Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 31st January 2022.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Felim Gurn 

SECONDED by Cllr Frank Dolan

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of meeting of 31st January 2022.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Director of Finance and Water Services, outlined the Schedule of Municipal District Works for Manorhamilton for 2022. Mr.  Dwyer gave an overview of the allocation for the Municipal District in terms of Housing, Tourism and Economic Development, Environmental Services and Recreation and Amenities.

Mr. Sean Rynn, Area Engineer gave a detailed outline of the various road grants under the 2022 Roadworks Scheme including the discretionary maintenance grant, restoration maintenance and improvement grants, bridge rehabilitation grants and low cost safety improvement grants. In addition, Mr. Rynn outlined the active travel allocation for the Manorhamilton District for the year.

Cllr Gurn queried if there is any budget for defaced signs.  He was advised by the Area Engineer that repair of signage would be dealt with under the discretionary maintenance budget.   Cllr Gurn also queried if an allocation of funding had been received for a connection between Milltown Woods and Amorset.  He was advised that this project is not included in the programme as outlined.

Mr. Michael Gallagher A/Senior Engineer gave an overview of the National Roads Budget within the Roadworks Scheme for the Municipal District including works on the N16 and other locations in the district.

Cllr Gurn queried the allocation of €50,000 at the Beepark. Mr. Michael Gallagher outlined that this is a provision for land acquisition costs associated with the project.

Cllr Bohan sought confirmation that the additional allocation will only addresses the increasing cost of the programme and no new projects have been added to the programme.

 The Area Engineer confirmed that the programme remains the same, but the additional allocation allows for an increase in costs in the region of 16%.

Cllr Bohan queried what is proposed under traffic calming measures on the R280 and footpaths on the Dowra road in Drumkeerin.  The Area Engineer advised that a review of the northern approach to Drumkeerin will be undertaken in terms of traffic calming measures which may include signage improvements.  In relation to the Dowra road, he advised the project is not in the current list of approved Active Travel projects.

Cllr Warnock raised a query in relation to Lennox Bridge and the timeframe for completion.  Mr. Michael Gallagher outlined that procurement has been completed and departmental approval to appoint consultants has been sought and once this stage has been approved a programme of works will be agreed.

Cllr Warnock queried if the 40K allocation for Brocky Bridge will be sufficient.  Mr. Michael Gallagher indicated that this budget will allow for a consultant to be procured.  He further advised the bridge will need a detailed inspection.  Cllr Warnock indicated that Donegal County Council seem to have erected a sign which he believes is not working and is creating the potential for accidents.  Mr Gallagher outlined that Donegal County Council had installed a yield sign and he has been liaising with them in relation to same.

Cllr Warnock sought clarification on the proposed investment at Dartry View.  The Area Engineer outlined that this investment  ...  view the full minutes text for item MMD.17.22

No correspondence received.

When will The Acres Estate in Dromahair be taken in charge by Leitrim County Council?

"When will The Acres Estate in Dromahair be taken in charge by Leitrim County Council?"

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

 "The Council has not yet determined the number of estates that it proposes to take in charge this year. In determining the estates that are to be taken in charge the Council has to have regard to both its own resources and those of Irish Water and discussions on the available resources and capacities of both organisations have yet to be concluded. In addition to the resource capacities, issues relating to any necessary wayleaves that also have to be obtained will also have to be finalised in respect of any estates that are to be considered for taking in charge before they can be finalised. As a consequence, the Council will not be in a position to advise the exact number of estates that may be taken in charge until such time as it is in a position to initiate the statutory declaration of public roads public consultation process for the estates, which should take place at the end of the year. While The Acres estate will be considered, the Council can give no guarantee that it will qualify for inclusion in the estates that may be advertised at the end of the year."

Cllr Bohan indicated that people are very dissatisfied with the progress in taking in charge the estate and she was very disappointed with the response received and that the process appears to be taking an inordinate amount of time with different replies and timelines being given over the past no, of months which is not acceptable. Cllr Dolan seconded the motion and Cllr Gurn also supported the motion.

Ms Mary Quinn Director of Service undertook to again raise the matter with the Planning Department to establish the position in terms of timeframe for taking in charge.

I propose that the Council contact Coillte and other relevant afforestation companies regarding hedge cutting on their properties.

"I propose that the Council contact Coillte and other relevant afforestation companies regarding hedge cutting on their properties."

Report by Road Design

"Leitrim County Council is engaging with the Forestry Companies at the locations that the Councillor has highlighted. It should be noted that it is the responsibility of all landowners to maintain their hedges."

Cllr Bohan queried if there was some way that overgrown planted areas could be notified to the Area Engineer. 

The Area Engineer outlined that Coillte undertake the cutting back of trees in certain locations. Cllr Bohan requested that where hedges need to cut that the landowners be contacted.

Cllr Warnock thanked the Area Engineer and team for their prompt response to removing fallen trees locally over the past number of days.

I propose that a survey be carried out of trees in Millbank Glen, Dromahair. Locals and residents are concerned at the possibility or risk of trees falling on either private or public property.

"I propose that a survey be carried out of trees in Millbank Glen, Dromahair. Locals and residents are concerned at the possibility or risk of trees falling on either private or public property”.

Report by Road Design

"The Area Office will arrange for a Tree Surgeon to survey the trees. Funding would have to be provided for any resulting works to be carried out."

Cllr Fallon welcomed the response, reiterating that there are a number of locals with concerns about this issue.

I again propose the installation of a cattle grid in Aughavoghill, Kinlough. I'm aware of similar works in Sligo and Donegal.

"I again propose the installation of a cattle grid in Aughavoghill, Kinlough. I'm aware of similar works in Sligo and Donegal."

Report by Road Design

"Leitrim County Council consider the provision of a cattle grid on a public road to have a negative impact to road safety especially to vulnerable road users."

Cllr Fallon acknowledged the response, however he disagreed with the views in relation to road safety issues and indicated that he has met various people involved in similar installations of cattle grids that work very well.  He outlined he would be keeping the matter under review. Cllr Warnock outlined he had raised the issue before and pointed out that it is important to identify a strategic point where a grid can be installed so as to avoid sheep accessing the road.

Since Covid has happened, a lot of people in the first lockdown and subsequently the one from December 2020 to June 2021 have done major repair and paint work at their homes.

They now have a build-up of used paint products in their homes and have been trying to find out when is the Council planning to have open day for waste collection in relation to paint/paint products.

This is a matter of urgency and the environmental impact that will happen to river and streams by people dumping illegally will have devastating impact on wildlife and nature.

The public is willing to pay to get rid of these waste products and it needs to be brought up and passed at an Environmental SPC committee meeting. We need to then get the word out on open day in Manorhamilton waste bank.

"Since Covid has happened, a lot of people in the first lockdown and subsequently the one from December 2020 to June 2021 have done major repair and paint work at their homes. They now have a build-up of used paint products in their homes and have been trying to find out when is the Council planning to have open day for waste collection in relation to paint/paint products. This is a matter of urgency and the environmental impact that will happen to river and streams by people dumping illegally will have devastating impact on wildlife and nature. The public is willing to pay to get rid of these waste products and it needs to be brought up and passed at an Environmental SPC committee meeting. We need to then get the word out on open day in Manorhamilton waste bank."

Report by Environment Department

"Leitrim County Councils are investigating holding a Chemcar day (harazardous waste collection day for domestic users) in Manorhamilton and Carrick on Shannon in March/ April 2022. Hazardous material is a waste and not recyclable therefore the user will be asked to incur costs towards the disposal of this waste, this is in line with the Polluter Pays Principal."

Cllr Gurn welcomed the reply and reiterated the need for the collection day to happen as there is a build-up of paint tins etc where locals were doing work during the lockdowns etc. and people have indicated they are willing to pay for this service. Cllr Warnock confirmed there was not a requirement to bring the matter to the SPC.

The work that the Council has done around The Commons and the footpath from St. Clare’s Hall to the bridge has been of significant benefit to the town for pedestrians.

We need to get the pedestrian crossing working at St. Clare’s Comprehensive School. There is an issue with buses parking in designated bus lanes and 20 seater buses using the area to park up the Ross for dropping and collecting school kids.

We need better signage to slow traffic down at school times, and people are still confused that you go into cycle Lane when no cyclists in it and there are now no lines in the middle of the road.

"The work that the Council has done around The Commons and the footpath from St. Clare’s Hall to the bridge has been of significant benefit to the town for pedestrians. We need to get the pedestrian crossing working at St. Clare’s Comprehensive School. There is an issue with buses parking in designated bus lanes and 20 seater buses using the area to park up the Ross for dropping and collecting school kids. We need better signage to slow traffic down at school times, and people are still confused that you go into cycle Lane when no cyclists in it and there are now no lines in the middle of the road."

Report by Road Design

"As part of the footpath works on the Carrick Road, overhead ESB wires are to be under grounded which is currently being completed by the ESB Networks, as part of these works New Micro Pillars have to be installed and when commissioned they will supply power to the Pedestrian Crossing on the Carrick Road. Once the power is supplied the ramp for the Pedestrian Crossing and line marking will then be installed. When everything is finished it will become far more clear to Drivers."

Cllr Gurn welcomed the reply and referred to traffic flow issues.  The Area Engineer clarified that remaining works will be completed shortly and that the traffic situation has improved.  He also clarified that a new traffic plan will be done in conjunction with the public realm works.

I propose that attention be given to footpaths that are very uneven and dangerous on the Kilcoo Road, Kiltyclogher?

"I propose that attention be given to footpaths that are very uneven and dangerous on the Kilcoo Road, Kiltyclogher?"

Report by Road Design

"A survey of the footpath will be carried out to assess the cause and remedial actions required to rectify the footpath. Currently there is no funding allocated for footpath repairs under the roads programme. Leitrim County Council will place the proposed footpath remedial works on a schedule and will endeavour to repair during the road works programme, subject to funding availability."

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

I propose that the Regional Road R283 between Manorhamilton and Kiltyclogher in the townlands of Loughaphonta, Manorhamilton and Straduffy, Kiltyclogher be repaired. This road has got uneven and dangerous at a few locations.

"I propose that the Regional Road R283 between Manorhamilton and Kiltyclogher in the townlands of Loughaphonta, Manorhamilton and Straduffy, Kiltyclogher be repaired. This road has got uneven and dangerous at a few locations."

Report by Road Design

"These sections of the R283 are included in the 2022 and 2023 Roads Programme. Ongoing maintenance will also be carried out."

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

"I ask Terry McGovern the Senior Roads Engineer to ask Donegal County Council to have a Road Safety Audit carried out on the exit lanes on the N15 connecting to the R280 Bundoran to Kinlough road, as it is widely believed by motorists that they are substandard."

Report by Road Design

"Leitrim County Council has forwarded your query to Donegal County Council and they will get their Road Safety Engineer to investigate and assess your concerns, once completed they will revert back to Leitrim County Council with the findings.”

Councillor Warnock acknowledged the response but highlighted that he has raised this issue before and reiterated that both approaches need to be reviewed as soon as possible.

"Following a number of calls and emails in relation to having more crash barriers erected as a matter of urgency near Fowley's Falls for road safety reasons, I will ask the Area Engineer Sean Rynn to investigate this matter and seek funding to carry out all works necessary."

Report by Road Design

"Leitrim County Council will complete an assessment of needs report and if the assessment identifies that there is a need for the installation of a Vehicle Restrain System, Leitrim County Council will actively seek a source of funding to complete the works."

Cllr Warnock acknowledged the response outlining that Fowley’s Falls will now become a busier place and this matter needs to be addressed.

·         Cllr Felim Gurn queried whether there was an update on the new Council Building. Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Services stated the matter was being progressed and would update when in a position to provide same.