Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 17th May 2021

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Felim Gurn

SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of meeting of 17th May 2021.

§  Correspondence from Leitrim County Council to OPW in reference to OPW properties

The members noted the correspondence from Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Services to OPW in relation to acquiring Garda Stations in Dromahair and Keshcarrigan.

Cllr Frank Dolan and Cllr Felim Gurn informed members about their recent meeting with Minister O’Donoghue outlining that the Minister expressed his desire to see these Garda Stations being acquired by local communities for community led projects. Cllr Sean McDermott informed members that the local community in Glenfarne are also exploring the possibility of taking ownership of their Garda Station building. 

Can the council look at putting in safe cycle lanes in around the town of Manorhamilton before the SLNCR Greenway is delivered?

"Can the council look at putting in safe cycle lanes in around the town of Manorhamilton before the SLNCR Greenway is delivered?"

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

"This council can consider the option of cycle lanes in Manorhamilton town before the completion of the SLNCR. Also opportunities through Active Travel will be examined in due course when the programme is resourced."

Cllr Felim Gurn welcomed this response and outlined that with the increased number of cyclists on the road additional cycling lanes would be extremely beneficial. Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion.

Can work on the brae area of the public realm be completed before the schools reopen in September 2021? Once schools reopen traffic from school buses, vehicle and pedestrian traffic will cause significant issues if the work is not completed by this time by the contractor.

"Can work on the brae area of the public realm be completed before the schools reopen in September 2021? Once schools reopen traffic from school buses, vehicle and pedestrian traffic will cause significant issues if the work is not completed by this time by the contractor."

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

"We are currently experiencing some delays in the pre-start phase of the Public Realm project. We will keep this request in mind when the project commences and if possible we will complete works in the brae area before schools open in September."

Cllr Felim Gurn welcomed the response from the Council and outlined the large disruption this work will cause if not completed before schools resume in September. Cllr Sean McDermott, Cllr Dolan, Cllr Fallon supported the motion acknowledging the disruption and highlighting the need for works to be completed within timeframe set.

Mr Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, stated that there have been some slight delays but that works are expected to commence shortly.

What if any bins and/or portaloos will be available and placed in North Leitrim as per the recent Government announcement of funds for same of €50,000?

"What if any bins and/or portaloos will be available and placed in North Leitrim as per the recent Government announcement of funds for same of €50,000?"

Report by Roads - General

"This funding may be used for the provision and maintenance of public amenities and signage that will facilitate outdoor activities and leisure in compliance with public health guidelines at sites around the country. These sites could include parks, beaches, greenways, pedestrianised streets, or any other popular visitor sites in a local authority area.

In the Manorhamilton District the plan is to use the funding on the procurement of a number of solar powered smart bins to replace existing bins at high footfall locations, and also the installation of covid-19 signage and road marking as required at busy locations."

Cllr Padraig Fallon welcomed the response. Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion.

How many locations in this Municipal District are impacted due to Community Employment workers no longer being able to maintain and cut grass on public sites, along our roads for example?

"How many locations in this Municipal District are impacted due to Community Employment workers no longer being able to maintain and cut grass on public sites, along our roads for example?"

Report by Economic Development

"Over the last few months, the Community Employment Schemes have had a number of retirements and have not been able to obtain replacements. There has also been changes to their work practises about carrying out certain works at different locations. The areas that cannot be covered anymore by the Community Employment Schemes, will have to be assessed to see if first there is a requirement for the area to be done, can the area be done by Leitrim County Council and how would this be funded, or is there some way we can assist the Community Employment scheme. We will review the situation with Leitrim Development Company."

Cllr Padraig Fallon outlined the impact that is being caused by the change to work practices on Community Employment Schemes and expressed that his desire that a solution be found. All members supported the motion outlining that the work that had been completed through Community Employment Schemes needs to continue.

Mr. Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, stated that the areas where work was previously completed by Community Employment Schemes will be reviewed.

Members requested a list of graveyards in North Leitrim managed by Leitrim County Council, and it was agreed to provide same.

Can improvements be made to the pier at Glenade Lake where it is very difficult to launch a boat when the water levels are low?

"Can improvements be made to the pier at Glenade Lake where it is very difficult to launch a boat when the water levels are low?"

Report by Roads - General

"A survey will be carried out to see what works are required. A funding source will need to be identified before any improvements can be carried out. The most effective way to attract funding to such projects is where the project is led at local community level. As the lake lies within an SAC, the potential impact of any proposed works will have to be assessed to ensure there are no negative impacts on the SAC before works could proceed."

Cllr Sean McDermott outlined that communities can be apprehensive about leading projects due to time requirements and the match funding element. Cllr McDermott stated that he hoped that Leitrim County Council will continue to look for a solution to this issue.

Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion and stated that the funding should be sought under the Hidden Heartlands project.

All members supported the motion.

Can parking facilities be extended for the residents in the housing estate at MacNean Cresent, Glenfarne?

"Can parking facilities be extended for the residents in the housing estate at MacNean Cresent, Glenfarne?"

Report by Economic Development

"An increase in parking is not considered necessary. McNean Crescent has sufficient car parking for an estate of 14 houses, of which some are privately owned. There is also additional parking available in a large carpark across the road from McNean Crescent which can be used if necessary."

Cllr Sean McDermott outlined that when these houses were first constructed there were less cars and families currently living in the estate are seeking an increase in the number of parking spaces.

Ms. Samantha Healy, A/Director of Services, stated that an assessment of the car parking facilities was conducted and it was deemed that there was adequate car parking in the estate.

Cllr Sean McDermott outlined his dissatisfaction with the reply and requested that the matter be revisited. Cllr Padraig Fallon and Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion.

Can the Area Engineer for the Manorhamilton Municipal District seek funding to widen the road, extend the footpath, provide lighting and ancillary works necessary along the R281 to the main entrance at the Eco Park at Kinlough?

"Can the Area Engineer for the Manorhamilton Municipal District seek funding to widen the road, extend the footpath, provide lighting and ancillary works necessary along the R281 to the main entrance at the Eco Park at Kinlough?"

Report by Roads - General

"A footpath was constructed out along the R281 to an access point at the Eco Park back in 2017. It would be desirable to have a footpath and public lighting to the main road entrances to the Park. In the last year funding has been obtained for a number of footpath schemes in Kinlough under the active Travel Schemes funded by the NTA. This is for works to upgrade and construct new footpaths on the R280 Bundoran Road. An application can be submitted for an extension to the footpath on the R281 to the Eco Park for next year. A design will have to be carried out and planning may be required"

Cllr Justin Warnock welcomed the response.

MacClancy's Castle on Lough Melvin, may be just a ruin but historically it played a pivotal role locally and internationally. Captain Francisco de Cuellar from one of the ill-fated ships of the Spanish Armada was shipwrecked near Streedagh Beach in Grange in 1588 and sought refuge in MacClancy’s Castle.

As it is an integral part of the De Cuellar Trail, I ask Leitrim County Council to start the conversation with local landowners about access to the foreshore to enhance the experience for the Irish and Spanish tourist.

"MacClancy's Castle on Lough Melvin, may be just a ruin but historically it played a pivotal role locally and internationally. Captain Francisco de Cuellar from one of the ill-fated ships of the Spanish Armada was ship wrecked near Streedagh Beach in Grange in 1588 and sought refuge in MacClancy’s Castle.

As it is an integral part of the De Cuellar Trail, I ask Leitrim County Council to start the conversation with local landowners about access to the foreshore to enhance the experience for the Irish and Spanish tourist."

Report by Roads - General

"This council can discuss options with landowners regarding access to this historic site. Any funding required for works at this location is best obtained by local community groups under relevant funding schemes. We are available to have discussions with local interested groups."

Cllr Justin Warnock welcomed this response and outlined the history of MacClancy’s Castle and how it could play a prominent role as an attraction for tourists exploring the history of the area. All members supported the motion.

When is it expected that road repairs will be completed in the area effected by the Dawn of Hope landslide? I understand that monies are available for this purpose.

"When is it expected that road repairs will be completed in the area effected by the Dawn of Hope landslide? I understand that monies are available for this purpose."

Report by Roads - General

"Extensive restoration works were carried out on the roads around the Dawn of Hope towards the end of last year,that were damaged as a consequence of the landslide. There are two roads which the macadam works have still to be completed on, the L-42364-0 Corcormick Road and L-82451-0 Lisnanorrus. Due to several different factors, including COVID-19, these roads are not yet completed, but we are currently working with the macadam contractor to arrange a start date for the completion of these works. Surface dressing works have also to be carried out and are scheduled into our own road works programme. In addition, some further works have to be carried out at the Dawn

of hope Bridge including strengthening the Dam, removing some further material inundated behind the bridge, and some finishing works to the bridge structure. These will be progressed in the current year."

What progress has been made in relation to the provision of CCTV at recycling centres and other areas?

"What progress has been made in relation to the provision of CCTV at recycling centres and other areas?"

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"Leitrim County Council is currently awaiting a national review regarding compliance with data protection legislation. Until such a review is carried out by Government Leitrim County Council will not be in a position to use covert cameras to detect and deter illegal littering and dumping."

Cllr Felim Gurn queried when the annual meeting of the Main Council meeting was. Ms. Samantha Healy, A/Director of Services informed members that it would be held at 12:00pm Friday 26th June in the Bush Hotel, Carrick on Shannon.

Cllr Justin Warnock queried whether the Manorhamilton Municpal District could take place in person. Ms. Samatha Healy, A/Director of Services referred to current restrictions and outlined it would depend on prevailing public health guidance.