Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean McDermott

              SECONDED by Cllr Justin Warnock

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Manorhamilton Municipal District Meeting of 12^th December 2022.

Correspondence from the Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Ossian Smyth in relation to broadband provision in Drumkeerin was noted.

Cllr Mary Bohan expressed her dissatisfaction with this response and stated that further information will be sought from the NBI, who have been invited to attend a full council meeting in future.

Acknowledgements were received from the Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath and Minister of State at the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief , Patrick O`Donovan TD,

to the recent correspondence issued in relation to funding for drainage works following the Shass mountain landslide.

Follow up correspondence from the HSE in relation to the loss of morgue facilities in Our Lady’s Hospital Manorhamilton was noted.  However, this correspondence provided no further clarity on the return of morgue services in Manorhamilton. Cllr Frank Dolan stated that the morgue was used to provide a funeral service before Christmas. Ms Mary Quinn stated that further clarity would be sought from the HSE on this matter. 

I ask if Windmill Park Estate, Drumkeeran has been forwarded to the Capital Projects Office to prepare a Site Resolution Plan and tender documents to enable it to be considered for taking in charge.

"I ask if Windmill Park Estate, Drumkeeran has been forwarded to the Capital Projects Office to prepare a Site Resolution Plan and tender documents to enable it to be considered for taking in charge."

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

"Leitrim County Council recently appointed ORS design consultant to prepare site resolution plans for 7 estates of which Windmill Park is one. It is expected to have this plan completed within the next three months.

The preparation of a Site Resolution Plan will thereafter enable the commencement of the consultation process between the Council and Irish Water which must be concluded before the taking in charge of the development can be considered.

It should be noted that the current taking in charge processes relate only to the southern cul-de-sac (ie closest to Drumkeerin village) as the northern cul-de-sac is in charge."

Cllr Padraig Fallon acknowledged the reply and expressed satisfaction that progress was being made regarding the taking in charge of this housing estate. He stressed the importance of Leitrim County Council to abide by this timeline.

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion and emphasised that the pace of progress for the taking in charge of estates is key. She outlined that the timelines for other housing estates in Leitrim have been constantly pushed back and delayed leaving residents without proper services.

I ask what is the up to date position with regard to farmers being able to burn rushes, brush, scrub, pruning etc. There is confusion among farmers around this issue. Many in this Municipal are seeking clarity on this issue.

"I ask what is the up to date position with regard to farmers being able to burn rushes, brush, scrub, pruning etc. There is confusion among farmers around this issue. Many in this Municipal are seeking clarity on this issue."

Report by Environment

"In February 2022 the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications signed the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal By Burning) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I No. 738 of 2020) extending until 1st January 2023 an exemption provided for under the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009 (SI No. 286 of 2009) as amended, which exists to allow farmers, as a last resort, to dispose of green wastes generated by agricultural practices through burning.

This exemption from the Waste Management Act expired on 1st Jan 2023 and the Council now awaits a decision as to whether the Minister will approve a further exemption for 2023 allowing farmers to burn agricultural green waste, as a last resort.

In late 2022, the Department conducted a feasibility study for alternatives to burning agricultural green waste but there have not been any updates or outcomes published since then."

Cllr Padraig Fallon outlined that he had received numerous calls from farmers regarding the issue of burning green waste and the current uncertainty regarding the legality of the practice. Cllr Padraig Fallon stated that he hopes that the Minister for Agriculture will extend the current exemption that has now expired. He asked that Leitrim County Council write to the Minister for Agriculture to ask for a further extension to the current Waste Management Act allowing burning of green waste.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Padraig Fallon

SECONDED by All members

It was AGREED to write to the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue requesting an extension to the exemption to the Waste Management Act 2013 which allows farmers, as a last resort, to dispose of green wastes generated by agricultural practices through burning.

I propose that Leitrim Co Council carry out hedge cutting on the Drumkeeran\Dowra road in the Kilmore\Cloonmone area in the interest of road safety.

"I propose that Leitrim Co Council carry out hedge cutting on the Drumkeeran\Dowra road in the Kilmore\Cloonmone area in the interest of road safety."

Report by Roads - General

"This North Leitrim area office will review the area 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. It should also be noted that the Hedge Cutting Grant incentive scheme is open for applications until the end of this month."

Cllr Mary Bohan stated that Leitrim County Council should address this issue as a matter of urgency. She acknowledged that landowners do have responsibility to maintain hedges on their private property, however if the landowner does not act, then the hedgerows should not be left unattended and become a danger to road safety. She stressed that Leitrim County Council has been proactive in completing hedge cutting once the hedgerows and trees become a road safety issue and this work was completed previously on the Drumshanbo to Dowra road. She asked that the hedge cutting be completed on the Drumkeeran\Dowra and Kilmore\Cloonmone roads as a matter of urgency.

Cllr Justin Warnock asked Mr. Eric Gilroy, North Leitrim Area Engineer how many hedge cutting notices issued to landowners in 2023, to date. Mr. Gilroy confirmed that no notices yet issued to landowners in 2023.Cllr Justin Warnock advised that hedgecutting notices for landowners should be advertised in the Leitrim Observer and on Ocean fm.

Cllr Frank Dolan added that Donegal County Council run PR campaign every year on local radio reminding landowners of their responsibility to maintain hedgerows and trees on their private lands.

Cllr Justin Warnock expressed his disappointment with the uptake of the Hedge Cutting grant available in Leitrim.

Cllr Padraig Fallon stated that the grant is an excellent incentive and will cover the costs of hiring a hedge cutting contractor. Hedge cutting costs will become lower if maintained every year and can be covered by the grant.

I ask what is the current position regarding the provision of public lighting in the Acres Estate in Dromahair.

"I ask what is the current position regarding the provision of public lighting in the Acres Estate in Dromahair."

Report by Roads - General

"The Acres Estate in Dromahair is currently under consideration for taking in charge, Public Lighting in the Acres Estate is also being surveyed for remedial/upgrade works and will be addressed as soon as possible."

Cllr Mary Bohan expressed her dissatisfaction with this response. She stated that the response to her motion in the November Municipal District meeting confirmed that Leitrim County Council would progress with upgrades to both the public lighting and footpaths around the Acres estate, however neither the owner of the Acres estate nor Electric Skyline have yet been contacted by Leitrim County Council in relation to these works.

She stressed the importance of these works as residents have been left without public lighting in the estate and the footpaths are a danger to public safety. Cllr Frank Dolan, Cllr Justin Warnock and Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion.

Cllr Frank Dolan stated that the most dissatisfactory aspect arising from the ongoing delays to the taking in charge housing estates is the lack of clarity that can be provided to residents regarding timelines, as so many deadlines have already been missed.

I have been contacted by a number of residents on the Drumlease road in Dromahaire seeking footpaths and public lighting for this road, it is used by numerous people who walk on a nightly basis.

"I have been contacted by a number of residents on the Drumlease road in Dromahaire seeking footpaths and public lighting for this road, it is used by numerous people who walk on a nightly basis."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council have applied for funding through the National Transport Authority under the Active Travel Investment Grant for the design and construction of a footpath on Drumlease Road from Churchfield Estate to Drumlease National School. The purpose of this scheme is to facilitate children and parents to walk safely to school. This scheme is currently on a list awaiting approval to progress.

A section of footpath on Drumlease road (L4165) towards Drumkeerin does not meet the criteria for an Active Travel Scheme. The NTA are prioritising funding for new cycleway/footpaths in urban areas within the speed limits."

Cllr Frank Dolan outlined that there are a number of houses on the other side of the village that have access to public lighting, however there is no public lighting in this particular area.

An accident has taken place in Killargue on the R280 in recent days, I ask that LCC deal with this situation immediately as it is extremely dangerous.

"An accident has taken place in Killargue on the R280 in recent days, I ask that LCC deal with this situation immediately as it is extremely dangerous."

Report by Roads – General
"The North Leitrim roads section has secured the site of the accident and will carry out repairs works to the road as soon as possible."

Cllr Frank Dolan expressed his satisfaction with the reply and acknowledged that Leitrim County Council responded to this incident quickly, when contacted.

Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion and highlighted that the bend on this stretch of road is too narrow for lorries. He stated that something must be done about this and urged the Roads Department to review widening of the road.

Cllr Frank Dolan reiterated Cllr Padraig Fallon’s comments and stated the road margin in this area is of poor quality.

Mr Eric Gilroy added that this road will be included for funding under the Specific Improvement Grant (SIG) and the verge will be reinstated as soon as possible.

Cllr Sean McDermott proposed the use of temporary traffic lights on this road as a safety precaution.

I ask if safety measures can be addressed on regional road R282 at Brackary, Manorhamilton, where there are bends on the road and also high banks close to the edge of the roadside.

"I ask if safety measures can be addressed on regional road R282 at Brackary, Manorhamilton, where there are bends on the road and also high banks close to the edge of the roadside."

Report by Roads - General

"The location will be assessed for feasibility of additional safety measures. However it should be noted that works were carried out along the R282 under a low Cost safety grant in recent years. The only other source of funding that could be investigated is a Specific Improvement Grant."

Cllr Sean McDermott highlighted that the road is extremely busy and contains lots of bends. This has created a dangerous situation for road users. He stated that previously Leitrim County Council discussed the possibility of purchasing land to widen the road, however this was not completed. He outlined that the only long-term solution available to address this dangerous road is the purchase of land along this road by Leitrim County Council to allow widening and implementation of road safety measures.

I ask if footpaths at Kilcoo Road, Kiltyclogher can be repaired where they are uneven and dangerous.

"I ask if footpaths at Kilcoo Road, Kiltyclogher can be repaired where they are uneven and dangerous."

Report by Roads - General

"There is no specific allocation of funding in the roadworks program for Footpath works. However, these footpaths will be assessed for repair/upgrade and feasibility of including their repair in any future program of footpath works, will be investigated subject to the availability of funding."

Cllr Sean McDermott emphasised that the condition of these footpaths has gotten worse and are a safety concern. He urged Leitrim County Council to avail of funding to complete these works.

Mr. Eric Gilroy stated that he would review the footpaths and indicated that temporary works could be completed until funding would be made available to upgrade the footpaths.

All members supported the motion.

I ask Leitrim County Council to write to the Minister for Transport, Environment, Climate Action and Communications Eamon Ryan TD for funding for the construction of passing bays on a number of our regional and local roads to improve road safety and enhance the development of a tourism industry for the Manorhamilton Municipal District. This MD could be used as a pilot scheme as a National rollout is something which is necessary and should be considered.

"I ask Leitrim County Council to write to the Minister for Transport, Environment, Climate Action and Communications Eamon Ryan TD for funding for the construction of passing bays on a number of our regional and local roads to improve road safety and enhance the development of a tourism industry for the Manorhamilton Municipal District. This MD could be used as a pilot scheme as a national rollout is something which is necessary and should be considered."

Cllr Justin Warnock outlined  that there were a number of roads in North Leitrim that are very narrow and have increased usage. He acknowledged that funding for the provision of passing bays would not be available under the Roads budget, however, he requested that Leitrim County Council write to the Minister to request specialised funding to deliver passing bays on narrow local and regional roads within Leitrim. He stated that Leitrim can be a Pilot county for the delivery of this project.

Cllr Justin Warnock highlighted the increasing popularity of the Local Link services in rural areas of Co. Leitrim, however the roads are too narrow for the passing of buses including school buses on these local roads. If Leitrim County Council wishes to enhance the tourism potential of North Leitrim investment in this infrastructure will improve access for tourists. He highlighted that passing bays are an important part of the road network and have been delivered on rural roads in Scotland.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Justin Warnock

SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott and Cllr Mary Bohan

It was AGREED to write to Minister for Transport, Environment, Climate Action and Communications Eamon Ryan for specialised funding for the construction of passing bays on regional and local roads to improve road safety and enhance the development of the  tourism potential in Leitrim.

Following the harsh frost and black ice in mid-December which caused great distress to many people and caused many personal injuries and accidents in this part of North Leitrim I ask that Leitrim County Council seek funding under the Climate Action Plan to provide salt/grit boxes at a number of locations including schools, pre-schools, public buildings, main streets and housing estates in the towns and villages of Municipal District. Also that supplies of grit would be delivered to the designated areas in December and replenished when necessary over the winter.

"Following the harsh frost and black ice in mid-December which caused great distress to many people and caused many personal injuries and accidents in this part of North Leitrim, I ask that Leitrim County Council seek funding under the Climate Action Plan to provide salt/grit boxes at a number of locations including  schools, pre schools, public buildings, main streets and housing estates in the towns and villages of Municipal District. Also that supplies of grit would be delivered to the designated areas in December and replenished when necessary over the winter."

Report by Roads - General

"During severe weather conditions Leitrim County Council make available grit at locations throughout the county to enable people in the community to use it to treat local roads, hills etc that we are never going to be able to get to due to the demand on our resources. This grit is available for any person to use but they will not be working for Leitrim County Council when spreading this grit. At present we have 45 of these locations across the county and they are detailed in the Winter Maintenance Plan. In addition to this, there is a scheme where residents associations and business etc., can purchase a salt bin and salt for their housing estates or business premises from the council. They will be charged a nominal fee.

The applications for Climate Action and Resilience works are made in November each year and the type of projects that are normally funded include permanent adaptation /resilience works on roads, bridges, drainage etc., that are necessary due to the effect of Climate Change with priority given measures that will prevent or mitigate against a re-occurrence of the event in the future."

Cllr Justin Warnock highlighted that many housing estates do not have a Residents Association anymore due to the large burden of responsibility being placed on them for the maintenance of footpaths, roads and green areas within housing estates. Cllr Warnock stated that the had spoken to the local Tidy Towns groups who had agreed that a portion of Tidy Towns funding could be diverted towards the provision of grit boxes in housing estates for spreading on roadways and footpaths within the estate.

Ms Mary Quinn outlined that it would not be envisaged that funding for tidy towns activities could be used in this regard.

Cllr Justin Warnock queried whether there is discretionary funding available within the Municipal District that could fund this project.

Ms Mary Quinn confirmed that there is no discretionary income available. She highlighted that the purchase of salt boxes at €170 with salt is reasonable and not excessive.

Cllr Sean McDermott stressed that national funding should be made available for the provision of grit boxes for estates and local communities. He emphasised that it would be an excellent idea. With the closure of RSS schemes around rural towns and villages, the Tidy Towns groups have taken over the maintenance of green areas and streets. He commended the excellent work  ...  view the full minutes text for item MMD.12.23

Cllr Mary Bohan proposed a vote of sympathy be expressed to the Smith family on the recent passing of Cavan County Councillor Sean Smith. Cllr Bohan stated she had worked with Sean in the Northern & Western Regional Assembly. She paid tribute to her former colleague and described him as a very hardworking man who was dedicated to public service.

All Members supported the motion.

This concluded the business of the meeting at 15:15.