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 27^th November 2023 be adopted”. 

There were 3 items for consideration under Meetings Correspondence.  

• Email dated 1^st December 2023 - acknowledgement from Office of the Minister for Agriculture. 

• Email dated 4^th December 2023 - Library Services, Leitrim County Council regarding request for reintroduction of appointment system for visitors. 

• Email dated 4^th December 2023 - acknowledgement from Office of the Minister for Transport. 

Councillor Barry commented that the Minister’s offices send acknowledgements instead of replies to queries raised. 

Councillor Dolan raised the issue again regarding the late payment of ACRES. 

A discussion took place around the issues faced by farmers resulting from these late payments - tax implications, problems with third level education grants etc. 

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District what is the position in relation to having the footpath extended from the National School to the Speed Limit on the Mohill Road in Fenagh Village.

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

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District what is the position in relation to having the footpath extended from the National School to the Speed Limit on the Mohill Road in Fenagh Village.” 

Report by Roads  

"The funding for the provision of a footpath from the National School to the speed limit was withdrawn by the NTA in 2023 at detailed design stage due to failure to meet NTA criteria (number of houses served).   

However, this funding was reallocated within Fenagh Village to provide a footpath including junction tightening and a pedestrian crossing from the Keshcarrigan approach on the R209 to the National School on R202, to enable safe active travel from the Housing Estates. 

Following some submissions from the public and an unsuccessful land negotiation the design of this scheme has failed to progress to date." 

Councillor Ellis noted the reply and commented that the objections were from only a few individuals and that the school fully supported the proposed works and enquired how much had been lost in funding to Fenagh Village because of individuals objecting to works. 

Mr. O’Boyle noted funding in the region of €100,000 was available for this project, it has already received Part VIII approval but it requires land to be purchased and to date this has not been able to be progressed with the landowner. 

Councillor Reynolds Flynn and Councillor O’Rourke supported the motion. 

I ask Ballinamore Municipal District are there any results from the survey in relation to the proposed one way system at Church Street, Ballinamore.

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

"I ask Ballinamore Municipal District are there any results from the survey in relation to the proposed one-way system at Church Street, Ballinamore." 

Report by Roads  

"The District Office did not carry out a house-to-house survey as we are hoping that there will be Active Travel funding for the widening of the existing footpath. This will allow us to create a one-way system on Church Street heading towards Oughteragh, while providing one side of the existing carriageway for parking only. Thus, increasing the legal car parking spaces throughout. Currently cars are illegally parked on the footpath on both sides of Church Street." 

Councillor Ellis noted the reply and said that this issue has been ongoing for several years.  In certain parts the footpaths are very narrow and there are many elderly living on Church Street, including individuals  who have mobility issues. 

Councillor Reynolds Flynn commented that some businesses were not in favour of a one-way system as it would affect their deliveries.  She asked would there be a provision for a set time for deliveries or the installation of a loading bay. 

Mr. O'Boyle said that several years ago the junction was tidied up on the shop side and it now is required to be completed on the opposite side as there is a lot of dangerous parking.  He added that on the Aughnasheelin Road linking back to the Church Road there is no footpath there so that will also be part of next year’s development for Ballinamore and it could then tie into the proposed one-way system from Church Street heading towards Oughteragh. 

If a one-way system is created, the footpath can be widened and be developed under Active Travel and this will provide proper parking on one side and use the other side of the road for the one-way system.  This will also lead to an increase in car parking spaces.  At present people are parking up on the footpaths which is destroying them and prevents people with mobility issues from accessing them and the provision of a “Loading Bay” could be provided. 

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District call on the HSE to bring their Primary Care Building at Ballinaglera up to a presentable standard by getting the centre painted and ensure that it fits in with other buildings in the village.

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

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District call on the HSE to bring their Primary Care Building at Ballinaglera up to a presentable standard by getting the centre painted and ensure that it fits in with other buildings in the village." 

Councillor McGloin remarked that Ballinaglera was a very well presented village.  This building is an active building in the village and needs some level of maintenance to bring it up to an acceptable standard.  He said he hoped for a positive response in relation to this request. 

Councillor Dolan supported the motion. 

Can I ask if there is any update or correspondence from IFI (Inland Fisheries Board) in relation to the state of the amenity area at Eden/Lower Annagh, Dowra and if they will make any effort to bring the facility up to standard.

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

"Can I ask if there is any update or correspondence from IFI (Inland Fisheries Board) in relation to the state of the amenity area at Eden/Lower Annagh, Dowra and if they will make any effort to bring the facility up to standard.” 

Report by Economic Development 

"As per the June 2023 response to a notice of motion this project was eligible for consideration under ORIS 2023. There was no expression of interest received under ORIS 2023 for this project, the ORIS 2023 scheme is now closed.  The project could be considered under the 2024 ORIS scheme when it opens in due course." 

Councillor McGloin noted the reply and informed the meeting that this area was used extensively in good weather particularly by local families and it was his understanding that the IFI are proposing to put in a fishing stand there.  He said he would like the council to meet with the IFI to discuss proposals for its maintenance and development. 

Councillor Barry supported the motion commenting that he would like to see this area get further funding to improve it and said it would be good if the council could work with the IFI to upgrade the area. 

Mr. O'Boyle responded that the council do not own the land or the adjoining car park and Leitrim County Council can meet with the IFI to discuss this site and include the Capital Projects Office. 

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District improve sightlines for drivers at junction of Drumbullog Road and R210 in Drumcong.  It is very difficult to see oncoming traffic while exiting onto the main road and improvements are nessesary.

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

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District improve sightlines for drivers at junction of Drumbullog Road and R210 in Drumcong.  It is very difficult to see oncoming traffic while exiting onto the main road and improvements are necessary.” 

Report by Roads 

"The local road L-3388 and the R210 can be submitted for a Low Cost Safety Grant. Any increase in sight distances towards the village of Drumcong will require the purchase of adjoining land from the landowner." 

Councillor Barry welcomed the reply. 

Mr. O’Boyle said that the works would depend on the availability of the land for purchase.   If this was possible a Low-Cost Safety Grant could be applied for and can meet Cllr. Barry at this location for review. 

I request that Ballinamore Municipal District provide a pedestrian crossing on the Hilly Road, Drumshanbo at Naomh Padraig housing estate near the Enterprise Centre.

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

"I request that Ballinamore Municipal District provide a pedestrian crossing on the Hilly Road, Drumshanbo at Naomh Padraig housing estate near the Enterprise Centre. 

Report by Roads  

"The Hilly Road in Drumshanbo has received huge funding in the last 4 years and currently has 2 pedestrian crossings. The local community can apply for funding under Town and Villages or Clar schemes, but it would be unlikely to get further funding for additional pedestrian crossings." 

Councillor Barry noted the reply and commented that this is a highly populated area and a lot of work has been completed but will require ongoing works in this area.  He added that there are over 50 houses between the two estates of Naomh Padraig and An Grianán and they are all on one side of the road and the path ends at the Enterprise Centre which means people who are walking to town have to cross the main road to get on to the path on the other side.  He said he believed that this criteria should tick the boxes to qualify under Active Travel. 

Councillor McGloin and Councillor Dolan supported the motion. 

Councillor McGloin commented that there are issues with hills and the speed of traffic which present their own difficulties. 

Mr. O’Boyle said that he would liaise with the Active Travel Department to see if anything could be done but he believed that the Active Travel would say that there is already a footpath there.  He advised the members present that possibly the CLAR and Town and Village aspect has been exhausted at this location because the council had been fortunate with schemes on this road over the past five years. 

I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District include Road L-15348 in the townland of Corglass for drainage work & resurfacing. This link road carries a large volume of traffic particularly since there has been a number of new family homes constructed there. In the past it used to be subject to heavy goods traffic associated with an industry which has ceased in recent years. Also a number of adjoining land owners have indicated their co-operation in regard to drainage works which would impact their property. 

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

"I ask that Ballinamore Municipal District include Road L-15348 in the townland of Corglass for drainage work & resurfacing. This link road carries a large volume of traffic particularly since there?has been a number of new family homes constructed there. In the past it used to be subject to heavy goods traffic associated with an industry which has ceased in recent years. Also a number of adjoining land owners have indicated their co-operation in regard to drainage works which would impact their property.? 

Report by Roads  

"The local road L-15348 is currently not on our 3 year programme. We may look at including this local road on the next 3 year plan which will be presented to the elected members in the third quarter of 2024." 

Councillor O’Rourke noted the reply and commented that it came as a bitter disappointment to the people will live there that it had not been included in the current 3 year programme.  He said that more houses have been built in the area and a number of planning permissions approved for yet more dwellings.  He enquired if there was anything that could be done in the short term. 

Mr. O'Boyle said that at this point the council could just maintain the road and that the road would be eligible for inclusion of the council's?3-year Restoration Improvement Grant Programme.   He said he could push it forward for "Climate Action Funding” however he would need to a look at it presently to see the situation with regards to flooding and will go to the area to review.   

In the absence of having the leading road from Golden Vale Marts, Carrigallen to the Cavan Boundary at Doogarry salted by the truck (which for the life of me I cannot understand given that the truck sometimes travels this way having exited Leitrim off the R199 at the Cavan Border) could we have deposits of salt provided along the road at the very many hilltops and bad bends which residents could apply to the road when necessary. 

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

"In the absence?of having the leading road from Golden Vale Marts, Carrigallen to the Cavan Boundary at Doogarry salted by the truck (which for the life of me I cannot understand given that the truck sometimes travels this way having exited Leitrim off the R199 at the Cavan Border) could we have deposits of salt provided along the?road at the very many hilltops and bad bends which residents could apply to the road when necessary." 

Report by Roads  

"We can place a yellow salt bin at Drumeela Church for the general public to access." 

Councillor O’Rourke noted the reply and commented that people are coming off a salted road in Cavan and coming into Leitrim where it's not salted and that it is a very hilly and twisty road.  He noted that while the gritter truck sometimes goes this way, having exited Leitrim off the R199 at the Cavan border, it does not however salt the road.? 

He referred to a situation last year where a 96 year-old man was found lying on the floor and an ambulance couldn’t reach the house because of the treacherous road conditions.   

Councillor Ellis supported the motion.? 

Councillor O'Rourke said that the hill was the trickiest area and Mr. O’Boyle suggested that perhaps the salt bin could be placed at this location and Councillor O’Rourke agreed to this proposal.   

Letter to Department of Agriculture – ACRES Payment 

Councillor Dolan requested that one last letter be sent to the Department of Agriculture regarding the delayed ACRES payments. 

Ballinamore Sean O’Heslin’s Ladies Football 

Councillor Ellis wished the Ballinamore Sean O’Heslin’s Ladies Football Team the best of luck in their forthcoming All Ireland Intermediate Club Championship match against Glanmire in Croke Park on  

16^th December 2023. 

Lee Family – Book on Leitrim 

Councillor Dolan congratulated Naomi Lee on her recent book promoting Leitrim.  The book is entitled “Have a Look at Leitrim”. 

Taking in Charge Estate Workshop 

Councillor McGloin enquired about a workshop that was due to be held about the Taking in Charge of Housing Estates. 

Mr. Dwyer informed him that the workshop will be held in January or February.  He said there were issues arising on an estate by estate basis and we've had different groups and teams within?Uisce Éireann so there are different dynamics with differing estates and some?Uisce Éireann have been slow on progressing and some they've progressed on. 

Cllr McGloin responded that this matter was discussed with Irish Water at the last meeting on their slowness to collaborate with the council and they rejected all charges that they were holding things back. 

Mr Dwyer said that the council have stepped in where, even though an estate hasn't been taken in charge, and we can get consent of the landowner to give us access, in those circumstances we may be able to move forward some of the issues including public lighting that is not lit, which is usually the main issue. 

He stressed that there needs to be a more seamless process whereby when we take an estate in charge, something similar happens with Uisce Éireann, but that debate is happening nationally. 

Leitrim Village Tornado Damage 

Councillor McGloin referred to the recent devastation caused by a Tornado which occurred in Leitrim Village.  He commended the work of all responders on site and particularly, he thanked Mr O’Boyle and the staff of Leitrim County Council for their hard work and commented that everyone he spoke to in Leitrim Village were very complementary of the staff of Leitrim County Council. 

Part 8 Meeting  - Confirm Date 

Ms. Sharkey informed the members that a meeting to discuss a Part 8 proposal for Drumshanbo Town Centre Regeneration Project has been proposed for Tuesday 6^th February 2024 at 11.00 am in The Island Theatre, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim. 

The members agreed to this date and time. 

Date and Time of Next Meeting 

The next meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday 22^nd January 2024 at 11.00 am in The Island Theatre, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim. 

This concluded the business of the meeting at 11.54 am.