Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 15th February 2021

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Felim Gurn

SECONDED by Cllr Justin Warnock

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of meeting of 15th February 2021

Mr. Terry McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, gave an update on the Annual Roads Programme, 2021 which had been previously presented to the members at the February 2021, Municipal District meeting.

Mr. Sean Rynn, A/Senior Executive Engineer, gave an update on the additional works that will be carried out under the Annual Area Road Programme 2021. 

Mr. McGovern informed the members that the Restoration Maintenance Grant and Restoration Improvement Grant has increased by approximately 6% in comparison to the 2020 Grants. This represents an extra €34,000 under the Restoration Maintenance Grant and an extra €125,000 under the Restoration Improvement Grant for the Manorhamilton Municipal District.

Cllr. Mary Bohan welcomed the increased levels of funding and thanked Leitrim County Council staff for their efforts in securing funding under Climate Action Works and Active Travel Measures. Cllr. Bohan queried whether the funding for traffic management on the R280 at Lough Allen College will extend to Drumkeeran Village as there had been various complaints by residents in relation to speeding. Mr. Mc Govern, A/Senior Engineer, stated that the matter can be considered in the context of available funding.

Cllr. Bohan queried at what stage works at Annaghgerry Bridge are at, and what timescale is envisaged for project completion. Mr. McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, confirmed that the design work for the project has been completed and details of timescale can be checked and confirmed to Cllr. Bohan.

Cllr. Bohan queried funding in relation to footpath provision in Drumkeeran. Mr. McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, confirmed that funding would be used to extend the footpath out to the remaining two houses on that road.

Cllr. Justin Warnock welcomed the additional funding and asked what the expected timeframe for completion of the Lennox Bridge is. Mr. McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, stated that it is difficult to place a timeframe on the works as an environmental assessment may be required, and if so, the project will have to be forwarded to An Bord Pleanála for approval.

Cllr. Warnock queried as to what the funding received for Tullaghan will be used for. Mr. McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, stated that funding will be used to extend the footpath on the coast road that was previously funded under the Town and Village Scheme.

Cllr. Felim Gurn welcomed the funding and queried whether the proposed works on R280 refer to resurfacing. Mr. Sean Rynn, A/Senior Executive Engineer, confirmed that resurfacing work would take place at St Clares Hall.

Cllr. Gurn queried whether work on the road through Barr an Chaisleáin will be completed. Mr. Sean Rynn, A/Senior Executive Engineer, confirmed that it would, and the road number is L4137.

Cllr. Padraig Fallon welcomed the funding increases, and queried whether there was funding available to tackle the bend above the comprehensive school in Manorhamilton. Mr. McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, stated that the matter could be reviewed.

Cllr. Fallon queried whether there is a timeframe for the completion of the footpath works in Drumkeerin. Mr. McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, stated that the works will be a priority once the Covid-19  ...  view the full minutes text for item MMD.32.21

The following correspondence was circulated to the members:

1.      Correspondence from Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in relation to supports for farmers in relation to Drumshass Landslide.

Cllr Mary Bohan expressed dissatisfaction with the response from Minister McConalogue. Cllr Bohan stated that Department for Agriculture, Food and the Marine should engage with farming organisations and Teagasc to prepare a support package for affected farmers.

Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the views of Cllr Bohan and, stated that the force majeure extension allowed for 2020 Direct Payments to Farmers must be extended to 2021. 

Cllr Justin Warnock and Cllr Felim Gurn supported the views expressed. Cllr. Padraig Fallon supported the view that the farmers should be supported, and he felt that this could be done by Minister McConalogue’s department.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

            SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED to approve to write to Minister McConalogue asking for him to engage further with the farming community and to provide assurances in relation to the provision of 2021 Payment to farmers.

2.      Acknowledgement from Patrick O Donovan TD, Minister for State at the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief in relation the displaying of the Irish and EU Flags are Parke’s Castle.

Noted by members.

3.      Correspondence from Pascal Donoghue TD, Minister of Finance in relation to the supports being provided Tourism Businesses during the Covid-19 restrictions.

Noted by members.

The bridge on the bog road L4141 has been hit or has fallen into disrepair. The walls of the bridge need urgent attention.

"The bridge on the bog road L4141 has been hit or has fallen into disrepair. The walls of the bridge need urgent attention."

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

"Leitrim County Council will carry out an inspection on this bridge, and repairs carried out subject to availability of labour and funding. If required, the bridge can be listed for funding under the Bridge Rehabilitation Grant/Specific Grant."

Cllr Felim Gurn welcomed the response.

With the announcement that the design of the SLNCR will be undertaken by Leitrim County Council liaising with Sligo County Council there is great opportunity for them to work together on future projects in tourism. One potential project for them is the De Cuéllar trail of the Spanish Armada that links Sligo from Streedagh Beach out to Glencar and can increase footfall into the Manorhamilton Municipal Area.

"With the announcement that the design of the SLNCR will be undertaken by Leitrim County Council liaising with Sligo County Council there is great opportunity for them to work together on future projects in tourism. One potential project for them is the De Cuéllar trail of the Spanish Armada that links Sligo from Streedagh Beach out to Glencar and can increase footfall into the Manorhamilton Municipal Area."

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

"Leitrim County Council will make contact with Sligo Council on this project and there is potential to further develop the De Cuellar Trail in the Sligo/North Leitrim area."

Cllr Felim Gurn expressed his view that all opportunities to engage with Sligo County Council in relation to this project and any further tourism projects must be fully explored.

Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion.

I propose that this Municipal District write to Bank of Ireland asking them to consider at least an ATM service in the town of Manorhamilton.

"I propose that this Municipal District write to Bank of Ireland asking them to consider at least an ATM service in the town of Manorhamilton."

Cathoirleach Sean McDermott suggested that the two motions (MMD.36.21 & MMD.39.21) that deal with an ATM service in Manorhamilton be dealt with together, to which the members agreed.

Cllr. Frank Dolan stated that losing the ATM service on the street, due to the closing of the Bank of Ireland branch, would be a big loss to Manorhamilton.

Cllr. Padraig Fallon stated that every effort must be made to retain an ATM on the street in Manorhamilton.

Cllr. Felim Gurn stated that the current Bank of Ireland ATM currently dispenses around €400,000 a week. Cllr. Gurn outlined that when the current ATM is not working that it has a significant impact on the night time economy businesses in Manorhamilton. Cllr. Gurn supported both motions.

Cllr. Mary Burns supported both motions and stated that there is an onus on AIB as the one remaining bank within Manorhamilton to provide an ATM service.

Cllr. Justin Warnock supported both motions, and stated that when Bank of Ireland withdrew from Bundoran they left the ATM service in place.

Cllr. Sean McDermott supported both motions, and stated that while there are some ATMs located in shops they are not able to provide the same level of service, and are unavailable when the shop is closed.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Frank Dolan

SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED to write to Bank of Ireland, AIB, and Manorhamilton Credit Union requesting that an ATM service be provided by them in Manorhamilton.

I again want to raise the issue of no public lighting from the bridge on the Sligo road (N16) to the filling station in Manorhamilton.

"I again want to raise the issue of no public lighting from the bridge on the Sligo road (N16) to the filling station in Manorhamilton."

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

"Public Lighting along this section of N16 entering Manorhamilton would be desirable. The TII Regional Safety Officer had inspected the location, but as the public lighting already extends to the 50kph zone, and there is no residential area being served, no funding was approved.

Leitrim County Council will make another application for funding, but this time try the TII maintenance section."

Cllr. Frank Dolan expressed his dissatisfaction with the TII in relation to the lack of lighting on the N16 from Manorhamilton Bridge to the filling station.

Cllr. Felim Gurn supported the motion, and stated that public lighting should be provided due to the fact that there is a manufacturing facility on this stretch of road.

All members supported the motion.

The delivery by Vodafone of high-speed broadband to the Askill Community Centre was greatly welcomed but unfortunately it has had a negative impact on the service to the local Vodafone mobile phone customers, so I ask that Leitrim County Council engage immediately with the provider to have this problem corrected.

"The delivery by Vodafone of high-speed broadband to the Askill Community Centre was greatly welcomed but unfortunately it has had a negative impact on the service to the local Vodafone mobile phone customers, so I ask that Leitrim County Council engage immediately with the provider to have this problem corrected."

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

"As the issue arose during the introduction of a BCP to Askill, both Vodafone and the Department of Rural and Community Development have been made aware of this matter. Currently the Department of Rural and Community Development are investigating this issue further, and the Broadband Officer will revert with an update in due course."

Cllr. Justin Warnock welcomed the response and expressed his desire to see the situation remedied quickly.

All members supported the motion.

I propose that this Municipal District engage with Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Bank and Manorhamilton Credit Union so as to seek the retention of an ATM, on the street in Manorhamilton. Every effort must be made to ensure an ATM is retained.

"I propose that this Municipal District engage with Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Bank and Manorhamilton Credit Union so as to seek the retention of an ATM, on the street in Manorhamilton. Every effort must be made to ensure an ATM is retained."

This motion was dealt with under Motion MMD.36.21.

I propose to ask what is the current situation regarding works at Aughaloghy Graveyard.

"I propose to ask what is the current situation regarding works at Aughaloghy Graveyard."

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

"Works were started on Monday 8th March to stabilize the high embankment along the road. It is also planned to carry out repairs to the stone wall that has fallen down."

Cllr. Padraig Fallon welcomed the response from Leitrim County Council.

Cllr. Mary Bohan welcomed the response and queried whether the OPW have any responsibility for the graveyard. Mr. Sean Rynn, A/Senior Executive Engineer, informed the members that responsibility for the graveyard remains solely with Leitrim County Council. Cllr. Bohan queried whether the work taking place will preserve the graves that are in place. Mr. Rynn, A/Senior Executive Engineer, stated that when the work is complete that there should be no danger to the graves.

Can I ask if the wooden fence at Gleann Aoibhinn Council Housing Estate, Glenfarne be replaced, it is in very bad condition.

"Can I ask if the wooden fence at Gleann Aoibhinn Council Housing Estate, Glenfarne be replaced, it is in very bad condition."

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

"These works will be carried out in partnership with LDC (Leitrim Development Company)."

Cllr. Sean McDermott welcomed the response from Leitrim County Council.

I have been asked to raise the issue of when council houses are made available for renting that applicants from the local area be given first consideration.

"I have been asked to raise the issue of when council houses are made available for renting that applicants from the local area be given first consideration."

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

"All housing allocations are made in accordance with our Housing Allocation Scheme as adopted by the members. The purpose of the Allocation Scheme is to provide a means of determining the order of priority to be accorded in the allocation of dwellings to suitably qualified applicants who are included in the Council’s Housing Waiting List."

Cllr. Sean McDermott welcomed the response from Leitrim County Council.

I propose that repairs be carried out on the road leading to Corry Strand off the Drumkeeran/Dowra road.

"I propose that repairs be carried out on the road leading to Corry Strand off the Drumkeeran/Dowra road."

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

"Routine maintenance can be carried out the next time the repair crews are in the area. It can be considered for inclusion in the next 3-year road programme."

Cllr. Mary Bohan welcomed the response from Leitrim County Council.

When is it expected that Leitrim County Council will take in charge the Acres Estate in Dromahair.

"When is it expected that Leitrim County Council will take in charge the Acres Estate in Dromahair."

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

"The Acres in Dromahair is one of a number of estates that the Council had intended to progress through the taking in charge process in 2021. As previously advised at the Council meeting on 1 March last, the taking in charge process involves the undertaking of various condition surveys on the part of the Council and Irish Water and, unfortunately, at present, due to the COVID restrictions on travel and other activities, these surveys are not considered essential and cannot be undertaken. Following the completion of these surveys the Council and Irish Water will first have to enter discussions concerning the apportionment of any monies available through bond settlements and only once these are concluded will the Council be in a position to commence the statutory public consultation period to declare the roads in such estates as being public roads. The statutory process itself will take approximately 3 months. Whilst the Council had hoped to progress an additional number of estates through the taking in charge process in 2021, unfortunately, the uncertainty and delays in all processes due to the impact of COVID, will delay progress and it is likely that the next tranche of estates to be taken in charge cannot be concluded until 2022."

Cllr. Mary Bohan expressed her dissatisfaction with the response from Leitrim County Council. Cllr. Bohan stated that she had contacted the Planning Section of Leitrim County Council in February 2021 and was informed that Acres Estate would be taken in charge, in quarter three or quarter four, 2021 at the latest. Cllr. Bohan relayed this information to the residents of the estate. Cllr Bohan outlined her dissatisfaction that the timeframe for completion of the taking in charge process had been extended by up to 6 months, since she had contacted the Planning Section, Leitrim County Council in February 2021.

Cllr. Padraig Fallon supported the motion and the views expressed by Cllr Bohan.

Cllr. Felim Gurn supported the motion and stated that he was aware of another estate that had been told that the process would not be completed until 2022.

Cllr. Justin Warnock supported the motion and stated that these delays are affecting the selling prices of properties located in these estates.

Cllr. Frank Dolan supported the motion and that it is an extremely frustrating situation that residents in these affected estates find themselves in.

Cllr. Sean McDermott supported the motion.

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Services, Housing, Corporate Services, Community and Cultural Services, stated that further clarification would be sought from Planning Section on the timeline and process and this information would be relayed to members.

I ask the Area Engineer Sean Rynn to seek funding to have works carried out to the parapet walls which are in a dangerous condition at the Aghavohill Bridge on the R281.

"I ask the Area Engineer Sean Rynn to seek funding to have works carried out to the parapet walls which are in a dangerous condition at the Aghavohill Bridge on the R281."

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

"Leitrim County Council will carry out an inspection on this bridge, and repairs carried out subject to availability of labour and funding. If required, the bridge can be listed for funding under the Bridge Rehabilitation Grant/Specific Grant."

Cllr. Justin Warnock outlined that the bridge is in a very bad condition and welcomed that funding would be sought to rectify the issue.

Cllr. Justin Warnock expressed St. Patrick’s Day wishes to all and asked everyone to make an effort to wear a shamrock on the day.