Agenda and minutes

Minutes of Annual Meeting held on 21st June 2021,

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean McDermott

SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the annual meeting of 21st June 2021.

Minutes of meeting held on 21st June 2021,

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Felim Gurn

SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of meeting of 21st June 2021.

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Services, outlined the governance structure of the SLNCR. There will be a steering group comprising of the four Chief Executives of Sligo, Leitrim, Fermanagh, and Cavan. There will be technical working group who will report to the steering group, and they will design and manage construction. There also will be a community liaison group with approx. 28 members consisting of elected members from the relevant local authorities and community representatives. Ms. Quinn, Director of Services, informed members that three nominations of members from Manorhamilton Municipal District are being sought.

Cllr Felim Gurn was nominated on the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean McDermott, and SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon.

Cllr Sean McDermott was nominated on the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan, and SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn.

Cllr Padraig Fallon was nominated on the PROPOSAL of Cllr Felim Gurn, and SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott.

It was AGREED that Cllr Felim Gurn, Cllr Sean McDermott and Cllr Padraig Fallon be nominated to the SLNCR Community Liaison Group.

The members noted the correspondence from Minister Patrick O’Donovan in relation to the flying of the National and EU Flags are Parke’s Castle.

On the PROPOSAL from Cllr Justin Warnock and SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott,

It was AGREED to write to Minister O’Donovan expressing  dissatisfaction with the response and requesting that a second flagpole be erected at Parke’s Castle to allow the flying of the National and EU Flags.

Has there been any communication from the court service in relation to the court house in Manorhamilton? It’s a shame to see this building standing idle and going into dereliction. Now that there is a possibility of funding under Peace Plus coming on stream, pressure should be brought to bear on the court service to do something with this building.

"Has there been any communication from the court service in relation to the courthouse in Manorhamilton? It is a shame to see this building standing idle and going into dereliction. Now that there is a possibility of funding under Peace Plus coming on stream, pressure should be brought to bear on the court service to do something with this building."

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

"The Council has had no correspondence with the Court Service in this regard. However, through the work of the Manorhamilton Town Team some communications have taken place and there is an aspiration indeed to see the building to come into productive use in the future depending on identification of resources and appropriate project."

Cllr Frank Dolan outlined how the courthouse in Manorhamilton has been vacant since 2001 and it’s as a community facility for the town, and that it should be investigated whether the project could qualify for funding under the new PEACE IV Programme.

Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion, stating that there are opportunities through the Arts Community and/or the SLNCR to utilise the building as an attraction for the town, and that funding options should be explored.

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion, referring to  precedence in Drumkeeran in taking the courthouse into community ownership.

Cllr Padraig Fallon, Cllr Sean McGowan, and Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion.

In relation to Manorhamilton Courthouse Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Services informed members that the Manorhamilton Town Team are exploring options for the use of the courthouse and that the Town Team meets regularly with Leitrim County Council.

I will ask that a section of road No L81621 (road that crosses Benbo mountain) be included in next year’s roads programme. There is a section of this road that has become very bumpy and dangerous.

"I will ask that a section of road No L81621 (road that crosses Benbo mountain) be included in next year’s roads programme. There is a section of this road that has become very bumpy and dangerous."

Report by Roads - General

"The Local Tertiary Road Number L-81621-0 can be reviewed and considered for the next roads programme. Also, as it is a tertiary road it may be a suitable candidate for a CIS. Maintenance works can be carried out in the meantime."

Cllr Frank Dolan welcomed the response and outlined the poor condition of the road. Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion.

I will ask Leitrim County Council to plant native apple trees where possible along our national primary and regional roads in the Manorhamilton Municipal Area as part of the National Pollinator Plan 2021 – 2025.

"I will ask Leitrim County Council to plant native apple trees where possible along our national primary and regional roads in the Manorhamilton Municipal Area as part of the National Pollinator Plan 2021 – 2025."

Report by Roads - General

"Planting of apple trees along any of the national routes would have to get approval of the TII and suitable locations would be difficult to find as road safety would be a major concern. The same would be true for regional roads regarding road safety. Currently there is no funding for such projects. However if funding becomes available, and suitable locations can be found, this can be considered."

Cllr Justin Warnock outlined the opportunity presented by the new National Pollinator Plan, to increase the availability of native breeds of fruit trees along our roads, and that a similar initiative has been successfully implemented in Germany. Cllr Warnock expressed his hope that the matter could be reviewed.

Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion but emphasised safety considerations.

As there have been a number of minor accidents on the R281 in Rossinver Village adjacent to the home of the Lennon family. I ask Sean Rynn the Area Engineer to examine the section of road between the Kiltyclogher/Glenaniff junction and the Home Bar to ascertain what is causing the accidents, and then to seek funding to carry out works necessary to leave this section of road safe before a more serious accident may occur.

"As there have been a number of minor accidents on the R281 in Rossinver Village adjacent to the home of the Lennon family. I ask Sean Rynn the Area Engineer to examine the section of road between the Kiltyclogher/Glenaniff junction and the Home Bar to ascertain what is causing the accidents, and then to seek funding to carry out works necessary to leave this section of road safe before a more serious accident may occur."

Report by Roads - General

"The section of the R282 referred is in an 50kph speed limit. Improvements to the junction of the R282 Manorhamilton/Garrison Road, R281 from Kiltyclogher and the Local Road L-2107-0 to Glenaniff area would be beneficial to the road alignment and road safety.

These junctions can be listed for a Low-Cost Safety grant, but this would be subject to lands been available to carry out improvements.

Hedge cutting is presently being carried out on the regional and local roads junctions, and these junctions will be carried out as part of this works."

Cllr Justin Warnock welcomed the possibility of a low cost safety grant, but stated that in the long term, the road needs to be widened.  Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion.

I propose that a survey of footpaths in Local Authority housing estates be carried out with a view to identifying issues and seeking funds to carry out works in such estates in this Municipal District.

"I propose that a survey of footpaths in Local Authority housing estates be carried out with a view to identifying issues and seeking funds to carry out works in such estates in this Municipal District."

Report by Roads - General

"Surveys have been carried out on several Council estates in the past, but there is no funding in the roadworks program for major footpath repairs. Active Travel funding cannot be used for repair of existing footpaths. If a funding stream can be found, possibly under a housing remedial works scheme for local authority estates, then this work could be considered."

Cllr Padraig Fallon welcomed the work that has been done on footpaths within estates but that some estates, older ones especially would benefit from further improvements, and asked Leitrim County Council to continue to try and secure funding for the remedial works.

All members supported the motion.

To ask Leitrim County Council, what is the anticipated build of local authority housing in this Municipal District for this year and next.

"To ask Leitrim County Council, what is the anticipated build of local authority housing in this Municipal District for this year and next."

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

"The anticipated delivery of Housing Units in the Manorhamilton Municipal District under Direct Build/Turnkey Construction for 2021 is 3 units - 2 no. 3 bed and 1 no. 4 bed. in 2022 the anticipated build programme is 13, 9 no. 2 bed and 4 no. 1 bed.

In addition 2 no. acquisitions have been completed to date in 2021 in the Manorhamilton Municipal District.

An Expression of Interest for the provision of both Zoned Residential Land & Social Housing by Contractors/Developers under the Turnkey mechanism was advertised locally and on e-tenders with a closing date of 21st July for the towns of Manorhamilton, Kinlough, Dromahair & Tullaghan and it is hoped that further social housing projects will be secured for future delivery from this call for expressions of interest."

Cllr Padraig Fallon welcomed the response, and outlined how social housing is an issue for the Manorhamilton Municipal District especially in light of rising building costs. Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion.

Cllr Justin Warnock queried the inclusion of one bedroom builds in the build programme. Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Services, stated that a number of one bedroom builds are required  in the delivery programme. Ms. Quinn informed members that the new government housing strategy “Housing for All” is due to be published shortly, and Leitrim County Council will be preparing a housing delivery strategy to meet the objectives of the national strategy.

Can consideration be given to relocate the Bottle Bank that is presently located at the Fair Green in Kiltyclogher? The laneway leading to this area is being damaged when the lorry comes to empty the contents. The Kiltyclogher Community Council would like to see another location for the Bottle Bank as the present location is close to the Community Garden and Playground.

"Can consideration be given to relocate the Bottle Bank that is presently located at the Fair Green in Kiltyclogher? The laneway leading to this area is being damaged when the lorry comes to empty the contents. The Kiltyclogher Community Council would like to see another location for the Bottle Bank as the present location is close to the Community Garden and Playground."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"If the Kiltyclogher Community Council propose an accessible alternative location with public lighting then consideration can be given to relocating these Bring Banks. If no suitable location is available, then the Bring Banks could be removed and the Community could use the Bring Banks in Glenfarne or Manorhamilton. The District Engineer will arrange to undertake maintenance works on the access road."

Cllr Sean McDermott outlined the situation in relation to the bottle banks at Kiltyclogher, and the request from the Kiltyclogher Community Council for the bottle banks to be moved.

Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion, and queried whether solar lighting could be used and move the Bring Banks to the Kilcoo road.

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion, and referred to difficulties in securing CCTV at Bring Banks due to data protection concerns.

Mr. Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, outlined concerns in locating bottle banks in isolated locations.  He advised that he will liaise with the Environment Section to identify options in this regard. 

Can road signs can be cleaned and repaired where necessary? Many are unsightly and give a bad image of the area.

"Can road signs can be cleaned and repaired where necessary? Many are unsightly and give a bad image of the area."

Report by Roads - General

"Over the last few years works have been carried out on signage improvements to the R280 Manorhamilton to Kinlough, R281 Kinlough to Rossinver, R281 Rossinver to Kiltyclogher, R281 Kiltyclogher to Glenfarne, The R283. This year signage will be upgraded on the R286/R288 Sligo Dromahair Road, R282 Manorhamilton to Rossinver, and the L-2063 Kinlough to Tullaghan road. More road signage improvement will be planned and carried out next year, and cleaning of signage will be carried out."

Cllr Sean McDermott welcomed the response and acknowledged the effort by Leitrim County Council to keep signs cleaned, however in areas where it is not done, it has a negative impact on the perception of the County. Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion.

I propose that the Manorhamilton Municipal District discuss the astronomical charges being imposed by Irish Water for individual connections and small group schemes. Following this I propose that we call on the Minister to intervene as a matter of urgency.

"I propose that the Manorhamilton Municipal District discuss the astronomical charges being imposed by Irish Water for individual connections and small group schemes. Following this I propose that we call on the Minister to intervene as a matter of urgency."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"Irish Water are no longer providing costings for such connections other that to confirm that the cost exceeds the estimate used by the applicant. The Rural Water Section, in an attempt to aid the applicant, provide an estimate based upon Irish Water rates quoted previously for similar jobs. It is understood that discussions were due to take place nationally, but no update has been received in this regard."

Cllr Mary Bohan expressed her dissatisfaction with Irish Water highlighting details of a quotation received by a small group water scheme with three connections requiring  three houses to pay approximately  €120,000 for a water connection. Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion, and stated that the cost factor mentioned is frightening to members of the public.

All members supported the motion.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED to write to Irish Water seeking details of the number of group scheme connections carried out by Irish Water at a national level and to review the the astronomical charges being imposed by Irish Water for individual connections and small group schemes, and to ask the Minister to intervene as matter of urgency. It was also AGREED that a copy of the resolution be circulated to all Sligo – Leitrim Dáil Deputies.

What progress has been made regarding the taking in charge of the remaining estates in Dromahair and Manorhamilton?

"What progress has been made regarding the taking in charge of the remaining estates in Dromahair and Manorhamilton?"

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

"As advised at the Council meeting of March 2021 and the Municipal District Meetings of April and May, 2021, 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. The taking in charge process involves the undertaking of various condition surveys on the part of the Council and Irish Water and, unfortunately, due to the COVID restrictions on travel and other activities, these surveys were not considered essential and could not 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."

Cllr Mary Bohan acknowledged the response but stated that it is disappointing that this matter will not be progressed until 2022. All members supported the motion.

When resurfacing roads for one vehicle access, it is important to leave lay-by areas so that if you meet a car there is an area where drivers can reverse/pull into in order to let the other car pass. What are the solutions to this issue? Could this be done by tarring right into people’s driveways so as to create a lay-bye where the road starts to narrow?

"When resurfacing roads for one vehicle access, it is important to leave lay-by areas so that if you meet a car there is an area where drivers can reverse/pull into in order to let the other car pass. What are the solutions to this issue? Could this be done by tarring right into people’s driveways so as to create a lay-bye where the road starts to narrow?"

Report by Roads - General

"Generally, on narrow roads as part of works during Restoration /resurfacing, layby/pull in areas are either refreshed or constructed as part of the scheme. Under the memorandum of roadworks, it is not possible to lay macadam into private entrances."

Cllr Felim Gurn outlined the difficulties when there is only one lane open on a road while road works are ongoing. Cllr Sean McDermott and Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion.

Cllr Felim Gurn queried whether current ongoing works are part of the 2020 Roads Works Programme or the 2021 Roads Works Programme.  Mr. Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, stated that almost all of the 2020 Roads Works Programme has been completed and progress is being made on the 2021 Roads Works Programme.

Cllr Frank Dolan raised the issue of sight lines on Ross road highlighting concerns in this regard.  The Area Engineer advised of works to be carried out in the context of a planning application granted.