Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Felim Gurn

              SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Manorhamilton Municipal District Meeting on 18^th July 2022.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Felim Gurn

              SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED to adopt the draft Standing Orders.

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Service informed the meeting of an acknowledgement from Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee in relation to funding for Community CCTV.  The correspondence  confirmed that a grant of €40,000 at a rate of 60% is available for capital investment as well as once off grant of up to €5,000 could be applied for to cover minor maintenance costs.  Ms. Mary Quinn informed the Manorhamilton Municipal District Committee that the Community Based CCTV is governed by Section 38(3)(c ) of the Garda Siochana Act 2005 and the Garda Siochana (CCTV)  Order 2006 (SI 289 of 2006). The legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must be approved by the Local Joint Policing Committee, have the prior support of the relevant Local Authority, which must be act as data controller, and have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.

Members noted the correspondence.

Many of our towns and villages host annual festivals and events, which in recent years have seen significant insurance premium hikes, in some cases increasing by up to 100%.

Many of these festivals take place on the streets in our towns, e.g. Manorhamilton, Drumshanbo, Ballinamore, all of which have businesses contributing rates to the local authority.

I ask Leitrim County Council is it possible to extend local authority insurance to cover these events, furthermore I would ask that this Municipal District write to the Minister for Tourism to seek clarity on whether the Department has engaged with the insurance companies in regard to this issue.

"Many of our towns and villages host annual festivals and events, which in recent years have seen significant insurance premium hikes, in some cases increasing by up to 100%. Many of these festivals take place on the streets in our towns, e.g. Manorhamilton, Drumshanbo, Ballinamore, all of which have businesses contributing rates to the local authority. I ask Leitrim County Council is it possible to extend local authority insurance to cover these events, furthermore I would ask that this Municipal District write to the Minister for Tourism to seek clarity on whether the Department has engaged with the insurance companies in regard to this issue."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"The Council has examined the situation in regard to the possibility of including third party events within the Council insurances. The Council is not in a position to provide insurance cover to any event which is outside of the control and responsibility of the Council."

Cllr. Gurn expressed dissatisfaction with the response, stating that businesses in Leitrim are paying rates and are now looking for something back in the form of funding from Leitrim County Council to cover the cost of insurance as without financial assistance there will be no festivals or events held in Leitrim.

Cllr. McDermott supported the motion and stated that small communities and towns are unable to get insurance.

Cllr. Warnock supported the motion and acknowledged that Leitrim County Council does provide funding towards festivals, but outlined that this funding is not sufficient for festivals to take place.

Cllr. Fallon supported the motion and stated that festivals are a massive boost to local economy and without sorting out the insurance issue nationally festivals will not take place.  Cllr. Fallon requested that a letter be sent to the Minister for Tourism highlighting the issue and the need for the State to step in and set up a “not be profit” entity to insure festivals going forward.

It was agreed by all members that a letter be forwarded to Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin.

All members supported the motion.

The current energy crisis poses a significant threat to the sustainability of our local businesses including job security for those employed locally. This is coming directly after businesses having dealt with the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

I ask that this Municipal District write to the Minister of Finance asking what proposed supports will be put in place to alleviate these issues on the ground in Budget 2023.

If there is no support provided for these businesses, the government will be aware of what this will cost the exchequer due to their experience with Covid-19 Payments and people being out of work.

"The current energy crisis poses a significant threat to the sustainability of our local businesses including job security for those employed locally. This is coming directly after businesses having dealt with the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

I ask that this Municipal District write to the Minister of Finance asking what proposed supports will be put in place to alleviate these issues on the ground in Budget 2023.

If there is no support provided for these businesses, the government will be aware of what this will cost the exchequer due to their experience with Covid-19 Payments and people being out of work."

Cllr. Gurn expressed concerns regarding businesses such as shops, factories & hospitality sectors being able to continue to operate without support.  He outlined that some pubs and restaurants have reduced their opening hours already and some may even close.

Cllr. Fallon supported the motion that business and household are supported in the budget and that a windfall  tax, decoupling of gas and electricity and price cap are needed.  Cllr. Fallon also expressed dissatisfaction in relation to the  €390m profit achieved by ESB.

Cllr. Warnock supported the motion and expressed a fear that it will destabilise the social infrastructure in the Country.

Cllr. Dolan supported the motion and stated that we are living in unprecedented times.  

All members supported the Motion

I propose the flashing speed sign on the Manorhamilton side of Drumkeeran, R280, be reinstated, it has recently been removed, and relocated to beyond Windmill Park.

"I propose the flashing speed sign on the Manorhamilton side of Drumkeeran, R280, be reinstated, it has recently been removed, and relocated to beyond Windmill Park."

Report by Roads – General

"This mobile driver feedback sign will be back in Drumkeeran as part of the strategy to move the sign around the county. Other low cost safety measures in the form of a gateway will be implemented in Drumkeeran to help calm traffic speeds at this location."

Cllr. Fallon welcomed the reply. Cllr. Gurn supported the motion.

I ask when it is expected works will be completed at Drumlease NS, Dromahair, raised ramp, pedestrian crossing, etc.

"I ask when it is expected works will be completed at Drumlease NS, Dromahair, raised ramp, pedestrian crossing, etc."

Report by Roads – General

"It is anticipated that works will commence late September and be substantially complete in December."

Cllr. Fallon welcomed the reply and stated that any disruptive works should be carried out during mid term break.  Mr. Eric Gilroy, Area Engineer confirmed that this would be taken into consideration.

"I will ask the Area Engineer, Eric Gilroy, to seek funding for necessary works to be carried out in the interest of road safety at a number of points on the R280:

At the Parochical House on the southern approach to Kinlough,

At Loughmarron - where serious cracks have developed in the road,

At Largy - where the hard shoulder stops near the junction for Largy School,

At Kilargue - at the northern side of the village where a number of vehicles have gone off the road."

"I will ask the Area Engineer, Eric Gilroy, to seek funding for necessary works to be carried out in the interest of road safety at a number of points on the R280:

·        At the Parochical House on the southern approach to Kinlough,

·        At Loughmarron - where serious cracks have developed in the road,

·        At Largy - where the hard shoulder stops near the junction for Largy School,

·        At Kilargue - at the northern side of the village where a number of vehicles have gone off the road."

Report by Roads – General

"The District Office will work with the Road Design section to investigate the feasibility of safety schemes at these locations."

Cllr. Warnock expressed concerns regarding fear of landslide at Loughmarron. He also stated that signage in Killargue Village is causing drivers confusion and needs to be reviewed.

Cllr. Gurn supported the motion.

I ask Leitrim County Council in the interest of public safety to provide a passing bay on the Rosfriar Road which runs parallel to the Drowes River about 200 metres from the Moy Road Junction at the Four Masters Bridge.

"I ask Leitrim County Council in the interest of public safety to provide a passing bay on the Rosfriar Road which runs parallel to the Drowes River about 200 metres from the Moy Road Junction at the Four Masters Bridge."

Report by Roads – General

"Leitrim County Council will look at the feasibility of a passing bay at this location, it may not qualify for funding under the Low Cost Safety Grant Scheme, but consideration may be given to funding under a future Restoration Improvement Scheme that may be on that road."

Cllr. Warnock welcomed the response. 

Cllr. Fallon supported the motion.

I raised the issue of public lighting being out of order last December 2021 at the back of Mullin's Filling Station, Arus Breffni and the Primary Care Centre all located in Manorhamilton. I ask for an update on repairs to these lights as the evenings are getting darker?

"I raised the issue of public lighting being out of order last December 2021 at the back of Mullin's Filling Station, Arus Breffni and the Primary Care Centre all located in Manorhamilton. I ask for an update on repairs to these lights as the evenings are getting darker?"

Report by Roads – General

"The Public Road does not extend to this location, Leitrim County Council housing section is investigating the issue."

Cllr. McDermott requested that the  matter be prioritised as a lot of senior citizens walk in this area.

Cllr. Gurn supported motion.

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Services stated that she will follow up with housing to confirm whose is responsible for same i.e. HSE  or Leitrim County Council.

"I ask that the STOP sign that has been knocked down at the entrance to the MacNean Cresent Housing Estate, Glenfarne, be reinstated or repaired."

Report by Roads – General

"The District Office will reinstate the sign."

Cllr. McDermott welcomed the response.

"I ask if the road known as Church Lane, Drumlease, Dromahair, that leads to the ancient graveyard is a Council Road. This road takes a lot of traffic from locals but also from a large number of visitors to the graveyard."

Report by Roads – General

"Church Lane is not a Public Road."

Cllr. Dolan queried if Leitrim County Council could secure funding as at present it is the local residents that are maintaining the road.  The section of road to Graveyard is badly deteriorated.

Cllr. Fallon outlined the option for an application to be made under the  Local Improvement Schemes when the scheme re-opens.

There are a number of unfinished houses in Killargue Village and now could be an opportune time to have them finished. I ask whether the local authority has any plans to take in charge these houses? Also is there any plan anywhere for future developments in the village?

"There are a number of unfinished houses in Killargue Village and now could be an opportune time to have them finished. I ask whether the local authority has any plans to take in charge these houses? Also is there any plan anywhere for future developments in the village?"

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

"There are two unfinished housing developments in Killargue: Cura Bhile and The Meadows.

CuraBhile contains 3 houses that front directly onto a public road: as such, there is nothing to take in charge. The unfinished element of Cura Bhile contains no other completed houses, roads or services and does not qualify for taking in charge. It is noted that the unfinished site has recently been tidied up, however, further development would require a new grant of planning permission.

The Meadows contains 8 houses that are all considered complete: they are, however, unoccupied. While the houses are considered complete, no roads or services have been provided. Again, in the absence of roads and services, the estate does not qualify for taking in charge. As the houses are completed, no new planning permission will be necessary to complete the roads and services facilitating the houses. It is expected that completion of this site will likely occur when economic conditions enable it."

Cllr. Dolan outlined that pressure on developers to finish works and provide services should be brought to bear. 

Cllr. Dolan queried if Leitrim Council would be able to purchase dwellings when complete.

Ms. Mary Quinn stated she would speak to planning to ascertain what measures can be undertaken. Cllr. Warnock supported the motion.   

It was noted that there will be a plenary Council meeting held on October 4^th in relation to the County Development Plan.

Cllr Fallon asked if there was a start date yet for the new Fire Station.  

Ms. Mary Quinn advised that the matter would be referred to the Chief Fire Officer for response.

Cllr Gurn queried the start date for the public realm works.  It was noted that the timeline previously advised was early October.