Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean McDermott

              SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Manorhamilton Municipal District Meeting of 17th October 2022.

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Service advised an acknowledgement was received from the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien to the recent correspondence issued in relation to a review of regulations for the construction of housing.

I ask that Leitrim County Council urgently expedite the taking in charge of the Acres housing estate in Dromahair.

"I ask that Leitrim County Council urgently expedite the taking in charge of the Acres housing estate in Dromahair."

Report by Planning

"The Council has sought tenders from external consultants to undertake surveys of a number of estates to identify any unfinished or defective works located in the common areas of those estates, and, following these surveys, to prepare the necessary tender documents, specifications, drawings and health and safety reports. This will then enable the Council to then seek tenders from construction firms who will be appointed to undertake the works identified from the surveys and within the limit of the funds available to the Council. It is anticipated that the appointment of the Consultant should take place during December, subject to all required insurances, etc., being in place. The Acres estate in Dromahair is one of these estates included in this project.

Following the appointment of the consultant, surveys should commence early in 2023 and take approximately 2 to 3 months. Upon receipt of the reports and tendering documents from the consultant, the Council will commence the process of seeking tenders from contractors to undertake the identified works on the estates. The tendering process is expected to take a period of at least 4 months. In parallel with the tender process, the Council will engage with Irish Water in accordance with the procedures set out in the Memorandum of Understanding (which governs the taking in charge of water services) relating to the apportionment of the bond monies between the Council and Irish Water in respect of any works that have to be undertaken. Until such time as the Council has reached agreement with Irish Water in relation to the taking in charge of water services within these estates, the Council cannot progress to the next stage of the taking in charge process.

Once the Council and Irish Water have reached agreement in respect of the taking in charge of these estates, the Council will be in a position to commence the statutory processes required to declare the roads in these estates as being public roads and take the estates in charge. This statutory process will take approximately 3 months. Only when these estates are fully in charge will the Council, and/or Irish Water, have the legal authority to enter into these estates and undertake works, and it is following the taking in charge of the estates that the successful contractor will be instructed to undertake the works identified in the above-mentioned surveys.

In light of the timeframes mentioned above, the Council will not be in a position to consider taking in charge of The Acres estate until early 2024 at the earliest: this is provided that all procedures necessary can be undertaken within the minimum time frames already advised.

An alternative and separate process in relation to the ongoing issues with the street lights within this housing development will be explored with the owner of the commons areas in the coming weeks."

Cllr Bohan expressed her disappointment at the  ...  view the full minutes text for item MMD.3.22

I ask that Leitrim County Council call on the Minister for Communications to explain to the people in Drumkeeran Village why high speed broadband has not been made available to them, despite the streets being dug up and new cables installed and a promise made to provide this service, no progress has been made.

"I ask that Leitrim County Council call on the Minister for Communications to explain to the people in Drumkeeran Village why high-speed broadband has not been made available to them, despite the streets being dug up and new cables installed and a promise made to provide this service, no progress has been made."

Cllr Bohan stated that works were completed on the main street in Drumkeerin Village to install broadband infrastructure and yet no high speed broadband has been delivered in the village itself. She stated that some estates outside of the village of Drumkeeran have access to high-speed broadband and yet residents and businesses within the village do not have the same access to this service.

Cllr Bohan described the current quality of broadband in Drumkeeran as poor and unreliable. The village of Drumkeeran is at a huge disadvantage due to the lack of high-speed broadband in attracting new businesses to the village. With the ongoing popularity of remote working, high-speed broadband is essential.

Cllr Bohan requested that Leitrim County Council write to the Minister for Communications to seek clarity on when this issue will be rectified within the village of Drumkeeran.

Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion and reiterated the unequal access to high speed broadband in Drumkeeran.

Cllr Justin Warnock agreed with Cllr Bohan and highlighted the same issue of unequal access to high speed broadband also exists in Kinlough. He stated that the lack of broadband availability is a hindrance to growth in any town or village and stated that the National Broadband Scheme Rollout maps show greater development of high-speed broadband infrastructure in the South of Leitrim.

Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion and outlined that the NBI attended a full council meeting previously and stated there was a proposal to install high speed broadband infrastructure along the R280, however this infrastructure is still not in place as promised and Manorhamilton town does not have access to high speed broadband.

Cllr Sean McDermott also supported the motion and agreed that the lack of high speed broadband is severely hindering the growth of our towns and villages.

Cllr Frank Dolan expressed his disappointment with the current roll out of broadband in Leitrim. The process is not streamlined and this is resulting in adjacent areas not gaining access to broadband at the same time, creating inequality within towns and villages.

Cllr Dolan requested that the NBI be invited to attend a future council meeting to deliver an update on the rollout of high-speed broadband within Co. Leitrim.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

            SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was Agreed to write to the Minister for Communications to explain to the people in Drumkeeran Village why high-speed broadband has not been made available to them, despite the streets being dug up and new cables installed and a promise made to provide this service, no progress has been made."

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Frank Dolan

            SECONDED by Cllr Mary Bohan

It was  ...  view the full minutes text for item MMD.4.22

Further to a previous motion, questions & correspondence I ask when public transport users  in Drumkeeran can expect that the long sought, and awaited, bus shelters will be installed.

"Further to a previous motion, questions & correspondence I ask when public transport users  in Drumkeeran can expect that the long sought, and awaited, bus shelters will be installed."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council’s Active Travel team carried out a survey of all bus stop locations in County Leitrim and submitted this information to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in April 2022 with the aim of getting Bus shelters installed, in suitable locations, under the Active Travel Bus Shelter Program.

In regard to Drumkeeran Bus Shelter the NTA stated as follows:

“The feasibility assessment by the NTA’s contractor is normally based on current technical requirements, road safety matters, accessibility standards, 3rd party planning matters, available space in addition to the design details and requirements relating to the bus shelter that is being rolled out under our contract, with our bus shelter contractor. Based on an initial desktop review of the stop locations in Drumkeeran it is not clear if the location is suitable for the provision of bus shelters having regard to the relevant factors outlined above, in particular the impact on affected parties / adjacent premises. In fact, in the case of Drumkeeran it is not entirely clear as to where a shelter(s) may be accommodated and any decision around an appropriate location will involve stakeholder engagement. However, the NTA in collaboration with Leitrim County Council will examine this matter more fully to establish if a workable solution can be arrived at during the preparation of the bus shelter programme for County Leitrim. We trust this clarifies the current situation”

Active Travel spoke with the NTA on 9th November, and they informed them that Leitrim County council’s Bus shelter program will commence in early 2023. 

The next step is for the NTA to direct JCDecaux (bus shelter provider) to carry out a survey in Drumkeeran to see if there is a suitable location for a bus shelter.

Active Travel have requested that the NTA put Drumkeeran on the top of the survey priority list when they commence in Leitrim."

Cllr. Padraig Fallon welcomed the reply and stated that that there is an upcoming Active Travel meeting to discuss ten Priority areas for bus shelters in Co. Leitrim. Currently the lack of a bus shelter has caused people to use the telephone box in bad weather which houses the defribilator, as a means of shelter from the elements while waiting for their bus. He accepted that progress is being made for the provision of a shelter in Drumkeeran.

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion and declared that since the establishment of Rural Link services in Drumkeeran, there is growing demand for the public transport service, however the lack of a bus shelter means people have to wait outside in wet and cold weather for their bus to arrive.

Cllr Padraig Fallon stated that business owners and residents are in favour of installing a bus shelter in the village of Drumkeeran and there would be no  ...  view the full minutes text for item MMD.5.22

I ask when correspondence will issue to Local Authority Tenants in relation to the tenant purchase scheme, informing tenants of eligibility and if Councillors can be provided with a list of excluded properties in this Municipal District and indeed if a review of properties excluded can be undertaken.

"I ask when correspondence will issue to Local Authority Tenants in relation to the tenant purchase scheme, informing tenants of eligibility and if Councillors can be provided with a list of excluded properties in this Municipal District and indeed if a review of properties excluded can be undertaken."

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

"The Housing section is currently working on a revision of the original list of excluded properties taking into account the significant number of properties constructed and purchased over recent years. It is envisaged that a list of excluded properties including a breakdown per Municipal District will be made available to the elected members when complete. Thereafter it is expected that correspondence will issue to all tenants outlining the Tenant Purchase Scheme eligibility requirements and excluded properties."

Cllr Padraig Fallon requested access for all council members to the updated exclusion list.

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Service, outlined that the list of properties would be delivered to members of the Housing SPC in the next meeting. The chair of the meeting will guide all members through the list of excluded/included properties.

Ms. Quinn, stated that correspondence will issue to all Local Authority Tenants regarding the tenant purchase scheme in early 2023.

Cllr Justin Warnock and Cllr Felim Gurn supported this motion.

I have been asked to raise the issue of the lack of speed limit signage on the N16 National Primary Road. The Sligo section of the N16 has more signage than the Leitrim section to indicate the speed limit of 80km. When drivers enter a National Primary Road, they generally believe the speed limit is 100km, more signage indicating the speed limit permitted to travel at would solve this problem.

"I have been asked to raise the issue of the lack of speed limit signage on the N16 National Primary Road. The Sligo section of the N16 has more signage than the Leitrim section to indicate the speed limit of 80km. When drivers enter a National Primary Road, they generally believe the speed limit is 100km, more signage indicating the speed limit permitted to travel at would solve this problem."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council's Road Design section will review the existing speed limit signage on the N16 to ensure adequate signage is in place."

Cllr Sean McDermott emphasised the lack of signage available to drivers who enter the N16 via access roads. He stated that the Sligo section of the road has adequate signage in place but stressed that the Leitrim side of the road does not have sufficient signage. There are varying speed limits on the N16 and drivers are travelling for too long before they reach a speed sign and this is resulting in drivers travelling at incorrect speeds.

Cllr Padraig Fallon Supported the motion agreeing there is various different signage with differing speeds.

Cllr McDermott recommended that Leitrim County Council should engage with Sligo County Council and the TII in relation to ensuring adequate signage for the road.

Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion.

I have been asked once again to raise the issue of traffic calming measures in the village of Kiltyclogher, particularly in the vicinity of the National School and St Patrick's Church, I ask the area office to review same.

"I have been asked once again to raise the issue of traffic calming measures in the village of Kiltyclogher, particularly in the vicinity of the National School and St Patrick's Church, I ask the area office to review same."

Report by Roads - General

"The North Leitrim Area office will work with Active Travel and the Road Design section to develop measures for traffic calming at this location."

Cllr Sean McDermott acknowledged the increased number of children in the village as a result of the success of the Kilty Live Campaign but traffic is travelling at high speeds through the village. Cllr McDermott stressed that signage is not adequate at speed ramps in the village.

Mr. Alan McGovern confirmed that the Roads Department would review the situation and stated that signage is not commonly installed at speed ramps and is reserved only for ramps that include crossings.

All members supported the motion.

I believe there is a need for a car park to be provided by Coillte and Leitrim County Council in partnership at Milltown Woods similar to the one at Fowley falls in Rossinver. I ask the Council to explore what may be possible in this regard.

"I believe there is a need for a car park to be provided by Coillte and Leitrim County Council in partnership at Milltown Woods similar to the one at Fowley falls in Rossinver. I ask the Council to explore what may be possible in this regard."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council Roads section do not have any funding in the Roadworks Program for the development of new car parks. However, funding streams for such developments may be available to local community groups Through funding initiatives such as the CLÁR or the Outdoor Recreation Works Grant Schemes, and the Economic Development Department of the council assists local groups with such applications."

Cllr Felim Gurn outlined that he has been in contact with Coillte in regards to the provision of a carpark at the amenity. He acknowledged the great success of the carpark recently constructed at the Fowley’s Falls Amenity and this could be replicated at Miltown Woods.

All members supported the motion.

The recent flooding of the Bonet River has led to damage on the Cloonaquinn road and at Cornastalk to the bridge where the road is sinking and is in urgent need of repair.  I ask the area office to assess the damage and what can be done.

"The recent flooding of the Bonet River has led to damage on the Cloonaquinn road and at Cornastalk to the bridge where the road is sinking and is in urgent need of repair.  I ask the area office to assess the damage and what can be done."

Report by Roads - General

"The road at this location is due for Restoration Improvement works in 2024, North Leitrim Area Office will monitor the situation and look at remedial measures for the failed sections of road in 2023."

Mr Alan McGovern stated that Roads Department will review the Road Restoration Programme 2024 and will look at the possibility to swapping a road of lesser priority in favour of this one. Mr McGovern also stated that patch works can be completed on the road in the short term.

Cllr. Felim Gurn welcomed the response.

A number of residents have raised the issue of the blind and dangerous junction of the Carrickfad road and the R278 I ask the engineers to have a look at this to see if a solution can be found.

"A number of residents have raised the issue of the blind and dangerous junction of the Carrickfad road and the R278 I ask the engineers to have a look at this to see if a solution can be found."

Report by Roads - General

"North Leitrim Area office and Road Design will look at the feasibility of progressing a Low-Cost Safety scheme at this location."

Cllr. Dolan explained that the R278 was used in the past as a diversion route due to works taking place on the N16, however the volume of traffic on the R278 has remained high. He had recently been invited to a meeting with concerned residents.  He expressed his concerns over visibility for drivers and the dangers facing drivers in having to cross over to the wrong side of the road before getting access visibility of oncoming traffic. 

Mr. Alan McGovern stated that the Roads Department would review the issues.

All members supported the motion.

I ask that we contact the HSE in relation to restoring morgue facilities in Manorhamilton this service is badly missed in the general area of Manorhamilton.

"I ask that we contact the HSE in relation to restoring morgue facilities in Manorhamilton this service is badly missed in the general area of Manorhamilton."

Cllr Frank Dolan explained to members that morgue services in Manorhamilton were removed during the COVID-19 pandemic, however despite the fact that COVID-19 is no longer an issue, morgue services have not been restored at the hospital. Cllr Dolan expressed his dissatisfaction that there were no funeral home service in the Manorhamilton area.

Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion and highlighted that day services have also been removed from Manorhamilton hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not returned. The lack of funeral and morgue services available in the Manorhamilton area is unfair on mourning families.

Cllr Felim Gurn expressed his disappointment at the lack of morgue facilities as there is an excellent facility at Manorhamilton Hospital with ample parking available. Currently undertakers in the local area cannot avail of any morgue service.

All members supported the motion.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Frank Dolan

            SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was Agreed to write to the HSE in relation to restoring morgue facilities in Manorhamilton.

I ask Leitrim County Council to provide toilet and shower facilities at the new car park at Tullaghan's public access to the sea.

"I ask Leitrim County Council to provide toilet and shower facilities at the new car park at Tullaghan's public access to the sea."

Report by Roads - General

"The Council do not have any proposal to provide toilet and shower facilities at this location. If such a proposal was to proceed, a funding stream would have to be identified."

Cllr Justin Warnock emphasised the growing popularity of Tullaghan as a surfing destination particularly between October and March and highlighted the need for public toilet and showering facilities to facilitate surfers and visitors to the new amenity.

Cllr Mary Bohan stated that there is interest from the local community in developing an application for funding for a new playground in this area and perhaps these facilities can form part of the application.

Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion and declared it in important to develop this area as a surfing attraction in Leitrim and the need for these facilities is a “no-brainer” to harness the growing tourism potential for Leitrim.

Cllr Warnock explained that toilet/showering facilities required would be basic in nature and there would be no large expense incurred by Leitrim County Council in the development of these facilities.

All members supported the motion.

As the population of Kinlough continues to grow so does the footfall in our town centre which has to be welcomed, but the lack of public parking is becoming a serious issue for local businesses. So therefore, I ask that the Roads Department to investigate what can be done to alleviate this problem before any public realm works are undertaken in Kinlough.

As the population of Kinlough continues to grow so does the footfall in our town centre which has to be welcomed, but the lack of public parking is becoming a serious issue for local businesses. So therefore, I ask that the Roads Department investigate what can be done to alleviate this problem before any public realm works are undertaken in Kinlough."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council Roads section do not have any funding in the Roadworks Program for the development of new car parks. However, funding streams for such developments may be available to local community groups Through funding initiatives such as Town & Village Enhancement Works Grant Scheme, and the Economic Development Department of the council assists local groups with such applications."

Cllr Justin Warnock urged Leitrim County Council to step up and prioritise the development of carparking in Kinlough. The use of Town and Village funding for projects of this nature, takes away from vital projects that benefit the local community and should not be used for such purpose.

Cllr Sean McDermott and Cllr Padraig Fallon both supported the motion.

This concluded the business of the meeting at 15:30