Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 21st February 2022.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr May Bohan 

SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of meeting of 21st February 2022.

Cllr Padraig Fallon queried whether this work would change the current road line markings at the site of the proposed development works.

Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, informed members that the road line markings currently in place would remain the same and there would be no addition of a central line road marking. Mr. Rynn continued that the current road markings allow for shared usage of the road to different road users.

Cllr Mary Bohan queried whether funding was in place for this proposed development and when was work expected to commence. Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, informed members that the development was being funded under the Active Travel Scheme, and that works would commence after the summer.

Cllr Felim Gurn queried whether affected residents have been communicated with. Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, stated that the development has been advertised through the Part 8 process.

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.

Mary Quinn, Director of Services, informed members of the following proposed festival and event grant funding:

1.      Tullaghan St Patricks Day Parade:                  €500 funding

2.      Manorhamilton St Patricks Day Parade:        €500 funding

3.      Dromahair St Patricks Day Parade:                 €500 funding

4.      Rossinver Youth Project:                                 €1,000 funding

5.      Tullaghan Wild Atlantic Trail:                         €500 funding 

6.      Holey Soles Hillwalking:                                  €810 funding

7.      Manorhamilton Jamboree:                             €1,000 funding           

8.      Glenfarne Community:                                   €1,000 funding

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

            SECONDED by Cllr Frank Dolan

It was AGREED to fund the events and festivals for the proposed amounts.

No correspondence received.

In light of the recent vicious assault on a Garda which took place near North Leitrim and the attacks and robberies by individuals, we the undersigned are asking that the present Manorhamilton CCTV system be upgraded and extended to encompass all towns, villages and strategic locations in the North Leitrim area.

Signed: Cllr Sean McDermott, Cllr Frank Dolan, Cllr Padraig Fallon, Cllr Mary Bohan, Cllr Justin Warnock, Cllr Felim Gurn.

"In light of the recent vicious assault on a Garda which took place near North Leitrim and the attacks and robberies by individuals, we the undersigned are asking that the present Manorhamilton CCTV system be upgraded and extended to encompass all towns, villages and strategic locations in the North Leitrim area.

Signed: Cllr Sean McDermott, Cllr Frank Dolan, Cllr Padraig Fallon, Cllr Mary Bohan, Cllr Justin Warnock, Cllr Felim Gurn."

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

"The Manorhamilton CCTV is a community led scheme and was funded accordingly is currently operated as such. The Council will be happy to continue to assist the relevant community in any initiative to improve the current scheme."

Cllr Sean McDermott outlined how communities wish for the current CCTV system based in Manorhamilton be extended throughout North Leitrim. Cllr McDermott stated that the main difficulty for communities is meeting the large match funding requirement under the Community CCTV Grant Aid Scheme. Cllr McDermott outlined the benefit a community CCTV scheme would have especially considering the recent attack on an elderly male living alone in County Sligo.

Cllr McDermott continued that he is aware of difficulties faced around the country regarding data protection concerns with Community CCTV Schemes and queried who these data protection measures were in place to protect, because in his opinion it was not the community.

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion. Cllr Bohan outlined how the scheme would help especially in light of the closure of rural Garda Stations. Cllr Bohan stated that there should be finance available to allow communities to hire a person/firm to coordinate these types of projects. Cllr Bohan outlined how a Community CCTV Scheme would offer increased security for people living alone in rural areas.

Cllr Felim Gurn outlined how the Manorhamilton CCTV scheme was established. Cllr Gurn reiterated the previous points made of how a connected community-based CCTV Scheme would benefit communities. Cllr Gurn also stated how a community-based CCTV Scheme would reduce the required Garda work hours in searching for CCTV from local businesses and that this cost saving is not considered when costing a community-based CCTV Scheme. Cllr Gurn also stated that funding is required to maintain CCTV Schemes over their lifetime.

Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion and agreed with the points previously raised. Cllr Fallon stated how community groups have been unable to fundraise through the usual avenues over the past two years and as such would face an even harder task meeting any match funding requirements.

Cllr Frank Dolan supported the motion, and outlined how no community should be expected to match fund to the extent required under the Community CCTV Grant Aid Scheme.

Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion, and the points that were previously raised.

Mary Quinn, Director of Services, informed members that the only funding available at the moment is under the Community CCTV Grant Aid Scheme. Ms. Quinn continued that data protection requirements do have to be considered under any community  ...  view the full minutes text for item MMD.34.22

I ask if the public lighting in the village of Kiltyclogher be upgraded to LED lighting? The present lighting system is inadequate.

"I ask if the public lighting in the village of Kiltyclogher be upgraded to LED lighting? The present lighting system is inadequate."

Report by Roads - General

"Plans for a National Retro program for public lighting is progressing on a regional basis. County Leitrim is taking part in this program of works as part of the Connacht/Ulster region. Consultants have been appointed and are working on tenders."

Cllr Sean McDermott welcomed the response.

Cllr Justin Warnock stated that the plan should be mindful of maintaining the dark sky at night.

I propose that this Municipal District write to the Agriculture Spokespersons for each party and group in Dáil Éireann asking them to move legislation ensuring that farmers have an entitlement to know the identity of persons that enter their lands.

"I propose that this Municipal District write to the Agriculture Spokespersons for each party and group in Dáil Éireann asking them to move legislation ensuring that farmers have an entitlement to know the identity of persons that enter their lands."

Cllr Padraig Fallon outlined how this issue has been raised by three farmers with him recently. Cllr Fallon continued that this motion was not in any way anti-walking, however Cllr Fallon stated that landowners should have a right to know the identity of persons on their land. 

Cllr Justin Warnock while agreeing with the motion, emphasised that support of this motion should not be taking as anti-walking in any form.

All members supported the motion.

The level of traffic coming in and out of the new car park and the Court House car park as well as traffic coming from Amorset and Lurgaboy, have left it dangerous for pedestrians trying to get across the bridge beside the Courthouse. The footbridge adjacent to the Courthouse Bridge needs to be completed, whether it is an issue with taking in charge of the adjacent housing estate or an issue with storage units underneath the footbridge, these issues need to be addressed for safety and well-being of pedestrians before someone is hit by vehicular traffic.

Surely the well-being of pedestrians takes precedence over any issue mentioned above and I ask the District Engineer to review the situation with the bridge and the foot bridge as soon as possible.

"The level of traffic coming in and out of the new car park and the Court House car park as well as traffic coming from Amorset and Lurgaboy, have left it dangerous for pedestrians trying to get across the bridge beside the Courthouse. The footbridge adjacent to the Courthouse Bridge needs to be completed, whether it is an issue with taking in charge of the adjacent housing estate or an issue with storage units underneath the footbridge, these issues need to be addressed for safety and well-being of pedestrians before someone is hit by vehicular traffic.

Surely the well-being of pedestrians takes precedence over any issue mentioned above and I ask the District Engineer to review the situation with the bridge and the foot bridge as soon as possible."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council did not receive any funding from the NTA in 2022 to progress this project but it remains on the project list for potential future funding. In the meantime, Leitrim County Council along with our solicitor are trying to establish the necessary wayleaves to facilitate this important development."

Cllr Felim Gurn outlined this issue, and his belief that there is a possibility of an accident if the situation is not resolved.

All members supported the motion.

I ask Leitrim County Council if it is feasible to carry out an audit or survey of large trees along the roadsides because of the many windstorms we are having now, those trees are a serious danger to people travelling our roads e.g., Road No L4157 out of Dromahair.

"I ask Leitrim County Council if it is feasible to carry out an audit or survey of large trees along the roadsides because of the many windstorms we are having now, those trees are a serious danger to people travelling our roads e.g., Road No L4157 out of Dromahair."

Report by Roads - General

"The large trees along the roadside of local and regional roads are the property of the landowner. If we are made aware of any tree that is causing or potentially causing a hazard to the road user (driver, cyclist or pedestrian) we will issue a hedge cutting or dangerous structures notice. It is then the landowner’s responsibility to make these trees safe."

Cllr Frank Dolan acknowledged that responsibility for maintaining trees at the roadside lies with landowners, and queried whether there was a scheme that would fund a survey/audit of the large trees on roadsides to identify any hazards.

Cllr Mary Bohan Bohan supported the motion and queried whether any survey could be extended to include local authority housing estates.

Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion, and stated that the Regional Roads should receive hedge cutting from local authorities like National/Primary Roads do.

Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion and also highlighted the issue of leaning telephone poles that could easily cause an accident if they fell.

Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion.

Cllr Justin Warnock outlined how landowners would need the cooperation of the County Council if they were to cut/fell large tree in regards to road closures.

Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, outlined how Leitrim County Council would always endeavour to assist landowners with regard to cutting/felling large trees where possible. Mr. Rynn continued that any survey would have to be carried out by a qualified tree surgeon.

Cllr Padraig Fallon stated that the Local Authority should be enforcing the setback distance of planted forestry with the County.

I propose that Leitrim County Council reinstate at least some of the waste bins that were removed from the towns and villages in this Municipal District.

"I propose that Leitrim County Council reinstate at least some of the waste bins that were removed from the towns and villages in this Municipal District."

Report by Roads - General

"Several litter bins have been removed in the past, prior to removal these bins were monitored, and it was noted that their contents was household waste and not street litter. Other bin locations have also been noted to contain house waste. If this continues, these bins will also have to be removed. Where the bins were removed, will be monitored to identify if a street litter problem is emerging. Traditional waste bins have also been replaced with solar powered compactible bins in different locations. There new bins are better for monitoring, have pedals for hands-free opening and flaps that keep out birds and rodents"

Cllr Mary Bohan outlined the issue with the removal of bins from towns and villages and gave an example in Drumkeerin where the public bins were removed from the Dowra Road. Cllr Bohan acknowledged that they removed because they were being used for household rubbish. Cllr Bohan queried whether the waste bins could be reinstated on a trial basis.

Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion and queried whether the new type of waste bins which restrict what type of waste can be deposited in them could be installed.

Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, stated that any area where there is a litter problem could be reviewed, and informed members that the new type of bins have been installed in Dromahair, Drumkeerin and Manorhamilton. Mr. Rynn informed members that the new bins cost approximately €5,000 each.

Following the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine on Thursday 24th of February and the serious global repercussions which have ensued, the food security of our country is now threatened, so therefore I will ask farmers, rural dwellers and everybody who has access to a piece of land in the Manorhamilton Municipal District to get the meitheal going and take the national lead in growing potatoes and other vegetables to minimise any food shortages which could develop in our communities later this year.

"Following the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine on Thursday 24th of February and the serious global repercussions which have ensued, the food security of our country is now threatened, so therefore I ask farmers, rural dwellers and everybody who has access to a piece of land in the Manorhamilton Municipal District to get the meitheal going and take the national lead in growing potatoes and other vegetables to minimise any food shortages which could develop in our communities later this year."

Cllr Justin Warnock outlined the impact the war in Ukraine is having on food security within Ireland, giving an example of not having a sufficient wheat crop for Ireland’s needs. Cllr Warnock informed members the ease at which potatoes can be grown and that they only need a small area of land. Cllr Warnock stated that self-sufficiency should be a goal for Ireland.

Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion and informed members that the war could have an impact on beer supplies due to reduction in barley crop that would normally be grown in Ukraine.

Cllr Frank Dolan supported the motion and stated that it will take time for farmers to diversify their crops.

Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion and stated that Ireland should aim for a level of self-sufficiency.

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion.

·         Cllr Mary Bohan asked for a report on the taking over of estates. Mary Quinn, Director of Services, stated one would be made available.

·         Cllr Sean McDermott queried whether there was any update on Manorhamilton Office. Mary Quinn, Director of Services, stated that there was no update available at this time.