Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean McDermott

              SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Manorhamilton Municipal District Meeting of 21st November 2022.

Correspondence from Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin in relation to third party events within Council Insurances (Festivals) was noted.

Acknowledgement from the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan to the recent correspondence issued in relation to broadband availability in Drumkeeran was noted.

Correspondence from the HSE in relation to the loss of morgue facilities in Our Lady’s Hospital Manorhamilton was noted.  Members considered that the response did not address the question posed to the HSE regarding the re-instatement of morgue services and it was agreed that a follow up letter be issued in order to seek clarity on the issue.

I ask what if any plans there are to replace, recruit additional outdoor staff to the roads section in this municipal. Furthermore, I ask if staff laid off will be replaced or possibly be taken back on.

MMD.150.22 Motion from Councillor Padraig Fallon

“I ask what if any plans there are to replace, recruit additional outdoor staff to the roads section in this municipal. Furthermore, I ask if staff laid off will be replaced or possibly be taken back on.”

Report by Roads - General

"The outdoor staffing levels are currently under review with a view to being finalised in the next three months. With regard to requirements for temporary staff, this is assessed annually in the context of the Roads allocations and Roads Programme requirements and, should temporary staff be required for the period of the 2023 Roads Programme, they will be recruited from panels in place at that time."

Cllr Fallon questioned why outdoor staff were laid off recently as there was a clear need for outdoor staff to complete works on projects throughout the municipal district, especially since Leitrim County Council has recently benefitted from large scale funding for the delivery of infrastructure projects.  Cllr Fallon believes there is a clear need to retain staff to continue the good work being done by outdoor staff in this municipal. Cllr Fallon expressed his dissatisfaction with the laying off of staff at Christmas. Cllr Fallon further highlighted that these staff members are skilled and are qualified in trades and may not be available if invited back to work in the future by Leitrim County Council.

Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion and agreed that experienced people may not be available in future, should Leitrim County Council require outdoor staff. He also agreed that laying staff off at Christmas is not an appropriate time.
The outdoor roads staff have provided an excellent service to Leitrim County Council and with so much funding now available to deliver projects with deadlines, this should be taken into consideration.

Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion and also stressed the inappropriate timing letting staff go just before Christmas. With the current wintery weather conditions there is a clear need to retain staff. Cllr Warnock questioned what level staff numbers were currently at and if other staff were currently employed on temporary contract?

Cllr Dolan and Cllr Bohan also supported the motion.

 Cllr Mary Bohan reiterated that is was important to have as much staff as possible, as Leitrim County Council can’t complete projects due to staff shortages.

Ms Mary Quinn explained to all members that the outdoor staff in question were recruited for the specific purpose in delivering the 2022 Road Works Programme. All staff were aware, at the time of appointment, of the temporary nature of their contract and that the contracts would end at 30 November in line with completion of the  Road Works Programme. Ms Quinn outlined that staff levels are now higher than pre-COVID levels and there are other staff on temporary contracts throughout the organisation. The budgets available will determine staffing resources to be recruited.

I ask what if any progress has been made further to my previous two motions seeking a cattle grid at Aughavoghil Kinlough.

MMD.151.22 Motion from Councillor Padraig Fallon

“I ask what if any progress has been made further to my previous two motions seeking a cattle grid at Aughavoghil Kinlough.”

Report by Roads - General

"North Leitrim area office continue to investigate the feasibility of installing a Cattle Grid on this county road and identifying a suitable location."

Cllr Padraig Fallon outlined that the issue has been ongoing for 3 to 4 years now and that “feasibility” should be long completed by this stage. Livestock are coming down this road which is creating a safety hazard for vehicles.

Cllr Justin Warnock stated that a suitable location has been found and this issue should now be progressed. Cllr Warnock has spoken to local cycling clubs who have no issue with the chosen location.

Mr. Eric Gilroy, stated he was not aware of a suitable location for this cattle grid and proposed to meet Cllr Warnock and Cllr Fallon on site to determine suitability,

All members supported the motion.

In light of significant electricity costs being with us for the coming years, I ask is it possible to explore new funding streams for our towns and villages which would enable a switch to solar lighting for car parks, street lights, housing estates and all sporting facilities in order to enable them to be as energy efficient as they can be.

MMD.152.22 Motion from Councillor Felim Gurn

"In light of significant electricity costs being with us for the coming years, I ask is it possible to explore new funding streams for our towns and villages which would enable a switch to solar lighting for car parks, streetlights, housing estates and all sporting facilities in order to enable them to be as energy efficient as they can be."

Report by Roads - General

"The new Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project Contract which will upgrade all public lighting to LEDs is commencing for the western counties in 2023 and is scheduled for completion in 2025. Under this contract it is anticipated that all public lighting in Leitrim will be completed in 2024. In addition, under our current maintenance contract, any old 55W malfunctioning public lights are replaced with LEDs. Thus, there is no current plans to initiate a Solar lighting program"

In order to improve our carbon footprint and reach emissions targets, I ask that Rural Link look at towns and villages for the roll out of the Rural Link Bus service to support the night time economy where taxi services are no longer available in this municipal area. For example, Manorhamilton, Dromahair, Kinlough, Drumkeeran, Kiltyclogher, Glenfarne, Glencar, Glenade, Mullies and Glenboy.

It is crucial that a service be provided on a Friday and Saturday night to make sure towns and villages are easily accessible for people to come out and support pubs, restaurants, and retailers, which keeps these businesses open in this hard economic downturn.

MMD.153.22 Motion from Councillor Felim Gurn

"In order to improve our carbon footprint and reach emissions targets, I ask that Rural Link look at towns and villages for the roll out of the Rural Link Bus service to support the nighttime economy where taxi services are no longer available in this municipal area. For example, Manorhamilton, Dromahair, Kinlough, Drumkeeran, Kiltyclogher, Glenfarne, Glencar, Glenade, Mullies and Glenboy.

It is crucial that a service be provided on a Friday and Saturday night to make sure towns and villages are easily accessible for people to come out and support pubs, restaurants, and retailers, which keeps these businesses open in this hard economic downturn."

Cllr Justin Warnock moved Cllr Gurn’s motions in his absence.

I ask that the road known as “The Boreen” in Glenaniff which links on to the Barr Road in Glenaniff, be considered for safety signage so as to make users aware that this road is not suitable for heavy vehicles.

MMD.154.22   Motion from Councillor Sean McDermott

“I ask that the road known as “The Boreen” in Glenaniff which links on to the Barr Road in Glenaniff, be considered for safety signage so as to make users aware that this road is not suitable for heavy vehicles.”

Report by Roads – General

“The road known as “The Boreen” is a private road and Leitrim County Council cannot erect signage on a private road however Leitrim County Council will investigate the feasibility of erecting appropriate signage at the junction of the local public road and the private road.”

Cllr Sean McDermott stated that even though the road was private, Leitrim County Council had previously completed works on this road before. Sat-Nav systems are sending vehicles this way and signage on the public road on the approach is required to alert drivers of heavy vehicles not to continue.

Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion and stated there were houses located along this road and it is too narrow for heavy vehicles.

I have been asked to raise the issue of the Regional Road R282 between Manorhamilton and Rossinver where cars and larger vehicles are being damaged by overgrown hedges. I ask the Area Engineer to review this.

MMD.155.22 Motion from Councillor Sean McDermott

“I have been asked to raise the issue of the Regional Road R282 between Manorhamilton and Rossinver where cars and larger vehicles are being damaged by overgrown hedges. I ask the Area Engineer to review this.”

Report by Roads – General

"This North Leitrim area office will review the R282 for dangerous trees/hedges that require attention under the roads act. As it is the landowner’s responsibility to maintain their roadside hedgerows on private property, we can then issue Hedge Cutting notices to landowners if required"

Cllr Sean McDermott stated that at the moment two heavy vehicles cannot meet due to overgrown hedgerows jutting out onto the road. While landowners have a responsibility to maintain the hedgerows at their lands, hedgerows cannot be left to become overgrown and become hazardous to traffic if not maintained by landowners.

Cllr Justin Warnock and Cllr Padraig Fallon both supported the motion.

I ask Leitrim County Council if they own the pier at Derrynaseer, Askill on the northern shore of Lough Melvin.

MMD.156.22 Motion from Councillor Cllr. Justin Warnock

“I ask Leitrim County Council if they own the pier at Derrynaseer, Askill on the northern shore of Lough Melvin.”

Report by Roads – General

"Ownership of the pier at Derrynaseer is under investigation, as it is unregistered on Land registry."

Cllr Justin Warnock highlighted the importance of determining the ownership of the peer, as Lough Melvin is earmarked for development in the recent Spatial Economic and Social Plan for the area and this peer needs to be part of the plan to develop Lough Melvin.

Mr. Eric Gilroy stated that the area is not on land registry and further investigation would be required.

Cllr Justin Warnock welcomed the response.

I ask Leitrim County Council to consider using a compulsory purchase order (CPO) of land/road on the Arroo Trail for the common good.

MMD.157.22 Motion from Councillor Cllr. Justin Warnock

“I ask Leitrim County Council to consider using a compulsory purchase order (CPO) of land/road on the Arroo Trail for the common good.”

Report by Capital Projects Office

"The Council is in discussion with the affected landowners on the Arroo Trail to try and reach agreement to get the trail reopened. We will keep the councillor updated on our progress. The use of a CPO process in this case is not suitable for these type of situations."

Cllr Justin Warnock outlined that Aroo Trail is included in the Kinlough/Glenade Plan and it would be a disappointment to lose out on the scheme if CPO is not an option.

Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion and described the Arroo Trail as a beautiful area with lovely walks.

Ms. Mary Quinn stated that Mr. Shay O’Connor in the Capital Office would contact Cllr Warnock to discuss this matter further.

Some concerns have been expressed to me about the condition/appearance of the Council tip and its surrounds at Killcoon in Dromahaire. I ask that this be looked at to see if it can be improved.

MMD.158.22   Motion from Councillor Frank Dolan

“Some concerns have been expressed to me about the condition/appearance of the Council tip and its surrounds at Killcoon in Dromahaire. I ask that this be looked at to see if it can be improved.”

Report by Roads – General

"North Leitrim area office will review the situation to ensure the area is kept tidy."

Cllr Dolan explained that a complaint had been received from a local resident regarding the state of the tip and urged that the area be kept tidy and well maintained.

Mr. Eric Gilroy stated that he has spoken to staff that use the facility in question and that they have been asked to keep the facility tidy.

Last June we all received a letter from the residents of Drumlease estate in relation to the condition of the footpaths there, along with some other issues. I ask if any progress has been made re the footpaths.

MMD.159.22 Motion from Councillor Frank Dolan

“Last June we all received a letter from the residents of Drumlease estate in relation to the condition of the footpaths there, along with some other issues. I ask if any progress has been made re the footpaths.”

Report by Roads – General

"Remediation of footpaths in Drumlease Estate commenced mid-November, it is anticipated that works will be completed mid-February resources permitting."

Ms Mary Quinn outlined that progress has been made on this issue and Leitrim County Council will follow up with residents in relation to carparking.

Cllr Frank Dolan welcomed the response.

I propose that Leitrim County Council seek government funding as a matter of urgency for drainage of rivers and main drains following the Shass mountain landslide.  Some houses and lands are in danger of flooding as a result.

MMD.160.22 Motion from Councillor Mary Bohan

“I propose that Leitrim County Council seek government funding as a matter of urgency for drainage of rivers and main drains following the Shass mountain landslide.  Some houses and lands are in danger of flooding as a result.”

Report by Roads – General

"Where properties are at risk of flooding an application can be made to the OPW for funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works scheme. This area will be investigated to see if it is applicable for such an application."

Cllr Bohan outlined the seriousness of the issue and the urgency in seeking funding to protect houses and land located in this area. Cllr Bohan explained that emergency funding was sought from the Government to repair roads as a result of damage caused by the landslide on Shass mountain and urged that Leitrim County Council seek similar funding for drainage as there are still are huge deposits of silt and peat in the river that can potentially damage lands and nearby houses should flooding occur.

Cllr Bohan stated that the current funding for minor flood mitigation works would not be enough and requested that as these are exceptional circumstances, Leitrim County Council should write to the Minister for Agriculture and Minister Malcolm Noonan, Chairperson of the Inter Agency working group and the OPW, in request of special funding package to be delivered so necessary drainage works can be completed.

Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion and stressed that these works are badly needed and require immediate action.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED to write to the Minister for Agriculture and Minister Malcolm Noonan and the OPW to request emergency funding be provided to Leitrim County Council to complete necessary drainage works on the Diffagher River for the removal of excess peat and silt, to prevent further destruction of land and housing in the event of flooding in the future.

I ask when will the works be carried out at the amenity area including public lighting on the R280, Carrick Rd, Drumkeeran.

MMD.161.22 Motion from Councillor Mary Bohan

I ask when will the works be carried out at the amenity area including public lighting on the R280, Carrick Rd, Drumkeeran.

Report by Roads – General

"The North Leitrim area office is currently reviewing the feasibility of carrying out this work and is hopeful of commencing in Q1/Q2 of 2023."

Cllr Mary Bohan welcomed the response. All members supported the motion

Any Other Business

Cllr Padraig Fallon highlighted that the road to Ardvarney National School had not been gritted leaving it in a very hazardous state to traffic, as a result the school remained closed on Monday 12^th December. Mr. Eric Gilroy stated he would review the matter.

Cllr Padraig Fallon outlined that a company granted a prospecting licence in Co. Leitrim, was recently fined €120,000 for Health and Safety failures causing a mine collapse in Cavanacaw Mine in Omagh. Cllr Padraig Fallon proposed that Leitrim County Council, on behalf of all members of this Municipal District, write to Minister Eamon Ryan making him aware of this issue.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Padraig Fallon

SECONDED by all members

It was AGREED to write to the Minister Eamon Ryan highlighting this issue.

Cllr Justin Warnock expressed his thanks to the Area Engineer and his team for their work in gritting and salting roads during the recent icy weather, however it is acknowledged that not every road can be gritted. He outlined that there was an issue at a school in Kinlough and also referred to many housing estates with footpaths and roads within the estates ungritted and unsafe. Cllr Warnock recommended that a salt box be provided as part of tidy towns funding for housing estates. Ms. Mary Quinn outlined that there is a salt bin purchase scheme in place where communities, housing estate residents, or individuals can purchase a salt bin with one fill of salt costing €170.

Cllr Padraig Fallon expressed his concern with the lack of grit being supplied on the Dromhaire to Parke’s Castle road recently.  Mr. Eric Gilroy outlined that an agreement had been in place with Sligo County Council to complete this section of road on behalf of Leitrim County Council, however, Mr. Gilroy assured members that he would speak to his counterpart in Sligo County Council regarding the matter.

Cllr Frank Dolan proposed an expression of sympathy to Cllr Des Guckian on the death of his wife. All members expressed their condolences to Cllr Guckian and his family on their untimely loss.

Cllr Mary Bohan also proposed a vote of sympathy be expressed to the family of local musician Michael O’Brien on his recent passing. Cllr Bohan commended Mr. O’Brien’s contribution to Irish Music in Leitrim and paid tribute to his dedication to the teaching of music and passing of the traditions to the younger generation. This was supported by all Members.

This concluded the business of the meeting at 15:30