Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Frank Dolan

SECONDED by Cllr Mary Bohan

The minutes of 21^st September 2020 were noted.

Correspondence from Anthony Skeffington, Irish Water, in relation to connection to public water supply in Larkfield Boggaun area was noted by members.

Mr. Lar Power provided an over-view of the 2021 budgetary process and the proposed General Municipal Allocation for the Manorhamilton Municipal District. Mr Power acknowledged the impact Covid-19 has had on business and society in general. He added that local government are working very closely with the government to assist businesses though these difficult times with schemes such as the restart grant. He advised that the proposed General Municipal Allocation is the same as last years allocation.

Mr. Dwyer outlined that the Budget process in on-going and that what is presented at this meeting are proposed estimates and the overall Budget for the Local Authority will be considered by all the elected members the Budget Meeting, scheduled for November 23rd 2020.

Proposed by Councillor Mary Bohn, seconded by Councillor Frank Dolan and UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the General Municipal Allocation for the Manorhamilton Municipal District in accordance with the provisions of Section 102(4A)(a) of the Local Government Act 2001 as inserted by Section 58 of the Local Government Reform Act 2014 be adopted”

1.      Larkfield Manor Housing Estate in the townland of Clooneen (Rosclogher By) for a distance of 107meters

2.      Oakfield Manor Housing Estate in the townland of Gubacreeny Td. for a distance of 645meters

3.      The Old Orchard Housing Estate in the townland of Clooneen (Rosclogher By) for a distance of 122meters

4.      SruthArd Housing Estate in the townland of Barrackpark Td. for a distance of 88meters

Report dated 19th October 2020 from Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning & Infrastructural Services as circulated to the Members appears under minute item No. 101 in the Minute Book.

Proposed by Councillor Justin Warnock seconded by Councillor Padraig Fallon AND RESOLVED;

“That the Taking in Charge of roads in four housing estates in accordance with Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 be approved”.

Cllr Justin Warnock enquired if the Local Authority would be able to carry out the necessary drainage works to the green area in Oakfield Manor Estate so that it would be fit for purpose.

Ms Mary Quinn advised that the green areas are not taking in charge by the local authority, however she will look into this matter.

Mr Paul Jordan & Mr Conor English from Coillte joined the meeting accompanied by Ms Tracey Ferguson, Project Development Office, Economic Development.

Mr Paul Jordan updated the members on the recent study on Glenfarne woods which was undertaken as a piece of research arising from a working group that was established between Coillte and Leitrim County Council. Mr Jordan advised that recreation is a key part of their planning process.

He advised that a key part of the project was local consultation and the involvement and input of local stakeholders is key to the success of the project. He added that there was a very high level of engagement from local people, even when these meeting had to be facilitated online due to Covid 19 restrictions.

He advised the report comprises of a number of recreation options which would be suitable projects in Glenfarne woods. When a funding opportunity is available the appropriate option can be chosen to be put forward for funding with the background research already completed.

Ms Tracey Ferguson gave a presentation on the study completed on Glenfarne Wood, she outlined the objectives, the stake holders and community consultation, the key findings and themes. The presentation appears under minute Item No 102 in the Minute Book.

Ms Ferguson advised that an application has been submitted for ORIS measure one funding.  She added that Coillte and Leitrim County Council have recognised the support of the local community in considering the future of Glenfarne wood. Due to Covid-19 restrictions this report will be launched online in the first week of November.

Cllr Sean McDermott welcomed the report and the potential that could be unlocked for Glenfarne Woods. He advised that this is a great piece of work and would like to see plans be implemented. He added that every opportunity should be availed of in relation to funding streams.

Cllr Justin Warnock enquired what size is the forest and if there will be clear felling taking place as this could hinder tourism. He added that he supports the development of Glenfarne woods and other such developments for Leitrim.

Cllr Felim Gurn supported the development and advised this would be a great resource for North Leitrim. He added it is evident that a lot of work has gone into this report and hoped it would come to fruition.

Cllr Padraig Fallon advised it is a very ambitious programme and is something that be developed over a period of time. It will complement the existing attractions in the region and could lead to further being developed.

Cllr Frank Dolan supported the comments of the members.

Cllr Mary Bohan paid tribute to Coillte and the staff in Leitrim County Council that participate in the development of this report. She advised that people need such resources for their mental health, particularly in such difficult times. She added that if these projects came to fruition that it has the potential to bring a lot of visitors to the region.

Mr Paul Jordan advised the forest  ...  view the full minutes text for item MMD.102.20

It was agreed that a quorum meeting will be held on 4^th November 2020 at 11:00 in the Council Chamber, Aras an Chonate, Carrick on Shannon. Due to Covid-19 restrictions members agreed that only the following members would be in attendance:

Cllr Sean McDermott

Cllr Justin Warnock

Cllr Padraig Fallon

I ask if the council will address the safety issues on local road L6184 where it connects in the townland of Cherrybrook, Manorhamilton with the N16? The layout at this busy junction is inadequate and its extremely dangerous. It is an accident in the waiting

"I ask if the council will address the safety issues on local road L6184 where it connects in the townland of Cherrybrook, Manorhamilton with the N16. The layout at this busy junction is inadequate and its extremely dangerous. It is an accident in the waiting."

Report by Roads - General

"The Council had designed a safety improvement scheme to this junction in 2018 but were unable to acquired land in order to progress with works.

The Council will again get in contact with the landowner in a bid to acquiring land and progressing the safety improvement works at this junction."

Cllr McDermott expressed his concerns in relation to the safety issues at this junction.

Ms Marie Mulligan, Executive Engineer, advised a design was completed but the council were unable to secure the land required to complete the works. There has recently been a change in ownership of the land in question and the new owner is willing to give the land required.

All members supported the motion.

I ask Leitrim County Council could they cut the hedges on regional roads?

"I ask Leitrim County Council could they cut the hedges on regional roads."

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."

Cllr Sean McDermott advised he is aware of the responsibility of the landowner however some landowners not resident locally.

Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion and requested that Coillte be contacted to remind them of their responsibility to maintain the hedges on their land.

Ms Marie Mulligan advised she will write to Coillte in this regard.

I again, for the third time, propose the taking in charge of Magheramore road, Glenade.

"I again, for the third time, propose the taking in charge of Magheramore road, Glenade."

Report by Roads - General

"In order for the local Authority to consider declaring a road public, it shall among other stipulations, satisfy itself that there will be no financial implications for the council because of the proposed declaration. Thus, the road needs to be at a standard that no maintenance, drainage etc., or upkeep works would be required for the foreseeable future. In this instance, the road in question is on private land. If the owners should repair/ upgrade the road themselves to acceptable standard, then the Council could consider taking the road in charge."

Cllr Fallon advised that he has previous motions on this matter. The local residents have expressed concerns in relation to the condition of the road. The road leads to a tourist attraction in North Leitrim and need attention urgently.

Ms Marie Mulligan advised this is a private road and the only scheme available for a road such as this one is the Local Improvement Scheme. However, the Local Improvement Scheme is not open to new applications at the moment. The current list needs to be cleared before this scheme will open again.

I again propose that the lighting issue at the back lane, Breffni Court / Lugmeen Drumkeeran be revisited. Lighting is required here immediately. This is a public thoroughfare which needs lighting.

"I again propose that the lighting issue at the back lane, Breffni Court / Lugmeen Drumkeeran be revisited. Lighting is required here immediately. This is a public thoroughfare which needs lighting."

Report by Roads - General

"The Lough Meen estate street lighting which runs along the public road L 4250 will be taken in charge by this Council."

Cllr Padraig Fallon advised he is happy with the response and thanked the local authority for resolving this issue. 

The streets of Manorhamilton have over the summer months become covered with weeds growing up through the pavement and the sides of buildings. Is there any solution to getting rid of the weeds without using weed killers containing glyphosate?

"The streets of Manorhamilton have over the summer months become covered with weeds growing up through the pavement and the sides of buildings. Is there any solution to getting rid of the weeds without using weed killers containing glyphosate?"

Report by Roads - General

"The weed killer that is used on the street in Manorhamilton is glyphosate free. Tidy Towns have and continue to undertake great work keeping pavements weed free along the streets and pedestrians ways in Manorhamilton and the Council will assist them when they can."

Cllr Felim Gurn queried if the new street scape for Manorhamilton has been designed to take into account the difficulty of weed control.

Ms Marie Mulligan advised she will check with Mr Shay O’Connor in relation to the regeneration plans for Manorhamilton.

Cllr Gurn asked if we could enquire how other local authorities are dealing with this issue.

The courthouse entrance and wall is currently looking dilapidated has a significant part to play in the history of Manorhamilton. Can there be repair works carried out to rectify this issue as soon as possible?

Motion from Councillor Felim Gurn:

"The courthouse entrance and wall is currently looking dilapidated has a significant part to play in the history of Manorhamilton. Can there be repair works carried out to rectify this issue as soon as possible?"

Report by Roads - General

"The courthouse in Manorhamilton is under the care of the Court Services.

Following the meeting of this Municipal District on 17th February 2020, a letter was issued to the Courts Service. To date, no response has been received. A follow up letter will be issued to the Courts Service and the issue with the entrance can be included in this letter."

Motion from Councillor Frank Dolan:

"I propose that Leitrim County Council contact the court service in relation to the courthouse in Manorhamilton"

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

"Following the meeting of this Municipal District on 17th February 2020, a letter was issued to the Courts Service on this issue. To date, no response has been received. A follow up letter will be issued to the Courts Service in this regard."

Cllr Frank Dolan advised the development of the new car park puts a focus on the Court House building. He added this building could be a great facility to the town of Manorhamilton, it has great potential and it is a shame to see it going into dereliction.

It was agreed this municipal district would write to the Court Service again.

Ms Mary Quinn advised it would need to be established if works are required for the building before looking for possible other functions for this building. If the building is falling into disrepair the owners of the building could be written to in this regard.

All members supported the motion.

I ask the Senior Roads Engineer Mr. Terry McGovern what traffic calming measures are being considered, from speed data collected over the course of many months last year, on the R280 in Kinlough near the Water Treatment Plant and Oakfield Manor Estate and when will these will be delivered?

"I ask the Senior Roads Engineer Mr. Terry McGovern what traffic calming measures are being considered, from speed data collected over the course of many months last year, on the R280 in Kinlough near the Water Treatment Plant and Oakfield Manor Estate and when will these will be delivered?"

Report by Roads - General

"In recent years, Leitrim County Council has completed a number of safety improvement works on the approaches to Kinlough including traffic calming measures such as signage “Warning & Informing” motorists, speed limit signage etc. As part of the safety upgrades, we erected a temporary Driver Feedback sign along this section of road for a period of time, and instances of speeding was detected. Based on this data we requested the Gardai to perform periodic speed checks on an ongoing basis at this location. We can now re-erect the temporary Driver Feedback sign for another period, to see if there has been an improvement"

Cllr Warnock welcomed the response and advised he is hopeful this will alleviate the problem.

As a result of job losses and associated financial problems caused by the economic crash due to Covid - 19, unfortunately more and more people are going on the housing list. With the demand outstripping the supply of Local Authority houses in the Kinlough and Tullaghan areas, including those purchased this year, I ask the Council to purchase more houses and acquire lands in these areas in 2021 for a building programme to avert a serious housing crisis developing in the coming years.  

"As a result of job losses and associated financial problems caused by the economic crash due to Covid - 19, unfortunately more and more people are going on the housing list. With the demand outstripping the supply of Local Authority houses in the Kinlough and Tullaghan areas, including those purchased this year, I ask the Council to purchase more houses and acquire lands in these areas in 2021 for a building programme to avert a serious housing crisis developing in the coming years."

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

"The Housing section of Leitrim County Council is aware of the existing Housing List for the North 1 Area of Co. Leitrim which includes Kinlough & Tullaghan and the potential effect on the Housing list arising from the economic fallout of the Covid -19 pandemic. In order to address this need Leitrim County Council will deliver 5 No. 3 bedroom family homes  under the Turnkey programme at the Oakgrove Estate, Kinlough during 2020.The Housing section of Leitrim County Council is currently actively seeking to purchase one off properties in the Kinlough & Tullaghan areas and will continue to do so in 2021 whilst ensuring not to compete against first time purchasers. An Expression of Interest for the provision of Social Housing by Contractors/Developers under the Turnkey mechanism was advertised locally and on e-tenders on the 14th October seeking homes in Kinlough and Tullaghan that can be delivered in 2021.

Leitrim County Council are conscious of the need to develop an appropriate  landbank in each of the main urban areas on which future social housing projects can be developed and is seeking opportunities to secure land in Kinlough."

Cllr Justin Warnock acknowledge the response and advised he was happy with. He advised that the housing supply is not meeting the demand. He added with the Covid pandemic is making it increasingly difficult for people to get mortgage approval.

All members supported the motion.

I propose that Leitrim County Council carry out repairs to road no L8255 connecting R287 to L4252 as soon as possible. 

"I propose that Leitrim County Council carry out repairs to road no L8255 connecting R287 to L4252 as soon as possible"

Report by Roads - General

"The L8255 will be inspected and the necessary repairs will be undertaken."

Cllr Mary Bohan advised these repairs are very important as this road is in poor condition and services a number of houses. She called for these works to be carried out as soon as possible.

I propose that the Council consider the provision of further traffic calming measures at Killenumery N.S. 

"I propose that the Council consider the provision of further traffic calming measures at Killenumery N.S"

Report by Roads - General

"The traffic at Killenumery school will be observed and an assessment as to what traffic calming measures are required will be undertaken. Funding for an such measures can be sought to the Low Cost Safety schemes from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sports."

Cllr Mary Bohan advised this is a serious safety issue. She called for people to slow down in built up areas and in particular close to schools. There is a onus on everyone to obey the rules of the road.

All members supported the motion. 

Cllr Felim Gurn enquired about the road works that are planned for Hospital Road, Manorhamilton, leading to famine graveyard.

Ms Mary Quinn advised the Local Authority were contacted by the HSE. The works will be funded but the HSE and the Local Authority. The specification of works will be referred to the Roads department to ensure they meet with regulations.

Cllr Padraig Fallon advised this development is very welcome.