Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 19th July 2021,

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean Mc Dermott

SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of meeting of 19th July 2021.

4 no. residential units comprising of 2 no. 2 bed semi-detached bungalows and 2 no. 2 bed two storey semi-detached houses with all associated site development works.

4 no. residential units comprising of 2 no. 2 bed semi-detached bungalows and 2 no. 2 bed two storey semi-detached houses with all associated site development works.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

            SECONDED by Cllr Frank Dolan

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council proceed with the works in accordance with the approved plans.

a)                  The widening and surfacing of the existing access road to the Wastewater Treatment Plant site to include the provision of a 1.8m wide footpath with public lighting and the restoration of the existing piers and boundary wall at the entrance area off public road L2059.

b)                  Provision of car parking at the Treatment Plant site, including hard and soft landscaping of the site and the provision of public lighting.

c)                  Construction of a 4m wide road from the proposed car park to the coastline for pedestrian and emergency vehicle access with a turning circle and the provision of a seating and biodiversity area.

a)      The widening and surfacing of the existing access road to the Wastewater Treatment Plant site to include the provision of a 1.8m wide footpath with public lighting and the restoration of the existing piers and boundary wall at the entrance area off public road L2059.

b)      Provision of car parking at the Treatment Plant site, including hard and soft landscaping of the site and the provision of public lighting.

c)      Construction of a 4m wide road from the proposed car park to the coastline for pedestrian and emergency vehicle access with a turning circle and the provision of a seating and biodiversity area.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Justin Warnock

            SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council proceed with the works in accordance with the approved plans.

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Services, informed the meeting of two LIS Scheme’s ref 3061 with 4 beneficiaries and ref 3062 with 7 beneficiaries. Both Schemes will exceed the expenditure on LIS schemes and require prior approval from the Municipal District.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean Mc Dermott

            SECONDED by Cllr Mary Bohan

It was AGREED that LIS ref no. 3061 and LIS ref no. 3062 be approved.

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

The members noted the correspondence from the Department of Housing and Local Government in relation to water charges connection policy. Cllr Mary Bohan stated that the letter doesn’t address the issues pertaining to the schemes in question.

On the PROPOSAL from Cllr Mary Bohan and SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott,

It was AGREED to write to Minister O’Brien expressing dissatisfaction with the response and requesting further clarification on the connection costs for individuals connecting to a group water scheme.

The members noted the correspondence from Pauline Murray, Manorhamilton CU outlining plans to install an ATM Machine at Manorhamilton Credit Union.

Mr. Bernard Greene Senior Planner indicated the planning application notice for the ATM recently appeared in the paper and that he expects the application will be received by the planning department shortly. Cllr Felim Gurn asked the senior planner if it was usual for ATM’s to have CCTV built in. Mr. Bernard Greene, Senior Planner confirmed this would be the case.

Cllr Sean Mc Dermott welcomed the plans to install an ATM at Manorhamilton Credit Union.

Cllr Felim Gurn welcomed the ATM at the Credit Union, he pointed out that businesses cannot operate an account from the Credit Union. Cllr Gurn indicated that AIB have announced that their over the counter services will be withdrawn after December 3rd, Cllr Gurn pointed out this will have a significant impact on local businesses.

On the PROPOSAL from Cllr Felim Gurn and SECONDED by CLLR Mary Bohan,

It was AGREED to write to AIB Bank expressing the members dissatisfaction at the removal of over the counter services from December 3rd 2021 and to ask that they reconsider their decision.

All members expressed their dissatisfaction at the removal of ATM and over the counter services in Manorhamilton.

At this point both Mr. Bernard Greene, Senior Planner and Mr. Justin Fannon, Senior Executive Officer in Housing excused themselves from the meeting.

The road programme has repaired and revitalised a lot of country roads. However, it is sad some roads are overgrown with grass growing up through the middle of the road because of a lack of traffic. One such road is Cherrybroock(L21691) that is totally overgrown.

I propose that Leitrim County Council identify other roads that are in similar state of repair.

This needs to be looked at for the likes of rural transport and school buses to have access to these types of rural roads.

"Some of the residents in Killargue Village have asked that the bottle banks be moved to another location, this is as a result of some littering over the summer months."

Report by Roads - General

"If the Killargue Village residents can propose an accessible alternative location with public lighting and suitable parking, 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 Drumkeeran, Dromahair or Manorhamilton. The District Engineer will arrange to undertake a clean-up of the site."

Cllr Frank Dolan noted the reply and stated that he would discuss with the Area Engineer.

The announcement of the new and revitalised Leitrim Way will be a game changer for towns and villages along the route.

Can we look at access on roads where people are Parking up and entering the Leitrim Way?

I think it’s important to have farmers and residents on side to have the good will for people to enjoy our great new walk.

With that in mind, the L2206 is such a road that should be included to get it resurfaced for access to the Leitrim Way on the road programme.

"I have received a number of complaints about the condition of the footpath outside Bank of Ireland in Manorhamilton which could be very dangerous. I ask that it be checked out in the interest of safety."

Report by Roads - General

"Works have been carried out at this location over the last year. Down pipes have been connected to gullies and sections of paving relayed by a contractor, but there are still some issues with areas in this section of footpath. Temporary measures have been carried out this week to stabilise some of the loose paving, and it is planned to carry out more permanent works."

Cllr Dolan noted the reply and asked that the footpath be continued to be monitored.

Some of the residents in Killargue Village have asked that the bottle banks be moved to another location, this is as a result of some littering over the summer months.

"The road programme has repaired and revitalised a lot of country roads. However, it is sad some roads are overgrown with grass growing up through the middle of the road because of a lack of traffic. One such road is Cherrybroock (L21691) that is totally overgrown.

I propose that Leitrim County Council identify other roads that are in similar state of repair.

This needs to be looked at for the likes of rural transport and school buses to have access to these types of rural roads."

Report by Roads - General

"Generally, after surfacing of a road, and particularly if it is a low trafficked, narrow road, such as many Local Tertiary Roads, grass will grow along the centre of the road, as it is not in the wheel track. The wheel track will normally stay clear if there is sufficient traffic and should not have a negative effect on the strength of the road."

Cllr Felim Furn outlined the background to his motion.  All members supported the motion.  The issue of staffing resources was highlighted.  Ms M Quinn, Director of Services advised staffing numbers have increased significantly over the past number of years.  The issue of grass cutting in graveyards and hedge cutting was also raised.  Cllr Felim Gurn requested a list of graveyards in North Leitrim and the Area Engineer confirmed he would forward same.

I have received a number of complaints about the condition of the footpath outside Bank of Ireland in Manorhamilton which could be very dangerous. I ask that it be checked out in the interest of safety.

"The announcement of the new and revitalised Leitrim Way will be a game changer for towns and villages along the route.

Can we look at access on roads where people are Parking up and entering the Leitrim Way?

I think it’s important to have farmers and residents on side to have the good will for people to enjoy our great new walk.

With that in mind, the L2206 is such a road that should be included to get it resurfaced for access to the Leitrim Way on the road programme."

Report by Roads - General

"A number of these public roads along The Leitrim Way can be considered as possible road schemes in the next 3 year roads programme. Alternatively, where some of these roads have low traffic volumes, some of them may be better suited as possible Community Involvement Schemes (CIS). From next year, the minimum community contribution can be as low as 10% for a CIS."

Cllr Gurn noted the reply and re-iterated the importance of access points.

Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion indicating previous correspondence with the area engineer on same.

During this Covid - 19 Pandemic, many people have complained to me about the lack of physical access to doctors and the feeling of despair at times as a result. This has highlighted the urgent necessity for a Primary Care Centre in Kinlough which would provide access to doctors five days a week and provide other services necessary for the growing population of Kinlough and its environs. I will ask the elected members of the Manorhamilton Municipal District to support this motion in calling on the CEO of the HSE, Paul Reid and the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly to provide funding for a new facility.

"During this Covid - 19 Pandemic, many people have complained to me about the lack of physical access to doctors and the feeling of despair at times as a result. This has highlighted the urgent necessity for a Primary Care Centre in Kinlough which would provide access to doctors five days a week and provide other services necessary for the growing population of Kinlough and its environs. I will ask the elected members of the Manorhamilton Municipal District to support this motion in calling on the CEO of the HSE, Paul Reid and the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly to provide funding for a new facility."

All members supported the motion.

Cllr Warnock pointed out at the meeting that people in Kinlough have had no local access to a local GP service since the beginning of Covid.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Justin Warnock

SECONDED by Cllr Mary Bohan

It was AGREED to call on the CEO of the HSE, Paul Reid and the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly to provide funding for a new facility.

I will ask the Area Engineer, Sean Rynn, to include the L20952 Aughadunvane - Agharooskey road in the Roads Work Programme for 2022. This road is in a terrible and dangerous state of repair, which services 3 occupied residencies and 2 more at advanced stages of works and at least 15 other landowners.

"I will ask the Area Engineer, Sean Rynn, to include the L20952 Aughadunvane - Agharooskey road in the Roads Work Programme for 2022. This road is in a terrible and dangerous state of repair, which services 3 occupied residencies and 2 more at advanced stages of works and at least 15 other landowners."

Report by Roads - General

"The Local Tertiary Road L-20952 can be considered as a possible road scheme in the next 3 year roads programme. Alternatively, as it is a tertiary road, it may be better suited as a possible Community Involvement Scheme (CIS). From next year, the minimum community contribution can be as low as 10% for a CIS. General maintenance works can be carried out the next time maintenance crews are working in the area"

Cllr Warnock noted the response He outlined that landowners previously contributed to a scheme around 30 years ago and that it will likely be difficult to get owners to contribute further.

Ms. Mary Quinn informed the meeting that the CIS is a recent scheme introduced over the last 10 years, and if residents/owners want work done this is a means to do it, however it does require a contribution from the residents.

Cllr Frank Dolan indicated the LIS list will still have 84 on it after this year’s schemes (17) are completed. A brief discussion took place in relation to the Local Improvement Scheme and it was noted that any changes would be brought to the SPC and Council for approval.

I propose that this Municipal District examine the possibility of CCTV in Drumkeeran?

"I propose that this Municipal District examine the possibility of CCTV in Drumkeeran?"

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

"The provision of CCTV cameras such as those suggested for Drumkeeran would normally be funded through the Community CCTV scheme which is currently accessible through the Dept of Justice. Such a project needs a group to lead it on the ground and would first need to seek advice on system design once design is agreed it is brought to the Joint Policing Committee of Leitrim County Council for approval and then an application for approval of the scheme goes to the Garda Commissioners Office, once approved by the Garda Commissioner an application for funding for such a scheme can be submitted to the Dept of Justice."

Cllr Fallon noted the response and outlined a number of break-ins of concern that had taken place recently.  Cllr Bohan also noted the response and reiterated the concerns in relation to break in’s in both businesses and residences. Cllr Bohan indicated endeavours will be made to start the process as outlined.

All members supported the motion.

Cllr Gurn raised the issue of opening hours in Manorhamilton Garda Station and expressed concerns that commitments regarding opening hours previously made have not been maintained.

Ms. Mary Quinn indicated the next Joint policing Committee will take place on October 1st and this question could be posed at this meeting of the JPC.

On the proposal of Cllr Felim Gurn and seconded by Cllr Padraig Fallon it was agreed to ask the Joint Policing Committee if there have been recent changes to opening and closing times of the Garda Station in Manorhamilton.

I propose that repairs works be undertaken on the Tents' road on the road leading to the John Mc Kenna Homestead.

"I propose that repairs works be undertaken on the Tents' road on the road leading to the John Mc Kenna Homestead."

Report by Roads - General

"The John McKenna Homestead is on a private lane off the Local Secondary Road L-8288-0. This private lane is not under the control of Leitrim County Council and thus Leitrim Co Co cannot have works carried out on it under the roadsworks funding codes. If other funding sources become available, works could then possibly be carried out."

Cllr Fallon noted the response. Cllr Mary Bohan indicated that the private road to the house has been done under an LIS Scheme.

I propose that safety measures be installed at Clancy's Shop and Restaurant, Glenfarne, on the N16.I have raised this issue in the past. There have been several accidents at this location, and I fear there is a serious accident waiting to happen if action isn't taken to slow down traffic, especially traffic coming from the Manorhamilton side.

"I propose that safety measures be installed at Clancy's Shop and Restaurant, Glenfarne, on the N16.I have raised this issue in the past. There have been several accidents at this location, and I fear there is a serious accident waiting to happen if action isn't taken to slow down traffic, especially traffic coming from the Manorhamilton side."

Report by Roads - General

"This area is within a 60km/hr speed limit close to a pedestrian zebra crossing. An Garda Siochana will be requested to monitor speed at this location. It will also be inspected by the Design office and the issue will be discussed with the TII Safety Section to see if a funding application can be made for additional measures."

Cllr Mc Dermott noted the response however he pointed out that the speeding issue is not resolved and cars are not slowing down.

All members supported the motion.

Can I ask if repairs can be done to the Manorhamilton to Kiltyclogher Regional Road R283, close to the turn off to the Killea local road down to the Ferguson homestead at Straduffy. This piece of roadway has got very bumpy and at one location the edge of the road has got broken away.

"Can I ask if repairs can be done to the Manorhamilton to Kiltyclogher Regional Road R283, close to the turn off to the Killea local road down to the Ferguson homestead at Straduffy. This piece of roadway has got very bumpy and at one location the edge of the road has got broken away."

Report by Roads - General

"There have been problems with this location in the past. Some temporary works have been carried out and some more are required. This section of Regional Road will need to be included in the new Roadworks Programme, as strengthening works will have to be carried out under Restoration Improvement Grant."

Cllr Mc Dermott noted the response. Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion.

I propose that Leitrim Co. Council carry out resurfacing works on the road leading to Dympna Mc Partlands in Fawn, Dromahair as soon as possible.

"I propose that Leitrim Co. Council carry out resurfacing works on the road leading to Dympna Mc Partlands in Fawn, Dromahair as soon as possible."

Report by Roads - General

"The Local Tertiary Road L-81611-0 can be considered as a possible road scheme in the next 3 year roads programme. Alternatively, as it is a tertiary road, it may be better suited as a possible Community Involvement Scheme (CIS). From next year, the minimum community contribution can be as low as 10% for a CIS. General maintenance works can be carried out the next time maintenance crews are working in the area."

Cllr Mary Bohan noted the response and indicated that a CIS scheme is unlikely to work in this case and could it be included in the 3 year roads programme.  Cllr Bohan asked if something can be done in the meantime to remove the grass. Mr. Sean Rynn, Area Engineer agreed review the matter.

I propose that this Municipal District examine the possibility of CCTV in Drumkeeran?

·         Works at Clare’s Secondary School – members were advised works are almost complete.  Members outlined issues re bus parking and parking at the school.

·         Cllr Padraig Fallon reminded the members that about the re-launch of the Handball alley in Manorhamilton on Sunday 26th at 1.30.  He requested that the Cathaoirleach be notified.

·         Cllr Justin Warnock asked that all C-19 forms be given to the meetings administrator.