Agenda and minutes

At the start of the meeting, Mary Quinn informed the meeting that Nicola McManus would be taking over the role of Meetings Administrator from Kieran Brett. All Members expressed their thanks to Kieran for all the support and assistance provided by him to the Municipal District Members. 

Minutes of meeting held on 14th December 2020

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Felim Gurn

            SECONDED by Cllr Justin Warnock

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of meeting of 14th December 2020.

No items of correspondence were received since last meeting.

I propose that an examination of lines of sight be carried out on Ross Lane Manorhamilton in the interests of road safety, I have received numerous complaints in particular regarding first bend/corner.

"I propose that an examination of lines of sight be carried out on Ross Lane, Manorhamilton in the interests of road safety, I have received numerous complaints in particular regarding first bend/corner."

Report by Roads - General

"The sight lines along the Ross Lane will be surveyed to identify any road safety issues."

Cllr Padraig Fallon welcomed the response from Roads Department.

Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion and made a query in relation to the new parking bays for buses on the Carrick on Shannon road, and whether they will make the road too narrow.

Ms Marie Mulligan, Executive Engineer, advised that the carriageway will be narrower, which is the objective as the narrower road will require motorists to slow down, and become more aware of their surroundings, thereby making the road safer to all users.

Cllr Frank Dolan and Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion.

I propose that this Municipal write to the Garda Commissioner asking what plans, policies are in place relating to Garda visibility, checkpoints along our boundary with Fermanagh. Over the last weeks I am told there have been numerous checkpoints, every effort must be made to ensure that existing free flow of traffic and movement of residents is not hampered.

"I propose that this Municipal District write to the Garda Commissioner asking what plans, policies are in place relating to Garda visibility, checkpoints along our boundary with Fermanagh. Over the last weeks I am told there have been numerous checkpoints, every effort must be made to ensure that existing free flow of traffic and movement of residents is not hampered."

Cllr Padraig Fallon welcomed the increase in Garda visibility but also expressed concern that the number of checkpoints has seemed to increase with the onset of Brexit.

Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion and outlined that a frictionless border must be maintained.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Padraig Fallon

SECONDED by Cllr Justin Warnock

It was AGREED this Municipal District write to the Garda Commissioner asking what plans, policies are in place relating to Garda visibility, checkpoints along our boundary with Fermanagh.

I raise the issue of cars speeding through Kiltyclogher Village; can we find a solution to this serious safety issue before someone is injured?

"I raise the issue of cars speeding through Kiltyclogher Village; can we find a solution to this serious safety issue before someone is injured?"

Report by Roads – General

"Speed detection cameras will be erected in the village of Kiltyclogher to assess the speed of vehicles passing through the village. If speed is an issue the Council will endeavour to find a solution to the speeding."

Cllr. Padraig Fallon supported the motion.

What is the proposed time scale on the realignment of the N16 at Munakill, Manorhamilton?

"What is the proposed time scale on the realignment of the N16 at Munakill, Manorhamilton?"

Report by Roads – General

"RPS consulting were appointed in late 2019 to compete phase 1 - phase 4 of the TII Project Management Guidelines. The following are the current timelines which will be dependent on TII approvals and no impacts by Covid 19 Restrictions.

Phase 1 - Concept & Feasibility - March 2020

Phase 2 - Options selections - March 2021– (subject to timelines for GI and ecology surveys which may be impacted by Covid-19 restrictions, contractor availability, consultations, etc).

Phase 3 - Design & Environmental Evaluation - October 2021

Phase 4 - Statutory Process (Part 8 & CPO Process) April 2022 (subject to statutory processes, approvals, funding etc)."

Cllr Sean McDermott welcomed the update the on the timetable of works.

That this Municipal District write to the Minister for Finance Pascal Donohoe TD and to the Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin TD to immediately include outdoor tourism activity providers in the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS).  In this Municipal District, there are many small family run businesses involved in the adventure and outdoor pursuits tourism sector. Without financial assistance many of these family run businesses will not survive the current pandemic lockdowns.

"That this Municipal District write to the Minister for Finance Pascal Donohoe TD and to the Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin TD to immediately include outdoor tourism activity providers in the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS). In this Municipal District, there are many small family run businesses involved in the adventure and outdoor pursuits tourism sector. Without financial assistance many of these family run businesses will not survive the current pandemic lockdowns."

Cllr Justin Warnock outlined that these tourism businesses will be ready to open their doors once the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted and they must be supported.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Justin Warnock

SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn

It was AGREED this Municipal District write to the Minister for Finance Pascal Donohoe TD and to the Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin TD to immediately include outdoor tourism activity providers in the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS).

With only the resources and the manpower to grit some of our roads during periods of frost and snow, I will ask that the Council provide more collection points for grit for communities throughout the Municipal District area.

"With only the resources and the manpower to grit some of our roads during periods of frost and snow, I will ask that the Council provide more collection points for grit for communities throughout the Municipal District area."

Report by Roads – General

"There are a number collection points for grit throughout North Leitrim to assist local communities in keeping priority 3 routes safe. The grit deposits at these collections points will be replenished if needed and if communities identify other suitable collection points than grit deposited at these locations."

Cllr Justin Warnock stated that during the recent cold weather, there were some roads that did not receive grit and queried if there could there be collection points where people could collect grit.

Ms Marie Mulligan, Executive Engineer, advised that there are grit collection points but if other collection point locations are identified these can be reviewed.

Cllr Felim Gurn questioned what was the policy in relation to salting footpaths?

Ms Marie Mulligan, Executive Engineer, advised that Leitrim County Council do not salt footpaths.

Cllr Frank Dolan also expressed concern that some tertiary roads were not gritted until the afternoon, if at all, and that left people living on those roads in a precarious position if they were required to attend a workplace. Cllr Felim Gurn and Cllr Sean McDermott also expressed concerns regarding the level of gritting.

Cllr Frank Dolan raised an issue in relation to drivers of the gritting lorries and a discussion took place in relation to Leitrim County Council’s employees being required to grit roads during the night, and the health and safety risks associated with same. It was agreed that specific issues in this regard would be discussed with the Director of Services or the District Engineer.

I ask Leitrim County Council to examine the very uneven surface on the Lurganboy road from the village towards Manorhamilton, especially as far as Milltown bridge. I have received numerous complaints about this.

"I ask Leitrim County Council to examine the very uneven surface on the Lurganboy road from the village towards Manorhamilton, especially as far as Milltown bridge. I have received numerous complaints about this."

Report by Roads – General

"The L-2136, the Lurganboy to Manorhamilton from the Lurganboy Village as far as Milltown Bridge is to be strengthened as part of the Annual Programme of Roadworks 2021."

Cllr. Felim Gurn supported the motion.

Ms Marie Mulligan, Executive Engineer, advised that a contractor has been engaged to carry out the work, and it would have been completed if not for Covid-19 restrictions, but will commence once restrictions are lifted.

Cllr Frank Dolan welcomed the update.

I ask Leitrim County Council what is the possibility of surface dressing the rest of the car park at the side of Mullies chapel, and also the short section of road going from the car park to the graveyard?

"I ask Leitrim County Council what is the possibility of surface dressing the rest of the car park at the side of Mullies chapel, and also the short section of road going from the car park to the graveyard?"

Report by Roads – General

"Unfortunately, surface dressing cannot be undertaken to the Mullies carpark or access road to the graveyard as both the carpark and road are private and as such cannot be included in the roadworks programme."

All Members expressed support for the motion.

Ms. Marie Mulligan, Executive Engineer, advised that while the carpark and road are private property she would examine various funding schemes and the graveyard policy to see if  there are opportunities for funding of the works.

I ask that this Municipal District contact the main mobile phone providers to find out why the telephone and broadband signal going through the village of Killargue along the R280 has numerous blackout spots.

"Can the executive find out why the telephone signal and broadband going through the village of Killargue along the R280 has numerous blackout spots."

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

"This matter has been referred by the Broadband Officer to the Department of Environment Climate and Communications for investigation. The BBO will revert with further information in due course.”

Cllr. Felim Gurn outlined that regardless of which mobile phone operator is used, there are numerous blackout spots on the R280.

All members expressed support for the motion.

The access to Mc Dermott Terrace estate needs to be improved for the residents. There is an issue with restricted pedestrian access and also with traffic flow and double parking in the estate. Can the council look at implementing measures to rectify these issues?

"The access to Mc Dermott Terrace estate needs to be improved for the residents. There is an issue with restricted pedestrian access and also with traffic flow and double parking in the estate. Can the council look at implementing measures to rectify these issues?"

Report by Roads – General

"This notice of motion relates to the condition of the footpaths during severe weather, a bunker of salt will be left at a suitable location in the estate to allow for the salting of footpaths."

Ms. Marie Mulligan, Executive Engineer, advised that a bunker of salt could be left at McDermott Terrace and Cllr Felim Gurn welcomed this.

What is the current position regarding the provision of CCTV at Bring Bank Centres in the Manorhamilton Municipal District?

"What is the current position regarding the provision of CCTV at Bring Bank Centres in the Manorhamilton Municipal District."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"Provision of temporary CCTV equipment at Bring Bank sites in Manorhamilton Municipal District will be considered as part of Government's Anti-Dumping Initiative, should funding be allocated to Leitrim in the current year. An assessment of Bring Bank sites will take place to prioritise sites for temporary mobile CCTV installation if the funding is available."

Cllr Mary Bohan expressed concern that funding is currently being sought when it had previously been indicated a number of years ago that mobile cameras would be available to monitor Bring Banks. Cllr Mary Bohan stated that the only way for this issue to be resolved is with monitoring and for the offenders to be fined.

All Members expressed their support for this motion.

What progress has been made regarding traffic calming measures in Dromahair?

"What progress has been made regarding traffic calming measures in Dromahair?"

Report by Roads – General

"All road markings at the school have been renewed recently – including pedestrian crossing, zig zag lines and centre line either side of the crossing. Further measures will require substantial funding, under Low Cost Safety schemes funding has been sought from the DTTAS to install a ramp at the pedestrian crossing, upgrade pelican lighting and lay anti-skid material.

The community/school could also seek funding under a Clár grant schemes to complete these works."

Cllr Mary Bohan welcomed the update but also expressed concern that it would be responsibility of community groups to seek funding in this matter and feels that the matter should rest with Leitrim County Council. Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion.

Ms. Marie Mulligan, Executive Engineer, advised that under the low cost safety scheme, an application has been made to install a ramp, upgrade the lighting, and road markings at the school. An application has been made under Active Travel Scheme to upgrade footpaths from Churchfield and Forest Grove to the school.

Cllr Sean McDermott welcomed the funding announced under the ORIS Measure 1 2020 Scheme. Cllr Mary Bohan also welcomed the funding especially for the area of Corry Strand.