Agenda and minutes

Contact: Nicola McManus  Meetings Administrator

Items
No. Item

MMD.145.21

Adoption of Minutes

Minutes:

Minutes of meeting held on 18th October 2021,

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan 

SECONDED by Cllr Sean Mc Dermott

 

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of meeting of 18th October 2021.

MMD.146.21

Meeting Correspondence

Minutes:

·         The members noted the correspondence from OPW that there are no plans to install a second flagpole at Parke’s Castle. Cllr Warnock expressed disappointment in relation to the response but accepted this was the case currently.

 

·         The members noted the correspondence from AIB bank in relation to a reduction in some over the counter services.

 

·         The members noted the acknowledgements from Minister O’Gorman’s Office in relation to issues with childcare facilities.

 

·         Mr. Mary Quinn, Director of Services, outlined a response had been received  from Deputy Frank Feighan acknowledging the members concerns about the possible prospecting licence received on Friday November 12th indicating he had made representations to Minister Ryan in relation to same. Cllr Mary Bohan thanked members for their support for the motion submitted to the plenary Council to ask Minister Ryan not to issue a prospecting licence for North Leitrim. Cllr Bohan also acknowledged all the work of the Treasure Leitrim Group in opposing the issuing of the licence.

 

·         Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Services, referred to the current situation in relation to Covid-19 and advised Members that there may be a requirement to revert to virtual meetings for December and January.  She advised that the matter will be kept under review in consultation with the Corporate Policy Group. All members acknowledged the current public health situation and  the need for flexibility. Cllr Bohan stated that the Municipal District  will lead by example and that possibly a hybrid meeting solution might work in the future. Ms. Quinn stated that members will be informed of any changes as early as possible.

MMD.147.21

Motion from Councillor Padraig Fallon:

I ask the Housing section of Leitrim County Council if the lack of trades people is impacting turn around times in this Municipal, adding to allocation time, and if so are any plans in place to try to rectify.

Minutes:

"I ask the Housing section of Leitrim County Council if the lack of trades people is impacting turnaround times in this Municipal, adding to allocation time, and if so, are any plans in place to try to rectify."

 

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

"Currently Leitrim County Council’s vacant housing turnaround time is approximately 30 weeks, and it is anticipated that this figure will reduce by year end.

The most significant impact on the 2021 turnaround time was COVID-19 restrictions which applied earlier in the year and prevented outdoor staff and contractors from working.

A further difficulty experienced this year relates to the supply of goods and materials with some materials becoming more difficult to source.

Despite these challenges in 2021, it is anticipated that Leitrim County Council’s vacant turnaround will be in line with the turnaround time achieved in 2019 and 2020."

 

Cllr Felim Gurn moved Cllr Fallon’s Motion in his absence.

MMD.148.21

Motion from Councillor Padraig Fallon:

I propose that maintenance works and tidy up be carried out at car park, access to Belhavel Lake and that the possibility of further works to enhance this facility be examined, eg boat launch area.

Minutes:

"I propose that maintenance works and tidy up be carried out at car park, access to Belhavel Lake and that the possibility of further works to enhance this facility be examined, eg boat launch area."

 

Report by Roads - General

"Maintenance works will be carried over the winter months to the car park area. 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. The potential impact of any proposed works will have to be assessed to ensure there are no negative impacts on the local wildlife and environment before works could proceed."

 

Cllr Felim Gurn moved Cllr Fallon’s Motion in his absence.

MMD.149.21

Motion from Councillor Felim Gurn:

I ask can housing estates in the process of being taken over or those already taken over be assessed and where there is a need for trees to be removed that currently pose a risk to residents houses or green areas where kids go out playing, it is important to identify them and get the trees remove before there are casualties.

Minutes:

"I ask can housing estates in the process of being taken over or those already taken over be assessed and where there is a need for trees to be removed that currently pose a risk to residents houses or green areas where kids go out playing, it is important to identify them and get the trees remove before there are casualties."

 

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

"The Local Authority’s responsibility is the upkeep of public lighting, roads, footpaths, and drainage systems and ownership of any element of a housing estate does not transfer to the Council when taking an estate in charge. Water and foul sewers fall under the responsibility of Irish Water. The maintenance of the green areas, hedges and trees are the responsibility of the residents/management committee or developer/landowner.

 

The Council does not undertake generalised assessments of trees along public roads or within open spaces, however, where the Council is made aware of any trees that may pose a risk to the safety of road users, it will assess same. The Council has no role in respect of estates not in its charge.

 

Where the Council considers that a tree may pose a risk to the safety of road users, it will engage with the relevant landowner/developer/management company in accordance with the provisions of the Roads Act, 1993, so as to have them meet their obligations and prevent any risk from continuing. Where landowners do not meet their obligations, the Council may, where it considers it warranted, enter the lands, and undertake any works it considers appropriate to resolve the hazard. The Council may then seek to recover the cost of the works from the relevant landowner. The removal of any tree will only be considered where it has been determined that it poses an immediate risk to the safety of users of the public road."

 

Cllr Gurn acknowledged the response and reiterated that an inventory of trees that are potentially hazardous in various estates needs to be complied. He acknowledged the great work of the Council staff in this regard and pointed out that voluntary committees in housing estates don’t have the resources to do any of this work.

 

Cllr Justin Warnock stated that the trees should have been assessed before any planning was issued and pointed out that not all housing estates have residents associations.

 

Cllr Gurn asked if it is possible for members to bring this issue up at the upcoming workshop in the County Development Plan.  Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Services, responded that members could raise the issue at the CDP workshop.

MMD.150.21

Motion from Councillor Felim Gurn:

With the winter season upon us and people trying to get out and walk on the demonstration stretch of the SLNCR from the Brae via St. Clare’s hall out to the bridge at Cloonclare graveyard it is important that the area is maintained, removing branches and leaves on the demonstration stretch on regular basis by council outdoor staff.

With the budget funded through leader and other funding streams it is important to have these areas maintained on regular basis.

Minutes:

"With the winter season upon us and people trying to get out and walk on the demonstration stretch of the SLNCR from the Brae via St. Clare’s Hall out to the bridge at Cloonclare graveyard it is important that the area is maintained, removing branches and leaves on the demonstration stretch on regular basis by council outdoor staff.

With the budget funded through leader and other funding streams it is important to have these areas maintained on regular basis."

 

Report by Roads - General

"General maintenance will be carried out on the route subject to funding and resources being available."

 

Cllr Gurn noted the response and outlined that falling leaves and branches are an ongoing hazard at this time of year and the road sweeper while in Manorhamilton twice a week, only picks up as far as the edge of the footpath.

 

Cllr MC Dermott supported the motion citing similar issues in Glenfarne with water on the Greenway stretch.  He outlined that while it is great to have these walks and demonstration stretches of Greenway etc., ongoing maintenance needs to be factored in.

 

Cllr Warnock queried who is responsible for the maintenance of such walks, greenways.

 

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Services, confirmed this maintenance work would fall under the  Area Work Programme where they are Council developed schemes.

 

Mr. Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, indicated that in most instances local community groups support the ongoing work of the Area Office in this regard.

 

MMD.151.21

Motion from Councillor Sean McDermott:

I ask the Council to contact the HSE regarding the Health Centres at Glenfarne and Kiltyclogher in particular about the possibility of attending these surgeries by appointment, these centres have not been fully utilised since the Covid lockdowns. Is there any plans to refurbish and upgrade the Kiltyclogher Centre?

Minutes:

"I ask the Council to contact the HSE regarding the Health Centres at Glenfarne and Kiltyclogher in particular about the possibility of attending these surgeries by appointment, these centres have not been fully utilised since the Covid lockdowns. Is there any plans to refurbish and upgrade the Kiltyclogher Centre?"

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean Mc Dermott 

            SECONDED by Cllr Justin Warnock

 

It was AGREED to write to the HSE in regard to the possibility of residents attending Health Centres in Glenfarne and Kiltyclogher by appointment and to ask if there are any plans to refurbish and upgrade the Kiltyclogher Centre.

MMD.152.21

Motion from Councillor Sean McDermott:

I ask can trees be trimmed that are partially blocking public lighting across from Oliver Hazlette's entry and back towards Our Lady's Hospital, Manorhamilton.

Minutes:

"I ask can trees be trimmed that are partially blocking public lighting across from Oliver Hazlette's entry and back towards Our Lady's Hospital, Manorhamilton."

 

Report by Roads - General

"This will be surveyed, and arrangements made as required when it is ascertained whose property the trees are on."

 

Cllr Mc Dermott welcomed the response and requested survey be done. Mr. Sean Rynn indicated the area will be reviewed to establish what can be done.

MMD.153.21

Motion from Councillor Justin Warnock:

I ask Leitrim County Council what is the current status of the Library in Kinlough.

Minutes:

"I ask Leitrim County Council what is the current status of the Library in Kinlough."

 

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

"The building occupied by Kinlough Library is the old Vocational School which is an MSLETB owned building. The arrangement in place regarding the library is that an informal agreement was in place with MSLETB that facilitated the use of a small portion of the premises with the remainder of the building occupied by the Kinlough Community Playgroup who run a pre-school and after-school service there daily.

 

The requirements of the Community Playgroup have now resulted in the need for additional space and as such notice has been served by MSLETB to vacate the building by the end of 2021. The ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as increased numbers has resulted in the requirement of this space by the childcare facility who are now also using the outdoor space as well to the front of the building.

 

Over the years this very restricted space has resulted in the availability of extremely limited library services. It has not been possible to offer such services as class visits, events and other library programming.  A very large proportion of library members living in Kinlough are registered as members in Bundoran Library which is located only 4km away. These library members use Bundoran Library for borrowing purposes and attendance at library related events and activities.

 

Leitrim Library Service will investigate other service delivery models including outreach services which are currently in place for a number of library users."

 

Cllr Warnock acknowledged the response but indicated his concern that Kinlough could shortly be left without Library services. Cllr Warnock further stated that if adequate facilities were in place people wouldn’t have to  travel to Bundoran.

 

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Services, stated that the library service will have to vacate the building.  She outlined that Bundoran Library is only 4km away and is used by residents in Kinlough. Ms Quinn indicated that outreach services will be offered through Manorhamilton Library and that upcoming consultation on the new Library Strategy will facilitate engagement locally and consideration can be given to future options. 

 

Ms. Mary Quinn further indicated Leitrim County Council’s commitment to inputting into the new plan for Kinlough which it is envisaged will result in positive actions for the village of Kinlough.

 

Cllr Warnock highlighted there are approximately 300 primary school children, 180 in secondary and other third level students that will avail of the library services, a possible location/building has been identified and believes the numbers are sufficient to warrant full library services.

 

 

Cllr Bohan supported the motion indicating the current building is not fit for purpose. All members supported the motion.

MMD.154.21

Motion from Councillor Justin Warnock:

The deer population has exploded in this Municipal District in the past number of years to such an extent that they are a danger to motorists, to hill walkers and hikers because the deer tick which can carry Lyme's disease and farmers would consider them a pest as they are competing with livestock for food and they can also carry and spread TB, so therefore I will ask that the Council write to the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to introduce measures such as culling and proper deer fencing on all forestry lands.

 

Minutes:

"The deer population has exploded in this Municipal District in the past number of years to such an extent that they are a danger to motorists, to hill walkers and hikers because the deer tick which can carry Lyme's disease and farmers would consider them a pest as they are competing with livestock for food and they can also carry and spread TB, so therefore I will ask that the Council write to the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to introduce measures such as culling and proper deer fencing on all forestry lands."

 

Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion. Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion and reiterated the significant issues that rising deer populations are causing locally.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Justin Warnock 

            SECONDED by Cllr Sean Mc Dermott

 

It was AGREED to write to Minister Mc Conalogue to introduce measures such as culling and proper deer fencing on all forestry lands to try to alleviate the issues arising from the rising deer population.

MMD.155.21

Motion from Councillor Mary Bohan:

I propose that measures be put in place immediately to compel Coillte and private forestry operators to carry out hedge cutting as a matter of urgency.

Minutes:

"I propose that measures be put in place immediately to compel Coillte and private forestry operators to carry out hedge cutting as a matter of urgency."

 

Report by Roads - General

"The Area Office will issue hedge and tree cutting notices to all landowners and forestry companies that are brought to our attention. Under Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993, all landowners are responsible for the maintenance of their hedges bordering the public road.

Leitrim County Council through the Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme provides Grant of €75 per km of roadside hedge/overhanging trees to be attended to along the Public Road Network. This scheme is open to individuals, communities, and groups of applicants/residents. Minimum length of road network per application is 1km. Adjacent landowners can group together when applying for this scheme."

 

Cllr Mary Bohan acknowledged the response and asked if there is a record of owners of forest plantation that could be used to ask these owners to cut back hedges etc.

 

Mr. Sean Rynn stated that generally if notified of a landowner not cutting their hedges,  the area office can contact them, but he is not aware of a list of same.

 

Cllr Bohan stated that there should be obligations on plantation/forestry owners to carry out this work.

 

All members supported this motion.

MMD.156.21

Motion from Councillor Mary Bohan:

I propose that repairs be carried out on road 253A, Greaghnafarna, Dromahair as soon as possible.

Minutes:

"I propose that repairs be carried out on road 253A, Greaghnafarna, Dromahair as soon as possible."

 

Report by Roads - General

"The Local Tertiary Road LT-42531-0 does require localised strengthening, and this will be carried out under the maintenance works programme. This road could then be put forward as a possible Restoration Maintenance in next year’s programme."

 

Cllr Bohan welcomed this response.

MMD.157.21

Motion from Councillor Frank Dolan:

I ask that road no 41391 in Glencar be included in next year’s Roads Programme and may be some routine works be carried out in the meantime.

Minutes:

"I ask that road no 41391 in Glencar be included in next year’s Roads Programme and may be some routine works be carried out in the meantime."

 

Report by Roads - General

"The Local Tertiary Road LT-41391-0 is included in the Road Works Programme 2023, under Restoration Improvement Grant. Maintenance works will be scheduled to be carried out next time the crews are in the area."

 

Cllr Dolan acknowledged the response.

MMD.158.21

Motion from Councillor Frank Dolan:

I ask has there been any communication from the OPW with Leitrim Co. Co. in relation to the Garda Barracks in Dromahaire since the Minister’s visit.

Minutes:

"I ask has there been any communication from the OPW with Leitrim Co. Co. in relation to the Garda Barracks in Dromahaire since the Minister’s visit."

 

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

"The Heads of Terms Agreement was signed by both the OPW and Leitrim County Council and returned to the OPW in July. The process is currently at lease drafting stage. The Council has been in constant contact with the OPW who are in turn liaising with the Chief States Solicitor Office endeavouring to progress their preparation of a draft lease for consideration by the Council. To date a draft lease has not been received. The Council will continue to press the urgency of the matter with the OPW."

 

Cllr Frank Dolan acknowledged the response and reiterated that the Minister had indicated nothing would happen with this unless the Council were on board.  He acknowledged this is now the case. Cllr Dolan indicated the group had submitted a funding application and asked if there was any update on same.

 

Ms. Mary Quinn confirmed the application for funding was submitted earlier this year under the Town and Village Scheme 2021 and an outcome on these applications is awaited from the Department of Rural and Community Development.   She clarified that work is ongoing by the OPW in relation to preparation of the lease for the building.

 

All members supported the motion.

MMD.159.21

A.O.B.

Minutes:

·         Cllr Mary Bohan acknowledged the great work of the local tidy towns committees with many local groups having increased their marks this year in the recently announced Tidy Town results. Cllr Bohan stated it is a particularly difficult time with Covid etc, but groups are still manging to do fantastic work. All members echoed Cllr Bohan’s comments.

 

·         Cllr Gurn outlined that a public meeting is to take place in the Beepark (in line with restrictions) on Tuesday November 16th in relation to the reduction in services provided by the banks locally and all members are welcome to attend. Cllr Frank Dolan and Cllr Mary Bohan said that while the banking issue is very important a public meeting may not be the best option with increasing Covid numbers.  Cllr Mc Dermott stated the rise in Covid numbers are very concerning. Cllr Gurn indicated that social distancing and all other measures will be in place as well including checking of covid certs.

 

·         Cllr Gurn referred to the lack of taxi services which is posing a real issue for the evening and night-time economy outlining it will need to be considered post Covid.