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 meeting held on Monday 22^nd January 2024 be adopted.”

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

“That the Minutes of the Special Meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District Meeting – Part 8 – Drumshanbo Town Regeneration Project held on Tuesday 6^th February 2024 be adopted.”

A copy of this Part 8 proposal was circulated to the Members in advance of today’s meeting and appears as Appendix 1 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minutes Book.

Mr. McMahon explained to the meeting that the development would consist of 4 no. 1 bed apartments.  The 2 on the ground floor would be allocated for age friendly purposes.

Councillor McGloin welcomed the proposal stating that it was good to see a proposal which had consideration for elderly people and those with mobility issues.

Councillor Ellis enquired if the residents had been consulted on this proposal.

Mr. McMahon advised that a total of 4 submissions had been received from the public.  A couple of them raised concerns regarding the property overlooking existing properties.  He explained that this was an infill site and there would always be issues with overlooking, however all necessary steps were being taken to try to mitigate this as much as possible.

Councillor Barry requested that consultation would take place with the person in the existing house adjacent to the site.

Mr. McMahon responded that they will be keeping in contact with this person and that this person has raised concerns regarding keeping the development away from their boundary.  A boundary treatment will be agreed and put in place.

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

“To approve the Chief Executive’s Report and Recommendation pursuant to Section 179 of the Planning & Development Act, 2000 (as amended) and Part 8 of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) in respect of the proposed construction of 4 No. 1 Bed Units at Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim.

Mr. Dwyer informed the meeting that the Schedule of Municipal District Works 2024 (Appendix 2 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minutes Book) was circulated in advance to the Members. 

There were no questions from the Members in relation to this. He handed the meeting over to Mr. McGovern to give a presentation on the Annual Area Programme 2024 (Appendix 3 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minutes Book).

Mr. McGovern went through the Annual Area Programme 2024 in detail.

Councillor Enda McGloin thanked Mr. McGovern for his presentation and enquired how many Community Involvement Schemes would it be possible to do with the allocation of €107,573.

Mr. McGovern responded it may get 2 or 3 on the list done but that it would depend on the amount provided as the local contribution.

Mr. O’Boyle informed the meeting that there is a list for projects as part of the Community Involvement Schemes and that this should be made up primarily of cul-de-sacs and no through roads. He stated that it may be possible to get 3 projects complete but will depend on the length on the road and the stakeholders  will have to be contacted to see if they are still interested in proceeding with the local contribution to be provided per project of 10%.

Councillor Ellis welcomed the money allocated for Mahanagh.

Councillor Barry referred to the Low-Cost Safety Grant for he L1313 Ballinamore to Aughnasheelin and enquired what works would be covered by this grant.  Mr. McGovern responded that this would include signage works.

Councillor McGloin enquired if the Active Travel Grant for town junction upgrade works in Drumshanbo was to improve safety.  Mr. McGovern said it was to make it easier for vulnerable road users and to try to slow the traffic down.

Proposed by Councillor Enda McGloin, Seconded by Councillor Brendan Barry and unanimously resolved:

“That the Ballinamore Municipal District approve the Schedule of Municipal District Works, 2024 to include the Area Programme, 2024”.

Ms. Sharkey informed the meeting that there was one item which was an acknowledgement from the Office of the Taoiseach in response to Notice of Motion raised by Councillor Barry in respect of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Councillor Barry gave the meeting an update on the current situation in Gaza.  He said that he would hope to receive a proper response back from the Taoiseach’s Office, not just an acknowledgement.

I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District put in place ramps on the R202 approaching Fenagh National School from the Mohill side.

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

"I propose that Ballinamore Municipal District put in place ramps on the R202 approaching Fenagh National School from the Mohill side."

Report by Roads

"Leitrim County Council do not install ramps on Regional Roads unless under a specific scheme with specific funding. This can be either through Low-Cost Safety schemes or Clar funding schemes. Funding can also be sought through Safer Routes to School, however Active Travel schemes are unlikely to revisit Fenagh Village."

Councillor Ellis noted the reply and and that this matter has been raised by the Board of Management of the School and there is a real problem with speeding at this location.  The proposed footpath was meant to be installed to slow traffic down, however that was met with objections which meant the whole project was scrapped and the funding reallocated elsewhere.  He asked was there anyway to get this path back on track.

Mr. O’Boyle responded that there were several conduits that residents and schools could apply for funding such as CLAR or Town & Village Scheme.   It may be possible under the Safer Routes to School under the Active Travel to secure funding and will have to be led by the community in order to progress.

Councillor Ellis said that the school had been in favour of the footpath but unfortunately a letter of objection derailed the project and he said he felt that a footpath from the school out to the speed limit would have the most impact on encouraging drivers to slow down and it would also enhance the village greatly.

Cllr Brendan Barry seconded and supported the motion and noted that three of the eight motions at today’s  meeting were in relation to road safety.  He said that you would imagine when someone sees a school and children being dropped off that they would have the sense to slow down as a child could run out from anywhere.

Can I ask Ballinamore Municipal District for an update on Community Involvement Schemes and Local Improvement Scheme applications. 

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

"Can I ask Ballinamore Municipal District for an update on Community Involvement Schemes and Local Improvement Scheme applications."

Report by Roads

"A countywide allocation has been received from the Department of Transport of €307,350 for Community Involvement Schemes for 2024. This is a similar allocation of what was received in 2023. €107,573 of this amount is allocated to the Ballinamore Municipal District and it is anticipated that it will complete approximately 3 schemes. As regards Local Improvement Schemes, there are currently 163 on the waiting list countywide. Last year we completed 23 schemes. To date we have not received the allocation for LIS from the Department of Rural & Community Development for 2024."

Councillor Ellis noted the reply and enquired if Community Involvement Schemes were open all year round. 

Mr. McGovern responded that they were, people can apply at any stage and they will be placed on a list.  He said that Mr. O’Boyle has been working on reducing the numbers on this list by looking at applications which could be moved over to the Roads Programme and is compiling a list and it is his intention to target public roads that are cul-de-sacs.

Councillor Ellis commented that the funding being received does not correspond with the rise in the cost of materials and Mr. O’Boyle said that he was unable to comment on the cost of materials as the tender for materials for the Ballinamore Area had not yet been received.

Councillor O’Rourke enquired about the number of applications on the list.

Mr. O’Boyle said that there were about 80 applications in South Leitrim.  As previously mentioned all through roads have been taken off so it is now down to 20 in South Leitrim.  A lot of the applications are from Forestry Companies who are making contributions.  He said he is trying to even the jobs out between community and forestries.  The CIS is also applicable to housing estates that have been Taken in Charge.

Councillor O’Rourke suggested writing to the Department of Transport to seek an increase in funding.  Leitrim is unique due to the nature of its landholdings.  No other county depends more on funding than we do.  A case should be made to the Department for an increase and they should also be informed that people are willing to pay their contribution to have their roads done.

Councillor Barry supported this proposal.  He said that it is good that forestry companies are willing to work with the council and pay their portion.  However, he would like to see more funding secured for the private individuals who wish to contribute to the scheme.

Can I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District would examine possible road subsidence at the bridge along the R-209 at Drumaleague, Kilclare (Drumcong side of North West Tool Hire) and consider some works to ensure the road does not deteriorate further.

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

"Can I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District would examine possible road subsidence at the bridge along the R-209 at Drumaleague, Kilclare (Drumcong side of North West Tool Hire) and consider some works to ensure the road does not deteriorate further."

Report by Roads

"An allocation for subsidence works on the R209 at this location has been received as part of our Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience Works Grant from the Department of Transport and works will be carried out in the current year. The District Office has met with the landowner and this funding will allow us to rebuild the bank on both sides of the R209 at this location. The subsidence at the bridge will require a Specific Improvement Grant to carry out a proper design and construction of approaches to the canal bridge."

Councillor McGloin noted the reply and was happy to see that the work will commence this year.

I ask that this meeting discuss the recent allocation of funding to Leitrim County Council from the Dept. of Transport under Smarter Travel and the proposed works for the Ballinamore Municipal District.  In particular, what bus stop infrastructure will this Municipal District get and what locations will be selected under the €500,000 for bus shelters.

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

"I ask that this meeting discuss the recent allocation of funding to Leitrim County Council from the Dept. of Transport under Smarter Travel and the proposed works for the Ballinamore Municipal District.  In particular, what bus stop infrastructure will this Municipal District get and what locations will be selected under the €500,000 for bus shelters."

Report by Roads

"The Active Travel Allocation for the Ballinamore Municipal District is outlined in the Road Works Schedule.

Funding has been identified for the following schemes:

·       Tully heights connection to Town Environs

·       Aughnasheelin AT Link

·       SRTS Mohill Community School

·       Drumshanbo Town Junction Upgrade

·       Bike Parking

Funding for installation of Bus Shelters, that meet the NTA Criteria is available. Suitable locations will be identified in due course."

Councillor McGloin noted the reply, he said he was looking for information regarding Drumshanbo.  He made reference to the current bus stop located on the Mart Road, which he raised in previous motions.  It has a huge amount of activity around that area and there is a problem with the footpath and it has also reduced parking spaces available.  He enquired if another location could be considered and there is a bus stop outside the library but this is not the most appropriate location. While he highlighted the situation he did not have a proposal/solution for the relocation of the current bus stop.

Councillor Barry supported the motion. He enquired what the criteria was to have a bus stop installed at a particular location.

Mr. McGovern responded that buses must stop a minimum of 5 times in each direction during the day.  This did not include stops by school buses.  He said that JC Decaux install the bus shelters.  They have a civil works contract with the National Transport Authority.  The council will work with JC Decaux and the NTA to look at the most suitable locations.

Councillor Reynolds Flynn enquired about a bus shelter for Ballinamore town.  Mr. O’Boyle said it would be slightly more difficult in Ballinamore.  He would be looking at an area up towards New Line (Ring Road).  There is scope for one there, but the problem is that the road has not been taken in charge yet. 

I request that traffic calming measures be carried out beside Foxfield Church, Foxfield Hall and Fenagh New Cemetery.  The community are very concerned about traffic speeds in this area.

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

"I request that traffic calming measures be carried out beside Foxfield Church, Foxfield Hall and Fenagh New Cemetery. The community is very concerned about traffic speeds in this area."

Report by Roads

"We can place this issue on the Low-Cost Safety Scheme list. Once the Garda have evidence of road incidence at this location we can endeavor to get funding. However, speeding issues should be brought up at the JPC within this MD."

Councillor Barry noted the reply and said that 3 out of 8 motions today related to traffic calming.  He asked if it would be possible for the council to carry out a speed survey at this location.

Mr. O’Boyle informed the meeting there had been a driver feedback sign at this location but it was vandalised and said they can look at replacing it. The sign will give us the information we need adding that they only work for about a week in terms of traffic calming.

Councillor Reynolds Flynn said that all members have received representations regarding speeding and traffic calming measures relating to all roads into Ballinamore.

Mr. O'Boyle said that it is not within the council's remit to prosecute people and that is down to An Garda Síochána.  The only way to slow driver’s down physically is by installing ramps. He said that he did not want to put ramps on the regional road.

Councillor Ellis made reference to a similar motion he had tabled some months ago to a similar situation n Lahard.  Mr. O'Boyle responded that there is funding for Lahard and Railway Terrace in Ballinamore. It is his intention to widen the footpaths at these locations and narrow the carriageway which will slow traffic down.

Councillor O'Rourke noted he had a motion in a year ago about the R209 and said those taking children to creche facilities at the location are still complaining bitterly about how dangerous it is with vehicles coming from Edentenny are not slowing down sufficiently.

Mr O'Boyle responded that speed bars and feedback signs have been installed at the location. Active Travel is going to look at Safe Routes to School (SRTS) in Ballinamore. The issue at the school is parking regardless of the speed of traffic as there is illegitimate parking going on and that needs to be resolved under a SRTS option so we can adjust this system.

Councillor Ellis said that the problem at the school is the volume of cars which he described as unbelievable. He said he had witnessed children running in and out of behind cars and he hoped there wouldn’t be a bad accident.  Councillor O'Rourke said the school is well inside the 30km/h speed limit and cars should not be doing the speed they are doing.  Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn suggested an awareness campaign.

Councillor Barry said that it comes down to people being afraid of getting caught speeding or not as some people have  ...  view the full minutes text for item BMD.25.24

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District call on ESB Networks and the Minister responsible for the forest service to explain the following:-

What has been done to protect electricity lines from falling trees?
What are the issues stopping more action been taken to reduce the risk of trees falling on lines?
What further measures are going to be implemented going forward?

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

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District call on ESB Networks and the Minister responsible for the forest service to explain the following:-

What has been done to protect electricity lines from falling trees?

What are the issues stopping more action been taken to reduce the risk of trees falling on lines?

What further measures are going to be implemented going forward?"

Councillor Barry informed the meeting that people were left without power for almost a week during Storm Isha.  He said that he had contacted senior people in the ESB who told him that ESB offers compensation to anyone planting forestry and it is up to the forestry owner to apply for compensation so that the ESB has an agreed wayleave so they can access the lines and wires 10 metres either side and the ESB can cut these trees down. However, he said that if the owners don't apply, the ESB cannot cut any trees down unless they are actually touching the line. 

He said that some of the forestry companies are very reluctant to go in and take down trees beside lines even though the rest of the forest beside it has been knocked down and leading to power outages during storms.  A lot of the trees are in a very vulnerable state and have the potential to cause more outages and communities have been left very annoyed over this.  He proposed that Ballinamore Municipal District write to the ESB and Department with responsibility for forestry.

Councillor McGloin seconded and supported the motion and said that all the members were aware of recent outages which have been exasperated by Ash Dieback with people very frustrated by this.  He made reference to recurring outages in some areas and suggested that lines could possibly be moved somewhere else to avoid these constant blackouts.

He also suggested that members of the ESB be invited to address a meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District or the full Council to give an explanation and see can we as Elected Members maybe challenge them to come up with some scenarios and with climate change, storms will become more frequent. 

Councillor Reynolds Flynn noted that there was a power outage on January 20th at around 7pm and it was not back on until January 26^th. Some of those affected were vulnerable and had devices such as heart monitors. They were registered as a vulnerable person with the ESB and all the ESB did was text the person to say that the power was off and advised them to contact their medical adviser.  She also felt that the ESB should attend a meeting of the full Council adding that it was really disappointing with some of the responses received from the ESB.

Councillor Barry thanked Councillor McGloin for seconding his proposal and he supported Councillor McGloin’s suggestion that the ESB should appear before a meeting of Elected Members.  He said that the situation  ...  view the full minutes text for item BMD.26.24

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

"I propose that an Affordable Housing Scheme be brought to County Leitrim and if possible could a development in Ballinamore could be utilised.”

She informed the meeting that Ballinamore has provided Direct Provision Accommodation and Social Housing but that there is no Affordable Housing Scheme currently available anywhere in Leitrim but from talking to people on the ground, it is the middle income earners who are squeezed and there are no housing options available for them

She enquired if a new development coming onstream known as “Cannaboe Line” could be brought into the affordable scheme.  She said she believed there were 35 housing units in it.

Mr. McMahon informed the meeting that “Expressions of Interest” are currently being sought for the provision of Affordable Housing in the county with the council proposing to deliver an Affordable Housing Scheme in various locations throughout Leitrim. Proposals are also invited for the supply of existing new build properties to meet the affordable housing need.  The Council is inviting proposals from landowners, developers and contractors for the supply of residentially zoned development land for the delivery of affordable housing in County Leitrim.

The Members were also advised that the Council have been in contact with the developer of “Cannaboe Line” regarding possible turnkey projects and Part V. Mr. McMahon said that a conversation could also take place with the developer around the issue of Affordable Housing.

Councillor Reynolds Flynn thanked Mr. McMahon for his response and concluded that she would like to see Ballinamore used as a pilot for the Affordable Housing Scheme.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District to provide a pedestrian crossing at the Primary Care Centre Carrigallen, which is situated along the Regional Road R201. This campus also houses the Carrigallen Day Care, Community Nurse and a number of other vital services.  This all contributes to a large volume of pedestrians, who due to the absence of a footpath on the left hand side of the road, have no option only to cross over what is a very busy road to access the footpath which links to the village, which for many can be a very dangerous thing.

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

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District provide a pedestrian crossing at the Primary Care Centre Carrigallen, which is situated along the Regional Road R201. This campus also houses the Carrigallen Day Care and Community Nurse and a number of other vital services.  This all contributes to a large volume of pedestrians, who due to the absence of a footpath on the left-hand side of the road, have no option only to cross over what is a very busy road to access the footpath which links to the village, which for many can be a very dangerous thing."

Report by Roads

"The District Office will recommend this scheme to be included for possible Active Travel funding in Carrigallen for 2025."

Councillor O’Rourke noted the reply and said that something needs to be done.

Mr. O’Boyle said that it was a good proposal for Active Travel.  There is room for a footpath without the sterillsing of the car park and hoped it would get funding next year as it meets the criteria for Active Travel.

Councillor Reynolds Flynn supported the motion and said that there was a dangerous dip down towards the Health Centre.

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District arrange to have the dangerous deep drain along the roadside in the townland of Kivvy, heading towards the junction with the R201 (approximately 250 metres back from this junction) piped and backfilled immediately as the road is narrow there and in its current condition poses a risk when two large vehicles meet there.

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

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District arrange to have the dangerous deep drain along the roadside in the townland of Kivvy, heading towards the junction with the R201 (approximately 250 metres back from this junction) piped and backfilled immediately as the road is narrow there and in its current condition poses a risk when two large vehicles meet there."

Report by Roads

"The District Office will carry out necessary verge repair works at this location on the R203 in Kivvy."

Councillor O’Rourke responded that he was happy with this reply.

Vote of Sympathy

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke proposed a Vote of Sympathy to Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Leitrim County Council on the recent death of his father Colm Dwyer (RIP).

This was supported by all the Members.

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday 25^th March 2024 at 10.30 am in The Community Hall, The Island Theatre, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim.

This concluded the business of the meeting at 11.40 am.