Agenda and minutes

I ask if there are any plans to remove dangerous trees from Millbank Glen, Dromahair and Sheena, Drumkeeran.

"North Leitrim area office is procuring the services of a tree surgeon to remove the trees at Millbank in Dromahair.

The housing section has been made aware of the need to assess these trees in Sheena council housing estate."

Cllr Padraig Fallon stated that trees in Sheena, Drumkeeran are dangerous and asked that these works be prioritised.  Cllr. Sean McDermott and Cllr. Mary Bohan supported the Motion. Mr Eric Gilroy, Area Engineer  outlined that the matter would be assessed and necessary works carried out.

I propose the installation, addition of plastic bottle recycling banks, containers, at bring centres throughout this Municipal.

"Currently our waste By Laws require every household in the county, on or close to a serviced route, to engage with a service provider for the provision of a three-bin system for the segregation and collection of household waste. The Blue Bin includes for most domestic plastic and paper waste. The network of bring banks in Leitrim caters for recyclable items such as Glass, and textiles which cannot be put into the blue recycling bin for collection. Our two Civic Amenity sites at Mohill and Manorhamilton cater for all plastic containers, plastic wrapping, paper, and larger items of packaging such as carboard boxes and also other items which cannot be disposed of in the domestic blue bins such as electrical goods, wood, metal, aerosols, bulbs and batteries etc.

We do not consider the provision of plastic bottles and paper recycling facilities at our bring banks to be necessary at this time as we believe that the current arrangements provide sufficient outlet for these materials."

Cllr. Fallon outlined his disappointment with the reply and stated that facilities are available in Cavan and that Leitrim County Council  should review facilities in other Counties. Cllr. Sean McDermott and Cllr. Mary Bohan supported the Motion.

Cllr. Sean McDermott confirmed that facilities are available in West Cavan.  Cllr. Bohan queried if recycling facilities are operating in line with requirements and are there checks carried out on bins to see how recycling is dealt with. 

Mary Quinn, Director of Services stated that there is an audit process and a checks and balance system in place.

On the N16 at Diffreen in Glencar where the cycleway is separated from the road by loose stone, some vehicles are traveling in on the stones and spraying stone onto both the road and the cycleway .This could prove to be very dangerous and I ask that it be looked at again.

"Leitrim County Council are aware of this issue and the Design Team is currently researching and exploring options. A solution to this issue will be implemented shortly and the situation will continue to be monitored to ensure that road safety for all users is not compromised"

Cllr Dolan acknowledged the response. Cllr Sean McDermott and Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion.

Mr. Eric Gilroy outlined that he is aware there is a problem, and that Road Design is investigating.

I propose that Leitrim County Council use local media to advise people that the hedge cutting season is now open and also to advertise the grant that is available.

"The Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme has been advertised in the Leitrim Observer dated 31st August 2022.  In addition to this, Leitrim County Council also publicizes this Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme in the following ways:-

•                 On the Leitrim County Council Website and on a Leitrim County Council Social Media Platforms on an ongoing basis

•                 Publication of Notices in Parish/Mass Leaflets on a regular basis

•                 Each year, application forms are sent to all persons who applied for the grant in the previous year

•                 Notice re. this Grant Scheme issued to all Councillors

•                 Notice also issued to the Leitrim Branch of the IFA

Leitrim County Council will continue to publicise this Scheme as outlined above for the duration that the Scheme remains open for – i.e. up to the end of January 2023."

Cllr. Padraig Fallon supported the Motion.

I ask that Leitrim County Council study the new report which has just been published re: the social, economic and spatial plan for Kinlough, Tullaghan, Askill and Glenade and use recommendations from it when preparing our new Local Economic and Community Plan.

"Leitrim County Council is aware of the recent publishing and launch of the Plan Report - Kinlough, Tullaghan, Askill & Glenade: Our Community, Our Future - 2030 & beyond. The Council had an input into the preparation of the Plan via meetings with the Consultants who prepared the Plan. The Council has also recently commenced the preparation of the LECP for Leitrim. As part of the preparation of this Plan, an extensive public consultation process will be undertaken, during which all stakeholders will be invited to make submissions. It is important that all individuals and stakeholders from Kinlough, Tullaghan, Askill and Glenade and indeed the entire County participate in this consultation process."

Cllr. Justin Warnock thanked Members for attending launch of Our Community, Our Future – 2030 and beyond.  In addition he thanked the Leitrim Observer for their promotion of the launch and acknowledged the funding provided by  Leitrim Development Company.

All members supported the Motion and Cllr. Mary Bohan congratulated Cllr. Warnock and the Committee on the development of  the Plan.

I ask has Leitrim County Council been consulted and have they had any input in relation to places to eat or sites to visit on the “EuroVelo” - Atlantic Coast Cycle Route which forms part of the 11,000km trek from Portugal to Northern Norway.

"Leitrim County Council has not been consulted on and has not had any input in relation to places to eat or sites to visit on the ‘EuroVelo’ – the European Cycle Route Network."

Cllr. Justin Warnock outlined that the cycle trail covers Sligo, Mayo, Donegal, and other County Councils are involved with the route.  The cycle is 200km in Republic of Ireland and present an opportunity to promote Leitrim and places to eat and visit in North Leitrim.

Cllr. Felim Gurn supported the motion and highlighted the opportunities to connect in with the Blueway and the SLNCR.

I ask this Municipal District to write to the Housing Minister Darragh O’Brian to bring in housing regulations for standard size bedrooms in 3 bedroom and 4 bedroom houses.  In the past builders under a system of no regulations built houses with 2 bedrooms and a box room which was of no use to any modern family looking for a 3 or 4 bedroom house.  Where there are regulations in place with regard to apartment sizes and bedrooms, this needs to be implemented for housing in future housing policy .

I have asked several times for a traffic management plan for Manorhamilton before the public realm work commences,  residents of Mc Dermott Terrace want a one way system implemented. I ask the area office to give an update on same.

"Traffic Management Plans for the Public Realm works will be developed by the successful contractor for implementation, works are anticipated to commence mid-November. This operation will be managed by the Capital Office in consultation with the North Leitrim Area office.

Development of alternative traffic plans for Manorhamilton will be managed by Road Design in consultation with the North Leitrim area office. There is currently no plans to redesign traffic movements at McDermott Terrace."

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Services outlined Traffic Management Plans will be developed for the duration of the  Public Realm Works.   

Cllr. Felim Gurn outlined that pedestrian crossing at Manorhamilton Community School is not working and no road lining is in place.  Mr. Eric Gilroy, Area Engineer, confirmed that Electric Skyline is to complete works and road lining will also be done.

Cllr. Felim Gurn outlined  that residents of McDermott’s Terrace have suggested  a one-way system be put in place.

Following discussion it was agreed that the issue of traffic management be reviewed by the Road Design office and the Area office and that a traffic management workshop be arranged  with  Members.

I have been asked to raise the issue of the playground in Glenfarne Village that is in need of upgrading. There are three pieces of equipment that are out of use at the moment, parts of the playground need drainage and part of this playground is on a slope. Can this playground be prioritized for an upgrade?.

"North Leitrim Area office will explore sources of funding for alternative long-life equipment and remedial measures."

Cllr. Sean McDermott asked that this project be prioritised.

All members supported the motion.

I want to raise the issue of a wall in front of the old Corracloona National School, Kiltyclogher. The wall is on the edge of the R281 road and has become unstable and is in danger of falling onto the roadway, which has worsened due to timber lorries passing close to this wall. I ask the area office to review same.

"North Leitrim Area office will review the situation at Corracloona National School, discuss with school management and investigate remedial measures."

I ask that the Council reconsider its decision regarding the removal of the street bins in Drumkeeran especially in the areas close to Lough Allen College.

Cllr. Bohan requested that bins be reinstated on a pilot basis.  The residents are impacted because of the misdeeds of the minority dumping household rubbish into bins and as a result the bins have been removed.  Bins are also needed at Priest Hill to facilitate students at Lough Allen College. 

Cllr. Mary Bohan requested that Leitrim County Council engage in a media campaign to encourage appropriate disposal of waste and recycling. Cllr. Mary Bohan also complimented Tidy Towns on their excellent work.

Cllr. Padraig Fallon and Cllr. Justin Warnock supported the Motion.

I ask that repairs be carried out on road number LT 42351 as soon as possible.

"The North Leitrim area office will assess l-42351 for repair works."

Cllr Bohan acknowledged the response and asked that the repairs be carried out as soon as possible.