Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on:

·         19^th October 2020

·         4^th November 2020

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of meeting of 19^th October 2020 and 4^th November 2020.

Cllr Mary Bohan advised she was disappointed with the response received from Mr Niall Murphy, Engineering Services, OPW, in relation to the River Bonet. She added the members have requested a meeting with the OPW on several occasions to discuss the ongoing issue and that funding needs to be made available to resolve the issue as a matter of urgency.

Cllr Felim Gurn advised that the DARC development, which received considerable investment of €500,000, was nearly flooded as a result of the River Bonet flooding and works are required immediately to protect homes and property in the region liable to flood.

Mr Kieran Brett, Meetings Administrator, informed the meeting that Mr John Mulvihill, Senor Engineer, has submitted an application to carry out a feasibility study of the River Bonet to OPW on 30th October 2020.

Cllr Frank Dolan advised a suitable planned intervention is required to resolve this flooding issue and to ensure the problem is not moved downstream causing issues elsewhere along the River Bonet.

Ms Marie Mulligan advised that Leitrim County Councils role in mitigation measures relates to localised flooding, however there is a considerable area flooding in relation to the River Bonet. She added a feasibility needs to be undertaken to identify the cause and assess appropriate measure to rectify the issue. She concluded that responsibility lies with the OPW to address the ongoing issue with the River Bonet.

Mr Terry McGovern, advised Minor Flood Mitigation Works scheme is for localised flooding relief and would not be suitable for project like the River Bonet as it encompasses a large area.  

All members supported the comments and requested the OPW meet with the  municipal district members.

Mr Terry McGovern, Senior Engineer, advised Members that the N16 road realignment at Munakill is progressing well. The project in in phase two at the moment, which is route selection, and it is due to go to public consultation on Wednesday 18th November 2020.

Mr McGovern welcomed the following people to the meeting:

·         Mr Ambrose Clarke, Project Co-ordinator

·         Mr Shane Gill, Project Manager

·         Mr Rowan O’Callaghan, TA Project Manager

·         Mr Kieran McCafferty, TA Project Landowner Liaison Officer

·         Ms Paula Kearney, TA Environmental Coordinator

·         Representative from TII Regional Design Office

·         Mr Michael Gallagher, Leitrim County Council

Mr Rowan O’Callaghan, RPS Consulting Engineers, gave a presentation to brief the members on the route corridor options. A copy of the presentation is included as appendix item number 121 in the Minute Book.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Sean McDermott thanked Mr O’Callaghan for his presentation and enquired by the route selection options are very close to the existing N16.

Mr Rowan O’Callaghan advised on there are a number of constraints that were taken into account which dictated the route options, such as the SLNCR, the SAC, lakes and heritage monuments.

Cllr Felim Gurn welcomed the development. He enquired if this development will have an impact on the SLNCR and what the cost will be on completion?

Mr Rowan O’Callaghan advised they are liaising with Leitrim County Council on the plans for the SLNCR and there may be an opportunity for the roads scheme to contribute to the development of the greenway. Mr Ambrose Clarke advised Leitrim County Council receive funding on an annual basis for such project and funding announcement will take place in January. He advised it is difficult to predict a completion date as all development is depending on funding. 

Cllr Padraig Fallon enquired if segregation of farming lands was being considered in the identification of routes, requesting minimal disruption on farmers.

Mr Rowan O’Callaghan advised the severance of land holdings is one of the factors considered when identifying routes. Mr Ambrose Clarke advised that every effort is made to minimise disruption to landowners, and they will work closely with the landowners involved to achieve the best solution.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McDermott welcomed Ms. Fiona O’Shea, Manager of Local Link to the meeting. Ms. O’Shea welcomed the opportunity to deliver a presentation on the role of Local Link in Leitrim. A copy of the presentation is included as appendix item number 122 in the Minute Book.

Ms. O’Shea concluded her presentation by thanking the members for facilitating her presentation and she invited any questions from the members.  A number of items were raised in terms of the operation of Local Link in Leitrim. Ms. O’Shea responded to the queries and she also referred to proposals to develop the service in the future. Ms O’Shea advised she will forward a copy of the route timetable to the Meetings Administrator.

The members expressed thanks to Ms O’Shea for providing the update and for the service Local Link provides.

The Cloonaquinn and Cloonlougher road has subsided, and the road surface is badly in need of resurfacing due to recent flooding by the river Bonet. Can maintenance be carried out on this road as a matter of urgency?

"The Cloonaquinn and Cloonlougher road has subsided, and the road surface is badly in need of resurfacing due to recent flooding by the River Bonet. Can maintenance be carried out on this road as a matter of urgency?"

Report by Roads - General

"Road will be inspected and necessary maintenance works will be undertaken."

Cllr Felim Gurn acknowledged the response and advised he is pleased required works will be undertaken.

The Manorhamilton town CCTV system has been instrumental in detecting crimes from Sligo to Enniskillen and from Carrick on Shannon to Bundoran and it has played a vital part in helping to resolve crimes for the Gardaí.
Some of the cameras are in need of an upgrade as technology has improved since the system was installed over 12 years ago. There was never a fund put in place by the Department of Justice for upgrading existing CCTV systems in towns. Can some funding be put in place to facilitate the upgrade of the existing system in Manorhamilton?

"The Manorhamilton town CCTV system has been instrumental in detecting crimes from Sligo to Enniskillen and from Carrick on Shannon to Bundoran and it has played a vital part in helping to resolve crimes for the Gardaí.

Some of the cameras are in need of an upgrade as technology has improved since the system was installed over 12 years ago. There was never a fund put in place by the Department of Justice for upgrading existing CCTV systems in towns. Can some funding be put in place to facilitate the upgrade of the existing system in Manorhamilton?"

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

"The Dept of Justice CCTV Scheme for new and upgrade of existing CCTV Schemes is and has been open since 2017 and was extended in September 2019 to include existing schemes for upgrade work.  The Economic Development section of Leitrim County Council has briefed and advised relevant groups in Manorhamilton on the scheme on numerous occasions. In addition details of the Funding Scheme were sent to the Chamber in September 2019 for their information and review.  Please see link to the scheme details: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Community_based_CCTV_grant_aid_scheme_Information_and_Documentation  Applications can be submitted to the Dept of Justice when ready. There is currently no closing date.

Leitrim County Council currently has no funding resource available for CCTV. While Leitrim County Council would be a partner in the application, as Data Controller as per the scheme guidelines, the Dept. of Justice is the best available route for funding currently."

Cllr Felim Gurn outlined he would advise the group of the reply.

As a matter of Health and Safety, I ask that hedge cutting is carried out on the R286 on the stretch from the junction with R278 at Moragh, and also on the Barnes road going into Dromahaire.

"As a matter of Health and Safety, I ask that hedge cutting is carried out on the R286 on the stretch from the junction with R278 at Moragh, and also on the Barnes road going into Dromahaire."

Report by Roads - General

"The hedges along this route will be inspected and landowners will be contacted if their hedging requires cutting back. 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 Frank Dolan advised he has received numerous complaints in relation to hedge cutting and acknowledged the response received.

Ms Marie Mulligan, Snr Executive Engineer, advised that if complaints are received hedge cutting notices are issued to the landowner.

All members supported the motion.

I propose that Leitrim County Council , in the development of the recently acquired site in Dromahaire village,  incorporate a work from home style hub at this location. I think this is a great opportunity to provide such a facility.

As motions 4 from Councillor Frank Dolan and motion 11 from Councillor Mary Bohan are of a similar nature it was agreed they would be taken together.

Motion from Councillor Frank Dolan:

"I propose that Leitrim County Council, in the development of the recently acquired site in Dromahair village, incorporate a work from home style hub at this location. I think this is a great opportunity to provide such a facility."

Motion from Councillor Mary Bohan:

"I propose that a Hub be provided in the new proposed Library building in Dromahair. The provision of same would enable people to work remotely from their own locality."

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

"The development of a new library facility in Dromahair village will extend the library’s traditional role with facilities for the digital provision of information and services. The type of facility to be provided has been designed as a community library which will serve both the village and surrounding area.  It will also act as a digital hub which will connect communities and act as a space where people can gather to interact, learn and explore and will offer a trusted physical and digital space for community, access and knowledge.

There will be a number of public access computers available as well as space for users to work on their own laptops with access to high quality internet connections. As a digital hub, it will offer a suite of technology solutions to the public with Wi-Fi, printers, scanners, copiers as well as 3D Printing, video conferencing and remote printing facilities.  Digital skills training and digital making activities such as coding, video editing etc. will provide an empowering digital experience.

The library, as a digital hub, is ideally placed to support remote, flexible and hub working arrangements which will support families in their parenting and childcare choices while also supporting enterprise. The library will have the capacity to provide access to high quality internet connections which will assist in addressing the digital divide and boost civic engagement."

Cllr Frank Dolan thanked Mr Lar Power, Chief Executive, Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Service for their commitment to this project. He advised this is a great development for Dromahair and there is demand for office space to facilitate people working remotely.

Cllr Mary Bohan supported Cllr Dolan’s comments and complimented everyone involved in this development. She added the provision of remote working hubs is vital for Leitrim. She requested guidance in relation to funding for such a development.

Cllr Frank Dolan advised he is aware the Western Development Commission have a funding stream available at the moment for office space hubs.

Ms Mary Quinn advised this proposal has been incorporated into an application for funding and it will be explored further to ensure all possible funding streams are availed of.

All members supported the motion.

I ask the Director of Services for Economic Development and Planning Mr. Joseph Gilhooly to contact his counterpart in Donegal and in collaboration, establish a working group in the Rural Economic Development Zone 111(REDZ) which includes Bundoran, Tullaghan, Kinlough and their environs, to develop a shovel ready project for future funding which would benefit the economic and social fabric of our communities.

"I ask the Director of Services for Economic Development and Planning Mr. Joseph Gilhooly to contact his counterpart in Donegal and in collaboration, establish a working group in the Rural Economic Development Zone 111(REDZ) which includes Bundoran, Tullaghan, Kinlough and their environs, to develop a shovel ready project for future funding which would benefit the economic and social fabric of our communities."

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

"The Council maintains contact with all neighbouring authorities.  It is also the case that there continues to be significant funding opportunities currently to deliver on local objectives by the Council.  However, collaborative mechanisms will be pursued in the future through the development of the next North West Regional Enterprise Plan and also when the Peace Plus programme starts to develop."

Cllr Justin Warnock expressed his concerns and called on the council to be proactive in development of the region.

All members supported the motion.

In preparation of the new County Development Plan 2022 - 2028, when considering North Leitrim as a potential National Park, I ask our CEO Mr. Lar Power and the Senior Planner Mr. Bernard Greene to include all of Lough Allen, Sliabh an Iarainn, Ballinaglera, Dowra and environs within the confines of any proposed National Park.

"In preparation of the new County Development Plan 2022 - 2028, when considering North Leitrim as a potential National Park, I ask our CEO Mr. Lar Power and the Senior Planner Mr. Bernard Greene to include all of Lough Allen, Sliabh an Iarainn, Ballinaglera, Dowra and environs within the confines of any proposed National Park."

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

"Following the submission of the Notice of Motion by Cllr. Warnock in June, the Director of Services and the Senior Planner held an exploratory meeting with the Senior Planner and Senior Executive Planner from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly. As previously advised, the area included in this objective is not just North Leitrim, it is also the adjoining area in North Co. Sligo collectively described as ‘Benbulbin and its hinterland’. It is also considered broader in its scope than a national park, hence reference to recreational area in the objective. It is not yet evident the level of support for this objective contained in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy from the other Local Authorities involved (namely Sligo and Roscommon County Councils).

Following the exploratory meeting, the Planning Authority would consider that the next step in this process would be to formally ask the Regional Assembly if it would take the lead in activating the consideration and agreeing the structures with the constituent Local Authorities concerned. It is then a matter of the Regional Assembly to engage with the necessary stakeholders, define the boundaries of the area and to explore the opportunities to advance this consideration.

The Planning Authority has suggested a policy to deal with the proposed National Park / Recreation Area in the draft County Development Plan within the Chief Executive’s Report which was submitted to the Elected Members last month and which will be discussed in workshops with the Elected Members in the coming weeks. As previously advised, the realisation of this objective contained in the Regional Economic and Spatial Strategy rests with the Regional Assembly. Should this project have progressed during the preparation of the new County Development Plan, the County Development Plan shall reflect on same."

Cllr Justin Warnock acknowledge the response and advised if this proposal is successful he wants to ensure the correct area is outlined from the beginning of this project.

I ask if monies can be sourced to make safe a bridge on road number L2208 which is located off the former N16 road at Cullentragh, Glenfarne. The sidewalls of this bridge have been damaged for several years. Only recently, Council staff had to replace the temporary safety wooden frame located here. I am asking the Council if they can do a permanent fix on this bridge?

"I ask if monies can be sourced to make safe a bridge on road number L2208 which is located off the former N16 road at Cullentragh, Glenfarne. The sidewalls of this bridge have been damaged for several years. Only recently, Council staff had to replace the temporary safety wooden frame located here. I am asking the Council if they can do a permanent fix on this bridge?"

Report by Roads - General

"Funding will be sought in 2021 to construct parapet barrier across this bridge."

Cllr Sean McDermott advised he was satisfied with the response.

I ask if the green bollards with white stripes that are positioned at the end of local roads that exit on to and off the N16 can be replaced.One of these bollards has been damaged for quite some time at L2200 at the Big Bog, Glenfarne. The present bollards used are not high enough for road users because when grass and vegetation grows over these bollards they are no longer visible and can be easily damaged.

"I ask if the green bollards with white stripes that are positioned at the end of local roads that exit on to and off the N16 can be replaced. One of these bollards has been damaged for quite some time at L2200 at the Big Bog, Glenfarne. The present bollards used are not high enough for road users because when grass and vegetation grows over these bollards they are no longer visible and can be easily damaged."

Report by Roads - General

"Any damaged junction definition posts will be replaced as soon as possible.

Junction definition markers are to a standard height of 1m in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual."

Cllr Sean McDermott advised he was satisfied with the response.

I propose that resurfacing works take place at the Local Authority Estate, Hillside View Killargue.

"I propose that resurfacing works take place at the Local Authority Estate, Hillside View Killargue."

Report by Roads - General

"The road will be inspected and maintenance works will be undertaken until funding can be sought to resurface this road."

Cllr Padraig Fallon advised he was satisfied with the response.

I ask Leitrim County Council, Housing and Roads Department, what progress has been made to ensure the removal of trees hampering the view exiting Radharc an Tseipeail, Drumkeeran.

"I ask Leitrim County Council, Housing and Roads Department, what progress has been made to ensure the removal of trees hampering the view exiting Radharc an Tseipeail, Drumkeeran."

Report by Roads - General

"The tree has been inspected and the branches that hamper the line of sight will be cut."

Cllr Padraig Fallon advised he was satisfied with the response.

I propose that a Hub be provided in the new proposed Library building in Dromahair. The provision of same would enable people to work remotely from their own locality.

"I propose that road works be carried out on the Lisanerris/Greaghnaglough road as soon as possible."

Report by Roads - General

"Road improvement works in the form a strengthening overlay are to be undertaken on the Greaghnaglough/ Lisanerris road, the L 82425 later this month."

Cllr Mary Bohan advised she was satisfied with the response.

Ms Mary Quinn advised a meeting has been convened for Monday 30th November at 9:30am to consider Part 8 Planning on the Proposed Open Public Library Development at Dromahair, Co. Leitrim