Agenda and minutes

Manorhamilton Municipal District meetings held on:

·        17^th February 2020

·        2^nd June 2020

·        26^th June 2020

·         Minutes of meeting held on 17^th February 2020

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of meeting of 17^th February 2020

·         Minutes of meeting held on 2^nd June 2020

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Frank Dolan

SECONDED by Cllr Justin Warnock

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of meeting of 2^nd June 2020

·         Minutes of meeting held on 26^th June 2020

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Padraig Fallon

SECONDED by Cllr Frank Dolan

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of meeting of 26^th June 2020

·        18^th May 2020

·        15^th June 2020

·        20^th July 2020

·        Minutes of meeting held on 18^th May 2020

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Padraig Fallon

SECONDED by Cllr Frank Dolan

It was AGREED to formally approve the minutes of meeting of 18^th May 2020

·        Minutes of meeting held on 15^th June 2020

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Frank Dolan

SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED to formally approve the minutes of meeting of 15^th June 2020

·        Minutes of meeting held on 20^th July 2020

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Frank Dolan

SECONDED by Cllr Mary Bohan

It was AGREED to formally approve the minutes of meeting of 10^th July 2020

Cllr Mary Bohan expressed her dissatisfaction with the response from Eamon Ryan, Minister for Transport Tourism and Sport in relation to Annaghgerry Bridge. Cllr Bohan advised she raised this issue a long time ago and at present emergency services are not able to cross this bridge if required, she added that this is not satisfactory. Cllr Bohan requested that Annaghgerry Bridge is included in the 2021 Bridge Rehabilitation Programme.

Cllr Justin Warnock advised the response from Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development in relation to the Local Improvement Scheme is very disappointing. He expressed his concern for the lack of regard there is for Leitrim. He advised that at the current rate of works it would take years to clear the current waiting list. Cllr Sean McDermott supported the comments.

I propose that the Active Travel Allocation be examined as a means among others to secure funding for cycle / walk way from Spencer Harbour to Drumkeeran, that this Municipal calls on Leitrim County Council to make a commitment to seeking funds for this project.

"I propose that the Active Travel Allocation be examined as a means among others to secure funding for cycle / walk way from Spencer Harbour to Drumkeeran, that this Municipal calls on Leitrim County Council to make a commitment to seeking funds for this project."

Report by Roads - General

"Funding was sought and received for a number of Active Travel projects in 2020. The fund received is specific to the proposed projects and is not discretionary funding, and was for projects that could be completed in the current year. If another call for submissions for additional projects is opened, then funds for the Spencer Harbour walkway/cycleway can be considered in line with details of future funding calls."

Cllr Padraig Fallon noted the response and called on Leitrim County Council to ensure all preparatory works are carried for the project so that it has the best chance of securing future funding when opportunities for such projects becomes available. He added that there have been two motions on this matter previously and development of this project would be of great economic benefit to the area.

All members supported the motion.

"I propose that an examination of the possible installation of cameras Creevelea Abbey Dromahair take place."

Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.

"The matter can be referred to the property owners"

Cllr Padraig Fallon stated he was disappointed with the response to his motion. He acknowledged that both the Council and the OPW are constrained by budgets, however this is an important historic building and a tourist attraction and it needs to be protected and maintained. The installation of CCTV would be very beneficial in dealing with incidents of littering and other such behaviours at this location.  Cllr Fallon called on this Municipal to write to the OPW and request they consider the installation of CCTV at Creevelea Abbey.

All members supported the motion.

The new SLNCR Greenway stretch in Manorhamilton has proved to be very popular as is evidenced by the numbers both walking and cycling on it. However some people are complaining about how overgrown the hedges along the walk have become. I ask has Leitrim County Council any role in the maintenance of the greenway and also what is the possibility of some lighting out as far the bridge.

"The new SLNCR Greenway stretch in Manorhamilton has proved to be very popular as is evidenced by the numbers both walking and cycling on it. However some people are complaining about how overgrown the hedges along the walk have become. I ask has Leitrim County Council any role in the maintenance of the greenway and also what is the possibility of some lighting out as far the bridge."

Report by Roads - General

"Under Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993, landowners are responsible for the maintenance of the hedges bordering their land and the public road. The Council, through the Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme, provides grant aid of up to €75/km to assist landowners in cutting roadside hedges. Adjacent landowners can group together when applying for this scheme to provide greater value for money.

The Council endeavours to provide public lighting along roads and footpaths within the speed limits. This greenway is a rural walkway, and it is not current Council policy nor is it practical to light rural walkways."

Cllr Frank Dolan advised that maintenance of the hedge row is required for health and safety reasons especially with the evenings getting shorter. The area also requires the installation of dog waste bins. He added that the greenway is of great benefit to the area and should be maintained.

Ms Marie Mulligan, Snr Executive Engineer, advised she will contact the Environment Department in relation to the dog waste bins.

Ms Mary Quinn advised that it is the responsibility of the landowner to maintain hedgerows bordering their land and the public road.

All members supported the motion.

I ask that Leitrim County Council consider the possibility of developing some form of activities on Glencar Lake (i.e. boardwalk perhaps) in an effort to enhance visitors experience of the area.

"I ask that Leitrim County Council consider the possibility of developing some form of activities on Glencar Lake (i.e. boardwalk perhaps) in an effort to enhance visitors experience of the area."

Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.

"The Council is currently focusing on the enhancement of the existing facility in regard to fencing, hand rails etc.  However, the Council also recognizes the potential of the area and will consider how best to develop options for future investment."

Cllr Frank Dolan acknowledged the response and advised he is aware of how successful the Great Western Greenway has been for Westport and Achill and has seen the footfall that it generates. He advised that Glencar is an established attraction and the addition of boardwalk would be beneficial in the area. He added that Leitrim has a lot to offer tourists that we need to build on our existing resources and make the most of them.

All members supported the motion.

I ask if more attention can be given to the amenities at Glenade Lake. Some of the issues that need attention there include; the road leading from the R280 to the lake is narrowed due to the overgrown hedges and as it's a busy road with local and tourist traffic it is now very dangerous, the car park at this lake is too small, and  litter is also a problem there.

"I ask if more attention can be given to the amenities at Glenade Lake. Some of the issues that need attention there include; the road leading from the R280 to the lake is narrowed due to the overgrown hedges and as it's a busy road with local and tourist traffic it is now very dangerous, the car park at this lake is too small, and  litter is also a problem there."

Report by Roads - General

"The road to the Glenade lake amenity will be inspected and any necessary works will be undertaken."

Cllr Sean McDermott advised that Glenade lake is a wonderful asset for North Leitrim and amenities there need to be maintained and developed. He added, in the current climate with more people taking staycations we need to maintain our amenities to attract tourists and generate repeat visits.

All members supported the motion. 

What progress is been made to provide public sewerage treatment plants for the villages of Glenfarne and Rossinver? I am aware a lot of work has gone into planning a new plant in Rossinver.  Glenfarne has a new state of the art treatment plant but it is under-utilised.

"What progress is been made to provide public sewerage treatment plants for the villages of Glenfarne and Rossinver? I am aware a lot of work has gone into planning a new plant in Rossinver.  Glenfarne has a new state of the art treatment plant but it is under-utilised."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"A new Wastewater Treatment Plant was constructed in Glenfarne in 2012 and it provides for a portion of the village through the existing wastewater network. This treatment plant is presently at approximately 50% capacity. However, Irish Water have no plans to extend the existing Wastewater Infrastructure within the village and it is unlikely that this will change in the near future due to funding constraints.  However, there is a Customer Connections Networks Scheme Programme in place where an application can be made to Leitrim County Council’s Rural Water Section in the event that the community in Glenfarne wish to seek such a scheme but the current funding approval is already provided up to the end of 2021 and therefore, they could be included in the next round if there is appetite for a scheme.

Irish Water have no plans in place to provide a Sewerage Scheme in Rossinver and it is unlikely that they will fund any such scheme in the village in the near future. Leitrim County Council are progressing a scheme to construct a new standalone Wastewater Treatment Plant to cater specifically for the existing Council owned housing units in the Gublaun estate."

Cllr Sean McDermott stated that we need to have infrastructure in place that can cater for more than the existing population.

Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion and stated that the existing systems in these villages need to be extended. He added it is extremely difficult for people to secure planning for one off houses in Leitrim and if the waste water infrastructure was is in place it may help the planning process and thereby keep people living in the area.

Cllr McDermott queried if Leitrim County Council could engage with Irish Water on this matter. Ms Mary Quinn advised there is provision in place for Irish Water to engage with elected members.

Cllr Padraig Fallon queried if it would be possible to explore enhanced upgrades of the infrastructure, greater than the current need to future proof it.

All members supported the motion.

Now that the schools have reopened, there is an accident waiting to happen in Manorhamilton on the McDermott Terrace pedestrian crossing going down to the roundabout; cars are speeding through this junction when children who think it’s safe to cross step out onto the crossing and cars / lorries / vans are upon them.

I suggest ramps on both sides of the crossing and better signage on approach from SuperValu and on approach road from N16 and to redo the crossing with slow, paved grid marks to junction .This is in need of urgent attention before we are talking about a fatality.

"Now that the schools have reopened, there is an accident waiting to happen in Manorhamilton on the McDermott Terrace pedestrian crossing going down to the roundabout; cars are speeding through this junction when children who think it’s safe to cross step out onto the crossing and cars / lorries / vans are upon them.

I suggest ramps on both sides of the crossing and better signage on approach from SuperValu and on approach road from N16 and to redo the crossing with slow, paved grid marks to junction .This is in need of urgent attention before we are talking about a fatality."

Report by Roads - General

"The Council  will observe driver behaviour in and around this pedestrian crossing, and will inspect the pedestrian crossing, road markings and any advance signage in place, following which necessary upgrades or renewal in accordance with current standards will be undertaken."

Cllr Felim Gurn highlighted the safety concerns in relation to this pedestrian crossing and called for the installation of traffic calming measures, better signage and improved lighting.

Ms Marie Mulligan advised the Council will inspect the junction and ensure it is in accordance with road safety standards.  She added that the Gardai are aware of the concerns regarding driver behaviour and have been monitoring this area.

Cllr Frank Dolan and Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion.

I call on Leitrim County Council to investigate with Irish Water the possibility of connecting to the public water supply, houses in the various townlands outside of the Manorhamilton town speed limits and along the old R280 in the Larkfield -  Boggaun area.

"I call on Leitrim County Council to investigate with Irish Water the possibility of connecting to the public water supply, houses in the various townlands outside of the Manorhamilton town speed limits and along the old R280 in the Larkfield -  Boggaun area."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"The centre point location of the two town lands is approx 2.5Km to the nearest public watermain depending on where you live. The Public water main on the Manorhamilton side ends at Ross townland and on the other end it ends at what was known as the Killargue – Creevelea GWS before it was taken in Charge, the southern side of Boggaun townland. The section of un-serviced public roadway namely the R280 which lies between these two points is some 5km in length. IW have no plans to construct a new watermain to service this area at this time, however; this may change in time if funding becomes available nationally.

It may be possible to source funding through the Rural Water Department to provide GWS funding to extend the public main in either direction depending on availability of viable houses and a favourable financial analysis."

Cllr Felim Gurn informed the meeting that residents in this area do not have a

connection to the public water supply and highlighted quality issues regarding water supply.  He requested that Irish Water be contacted on this matter seeking for these houses to be connected to the public waters supply.

All members supported the motion.

I ask that Leitrim County Council carry out repair works to the concrete surface of the pier at Derrynaseer, Askill.

"I ask that Leitrim County Council carry out repair works to the concrete surface of the pier at Derrynaseer, Askill."

Report by Roads - General

"While the Council acknowledges the merit of this proposal, there is no provision for these works within the current roadworks budget. If other funding streams can be identified, the matter will be reviewed.  However, it should be noted that specialist contractors would have to be procured to carry out works in close proximity to deep water."

Cllr Justin Warnock expressed his dissatisfaction with the response to his motion as the surface of the pier is in poor condition and requires repairs.

Ms Marie Mulligan, Snr Executive Engineer, advised that this is specialist work and requires specialist contractors due to the close proximity to deep water. Ms Mulligan advised that an estimate of costs for the works can be sought, however there is no provision for these works in the current roadworks budget.

I ask Leitrim County Council to write to the Mr. Dermot Monaghan, HSE Head of Service for Primary Care for this Region, to a) ascertain what services are currently provided at the Kinlough  Primary Care Centre, and b) if this facility is of a standard that it would be fit for purpose for 3,500 residents of Kinlough and its environs, in the event of a Covid-19 localised lockdown and county boundaries are the perimeter.   

"I ask Leitrim County Council to write to the Mr. Dermot Monaghan, HSE Head of Service for Primary Care for this Region, to a) ascertain what services are currently provided at the Kinlough  Primary Care Centre, and b) if this facility is of a standard that it would be fit for purpose for 3,500 residents of Kinlough and its environs, in the event of a Covid-19 localised lockdown and county boundaries are the perimeter."

Cllr Justin Warnock expressed his concerns regarding the provision and accessibility to health care for the residents of Kinlough should Donegal move to localised lockdown due to Covid-19, as the residents of Kinlough rely on Donegal for services such as primary care.

All members supported the motion.

What progress has been made with the OPW regarding the recent flooding caused by the river Bonet and also the request by this M.D. for a meeting regarding same?

"What progress has been made with the OPW regarding the recent flooding caused by the river Bonet and also the request by this M.D. for a meeting regarding same?"

Report by Roads - General

"OPW Western Drainage Maintenance Section have advised the Council that they are currently undertaking channel maintenance works on tributaries of the River Bonnet including C1 which runs along Soxs Line."

Cllr Mary Bohan expressed her disappointment with the correspondence received from the OPW on this matter. She advised this is a serious issue for residents of the area, especially heading into the winter months and the potential this brings for further flooding. Cllr Bohan added it is very unsatisfactory that nobody from the OPW is available to meet with the elected members on this issue. 

She called on this Municipal to write to the OPW again and seek clarification has to how the proposed works will resolve the flooding issues.

All members supported the motion.

I propose that traffic calming measures be considered for the village of Dromahair.

"I propose that traffic calming measures be considered for the village of Dromahair"

Report by Roads - General

"The Council have funding with in the 2020 roadwork programme to provide traffic calming at the R288 approach to Dromahaire. Gateway sides will be erected on the Sligo road to advance warn motorist of the 50km zone ahead."

Cllr Mary Bohan stated she has received calls from parents of Drumlease National School advising that there is an issue with traffic not slowing down on approach from the Manorhamilton direction.

Cllr Frank Dolan advised that with COVID-19 restrictions there are now staggered times for drop offs and pickups from the school which the general public may not be aware of.

Ms Marie Mulligan, Snr Executive Engineer, agreed to review the traffic calming measures in Dromahair.

All members supported the motion.

The members proposed the following Vote of Congratulations:

·         Drumkeerin Ladies on winning the Leitrim Ladies Junior Championship Final

·         Glencar Manor Ladies on winning Leitrim Ladies Senior Football Championship Final

·         Glencar Manor U17 team on winning the Championship Final