Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Padraig Fallon

             SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Manorhamilton Municipal District Meeting of 20th February 2023.

Members noted the response received from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue to the recent correspondence seeking clarity on whether commercial afforestation, construction of windfarms and gold mining are now prohibited in designated areas under the ACRES scheme.

I propose that a boat launch, slipway be installed at Belhavel Lough, and general maintenance works be carried out at the existing car park at the lake.

"I propose that a boat launch, slipway be installed at Belhavel Lough, and general maintenance works be carried out at the existing car park at the lake."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council’s Road Section will survey the car park to investigate what maintenance works are required. If a local community group wishes to contact the Economic Development department, they can be assisted in making an application to a funding agency such as CLÁR / ORIS / Fisheries etc. for funding for upgrade works and a slipway."

Cllr Padraig Fallon stated that a number of individuals have contacted him in relation to the current state of the lake. He confirmed that the project would not require a lot of maintenance but rather a tidy of up of the area. The project would not require any significant funding to deliver a slipway.

Cllr Mary Bohan highlighted that it would be difficult to get a community group to make an application for funding, as the Lough is located in a sparsely populated area.

Cllr Padraig Fallon confirmed that there are a number of locals with boats that can’t get onto the lake and a slipway is needed to get access.

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion.

I ask if footpaths are surveyed in existing Local authority estates, repairs and maintenance are required in a number of estates. I further ask if funding is sought for footpath repairs and replacing.

"I ask if footpaths are surveyed in existing Local authority estates, repairs and maintenance are required in a number of estates. I further ask if funding is sought for footpath repairs and replacing."

Report by Roads - General

"Once resources are available to the Roads Division regarding footpaths a programme of works can be established to prioritise works required across the County in line with available resources. Efforts are ongoing to identify funding for such a programme."

Cllr Padraig Fallon stated that he has asked a number of times for support from Leitrim County Council in relation to the maintenance of housing estates. He highlighted that a large number of housing estates were built by the Local Authority in the 1970’s. He acknowledged that it was difficult to obtain funding and funds would have to come out of the roads budget. He questioned whether Leitrim County Council’s Roads and Housing Departments could collaborate to seek specialised funding for maintenance and repair of housing estates.

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion. She stated that the government funding was used to build the housing estates and government funding should be provided for their maintenance and upkeep.

Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion and highlighted that footpaths in housing estates built in the early 2000’s are also in bad condition. He proposed a survey of all Local Authority housing estates be completed to assess the current condition of each.

I ask the Council to contact the HSE to ascertain if there are any plans to refurbish and upgrade the Kiltyclogher Health Centre. I raised this issue previously during the Covid lockdown.

"I ask the Council to contact the HSE to ascertain if there are any plans to refurbish and upgrade the Kiltyclogher Health Centre. I raised this issue previously during the Covid lockdown."

Cllr Sean McDermott outlined he had previously highlighted that this centre was in danger of not reopening once Covid restrictions had lifted, however the centre is open and provides a vital service to the people of Kiltyclogher and the surrounding areas. The centre currently needs work to bring it up to standard and requested that Leitrim County Council write to the HSE to request refurbishment works be completed on the building.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean McDermott

SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn and Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED to write to the HSE in relation to the refurbishment of the Kiltyclogher Health Centre.

I ask that the issue of safety on the local road L2127 that comes off the R280 at the Iron Bridge, Mullies be looked at by the Area Office. The road edges come very close to the drains at several locations on this road resulting in several vehicles going over these road edges.

"I ask that the issue of safety on the local road L2127 that comes off the R280 at the Iron Bridge, Mullies be looked at by the Area Office. The road edges come very close to the drains at several locations on this road resulting in several vehicles going over these road edges."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council carried out flood alleviation works on the L-2127 in 2022, this work included strengthening of the verges on approach to the R280 within the existing lands for the road, widening of the road and junction will require additional lands. Leitrim County Council will investigate the feasibility of further works at this location to enhance safety."

Cllr Sean McDermott stressed that the road edges are very close to the road where grass and vegetation are growing. He expressed his concerns regarding cars who pull in on the verge may be in danger of slipping into the drain.

Mr Eric Gilroy confirmed that the road had been reviewed last year and verge filling had been completed. He acknowledged that this was still an issue, however because there is no additional space along the verge. The verge is constrained by the adjacent land to carry out strengthening works. Mr Gilroy confirmed he would review the road again and check the feasibility of a project under a Safety Scheme.

I wish to raise the issue of road safety and lack of signage on the road from Dromahaire to Sligo via Parke's Castle. As we know this is narrow with numerous bad bends and runs quite close to the lake shore in many places. I ask that this would be looked at.

"I wish to raise the issue of road safety and lack of signage on the road from Dromahaire to Sligo via Parke's Castle. As we know this is narrow with numerous bad bends and runs quite close to the lake shore in many places. I ask that this would be looked at."

Report by Roads - General

"Low cost safety measures were implemented in 2021 along this route with signage erected at a number of locations to guide road users, Leitrim County Council will review to investigate if modifications can be implemented to further enhance the safety measures along this route."

Cllr Frank Dolan confirmed that he had received correspondence from a visitor to the area highlighting the dangers on the narrow roads due to lack of signage.

Mr Eric Gilroy confirmed he would review the road and outlined that in 2021 signage had been installed along this road.

Cllr Frank Dolan highlighted that there are a number of bad bends on the Leitrim side of the road that has created an element of danger.

In recent weeks we all received a letter from the board of management of Leckaun NS seeking traffic calming measures to be put in place on road no. R278 which runs past the school. I ask that this be given consideration by our engineering staff.

"In recent weeks we all received a letter from the board of management of Leckaun NS seeking traffic calming measures to be put in place on road no. R278 which runs past the school. I ask that this be given consideration by our engineering staff."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council applied for a Low Cost Safety Scheme at this location in 2023 but the application was unsuccessful. Enhancement and improvement of the existing safety measures can be implemented once funding is allocated.”

Cllr Frank Dolan stated he had received a letter from Leckaun NS regarding this issue and explained that parents are concerned about the level of speed on this road. He outlined that the school is located on a straight stretch of road and despite flashing amber beacons and signage already in place, they have been ignored. He highlighted the need for the implementation of road safety measures to reduce speed on this road. He acknowledged that parking issues at the school had been resolved with funding received.

The level of speed on the N16 from St. Clare’s National school to Mace petrol station by cars and HGVs needs to be looked at by the TII. I ask Leitrim County Council to progress this.

"The level of speed on the N16 from St. Clare’s National school to Mace petrol station by cars and HGVs needs to be looked at by the TII. I ask Leitrim County Council to progress this."

Report by Roads – General

"St Clare’s National school has qualified for the Safe Routes to School scheme through An Taisce and funded by the National Transport Authority. Leitrim County Council are currently drafting documents to procure consultants to progress a design for the area, concerns raised in this motion will be highlighted for investigation during the preliminary design stage. Furthermore, Leitrim County Council will carry out speed detection surveys along the N16 to the Mace petrol station to investigate if there is justification for additional traffic calming measures. The approval of Transport Infrastructure Ireland will be required for any changes along the N16.”

Cllr Felim Gurn expressed his concerns that the level of speed on this road has increased along with an increase in traffic levels and artic lorries. He highlighted the need for signage for reduced speed limits otherwise safety concerns regarding the road remain.

Mr Eric Gilroy stated that he would review speed detection technology on this road.

Cllr Sean McDermott stated that as more and more of the N16 is realigned the volume of traffic is increasing.

Cllr Frank Dolan outlined that the current signage is not working and is being ignored by traffic.

Cllr Felim Gurn highlighted that large signs are in place in Northern Ireland to alert drivers to speeds and road dangers and these signs would appear to be effective.

Cllr Mary Bohan stated that cars won’t slow down for the current signage.

Cllr Frank Dolan outlined that it takes physical interventions on roads to slow down traffic and these should be explored.

Under the National Transport Strategy people are encouraged to use more public transport. In order to accommodate all potential users of public transport, the transport providers need to look at the times and schedules of buses as well as considering who is using their buses e.g., employees, students etc. and have bus schedules between Sligo and Enniskillen flexible to meet demand. The Rural Link buses between Carrick on Shannon and Bundoran also need to be cognisant of users. In addition, the strategy needs to consider the night time economy in rural areas.

"Under the National Transport Strategy people are encouraged to use more public transport. In order to accommodate all potential users of public transport, the transport providers need to look at the times and schedules of buses as well as considering who is using their buses e.g., employees, students etc. and have bus schedules between Sligo and Enniskillen flexible to meet demand. The Rural Link buses between Carrick on Shannon and Bundoran also need to be cognisant of users. In addition, the strategy needs to consider the night time economy in rural areas."

Cllr Felim Gurn proposed the implementation of a local link route between Sligo and Enniskillen to allow workers and students public transport to Sligo. He also raised concerns about the level of numbers on local link services at certain times. He proposed a review of Local Link to all routes to determine if routes are efficient and feasible.

Cllr Felim Gurn requested that Leitrim County Council issue an invite to Local Link to attend an upcoming Manorhamilton MD meeting to discuss what services are to be rolled out in future and review the current services on offer.

Cllr Sean McDermott highlighted that people don’t have access to restaurants, pubs in the evening times due to lack of night time services. This is harming the night-time economy. He outlined that Manorhamilton has no taxi services currently in place.

Cllr Felim Gurn outlined that people have to go to Sligo to get from Manorhamilton to Enniskillen. He also confirmed that there were three applications for a hackney service. He expressed his frustration at the lack of bus services and taxi services in Manorhamilton and raised concerns that the North West is being left behind.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Felim Gurn

SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott, Cllr Mary Bohan and Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED to write to Local Link to invite them to attend an upcoming meeting of the Manorhamilton MD.

I ask what progress has been made regarding the sourcing of funding for the proposed walkway from Drumkeeran to Spencer Harbour.

"I ask what progress has been made regarding the sourcing of funding for the proposed walkway from Drumkeeran to Spencer Harbour."

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

"In 2022 an expression of interest was received from Drumkeeran Tidy Towns in relation to this project under ORIS Measure 3 2022. The evaluation panel felt that some development work needed to be done on this project in terms of design and planning before it would go in as a Measure 3 application. This is a very worthwhile project, the group should consider the ORIS Development Measure in 2023, initially to progress the project.

This scheme will be advertised later in the year and if Drumkeeran Tidy Towns or another local community group wishes to make an application they should contact the Economic Development department, who administers this scheme and can assist them in progressing their application."

Cllr Mary Bohan outlined that the Drumkeeran Tidy Towns group submitted an application in 2022 for the delivery of a walkway from Spencer Harbour to Drumkeeran because local people in the areas requested an active travel option.

Cllr Mary Bohan asked Leitrim County Council what assistance would be given to Drumkeeran Tidy Towns on this project as the group cannot contribute financially or technically. She highlighted that the group were successful under CLÁR 2022 for the delivery of an extended footpath and carparking at the playground located along the Manorhamilton road. These works are being completed by Leitrim County Council.

Ms Nicola McManus explained the application process advising that this project may fit best under the ORIS project development measure initially to deal with design and planning issues and it is expected that the scheme will launch in May 2023.

Expressions of interest for funding under the scheme will be advertised. She confirmed that Leitrim County Council can provide assistance with completing the application form for this project.

Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion. He acknowledged that this is a great chance for Drumkeeran to connect to Spencer Harbour and take advantage of tourists who come to cruise on the lake. He highlighted that it would be a great economic benefit for the village.

Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion and agreed that the Drumkeeran Tidy Towns would not be a position to make a financial contribution to this project.

I propose that Leitrim County Council contact Waterways Ireland again regarding the provision of the slipway for small boats at Spencer Harbour. Planning permission was granted for this project some time ago.

"I propose that Leitrim County Council contact Waterways Ireland again regarding the provision of the slipway for small boats at Spencer Harbour. Planning permission was granted for this project some time ago.

Cllr Mary Bohan explained that planning permission has been approved for this project however no progress has been made. She requested that Leitrim Council once again contact Waterways Ireland for an update on the progress of this project.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED to write to Waterways Ireland to seek an update on the provision of slipway for small boats at Spencer Harbour.

Cllr Felim Gurn highlighted that the Manorhamilton Show committee have received correspondence form Leitrim County Council that a charge of €350-450 will be levied in respect of advertising the temporary closing of the street. He expressed his frustration with this charge on top of escalating insurance costs. He requested clarity from Leitrim County Council on this charge and whether this was a new charge for community groups in relation to closing of streets for events.

Cllr Padraig Fallon confirmed that the fee was in place pre-Covid and sought clarity from Leitrim County Council regarding the waiving of the fee. He stated that the temporary closing of a roads/streets requires two notices – Notice of intention and the advertisement highlighting the road closure. He stated that the temporary closing of roads should be free to community groups.

It was agreed that clarification would be sought on the issue and members informed of the outcome.

Cllr Mary Bohan paid tribute to all the local community groups who worked hard to deliver St. Patrick’s Day parades around the county. She acknowledged that an enormous amount of hard work had been carried out to deliver floats and events and this work behind the scenes is often unseen.

Cllr Sean McDermott and Cllr Dolan supported Cllr Bohan and acknowledged the efforts of all organising committees and parade participants.

This concluded the business of the meeting at 15:10