Agenda and minutes

Proposed by Councillor Caillian Ellis, Seconded by Councillor Gerry Dolan and UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of the Meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District held on Tuesday 12^th December 2023 be adopted”.

There were no items for consideration under Meetings Correspondence.

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District resurface Local Road No L1511 in the townland of Cornafostra, Fenagh as soon as possible.

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

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District resurface Local Road No L1511 in the townland of Cornafostra, Fenagh as soon as possible.”

Report by Roads

"We have the agreed Restoration Improvement Grant for this year as part of the 3 year plan. However, if additional funds arrive this year for the Roadworks Programme, we can include it this year. Otherwise, it will be placed on the 2025 Annual Restoration Improvement Grant Programme."

Councillor Ellis noted the reply and enquired if there was any possibility that it could be done this year and Mr. O’Boyle replied that if additional funding is received, this would be a priority project to be completed.

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District extend the Public Lighting out as far as the R201 at Dillon’s Cross.

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

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District extend the Public Lighting out as far as the R201 at Dillon’s Cross."

Report by Roads

"There is no funding in the Roadworks Programme for extensions to public lighting and in any event, it would not be our policy to provide public lighting outside the speed limits."

Councillor Ellis noted the reply and remarked that only a few additional lights were required at this location.   Mr. O’Boyle responded that the local authority are unable to provide additional public lighting in an area outside of the urban speed limits.

Councillor Ellis said that there was a light needed on the Fenagh to Keshcarrigan road and that this was inside the speed limit and Mr. O’Boyle noted that he would go out and review this location.

Can I ask the Road Design Office of Leitrim County Council and the District Engineer’s Office to review the impact of the new “platform” constructed at the entrance to Corryard Wood, Drumshanbo and whether it has reduced the speed of traffic especially along the town side.  Unfortunately I don’t believe it has and I ask that consideration be given to installing a crossing or ramp in or around Mc Cormack’s old garage.

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

"Can I ask the Road Design Office of Leitrim County Council and the District Engineer’s Office to review the impact of the new “platform” constructed at the entrance to Corryard Wood, Drumshanbo and whether it has reduced the speed of traffic especially along the town side.  Unfortunately, I don’t believe it has and I ask that consideration be given to installing a crossing or ramp in or around Mc Cormack’s old garage.”

Report by Roads

"The raised "ramped" platform constructed under the Active Travel Programme in 2023 has considerably reduced the speed of traffic exiting and entering the town of Drumshanbo. The Local Authority have recently constructed 3 ramps on this regional road along with 3 driver feedback signs. It is unlikely that any further funding will be made available for additional ramps. I believe the remaining avenue is to inform the Joint Policing Committee of speeding concerns at this location."

Councillor McGloin acknowledged the response received but that he did not accept the response given as the feedback he has received from residents was that the new measures were not working.  There is a straight stretch of road from Kanes Tiles in the town out to Corryard Wood which is leading to speeding in this densely populated area and that there is a strong belief that it was only a matter of time before there was a serious accident on this stretch of road.  Councillor McGloin stated that as a member of the JPC he will raise this issue at this committee also. 

Councillor Barry supported the motion, adding that it is impossible to get people to slow down.  Just last week there was an incident at the Food Hub in which there was a considerable amount of damage done.  He said that it was disheartening for those who obey the rules. 

Councillor Dolan supported the motion.

Mr. O’Boyle said that the local community could apply for funding under CLAR for a pedestrian crossing but that it was unlikely that they would receive funding as Active Travel Works have been carried out to link this location to the town and it has provided a number of speed ramps.  He remarked that if people are choosing to speed, that this is a matter to be dealt with under the Roads Traffic Act as the local authority can’t keep putting in speed ramps as there are an additional 2 on the Hilly Road and that speed ramps are not the solution as people who are breaking the law should be penalised.

Councillor McGloin said that the ramps on the Hilly Road have had an impact on slowing down the traffic.  He referred to the situation in Drumkeeran in which there a number of ramps installed, and it is working effectively. 

Mr. O’Boyle said that to implement a similar system would require an application for a Low Cost Safety Grant.   If the application was successful, they could look at designing  ...  view the full minutes text for item BMD.5.24

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to consider works at the Mart Road Car Park, Drumshanbo to re-kerb and eliminate the footpath where the bus stop is, to allow better traffic flow and more car parking spaces. Perhaps the Road Design Office would review the design here as action is required to reduce traffic congestion.

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

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to consider works at the Mart Road Car Park, Drumshanbo to re-kerb and eliminate the footpath where the bus stop is, to allow better traffic flow and more car parking spaces. Perhaps the Road Design Office would review the design here as action is required to reduce traffic congestion.”

Report by Roads

"We can get the Road Design Office to review the situation, however it is unlikely that the bus stop will be moved as it removes the current seating island while reducing the car park spaces."

Councillor McGloin informed the meeting that the current bus stop has removed three car parking spaces and also created a disruption to traffic when the bus is at the stop.  He said that he was not asking for the Bus Stop to be removed but redesigned so that the bus can pull in off the road to allow traffic to flow.

Councillor Barry supported the motion.  He said it would be good if something could be done to keep the traffic flowing more freely.  It really becomes an issue if there are two buses pulled in at this location, which causes congestion.

I request an update on what progress has been made to install an underpass for the canal walkways at Drumhauver Bridge, Drumshanbo and Aghoo Bridge, Ballinamore and when construction is likely to commence.

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

"I request an update on what progress has been made to install an underpass for the canal walkways at Drumhauver Bridge, Drumshanbo and Aghoo Bridge, Ballinamore and when construction is likely to commence."

Report by Roads - South Leitrim Area

"Leitrim County Council in partnership with Waterways Ireland have discussed the issue and have got landowner agreement in principle. Waterways Ireland have preliminary designs carried out. Leitrim County Council applied for funding through the Blue Way grant system but were unsuccessful. We now need to converse with Waterways Ireland and advise them to apply through their funding system options."

Councillor Barry noted the reply and sought clarification on each bridge individually.

Mr. O’Boyle said that these works are under the remit of the Capital Projects Office of the council and said that he had been advised as follows: -

Aghoo Bridge funding has been secured.  It is now at the detailed design stage and it is expected that this will be progressed through Part 8 process.

Drumhauver Bridge, the Capital Projects Office will liaise with Waterways Ireland to advise to apply through their own funding system.  They are hoping to establish meetings on a regular basis with Waterways Ireland going forward.

Councillor Barry said that it was good to see this progress.

Councillor McGloin supported the motion.

According to the UN, between October 7th 2023 - January 11th 2024, over 23,400 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and over 7,000 people are missing in the rubble. 70% of these victims are women and children. Over 59,600 have been maimed and injured, while nearly 85% of the population of Gaza (1.9 million out of the 2.3 million population) have been displaced. These crimes against humanity are genocide.

As a state party to the Geneva Convention, Ireland should support South Africa in referring Israel to the International Court of Justice in solidarity with the people of Palestine.

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

"According to the UN, between October 7th 2023 - January 11th 2024, over 23,400 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and over 7,000 people are missing in the rubble. 70% of these victims are women and children. Over 59,600 have been maimed and injured, while nearly 85% of the population of Gaza (1.9 million out of the 2.3 million population) have been displaced. These crimes against humanity are genocide.

As a state party to the Geneva Convention, Ireland should support South Africa in referring Israel to the International Court of Justice in solidarity with the people of Palestine."

Councillor Barry gave the members an overview of the current situation in Gaza and the difficulties being faced by the people there.

Councillor Ellis seconded this motion.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have the street lighting and footpath extended out the Swanlinbar Road from Ballinamore.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to have the street lighting and footpath extended out the Swanlinbar Road from Ballinamore."

Report by Roads - General

"There is no funding in the Roadworks Programme for extensions to public lighting and in any event, it would not be our policy to provide public lighting outside the speed limits."

Councillor Dolan noted the reply and said that there were a number of houses along this road and that quite a few people walk along this road.

Councillor Ellis supported the motion.

Councillor Dolan enquired if there was a possibility of getting the speed limit area extended out this road in order to get the public lighting and footpath.

Mr. O’Boyle said that any proposal for extension of the speed limit area would need to be brought before the members for their approval as a reserved function.

I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to write to the Department of Education to revise and update the requirements needed to apply for the SUSI Grant for young adults going to college.  Applicants are being penalised for having part time and summer jobs and some allowances or changes need to be made to the application process.

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

"I call on Ballinamore Municipal District to write to the Department of Education to revise and update the requirements needed to apply for the SUSI Grant for young adults going to college.  Applicants are being penalised for having part time and summer jobs and some allowances or changes need to be made to the application process."

Councillor Dolan said that it was extremely unfair that all income in a household was assessed for the SUSI Grant.  Any money earned by students through part time or summer work was also included in the assessment.  He said that it was great to see young people going out and getting jobs and he did not think it was fair that this money was being included in the assessment.

Councillor McGloin suggested that the letter be sent to the Department of Further & Higher Education as they have responsibility for the SUSI grant system.

Councillor O’Rourke supported the motion and informed the meeting that recent changes allowed students to now earn up to €6,500.  He said that there should be no obstacle put in the way of young people looking to work.

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District that the depression in the road R202-40 in townland of Derrinivver close to the Cavan Border. This depression is quite dangerous particularly to motorists unfamiliar with the road and could lead to off roading of a Heavy Goods Vehicle.

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

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District to look at the depression in the road R202-40 in townland of Derrinivver close to the Cavan Border. This depression is quite dangerous particularly to motorists unfamiliar with the road and could lead to off roading of a Heavy Goods Vehicle."

Report by Roads - General

"We can include this section of regional road in the next 3 year plan. We do not consider this depression to be in need of urgent repair. We will review any and all settlements along our busy regional roads."

Councillor O’Rourke noted the reply and did not agree that the road was not in need of urgent repair.  He said that if you hit the depression with a Heavy Goods Vehicle you would know about it.  This has been brought to his attention by a number of haulage companies.  He asked Mr. O’Boyle to have a look at this road again.  The dry period of weather last summer caused a lot of harm to the road.

Mr. O’Boyle said that he would look at this area again.  He enquired if drainage works had been carried out by landowners in this area and there have been issues with landowners carrying out drainage works on their land and not carrying them out in accordance with the Roads Act which is undermining works completed by the local authority.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District provide barriers along Road No L-1534-2 north of the Killegar Junction, as this part of the road frequently floods presenting a difficulty for motorists in recognising where the roadside boundaries are. This measure is essential in the absence of a more long-term solution to the flooding.

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

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District provide barriers along Road No L-1534-2 north of the Killegar Junction, as this part of the road frequently floods presenting a difficulty for motorists in recognising where the roadside boundaries are. This measure is essential in the absence of a more long-term solution to the flooding."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council have containment systems along the L-1543-2 at bend locations. The section of local road that floods regularly is straight. We intend to apply for a Climate Action Scheme in 2024 along this section of local road to deal with both flooding issues at the Killegar junction near Drumeela School."

Councillor O’Rourke noted the reply.  He said that if you were unfortunate enough to end up in a flood and had to get out of your car you have no way of knowing where the roadside boundary ends.

Mr. O’Boyle said this road was prone to seasonal flooding.  Barriers are erected in locations such as this to identify roadside boundaries.

Councillor O’Rourke enquired if the works would require raising the road and Mr. O’Boyle confirmed it would.

Water Outages following Storm Isha

Mr. Dwyer gave an update to the meeting.  He said that as a local authority Leitrim were out of water.  The responsibility for water supply was no longer a local authority issue and is now under the remit of Uisce Éireann.  He said that the local authority is relying on Uisce Éireann to provide updates on water restoration times.  At the moment it was unknown when the water supply will be restored.

He had been informed that the reservoir at Mong Upper is empty and this is affecting Drumshanbo, Keadue, Keshcarrigan, Ballinamore, Mohill and Carrigallen.   The fact that the reservoir at Mong Upper is empty Mong Lower gets filled first and then Mong Upper gets filled after that, so it's going to take some time.  He continued that the thaw following the frost last week has also caused a lot of leaks which is adding to the problem.

He concluded that electricity was due to be restored by 6pm today.

Commendation of Local Authority, Fire Service and ESB Staff

Councillor Barry commended the fire service and outdoor staff of Leitrim County Council who working to clear debris, in some instances through the night.

He also commended the ESB for the good work they are doing in restoring power.

He remarked that something that this municipality should be doing, in his view, was calling on forestry companies and owners to clear trees that are continuously falling on ESB lines and leaving people without power. Sometimes resulting in large areas being knocked out.  It also puts the ESB staff at risk having to go into these forests with so many unstable trees.  It appears that forestry companies are reluctant to do anything to deal with these problem trees.  This municipal district should be calling on the government to put pressure on these forestry companies to deal with this.

Mr. Dwyer made reference to an incident where Ballinamore Fire Service were called out to cut a tree down and they had to cut seven trees to get to the tree that had fallen. 

School Closures

Councillor Ellis enquired if schools would be closed if the water was still out.

Mr. Dwyer responded that this was a matter to be taken locally by each school principal.

Date and Time of Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday 26^th February 2024 at 10.30 am in The Island Theatre, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim.

This concluded the business of the meeting at 11.40 am.

Signed: ___________________________                             Signed: ____________________

                Councillor Paddy O’Rourke                                                 Laura Sharkey

               Cathaoirleach                                                                      Meetings Administrator 

                Ballinamore Municipal District                                             Ballinamore Municipal District 

Date:    26^th February 2024