Agenda and minutes

Minutes of Manorhamilton Municipal District meeting held on 17^th February 2020 were noted by the members.

Correspondence from Minster for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform acknowledging letter regarding the proposed sale of ATM`s.

Ms Mary Quinn, Director of Services, outlined the changes that are taking place with the commencement of Phase 1 of the roadmap to ease the Covid 19 restrictions. The most significant change has been in relation to construction related activity. Road crews are receiving induction this week. There will be a scheme coming on stream for business owners, operated through the Local Authority and further details will be announced in the near future.

The members noted the report and welcomed the 25% increase over the 2019 GMA in allocation

Since the lockdown people have been out doing more exercise by cycling and walking on our new demonstration stretch of greenway. This has highlighted the speed that cars are travelling at from the new community pitch on the R280 to St. Clares Hall, at which I know there are speed signs but drivers are not passing notice of them and are going at excessive speed coming into the town.  Could rumble strips be considered to slow traffic down at this location?

"Since the lockdown people have been out doing more exercise by cycling and walking on our new demonstration stretch of greenway. This has highlighted the speed that cars are travelling at from the new community pitch on the R280 to St. Clares Hall, at which I know there are speed signs but drivers are not passing notice of them and are going at excessive speed coming into the town.  Could rumble strips be considered to slow traffic down at this location?"

Report by Roads - General

"The location in question is within a 50km speed zone. There are gateway and driver feedback signs in place on this approach to the town, which informs road users of their speed. Speeding along local roads is a matter for the Gardai and LCC will bring your concerns to their attention with regard to the monitoring of this section of road. Once the government restrictions have been fully lifted and traffic is back up to normal levels LCC will install a speed monitoring device at this location to measure actual speeds."

Cllr Felim Gurn acknowledged the response and reiterated his concerns.

In the Drumlease estate in Dromahaire the residents have come together and carried out painting works in the estate during the coronavirus pandemic. The estate is looking well but this has highlighted how bad the footpaths are in this estate and they need urgent attention to get them back to suitable standard footpaths that most estates have. These footpaths need urgent repair before there are personal injury claims due to people tripping and falling on them.

"In the Drumlease estate in Dromahaire the residents have come together and carried out painting works in the estate during the coronavirus pandemic. The estate is looking well but this has highlighted how bad the footpaths are in this estate and they need urgent attention to get them back to suitable standard footpaths that most estates have. These footpaths need urgent repair before there are personal injury claims due to people tripping and falling on them."

Report by Roads - General

"While this work is very desirable, there is no funding currently in the road works program 2020 for these repairs. However, we will examine if there are any other sources of funding available such as the funding that was received for McDermott Terrace footpaths, where local residents group made application for Clar Funding, or indeed funding from a Capital Remedial Works scheme for the estate, if such was approved from Department of Housing."

All members supported this motion.

"I propose that this municipal writes to the Dept of Housing, Planning & Local Government again with regard to Tenant Purchase Scheme and in particular our concerns around the clause relating to income from Social Welfare."

All members supported this motion.

"To ask Leitrim County Council what specific targets are in place for years 2020/21 with regard to housing purchases and new builds in the Manorhamilton Municipal area."

Report by Director of Services, Housing and Community, Corporate Services, Cultural and Emergency Services

"Leitrim County Council’s overall delivery targets for the whole county are set by the DHPLG and include for 59 New Build/Turnkey Units to be delivered in 020/2021.The number of acquisitions allowed by LCC for 2020/2021 has not been communicated yet. The Council is progressing the detailed design of an additional 5 No. 2 Bedroom Units at Taobh Tire which when delivered will complete this overall development. It is envisaged that Part 8 Planning permission will be sought for this potential development during Q3 2020 with construction to commence in 2021. A recent Expression of Interest for the provision of Social Housing by Contractors/Developers under the Turnkey mechanism resulted in a number of submissions in relation to Manorhamilton which were predominately sites, however discussions are ongoing in relation to one project with the potential to deliver an additional 4 units in 2021 subject to DHPLG approval. Leitrim County Council recently purchased 2 no properties in Manorhamilton and refurbishment works on both properties will commence soon after COVID 19 restrictions on construction are lifted."

All members supported this motion.

Ms Mary Quinn, Director of Services, advised that the targets quoted are based on what was published under the Rebuilding Ireland Programme and are what Leitrim County Council has been working on to date. Housing will be a key focus for the new government and there may be some change to targets but Leitrim Council County will proceed with projects that are currently in the pipeline.

"I ask in light of the effects of Covid-19 is it envisaged that the same level of grass-trimming and other such maintenance can be carried out in 2020."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council annual programme of road and amenity works will recommence on 18th May, however it should be noted that grass-trimming and street cleaning works are essential services and have been ongoing over the last 2 months. The Manorhamilton Municipal District has committed to a substantive annual works programme which now has to be delivered with a vast level of restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid 19, this is redefining the way we work and will of course affect the level of service that can be delivered in 2020."

Cllr Frank Dolan acknowledged the response.

"I ask Leitrim County Council if there are any plans to provide more family type housing in the village of Dromahaire? I believe there is need for this."

Report by Director of Services, Housing and Community, Corporate Services, Cultural and Emergency Services

"The latest Housing list figures for applicants that expressed a preference for the Mid 1 Area of Co. Leitrim (including Dromahair, Drumkeeran, Killargue, Dowra and Ballinaglera) is a relatively modest total of 18. Within the 18 households requiring accommodation in the Mid 1 Area, 11 No. households have an address in the Dromahaire area with 8 No. of those households not currently in receipt of any form of social housing support. The breakdown of these 8 households include the need for 4 No. 1 bedroom,2 No. 2 bedroom and 2 No. 3 bedroom housing units.

There is currently no additional social housing units under construction in Dromahair nor are there any units at planning stage with the DHPLG for Dromahair village.

A recent Expression of Interest for the provision of Social Housing by Contractors/Developers under the Turnkey mechanism resulted in a number submissions of varying scale and level of development in relation to Dromahair and these are currently being examined in the context of the above level of existing need in Dromahair. Leitrim County Council recently acquired one property in Dromahair under the 2020 Acquisition programme and will continue to seek opportunities to purchase one off properties in the Dromahair area whilst ensuring not to compete against first time purchasers."

All members supported this motion.

Ms Mary Quinn, Director of Services, advised this will be kept under active review.

I ask if signage can be provided on road L61113 which is off the regional road R281 between Kiltyclogher and Rossinver. Large numbers of people including families use this road as a walking route, it is very narrow and twisty which leaves it dangerous for everyone. Can signage be made available to indicate walkers are on this road?

"I ask if signage can be provided on road L61113 which is off the regional road R281 between Kiltyclogher and Rossinver.Large numbers of people including families use this road as a walking route, it is very narrow and twisty which leaves it dangerous for everyone. Can signage be made available to indicate walkers are on this road."

Report by Roads - General

"This is a local tertiary road in a very rural location and is only approximately 2.6 metres wide, with a poor alignment. It is a similar type road to many other rural tertiary roads throughout the county, many of which have had shown an increase in walkers over the last two months, because of the restrictions. It would not be feasible to erect pedestrian signs on all of these roads. In any event, as this road in question is of a poor alignment and thus may prove unsafe for pedestrians, it is very probable that, after restrictions are lifted, that walkers will return to marked and signed walking routes."

All members supported this motion.

"I ask that repairs or replacements be carried out on the dangerous kerb edges of the footpath outside the Bank of Ireland, Manorhamilton."

"I ask that repairs or replacements be carried out on the dangerous kerb edges of the footpath outside the Bank of Ireland, Manorhamilton."

Report by Roads - General

"This footpath will be inspected and all necessary repairs will be undertaken."

All members supported this motion.

Can the Housing Department advise me on the protocol undertaken in vetting tenants for HAP and can individuals transfer from another form of social housing in another county to avail of HAP in Leitrim.

"Can the Housing Department advise me on the protocol undertaken in vetting tenants for HAP and can individuals transfer from another form of social housing in another county to avail of HAP in Leitrim."

Report by Director of Services, Housing and Community, Corporate Services, Cultural and Emergency Services

"In order to qualify for HAP, a household must first be qualified for social housing support ie each household must qualify to go on the Local Authority housing waiting list.

HAP recipients are responsible in sourcing their own private rented accommodation (PRA) and the terms and conditions of the tenancy are agreed between the tenant and the landlord.  The rent is paid directly to the landlord subject to the HAP rent limits.  HAP recipients pay a contribution based on the local authority’s differential rent scheme. 

It is not possible to transfer from another form of social housing support in another county to avail of HAP in Leitrim.  For example is it not possible for a household who is receiving social housing support by way of a local authority dwelling/RAS property/LA leased property in another county to then transfer and avail of HAP in Leitrim.

However, the HAP scheme does facilitate ‘Inter-Authority Movement’ which allows a household qualified and placed on another Local Authority’s housing waiting list to access PRA in Leitrim and receive HAP subject to;

1.      Leitrim’s HAP rent limits.

2.      The households income is within the social housing eligibility income band for Leitrim.

3.      The household would continue to be dealt with by the original local authority and remain on the original local authority’s housing waiting list.

Further information on the HAP scheme can be found on HAP.ie or by contacting the Housing Department."

All members supported this motion.

Cllr Justin Warnock expressed concern in relation to the level of responsibility and accountability private landlords have in relation to a tenant who is availing of the HAP scheme and engaging in anti-social behaviour.

Ms Mary Quinn, Director of Services advised that Leitrim County Council don’t enter into the HAP scheme with landlords and do not have oversite of the placements. 

"Due to some work restrictions placed on RSS workers because of Health and Safety issues, the Tidy Town Committees now find themselves with a greater workload and more expenses in maintaining the high standards of which we are all proud of. So therefore I ask the Council to work with these groups on litter, illegal dumping and maintaining grass verges and also to provide financial support to help these voluntary groups."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council annual programme of road and amenity works will recommence on 18th May. While the Council is very much aware and appreciative of the town and village enhancement works undertaken by Tidy Towns and the RSS and will continue to support this work, the Council are not in a position to expand their programme of works to encompass the works traditionally undertaken by these community groups. The Council have already committed to an expansive works programme which now has to be delivered with a vast level of restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid 19, this will redefine the level of service that can be delivered in 2020. However, while the Council will continue to work with these groups and it should also be noted that the allocation proposed for the Tidy Towns committees have increased by 25% from last year."

Cllr Justin Warnock welcomed the 25% increase in funding for Tidy Towns in 2020 and acknowledged the work of the local community and Tidy Towns groups in collecting rubbish. He added it would be beneficial to have a nominated person who could liaise with the Council in relation to rubbish collection in light of the Covid 19 restrictions.

Ms Marie Mulligan, District Engineer, advised that they will assist Tidy Town groups in any way they can but there is a road works programme that needs to be carried out now that staff are back to work, she added if they can offer assistance they will but are constrained with resources.

When is it expected that the road off the R280 at Gurtnacarkogue will be re-opened to the public?

"When is it expected that the road off the R280 at Gurtnacarkogue will be re-opened to the public?"

Report by Roads - General

"The Council intends to recommence roadworks on the R281 at Gorteendarragh in the week starting 18th May. Works are scheduled for completion by the end of the roadworks programme on 31st November 2020."

Ms Marie Mulligan, District Engineer, amended the response submitted and advised that the works at Gurtnacarkogue were due to commence just as the Covid 19 restrictions commenced and this work will be carried out over the summer.

"Small street bins in our towns and villages are being used regularly for household waste also at amenity areas. These often overflow and cause serious litter problems. I am proposing that the openings on these bins be made smaller so as to avoid bags of rubbish being put in the bins."

Report by Roads - General

"The District Engineer is aware that some street bins have been used to dispose of household waste in the past but can report that incidents of this nature have not been noted recently, however we will continue to monitor the situation. It is the Council intention to reduce the openings to street bins to minimise litter problems but this work cannot be priorities at the moment."

All members supported this motion.

Cllr Mary Bohan appealed to the public to respect where they live and their surrounding communities by disposing of rubbish through the appropriate services. Cllr Felim Gurn queried if there could be a database of all registered houses for waste collection services.

Ms Mary Quinn, Director of Services, advised she would get clarity on the possibility of a database, she advised it would be subject to data protection and this matter would need to be considered by the Environment Department and the Environment SPC.

Cllr Padraig Fallon advised that he wrote to the management team in relation to WRAP funding for film making and requested if the Council could consider signing up to this again?

Ms Mary Quinn advised that this matter would be reviewed by the Arts office.

All members supported this motion.