin bags, and collection and requested that the groups make contact with the Environment Department to assist them.  Mr O’Boyle also confirmed he will liaise with the Veterinary Section in relation to dog fouling bins at the locations. 

Councillor Barry and McGloin agreed if Leitrim County Council could assist businesses with appropriate bins that have smaller openings to detract from household waste being left in them and assist the local groups in the litter picking activities. 

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out piping of 2 small sections of watertable on L8299 at bend close to house N41YV09 and beside bridge over Altnagullion River, some of the verges require infilling also.  Great work has been done on surface of road and these additional works will make it much safer.

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

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out piping of 2 small sections of watertable on L8299 at bend close to house N41YV09 and beside bridge over Altnagullion River, some of the verges require infilling also. Great work has been done on surface of road and these additional works will make it much safer."

Report by Roads - General

"The L-8299 received a full 2km restoration grant earlier this year. The verges will recover with time. The section leading to the Altnagullion bridge will be piped and stoned as required."

Councillor Barry noted the reply.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have repair works carried out on the Mullaghgarve famine graveyard road.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have repair works carried out on the Mullaghgarve famine graveyard road."

Report by Roads - General

"The L-73151 is a public walkway to Mullaghgarve famine graveyard. This cul de sac has no grant applicable to it during this 3 year Restoration Programme. The community that use this lane can apply for a Community Involvement Scheme which will allow for full restoration."

Councillor Dolan noted the reply and Councillor Barry supported the motion. Works will be undertaken at this location to allow continued use of this laneway. 

I call on the Department of Agricultural to have all held up payments that have been processed for BISS, CRISS and ECO-SCHEMES to be paid on December 1st.   Also, all balancing payments issued by the middle of December and not have them paid out next year.

 
With payments issued later this year already and many payments being held up through no fault of the farmer it is unacceptable for balancing payment to be held up until possibly March next year.

Also, the Department must make sure all ACRES payments are also paid by year end.

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

"I call on the Department of Agricultural to have all held up payments that have been processed for BISS, CRISS and ECO-SCHEMES to be paid on December 1st. Also, all balancing payments issued by the middle of December and not have them paid out next year.

With payments issued later this year already and many payments being held up through no fault of the farmer it is unacceptable for balancing payment to be held up until possibly March next year.

Also, the Department must make sure all ACRES payments are also paid by year end."

Councillor Dolan requested correspondence to issue and Councillors Barry, Ellis and O’Rourke all supported the motion.

Chevron signs needed

Councillor Barry enquired if it was possible to get Chevron signs at Cornabrone as due to a recent accident at the location removed the hedge at this location. 

Mr. O’Boyle agreed to this request.  

Riots in Dublin

Councillor Ellis wished to condemn the riots that took place in Dublin on the 23^rd November 2023 and all Members supported this.

Date and Time of Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 12^th December 2023 at 11.00 am in The Island Theatre, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim.

This concluded the business of the meeting at 11.30 am.