Agenda and minutes

Contact: Nicola McManus  Meetings Administrator

Items
No. Item

MMD.127.21

Adoption of Minutes

Minutes:

Minutes of meeting held on 20th September 2021,

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Padraig Fallon 

SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn

 

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of meeting of 20th September 2021.

MMD.128.21

2022 – 2024 Multi-Annual Restoration Improvement Programme (Maps to be forwarded by post)

Minutes:

Mr. Terry McGovern, Acting Senior Engineer, outlined details of the 2022 -2024 Multi-Annual Improvement Programme as follows:-

 

·         The programme is based on the Pavement Surface Condition Index of Roads, along with an engineering assessment on the road and members’ representations on road quality.

 

·         The Budget for 2022 is based on the 2021 Budget and is expected to be €2.15 million for the Manorhamilton MD.

 

·         Some of the proposed road lengths for repairs may have to be reduced due to increasing costs of materials

 

Cllr Sean McDermott queried whether there is a possibility of funding increases as the programme stretches over three years and there could be unforeseen events. Mr. McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, stated that there would not be in an increase in the allocation under the Multi-Annual Restoration Improvement Programme but there are other funding streams available which potentially could be accessed.

 

Cllr Padraig Fallon queried if there is an avenue to seek additional funding from the Department due to material cost increases. Mr. McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, stated that funding allocation for 2022 is based on the 2021 allocation but that the final allocation figure has yet to be provided.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean McDermott

            SECONDED by Cllr Mary Bohan

 

It was AGREED to approve the 2022 – 2024 Multi-Annual Restoration Improvement Programme.

MMD.129.21

Consider the General Municipal Allocation for the Manorhamilton Municipal District

Minutes:

Mr. Lar Power, Chief Executive provided an overview of General Municipal Allocation which provides discretionary funding at the Municipal Level.

 

Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance, informed members that the General Municipal Allocation for the Manorhamilton Municipal District for 2022 is for €82,000.

 

Cllr Mary Bohan stated in relation to housing estate management and tidy towns, that more work is being undertaken by residents and tidy town organisation. Cllr Bohan queried if there was an allocation of funding in relation to the of CCTV at bottle banks/bring centres.

 

Mr. Dwyer, Head of Finance, informed members that there is not an allocation of funding for CCTV under the General Municipal Allocation, however there is a possibility of funding under the Anti-Dumping Initiative. Mr. Dwyer outlined that the issue around privacy and data protection have been resolved at a National Level and that provision of CCTV at bring banks/bring centres can be made a priority for 2022 under the Anti-Dumping Initiative.

 

Cllr Bohan welcomed this and stated that any support that can be made to Tidy Town Committees and Community Groups would also be appreciated.

 

Cllr Sean Mc Dermott supported the provision of CCTV as outlined by Cllr Bohan.

 

Cllr Felim Gurn enquired as to what supports could be available to a group who wished to establish a new bagpipe festival in North Leitrim. Lar Power, Chief Executive, stated that funding sources would depend on the size of the festival with local funding available for smaller festivals and Fáilte Ireland funding available for larger events.

 

Mary Quinn, Director of Services, informed members that the Arts Office was aware of this potential festival, and further queries of support can be directed to the Arts Officer - Mr. Delamere and Ms. Sinead McDermott, Leitrim Tourism Officer.

 

Cllr Padraig Fallon queried whether funding could be made available to provide place names on stone for two estates in Drumkeeran, as Leitrim County Council has already provided them to other estates in the town.

 

Mary Quinn, Director of Services, confirmed that this can be looked at under the Estate Management Funding of the General Municipal Allocation.

 

Cllr Justin Warnock stated that Tidy Town Committees are carrying a large burden in relation to the upkeep of towns and villages, and that this has been exacerbated since the Rural Social Scheme Employees no longer work along the roadside. Cllr Warnock stated the allocation is insufficient, and that funding should be sought to train Rural Social Scheme Employees so they can resume the work that they were previously carrying out.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Felim Gurn

            SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

 

It was AGREED that the General Municipal Allocation for the Manorhamilton Municipal District be adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 102(4A)(a) of the Local Government Act 2001 as inserted by Section 58 of the Local Government Reform Act 2014.

 

At this point Mr. Power, Chief Executive, Mr. Dwyer, Head of Finance, and Mr. McGovern, A/Senior Engineer excused themselves from the meeting.

MMD.130.21

To consider funding under Festival & Events Grants Scheme 2021

Minutes:

The members considered a funding application in the amount of €1,000 for the “Samhain Parade” under the Festival & Events Grants Scheme 2021.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan 

            SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn

 

It was AGREED to fund the “Samhain Parade” in the amount of €1,000.

 

 

MMD.131.21

Meeting Correspondence

Minutes:

The members noted the correspondence from OPW that they are not in a position to provide CCTV at Dromahair Graveyard but will undertake regular maintenance at the site. 

 

The members noted the acknowledgements from both Minister for Health’s Office and HSE in relation to the provision of a Primary Care Centre in Kinlough.

 

The members noted the endorsement letter from Minister of State, Mr. Frank Feighan TD, in relation to the correspondence that had previously being forwarded to Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Mr. Darragh O’Brien TD about Irish Water and scheme connections.

 

Cllr Mary Bohan stated that if satisfactory information is not provided by Irish Water, then representatives of Irish Water should be invited to a Municipal District meeting.

 

Cllr Felim Gurn requested a list of graveyards that were under the auspices of Leitrim County Council in North Leitrim, and Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, confirmed that same would be provided.

MMD.132.21

Motion from Councillor Padraig Fallon:

I propose that this Municipal writes to both the Minister for Housing, Local Govt & Heritage and Minister for Agriculture seeking, asking that blanket bog sites in North Leitrim be included under the blanket bog agri – environment programme.


Minutes:

"I propose that this Municipal writes to both the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage and Minister for Agriculture asking that blanket bog sites in North Leitrim be included under the blanket bog agri – environment programme."

 

Cllr Padraig Fallon stated that this funding is required to supplement and sustain income to landowners and smaller farmers in North Leitrim.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan 

            SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn

 

It was AGREED to write to both the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage and Minister for Agriculture asking that blanket bog sites in North Leitrim be included under the blanket bog agri – environment programme.

MMD.133.21

Motion from Councillor Padraig Fallon:

I propose to ask for an update with regard to lighting of Back Lane, Lugmeen, Drumkeeran and Millbank Glen, Dromahair. When can residents expect completion of works?

Minutes:

"I propose to ask for an update with regard to lighting of Back Lane, Lugmeen, Drumkeeran and Millbank Glen, Dromahair. When can residents expect completion of works?"

 

Report by Roads - General

"The Area Office will follow up the matter with the Public Lighting Contractor. The Back Lane and Junction with the Regional Road area need to be analysed as part of a review of public lighting along the Regional Road.

Some works have been carried out by the Public Lighting Contractor in Millbank Glen. Contractor to be appointed shortly to carry out site resolution plan for the estate. As part of this contract, additional works will be carried out as required on the public lighting."

 

Cllr Padraig Fallon welcomed the response. Mr.Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, informed members that a review of lighting in the whole area will be conducted, and the works will be completed by the contractor.

MMD.134.21

Motion from Councillor Sean McDermott:

Can the Council engage with the OPW regarding flooding of the Glenfarne river? In the past when homes were flooded the river was cleaned from Lough MacNean Upper to Glenfarne Village and this was a great success. Now this river needs cleaning on the Manorhamilton side of Glenfarne Village as sandbags were needed recently to prevent flooding to two houses on this stretch of river.

Minutes:

"Can the Council engage with the OPW regarding flooding of the Glenfarne river? In the past when homes were flooded the river was cleaned from Lough MacNean Upper to Glenfarne Village and this was a great success. Now this river needs cleaning on the Manorhamilton side of Glenfarne Village as sandbags were needed recently to prevent flooding to two houses on this stretch of river."

 

Report by Roads - General

"The Council can engage with the OPW and see if there is a possibility of applying for a Minor Works Scheme through the OPW."

 

Cllr Sean McDermott outlined the risk of flooding the river poses to houses on this stretch of the river, and outlined that he would like to see a long term commitment from the OPW to prevent further flooding int his area. Cllr McDermott also outlined the potential of the river in terms of fishing and as a canoe trail.

 

Cllr McDermott welcomed that Leitrim County Council will engage with the OPW on the matter.

MMD.135.21

Motion from Councillor Sean McDermott:

The issue of safety on the R282 at Ballaghameehan National School was raised at a Council Meeting earlier this year. Can an update on progress be given?

Minutes:

"The issue of safety on the R282 at Ballaghameehan National School was raised at a Council Meeting earlier this year. Can an update on progress be given?"

 

Report by Roads - General

"New School ahead signage has been erected. Road markings for school will also be carried out shortly. The location has been put forward for funding under Low Cost Safety for digital speed safety signs. As stated at previous meeting, the hedge opposite the school is also a limiting factor for the traffic turning into and approaching the school. If the school can get agreement with the landowners on lowering the hedge, the council would give assistance in carrying out this works."

 

Mr. Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, informed members that new signage has been erected, and that road markings will be completed shortly once the line contractor returns to the area. Mr. Rynn confirmed that a low-cost safety grant for digital speed safety signs has been sought.

 

Cllr Sean McDermott stated there was an issue with speed on the road and welcomed the response.

MMD.136.21

Motion from Councillor Justin Warnock:

I ask our Senior Planner, Bernard Greene, could the further erection of wind turbines have a detrimental impact on the visual amenity of the outstanding natural beauty of North Leitrim and be in conflict with the Regional Policy Objective 5.3 of the Regional Spatial Economic Strategy of the NWRA and NPF which is considering North Leitrim as a potential National Park / Recreational Area and which this local authority supports.

Minutes:

"I ask our Senior Planner, Bernard Greene, could the further erection of wind turbines have a detrimental impact on the visual amenity of the outstanding natural beauty of North Leitrim and be in conflict with the Regional Policy Objective 5.3 of the Regional Spatial Economic Strategy of the NWRA and NPF which is considering North Leitrim as a potential National Park / Recreational Area and which this local authority supports."

 

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

"Any application seeking to develop a wind energy development in Co. Leitrim is assessed against the policy framework contained in the existing County Development Plan 2015-2021. This identifies and seeks to protect the special landscape character of areas within North Leitrim which have been designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Areas of High Visual Amenity (AHSI). Any proposed wind energy development must demonstrate through the preparation of a Landscape Character Impact Assessment submitted with a planning application that the proposed development does not adversely impact upon such designated areas or views and prospects identified for protection.

 

Further, as part of the review of the County Development Plan, the Planning Authority has undertaken a review of all landscape designations – Landscape Character Assessment, Designated Landscapes and Views / Prospects as such had effectively been readopted by successive County Development Plans. In addition, as part of the preparation of the draft Renewable Energy Strategy, we have undertaken a landscape capacity assessment to consider the future potential of all areas for large scale commercial wind energy developments where the requisite wind speed of 7.5 metres per second is available. These documents will be presented to the Members in the coming weeks. The potential impact therefore of such large-scale structures within the receiving landscape is of the utmost importance to the Planning Authority in the consideration of such applications.

 

With regard to the second part of the question which suggests that the presence of such structures within the landscape would be in conflict with the Regional Policy Objective as outlined, no definite opinion can be given at present. The reason for this view is that the project has not commenced to date so the parameters or scope of such a designation have not been identified and agreed. It is certainly not the belief of the Planning Authority that such a designation would necessarily seek to restrict development generally within such an area whilst accepting that the scale of turbines would have a more significant visual impact over a wider area that any other form of development."

 

Cllr Justin Warnock outlined his strong opposition to the placement of wind farms throughout North Leitrim located on top of hills/mountains and within forestry areas due to their impact on the visual landscape. Cllr Warnock stated that Ireland was a signatory and had ratified the Council of Europe’s European Landscape Convention which came into effect in 2004 and questioned whether Ireland was adhering to this Convention.

 

Cllr Mary Bohan stated that a mistake  ...  view the full minutes text for item MMD.136.21

MMD.137.21

Motion from Councillor Justin Warnock:

I ask Leitrim County Council are they taking the lead and has funding been sourced to carrying out urgent repair works on Brocky Bridge on the River Duff between Tawley in Leitrim and Ballintrillick in Sligo which was damaged due to flooding in early August?

Minutes:

"I ask Leitrim County Council are they taking the lead and has funding been sourced to carrying out urgent repair works on Brocky Bridge on the River Duff between Tawley in Leitrim and Ballintrillick in Sligo which was damaged due to flooding in early August?"

 

Report by Roads - General

"An application has been made for funding for this bridge on the L-6169 under the Bridge Rehabilitation Programme 2022."

 

Cllr Justin Warnock welcomed this response and stated that he would be in further contact with the Area Engineer, in relation to repairs required to Tonery Bridge.

 

Cllr Padraig Fallon queried whether the OPW could be invited to a Municipal District Meeting to discuss ongoing issues with bridges in North Leitrim.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Padraig Fallon  

            SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn

 

It was AGREED to invite the OPW to a Municipal District Meeting.  It was further agreed that Members submit the issues that they wish to discuss with the OPW to Nicola McManus, Meetings Administrator by the end of the week.

MMD.138.21

Motion from Councillor Mary Bohan

What progress has been made regarding the proposed walkway from Drumkeeran Village to Lough Allen at Spencer Harbour?

Minutes:

"What progress has been made regarding the proposed walkway from Drumkeeran Village to Lough Allen at Spencer Harbour."

 

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

"No progress has been made on this project recently. If a community group could be organised to consider this project, Leitrim County Council will work with them in seeking funding through such funding schemes as Towns & Villages and ORIS funding."

 

Cllr Mary Bohan expressed her dissatisfaction with the progress made on this issue, and she was critical of responsibility for seeking funding being placed back on the community. Cllr Bohan outlined that a community group would not have the skills or expertise to design and lead the project.

 

Nicola McManus, Administrative Officer – Economic Development, informed members that Leitrim County Council can offer technical support and help lead the project if successfully funded, however applications being made under Rural Renewal Schemes including ORIS must be led by the community in the first instance. Ms. McManus, Administrative Officer – Economic Development, confirmed that members would be made aware of when the Rural Renewal Schemes 2022 open and the relevant deadlines.

 

Cllr Felim Gurn and Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion.

MMD.139.21

Motion from Councillor Mary Bohan

I propose that improvements be carried out on The Gaeglom Road in the interests of safety as soon as possible.

Minutes:

"I propose that improvements be carried out on The Gaeglom Road in the interests of safety as soon as possible."

 

Report by Roads - General

"The Geaglom Road L-82411-0 will be checked, and essential safety issues will be rectified."

 

Cllr Mary Bohan informed members that she had spoken to the Area Engineer on the motion and welcomed the response.

MMD.140.21

Motion from Councillor Frank Dolan:

I ask that the road in Blasthill, Greaghnafarna, Dromahair be included in next year's Roadwork’s Programme.

Minutes:

"I ask that the road in Blasthill, Greaghnafarna, Dromahair be included in next year's Roadwork’s Programme."

 

Report by Roads - General

"The Local Tertiary Road LT-42531-0 was not included in the Road Works Programme under Restoration Improvement Grant. The road does require localised strengthening, and this will be carried out under the maintenance works programme. This road could then be put forward as a Restoration Maintenance in next year’s programme."

 

Cllr Frank Dolan informed members that he had recently travelled the road and it was in poor condition, and welcomed the proposed remedial works.

MMD.141.21

Motion from Councillor Frank Dolan:

I have received some complaints about the condition of the “LCC tip” and the area around it at Kilcoon, Dromahaire. I ask the area engineer to look into this. 

Minutes:

"I have received some complaints about the condition of the “LCC tip” and the area around it at Kilcoon, Dromahaire. I ask the area engineer to look into this."

 

Report by Roads – General

"The old chip dump in Kilcoon, will be reviewed and measures carried out as required."

 

Cllr Frank Dolan outlined how he had received complaints from neighbouring properties to the “LCC tip” and welcomed that the situation would be reviewed.

MMD.142.21

Motion from Councillor Felim Gurn:

There is a lack of childcare facilities for working people in the Manorhamilton area due to Regulations and costs, which is causing major distress for people who are now are faced with the dilemma of going back to work in offices after Covid. I ask this municipal district to write to Minister Roderic O’ Gorman in relation to this matter.

Minutes:

"There is a lack of childcare facilities for working people in the Manorhamilton area due to Regulations and costs, which is causing major distress for people who are now are faced with the dilemma of going back to work in offices after Covid. I ask this municipal district to write to Minister Roderic O’ Gorman in relation to this matter."

 

Cllr Felim Gurn outlined the difficulties people are encountering in securing childcare and the associated costs, throughout North Leitrim, especially in the context of the return to work for office-based employees. Cllr Gurn also outlined the difficulties crèche owners face in relation to regulations and increasing costs in operating a crèche.

 

All members supported this motion.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Felim Gurn   

            SECONDED by Cllr Mary Bohan

 

It was AGREED to write to Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in relation to the lack of childcare facilities in the Manorhamilton Area.

MMD.143.21

Motion from Councillor Felim Gurn:

With the provision of the new car park at the old priest’s house we said we would wait until it was completed to do a new traffic management plan for the town. We’re now seeing bottlenecks of traffic on Newline and the Bee Park Road, traffic tailbacks on the brae, resulting from traffic not going down the Main Street which has to try and go towards Supervalu.  There are cars parked on both sides of the street at the library and the new flower shop.

With a lot of the spaces on the Main Street taken up by staff working in businesses and not using car parks in the town. I ask the senior engineer to look at a new traffic management plan for the town of Manorhamilton.

Minutes:

"With the provision of the new car park at the old priest’s house we said we would wait until it was completed to do a new traffic management plan for the town. We’re now seeing bottlenecks of traffic on Newline and the Bee Park Road, traffic tailbacks on the brae, resulting from traffic not going down the Main Street which has to try and go towards Supervalu. There are cars parked on both sides of the street at the library and the new flower shop.

With a lot of the spaces on the Main Street taken up by staff working in businesses and not using car parks in the town. I ask the senior engineer to look at a new traffic management plan for the town of Manorhamilton."

 

Report by Roads - General

"In is the intention of this council to introduce new parking bye laws following completion of the public realm works. This will be towards the end of 2022. Following the introduction of the bye laws we can consider a new traffic management plan for the town if required."

 

Cllr Felim Gurn outlined the issues continuing in relation to bus parking at St. Clare’s School, and the tailbacks being created throughout the town.  Mr. Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, informed members that the ongoing works have not being fully completed but it is expected the works around the school will be completed within the next two weeks.

 

Cllr Padraig Fallon queried the lack of line markings on the middle of the road where the road contains two cycle lanes. Mr. Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, informed members that there will not be line in the middle of the road, and this is part of current Road Design Standards, and it is designed to encourage traffic to slow down.

 

Cllr Sean McDermott queried whether there will be more car parking spaces when the work is complete. Mr. Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, stated that the number of parking spaces would remain similar however access to the school would be greatly improved.

MMD.144.21

AOB

Minutes:

Prospecting Licence

Cllr Frank Dolan informed members that the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications intends to issue a Prospecting Licence for gold and silver in relation to a number of townlands in North Leitrim. Cllr Dolan expressed his strong opposition to the proposal due to environmental concerns and the potential impact on the visual landscape. Cllr Dolan stated that objections to the proposal must be submitted by 7th November 2021.

 

Cllr Mary Bohan stated that she had attended a public meeting on the matter, with a large number of attendees from the local area. Cllr Bohan stated people must be made aware of this proposal and that template objection letters are available. Cllr Bohan thanked Leitrim County Council for its support in relation to the prevention of fracking within County Leitrim and expressed her desire that similar support would be forthcoming in this matter.

 

Cllr Felim Gurn outlined his opposition to the proposed Licence, due to its negative impact on the Leitrim Tourism industry and damaging effect it would have on the environment.

 

Cllr Sean McDermott outlined his opposition to the proposed Licence as there would be no benefit for local people and the detrimental effects “holding ponds” could have on the environment.

 

Cllr Padraig Fallon informed members that he sought clarification from Planning Section, Leitrim County Council as to their role in relation to the granting of the Prospecting Licence. Cllr Fallon stated that he was informed that Planning Section, Leitrim County Council played no role in the granting of the Prospecting License.

 

Cllr Justin Warnock outlined his opposition to the proposal, and that restrictions on mining should be placed within the County Development Plan. Cllr Warnock stated that we have a responsibility to preserve the natural landscape for future generations.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Frank Dolan

            SECONDED by Cllr Mary Bohan

 

It was AGREED to submit a joint motion to the plenary Council meeting outlining members opposition to the proposed Prospecting Licence, and to send a letter on behalf of the members of Manorhamilton MD calling on the Minister for the Environment Eamonn Ryan TD not to proceed with the notice of Intention to grant a prospecting licence persuant to section 7(1) of the Minerals directive act 1940 in the following townlands in the Dromahaire Barony:

Townlands in Drumahaire Barony: Brackary Beg, Brackary More, Carrickleitrim, Cartrongibbagh, Cornastauk, Curraghfore, Curraghfore, Faughary, Gortnaskeagh, Killenna Glebe, Kinnara Glebe, Pollboy, Skreeny, Skreeny, Skreeny Little, Srabrick, Tawnyfeacle,

Townlands in Rosclogher Barony: Amorset, Ballyglass, Barracashlaun, Barrackpark, Cartronatemple, Castletown, Clooneen, Cornaneane, Deerpark, Drumdillure, Drummans (E.D. Glenade), Drumnacross, Fivepoundland, Gortinar, Killymeehin, Kilroosk, Largantemple, Lisnabrack, Milltown, Mountainthird, Mullanyduffy, Mullies, Nure, Poundhill, Shancurragh, Shancurragh Barr of, Shanvaus, Tawnymoyle, Tullynasharragh, Twigspark.

 

Members asked that Sligo-Leitrim TDs be copied in the letter to the minister and a request be made for their support in the opposition to the granting of the Prospecting Licence.

 

Housing Estates

Cllr Felim Gurn outlined an issue with trees in housing estates, as recently a 100-year-old tree had fallen in Gleann Dara Estate.  ...  view the full minutes text for item MMD.144.21