Agenda and minutes

·         Minutes of AGM held on 20^th June 2022

·         Minutes of Manorhamilton Municipal District Meeting held on 20^th June 2022

Minutes of Annual meeting held on 20^th June 2022.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean Mc Dermott

SECONDED by Cllr Mary Bohan

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Annual Meeting of 20^th June 2022.

Minutes of meeting held on 20th June 2022

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean Mc Dermott.

SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn.

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Manorhamilton Municipal District Meeting of 20th June 2022

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Service advised an acknowledgement from Minister Mc Conalogue’s office in relation to the letter sent following the June MD meeting had been received.

I am asking who is responsible for maintaining the Demonstration Greenway Stretches in North Leitrim?

"I am asking who is responsible for maintaining the Demonstration Greenway Stretches in North Leitrim?"

Report by Roads - General

"The matter of maintenance / upkeep of greenways in the long term will be reviewed by Leitrim County Council. In the short term, maintenance works can be carried out by the district office, where safety concerns arise for users, similar to last year."

Cllr Mc Dermott acknowledged the response stating in general everything is well maintained however with the SLNCR being developed, maintenance needs to be kept on the agenda.  Cllr Mc Dermott highlighted that in Waterford there are a number of staff dedicated to maintenance of the Greenway on a full time basis and asked if there is a specific fund available for this.  Ms. Mary Quinn indicated that this relates discretionary expenditure and not specific to Greenway maintenance.

All members supported the motion.

I ask the Area Office to review the safety issue of a wooden fence that is attached to a wall at Gublaun, Rossinver which is in danger of falling into Lough Melvin. This fence is located close by to where the annual summer swimming classes take place alongside the Rossinver to Garrison road. There is the danger of children falling off this wall into the lake. I have raised this issue in the past.

"I ask the Area Office to review the safety issue of a wooden fence that is attached to a wall at Gublaun, Rossinver which is in danger of falling into Lough Melvin. This fence is located close by to where the annual summer swimming classes take place alongside the Rossinver to Garrison road. There is the danger of children falling off this wall into the lake. I have raised this issue in the past."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council will investigate options for upgrading the fence and carry out interim remedial measures if feasible."

Cllr Mc Dermott acknowledged the response and reiterated that users of the amenity swim close to the fence and it is very important that something be done as soon as possible. Cllr Justin Warnock stated that this is a lovely amenity and it needs to be looked after.

All members supported the motion.

I ask what is the current level of vacant local authority housing in this Municipal District e.g., voids, etc?

"I ask what is the current level of vacant local authority housing in this Municipal District e.g., voids, etc?"

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

"There are currently 12 houses vacant in the Manor municipal district."

Cllr Fallon welcomed the response. Ms. Mary Quinn indicated that it is expected that the number of vacant houses will be reduced by the end of the Summer.

Cllr Felim Gurn asked who maintains estates, footpaths etc.  Ms. Mary Quinn indicated that the housing maintenance budget is for houses only and not footpaths.  Cllr Gurn stated that footpaths are in poor repair.

I ask the Director of Services, for a general breakdown of expressions of interest for Choice Based Lettings, e.g., the ratio of applications to those CBLs advertised, as an indication of Local Authority housing demand in this Municipal District.

"I ask the Director of Services, for a general breakdown of expressions of interest for Choice Based Lettings, e.g., the ratio of applications to those CBLs advertised, as an indication of Local Authority housing demand in this Municipal District."

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

"Of the last sixteen properties advertised as choice-based lettings in Manorhamilton Municipal District, there were:

·         An average of 12 bids for each property

·         An average of 3 bids from potential tenants based outside the Manorhamilton Municipal District for each property

·         An average of 1 bid from potential tenants based outside County Leitrim with local connections for each property"

Cllr Fallon thanked Ms. Mary Quinn and housing staff for the information. Cllr Fallon stated that affordability of housing is becoming more and more of an issue.  Cllr Warnock indicated that people’s income levels are too low to access mortgages required to purchase houses.

Ms. Mary Quinn stated that Leitrim County Council have published the housing action plan and 5 new houses will be completed in Manorhamilton in 2023.  The housing action plan will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Cllr Gurn and Cllr Warnock supported the motion.

The level and speed of traffic coming from Amorset Roundabout on the R280 from the Bundoran and Lurganboy Roads, and the speed of traffic coming along Creamery Road has made it unsafe for residents trying to exit the car parks at the back of creamery road. The line of vision for cars exiting these car parks is impaired for upcoming traffic, by cars parking at the front of the houses and limiting the vision of cars as well as HGVs using this access road to Sean Mc Diarmada Street from the roundabout.

I suggest the installation of speed ramps to slow traffic down as the use of road strips has not worked.

"The level and speed of traffic coming from Amorset Roundabout on the R280 from the Bundoran and Lurganboy Roads, and the speed of traffic coming along Creamery Road has made it unsafe for residents trying to exit the car parks at the back of creamery road. The line of vision for cars exiting these car parks is impaired for upcoming traffic, by cars parking at the front of the houses and limiting the vision of cars as well as HGVs using this access road to Sean Mc Diarmada Street from the roundabout.

I suggest the installation of speed ramps to slow traffic down as the use of road strips has not worked."

Report by Roads - General

"LCC recently carried out footpath works at Amorset along R280 with the Driver Feedback Sign temporarily removed to accommodate the works, LCC will reinstall the Driver Feedback Sign to alert motorists to the relevant speed limit. LCC will carry out traffic surveys to determine if there is speed violations with a view to developing appropriate remedial measures if warranted. LCC will carry out investigations on sightlines for residents in the location along R280 and investigate if appropriate remedial measures can be developed and implemented."

Cllr Felim Gurn acknowledged the response and reiterated the issue relating to the traffic on Creamery Road stating that ramps are necessary. Cllr Dolan stated that a traffic management plan was previously discussed.  Ms. Mary Quinn highlighted that different layouts were discussed at different meetings. Cllr Gurn also stated that the signage at the carpark needs to be revisited.

Cllr Mc Dermot and Cllr Warnock supported the motion.

Irish Water has taken on a legacy of water and sewage systems that have been underfunded by the Government since the foundation of the State.

Such is the infrastructure in Manorhamilton, that the water system on the New Line from our Lady’s Hospital to Sean Mc Diarmada Street is over 100 years old. This infrastructure needs major investment and needs a new pipe system relayed to stop the leakage of water which currently country-wide is at 60 per cent leakage.

"Irish Water has taken on a legacy of water and sewage systems that have been underfunded by the Government since the foundation of the State.

Such is the infrastructure in Manorhamilton, that the water system on the New Line from our Lady’s Hospital to Sean Mc Diarmada Street is over 100 years old. This infrastructure needs major investment and needs a new pipe system relayed to stop the leakage of water which currently country-wide is at 60 per cent leakage."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"It is correct that there may be some very old cast iron pipelines in service particularly in some parts of our main towns. Unaccounted for water (UFW) is tracked by Irish Water and Leitrim County Council in 60 District metered areas (DMAs) throughout the County. Estimated usage by population in a DMA plus known commercial use is compared to actual use and the difference is "unaccounted". Unaccounted for water is made up of network leakage, private side leakage, and excessive use.

DMAs with high UFW are highlighted by Leitrim County Council requesting Irish Water to fund construction of new mains and to target leak management and repairs, customer side "first fix free" etc in these areas. Significant work on replacement of watermains and water conservation has taken place in Leitrim in recent years funded by Irish Water and our UFW has dropped from over 52% to 41.5% currently. This is 4.96MLD (million litres per day) unaccounted from 11.94MLD produced each day. This is a significant improvement, but this work and investment has to continue into the future if we are to reach an acceptable UFW of 20-25%. This is an acceptable industry standard worldwide and beyond which it is considered uneconomical to chase leaks. 

The UFW for the Manorhamilton DMA in June 2022 was 28.5% or 194MLD unaccounted for. This is a major improvement in this DMA and is a result of recent works on leaks in the area."

Cllr Gurn acknowledged the response and indicated he had met someone from IW working on the system who had indicated the ongoing leakage.  He outlined the need for leaks to be remedied by Irish Water.

All members supported the motion.

I propose that this Municipal District call on Waterways Ireland to proceed with the provision of the proposed slipway for small boats at Spencer Harbour as soon as possible and to inform us of a start date for the works. Planning permission has been granted for the project.

"I propose that this Municipal District call on Waterways Ireland to proceed with the provision of the proposed slipway for small boats at Spencer Harbour as soon as possible and to inform us of a start date for the works. Planning permission has been granted for the project."

Cllr Mary Bohan reiterated that planning is in place for this proposed slipway and would like Leitrim County Council to contact Waterways Ireland with a view to progressing same.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon 

It was AGREED to write to Waterways Ireland requesting them to proceed with the provision of the proposed slipway for small boats at Spencer Harbour as soon as possible and to inform Members of a start date for the works.

When does the Council propose to extend the footpath on the Dowra Road in Drumkeeran towards the Church? This was originally intended as a method of slowing down traffic in this area.

"When does the Council propose to extend the footpath on the Dowra Road in Drumkeeran towards the Church? This was originally intended as a method of slowing down traffic in this area."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council will investigate the feasibility of including this scheme in the Active Travel programme subject to Department funding and land availability."

Cllr Bohan acknowledged the response and stated that there are ramps on the Dowra road that do work, however the preference is for a footpath extension. Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion.

Following the Age-Friendly Strategy 2022 - 2025 meeting in Carrick on Shannon on the 22nd of June, it was felt that the strategy does not address the needs of the Older People of North Leitrim.

Therefore, I ask that any strategies being developed for our Older People would be:

a)      more representative of them and better communicated to all groups working with our Older Citizens from Tullaghan to Bornacoola.

b)      that meetings would be held in our respective Municipal Areas to address these needs.

"Following the Age-Friendly Strategy 2022 - 2025 meeting in Carrick on Shannon on the 22nd of June, it was felt that the strategy does not address the needs of the Older People of North Leitrim.

Therefore, I ask that any strategies being developed for our Older People would be:

a)      more representative of them and better communicated to all groups working with our Older Citizens from Tullaghan to Bornacoola.

b)      that meetings would be held in our respective Municipal Areas to address these needs."

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

"Leitrim County Council carried out widespread consultation for the draft Age Friendly Strategy throughout the County. As the initial consultation took place during Covid Restrictions, it was mostly done by questionnaires which were circulated to all groups in the County. There was a focus group session held in Rossinver with the final consultation being held in Carrick on Shannon. The feedback from the consultation in Carrick on Shannon, including the issue raised regarding Kinlough not being included as an Age Friendly Town will be addressed.

Currently the Older Peoples Council meetings are held in Drumshanbo as this is deemed a central point within the County. Consideration can be given to holding meetings in the various Municipal Districts. It is also intended that events for Older People will be organised in both North and South Leitrim over the lifetime of the Age Friendly Strategy 2022 – 2025"

Cllr Warnock noted the response but stated that he had received  feedback from the older members of the community in Kinlough and Tullaghan  that they did not feel they were included. He highlighted the distance issue for people travelling to  Carrick on Shannon and Drumshanbo for  workshops.  Cllr Warnock stated that Kinlough, Tullaghan, Askil and Glenade have no facilities for the Elderly.  Cllr Gurn highlighted the need for a rural link service between Kinlough and Manorhamilton.  Cllr Mary Bohan suggested in relation to primary care facilities the HSE should be asked to employ a GP in Kinlough. 

Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion.

What monitoring does Leitrim County Council do at Derryherk where Donegal County Council / Irish Water extract water from Lough Melvin, in particular to the storage of chemicals so close to this unique water body?

"What monitoring does Leitrim County Council do at Derryherk where Donegal County Council / Irish Water extract water from Lough Melvin, in particular to the storage of chemicals so close to this unique water body?"

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"The water treatment plant at Derryherk on the shores of Lough Melvin is situated in County Leitrim but is owned and operated by Irish Water. It supplies water to the Bundoran Water Supply area in South County Donegal with a very small number of connections in County Leitrim via the Loughside GWS.

This Irish Water treatment plant takes water from Lough Melvin. This abstraction is licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency and any discharges from the site to the environment such as process washwater return and surface water runoff the site may also be covered in the License. Irish Water are the Licensee at this facility.

Leitrim County Council has no responsibility or authority on how this facility is managed and our Environment Section would only get involved if there was a pollution incident impacting the lake. Equally the EPA would be involved if there was an incident.

The management of the facility and proper handling and storage of chemicals at the facility is a matter for Irish Water and Donegal County Council which operate it on behalf of Irish Water under a service level agreement."

Cllr Warnock acknowledged the response and outlined his dissatisfaction in relation to the storage of chemicals at the facility.

All members supported the motion.

I ask Leitrim County Council as a gesture of goodwill to trim the hedges along the greenway in Manorhamilton? This issue crops up every year.

"I ask Leitrim County Council as a gesture of goodwill to trim the hedges along the greenway in Manorhamilton? This issue crops up every year."

Report by Roads - General

"The matter of maintenance / upkeep of greenways in the long term will be reviewed by Leitrim County Council. In the short term, maintenance works can be carried out by the district office,  where safety concerns arise for users, similar to last year."

Cllr Dolan acknowledged the response.

I ask Leitrim County Council, has there been any progress made between the HSE and the Council in the provision of a house for the people in the National Learning Network? This is an issue that is a long time on the agenda.

"I ask Leitrim County Council, has there been any progress made between the HSE and the Council in the provision of a house for the people in the National Learning Network? This is an issue that is a long time on the agenda."

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

"The current status of the project is that the HSE has indicated that the budget to provide the required wraparound support services has been secured once an appropriate property is provided. The Approved Housing Body (Newgrove Housing) have been in discussions with a landowner/developer in Manorhamilton over the past number of months whereby the developer will undertake a design/build project to provide a residential unit to accommodate five individual with intellectual disabilities.

Newgrove Housing and the Developer and his Architect have visited a site together which showcased an example of best practice. Leitrim County Council (LCC) have been informed that a design layout and costings for the proposed project will be complete in the next number of weeks for examination by the technical team in Newgrove Housing.

Once Newgrove Housing Technical Team is satisfied with the submitted proposals it is hoped that Newgrove will submit a completed CAS 1 Form to Leitrim County Council which in turn will enable the process of securing capital funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) to commence. The developer will be responsible for securing planning permission for the proposed project. LCC and the DHLGH have had preliminary discussions regarding the proposed project and the DHLGH are expecting a CAS2 Form from Leitrim County Council which seeks capital funding for the project. Based on the outstanding necessary actions outlined above the anticipated project delivery is 2024."

Cllr Dolan acknowledged the response stating he was happy that the project is progressing.

Cllr Sean Mc Dermott supported the motion.

Cllr Justin Warnock wished the new chair Cllr Frank Dolan well in his term as chairperson of the Municipal District.