Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 19th April 2022.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean McDermott

SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of meeting of 19th April 2022.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr May Bohan

SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn

It was AGREED that the Tidy Towns allocations under the General Municipal allocations as circulated to the meeting be adopted.

·         Members noted the correspondence from the Geoscience Regulation Office (GSRO), which stated that Minister Ryan is satisfied to grant the two licences to Flintridge Resources for base metals, gold (ores of) and silver (ores of).  The decision has been taken following consideration of all the issues raised in submissions received and also an assessment of the application to ensure that the activity is licensed in accordance with relevant national legislation. The members noted the attached documents named the Review of Submissions Received in Relation to Prospecting Licence Areas 1469 and 3162, as well as a Department publication entitled “Prospecting Licence Public Consultations - Common Questions and Concerns.”

All members expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision to grant the prospecting licences and confirmed their ongoing opposition to the licences.

·         Members noted the acknowledgments received from the following in relation to correspondence issued by the Manorhamilton Municipal in respect of the right to burn turf and wood:

·         Catherine Murphy, TD

·         Mary Lou McDonald, TD

·         Ivana Bacik, TD

·         Minister Eamon Ryan, TD

·         Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, TD

·         Members noted the correspondence from Minister Heather Humphreys in relation to correspondence issued by the Manorhamilton Municipal District requesting that additional funding be allocated to Local Improvement Scheme. Minister Humphreys stated that additional funding would not be forthcoming at this time.

We the elected members for the Manorhamilton Municipal District ask Leitrim County Council to take in charge the section of road on the Arroo Trail which they strengthened and resurfaced in 2016.

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

"We the elected members for the Manorhamilton Municipal District ask Leitrim County Council to take in charge the section of road on the Arroo Trail which they strengthened and resurfaced in 2016."

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

"The Arroo Walking Trail was a community led initiative to provide a very worthwhile walk benefiting both recreation and tourism in the area. The community, supported by Leitrim Development Company, established a Trail Management Committee in accordance with the management requirements of Sports Ireland in regard to registration etc for walking routes. It is the Council's understanding that the landowners committed to the trail across their property through permissive access agreements with the local trail group. The Council assisted by carrying out works funded through appropriate funding streams, which it is assumed is the referenced strengthened and resurfaced works. However, as is noted on the Sports Ireland website with regret that, this trail is now closed because a small number of the residents/landowners were not prepared to grant permissive access to their property on this trail due to the poor behaviour of a minority of trail users and lack of adherence to signage. The signs regarding parking on the private roadway and "No Dogs Allowed" signs were being ignored by a number of the trail users. This is seen as a general lack of respect for residents/landowners and the permission they have given in the past to use their property on the trail.

Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 deals with the taking in charge of sections of road setting out that a roads authority may, by order, declare any road over which a public right of way exists to be a public road, and responsibility for its maintenance shall lie on the road authority. In addition to the public right of way the authority must also satisfy itself that the road is of general public utility, consider financial implications and proceed through a published notice procedure taking into account any objections or representations arising from the public consultation period.

The Council Executive considers that prior to initiating the procedure as set out in the legislation for declaration of a public road, the position needs to be established in relation to the existence of public rights of way and general public utility prior to the establishment of the Arroo Trail. In addition legal advice may be required given the subsequent establishment of recreational trail use by means of permissive access agreements.

It is considered that the most appropriate mechanism to resolve the matter in a timely manner is for the Trail Management Committee to continue negotiation of reinstatement of the permissive access agreements with all landowners."

Cllr Justin Warnock expressed his disappointment with the response from Leitrim County Council and outlined his frustration that one property owner’s objection has resulted in the closure of the Arroo Walking Trail.

Ms. Mary Quinn outlined how it would not be normal practice for Leitrim County Council to initiate  ...  view the full minutes text for item MMD.61.22

I ask that the Portaloos that were located in the carpark at Sean Mac Diarmada's Cottage be reinstated. They were removed during the Covid lockdown, they are needed now as tourists are returning to the cottage.

"I ask that the Portaloos that were located in the carpark at Sean Mac Diarmada's Cottage be reinstated. They were removed during the Covid lockdown, they are needed now as tourists are returning to the cottage."

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

"We will review the provision of Portaloos with the OPW at Sean Mac Diarmada's Cottage. A source of funding for any temporary or a more permanent solution will have to be found."

Cllr Sean McDermott outlined how the situation is urgent as Sean Mac Diarmada’s Cottage is an important tourist attraction, and that a solution is needed quickly.

All members supported the motion.

Mr. Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, informed members that Leitrim County Council is liaising with the OPW who have control over the property.

I wish to alert Leitrim County Council to the fact that in recent weeks quite a large number of slates have come off the building that is earmarked for the Library in Dromahaire. The roof is in very poor condition and could be extremely dangerous. I ask that Leitrim County Council evaluate the property from Health and Safety perspective.

"I wish to alert Leitrim County Council to the fact that in recent weeks quite a large number of slates have come off the building that is earmarked for the Library in Dromahaire. The roof is in very poor condition and could be extremely dangerous. I ask that Leitrim County Council evaluate the property from Health and Safety perspective."

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

"The Housing Section is aware of the deterioration in the roof of the existing building proposed for demolition as part of the Dromahair Regeneration Project which will deliver a new Library and additional Age Friendly Housing in Dromahair.

The link road between Main Street and the Back Line has now been temporarily closed until the Health & Safety issues are resolved. Leitrim County Council have a contractor (with approval for working at heights) programmed to undertake the necessary remedial works on site on the week beginning 16th May 2022. It is therefore likely that the emergency road closure will remain in place until the 20th May 2022.

The Dromahair Regeneration Project (Library & Age Friendly Housing) is currently out to tender with a return date of 23rd May 2022.It is anticipated that a construction contract will be signed in July 2022 and construction will commence in August/September 2022.The expected contract duration is 15 months with project completion by the end of 2023."

Cllr Sean McDermott moved Cllr Dolan’s Motion in his absence.

I ask what is the current level of outdoor staff and trades assigned to the housing section in this Municipal District?  Are there any plans for further recruitment?

"I ask what is the current level of outdoor staff and trades assigned to the housing section in this Municipal District? Are there any plans for further recruitment?"

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

"The current level of outdoor staff assigned to the Housing Section for the Manorhamilton Municipal District is as follows:

2 No. Tradespeople

2 No. General Operatives

Private contractors are engaged for specialist electrical and plumbing works. There are currently no plans to recruit additional Housing outdoor staff for the Manorhamilton Municipal District."

Cllr Padraig Fallon stated that he believed that additional outdoor staff and tradespeople are required in the Manorhamilton Municipal District due to programme of works.

All members supported the motion.

Ms. Mary Quinn further informed members that due to the wide variety of skills needed that there is a requirement for some works to be contracted out e.g. energy upgrades etc. Ms. Quinn stated that turnaround times for vacant houses are continually reviewed but the concerns of members are noted and that the matter will continue to be monitored by the Council.

As the sheep farmers of the Manorhamilton Municipal District prepare for shearing and with almost 4 million sheep to be shorn nationally, I ask Leitrim County Council to write to the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue TD, as a matter of urgency to publish the findings of the wool feasibility study undertaken over 12 months ago, so that the funding and development of a sustainable wool industry can begin and in the interim a compensation scheme should be put in place for farmers who have been unable to sell their wool for the past 3 years.

"As the sheep farmers of the Manorhamilton Municipal District prepare for shearing and with almost 4 million sheep to be shorn nationally, I ask Leitrim County Council to write to the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue TD, as a matter of urgency to publish the findings of the wool feasibility study undertaken over 12 months ago, so that the funding and development of a sustainable wool industry can begin and in the interim a compensation scheme should be put in place for farmers who have been unable to sell their wool for the past 3 years."

Cllr Justin Warnock provided a background to the issue, and how 10 million kilograms of wool is being generated per annum and farmers are unable to sell their wool and, in some cases, there are associated costs with the storage of the wool. Cllr Warnock stated that an industry should be built up to around sheep’s wool as a product.

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion and stated that in terms of sustainability a use case for the sheep’s wool has to developed within Ireland.

Cllr Padraig Fallon and Cllr McDermott also supported the motion.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr May Bohan

SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn

It was AGREED to write Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue TD, and requesting as a matter of urgency to publish the findings of the wool feasibility study undertaken over 12 months ago.

What progress has been made in relation to the provision of CCTV cameras by Leitrim County Council at the Bring Centres?

"What progress has been made in relation to the provision of CCTV cameras by Leitrim County Council at the Bring Centres?"

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"We understand that this matter will be addressed in legislation which is under consideration at present. It may be early 2023 before this legislation will come into operation."

Cllr Mary Bohan outlined how CCTV cameras are necessary as a prevention tool to discourage illegal dumping at Bring Centres. Cllr Bohan stated that it is only a small minority of people who are engaging in illegal dumping.

Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion, and informed members that a recent “Clean Up Day” in Kinlough gathered less waste than one held last year showing a reduction in littering/illegal dumping, however non-biodegradable take-away containers and coffee cup lids remains an issue.

All members supported the motion.

·         Cllr Justin Warnock expressed his gratitude to Mr. Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, for all the work that was completed during his tenure and wished him the best for the future. Cllr Warnock welcomed Mr. Eric Gilroy, Senior Executive Engineer to Manorhamilton Municipal District.

Cllr Mary Bohan thanked Mr. Sean Rynn, for the work that he oversaw and his approachability in relation to different issues. Cllr Bohan also welcomed Mr. Eric Gilroy Senior Executive Engineer to the Manorhamilton Municipal District.

Cllr Sean McDermott thanked Mr. Sean Rynn for his contributions to the Municipal District and acknowledged availability to meet with the members. Cllr McDermott highlighted the impact of staffing changes on the working relationships between staff and members.  

Cllr Felim Gurn thanked Mr. Sean Rynn for his all work during his tenure and concurred with Cllr McDermott’s statement in relation to staff turnover.

Cllr Padraig Fallon thanked Mr. Sean Rynn for all this work and welcomed Mr. Eric Gilroy into his new role.

Ms. Mary Quinn acknowledged the contribution of Mr. Sean Rynn during his tenure in Manorhamilton Municipal District, and welcomed Mr. Eric Gilroy to Leitrim County Council. Ms. Quinn noted member’s comments in relation to the turnover of staff and staff changes.

Mr. Sean Rynn expressed his gratitude to the Members for their support and co-operation and sentiments expressed.

·         Cllr Mary Bohan informed members of the passing of Ms Pauline Gallagher, sister of Thomas McHugh, General Services Supervisor. All members expressed their sympathies to the Gallaher and McHugh Families.