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 17^th April 2023.

Members noted the response received from the ESB in relation to recent outages in the Killargue area. Cllr Mary Bohan that the outages occurred on numerous occasions and in one instance electricity was switched off to accommodate tree felling. Cllr Sean McDermott added that the whole of Manorhamilton was also out of power resulting in loss of medicines in pharmacies that rely on refrigeration.   Ms Mary Quinn informed the members that a response would issue to the ESB to clarify the dates of outages.

Members noted the response from Ms Fiona O’Shea, Local Link. Ms O’Shea will now be attending the full council meeting in July 2023.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean McDermott

SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED that the LIS Application of Mr. Jack Cullen/Ms. Mary Stephenson, Loughross, Glenfarne, Co. Leitrim be approved.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean McDermott

SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED that the Tidy Town Funding Allocations 2023 for Manorhamilton MD be approved.

I propose that Leitrim County Council examine the possibility of providing a plot of land in Dromahair for the provision of a Community Garden/Allotments.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Cllr Mary Bohan;

"I propose that Leitrim County Council examine the possibility of providing a plot of land in Dromahair for the provision of a Community Garden/Allotments."

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

"A review of Council owned land in the Dromahair area can take place to determine if a plot of land can be made available for use for a Community Garden/Allotments.

Cllr Mary Bohan welcomed the response and informed the members that she has been contacted by a group of people in Dromahair to provide land for allotments. A lot of towns throughout the country have community allotments. They provide an outlet for young people and encourage biodiversity in towns and villages.

Ms Mary Quinn asked Cllr Bohan if there were any specific sites that the group have identified for the allotments.

Cllr Bohan confirmed that there were no specific sites chosen at the moment.

Cllr Frank Dolan supported the motion and stated that community allotments on private property were not ideal for access.

Cllr Mary Bohan confirmed that there is an allotment currently on private property but it would be a huge advantage to move it to council owned land for accessibility for everyone in the community.

Cllrs Padraig Fallon and Justin Warnock supported the motion.

I propose that Leitrim County Council support in every possible way the proposal by the Killenumery Mens Shed Group to provide a Coilte walkway at the Five Crossroads. The proposal is being prepared and will be submitted under the Development Strand of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

"I propose that Leitrim County Council support in every possible way the proposal by the Killenumery Men's Shed Group to provide a Coillte walkway at the Five Crossroads. The proposal is being prepared and will be submitted under the Development Strand of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme."

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

"It is expected that the Department of Rural and Community Development will open the 2023 ORIS Scheme during the month of May, once this happens Leitrim County Council will advertise for expressions of interest and groups can submit same. The Development Measure has been available since 2021 and we would hope this measure will be included in the 2023 scheme again, this will be confirmed once the department announce the 2023 scheme.

Cllr Mary Bohan outlined that Killenumery have a very active Men’s Shed group who have conducted a number of meetings with Coillte on this proposed project at the Five Crossroads. There is no amenity or public walkway in this area and support needs to be provided.

Cllr Frank Dolan supported the motion. He stated that Coillte has offered support to the project.

Cllr Felim Gurn urged Leitrim County Council to collaborate with Coillte to deliver this project.

Cllr Padraig Fallon praised the Men’s Shed group, highlighting they have completed a lot of work and research for this project and are prepared to put the work in.

Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion.

I propose that works be carried out to improve sight lines at the Corraweehil junction on the Coolegreane road, there is extremely limited view here, possibly a convex mirror or otherwise removal of a corner.

"I propose that works be carried out to improve sight lines at the Corraweehil junction on the Coolegreane road, there is extremely limited view here, possibly a convex mirror or otherwise removal of a corner."

Report by Roads - General

"This junction will be included in 2024 applications for low cost safety measures which will be lodged towards the end of 2023."

Cllr Padraig Fallon confirmed that the map doesn’t have a road number for this road. Convex mirrors are not the preferred option but should be reviewed as a solution. The road needs funding as there is a very sharp incline of 45 degrees and the junction is very busy. Anyone going to Dowra or Newbridge will travel this road. There is currently no view on the road to the left and a very poor view to the right. Cllr Fallon suggested that interim measures such as removal of shrubs, trees and hedging be carried out as an interim measure.

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion.

Mr. Eric Gilroy confirmed that he would get the landowners contact information and investigate the possibility of removing hedging.

I ask housing what is the position with regard to painting the exterior of Local Authority housing. Is this role carried out by Council staff?

"I ask housing what is the position with regard to painting the exterior of Local Authority housing. Is this role carried out by Council staff?"

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

"The painting of the exterior of local authority housing is the responsibility of the tenant with each tenant assuming responsibility for repairs of a non-structural nature as part of his/her tenancy agreement.

Cllr Padraig Fallon stated that a number of elderly council tenants had contacted him seeking clarification on the roles and responsibilities of tenants in relation to painting of council houses. It is clear that the responsibility lies with the tenants. Cllr Fallon referred to a previous initiative where paint was made available with the assistance of Tidy Towns. This could be an alternative solution, or volunteer groups could facilitate painting works.

Ms Mary Quinn highlighted that if Leitrim County Council are carrying out painting works on housing voids in the area, then it may be possible to complete painting of housing if it located in the same area and there is surplus paint available. Currently Leitrim County Council do not have the resources or budget for a painting scheme for local authority housing.

Cllr Felim Gurn queried whether it was in the interest of Leitrim County Council to paint local authority housing on main streets for Tidy Towns evaluations?

Ms Mary Quinn confirmed that Leitrim County Council engage with Tidy Towns groups on a case by case basis regarding painting works.

Cllr Justin Warnock stated that he expected that this is the least that could be done by Leitrim County Council in regard to housing upkeep. He also highlighted fungus issues in Cora Laghta estate.

Ms Mary Quinn confirmed that the houses in this estate had been treated in the past but the issue can be reviewed.

I ask that the old unsafe fence be replaced on the R282 road that runs alongside Lough Melvin in Rossinver on the road to Garrison. I have raised this issue in the past.

"I ask that the old unsafe fence be replaced on the R282 road that runs alongside Lough Melvin in Rossinver on the road to Garrison. I have raised this issue in the past."

Report by Roads - General

"This proposal was included in the applications for low cost safety measures but no funding was allocated in 2023. The proposal will be included again in the applications for 2024 funding which is made towards the end of 2023.”

Cllr Sean McDermott highlighted that the road is very close to where swimming takes place and is extremely dangerous. He welcomed the fact that the road has been submitted for funding under Low Cost Safety Measures and outlined the importance of repairing fencing in this area as there is a risk of an accident taking place.

Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion and stressed that this is work that needs to be done as a matter of urgency. Throughout the years FÁS workers have maintained this area, however since FÁS disbanded there are no more workers in this area and it has fallen into disrepair.

Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion and urged the Council to take action.

I ask that the Area Engineer review a dangerous section of the N16 at Kathleen Mc Loughlin's house in the townland of Moneenshinnagh, Manorhamilton where there are two badly eroded patches of tarmac on this roadway.

"I ask that the Area Engineer review a dangerous section of the N16 at Kathleen Mc Loughlin's house in the townland of Moneenshinnagh, Manorhamilton where there are two badly eroded patches of tarmac on this roadway."

Report by Roads - General

"This section of the N16 is due for pavement strengthening and repairs, it is anticipated that works will commence in June 2023."

Cllr Sean McDermott outlined that there is a trench at the centre of the road and another one is located at McPartland Oils.

Mr. Eric Gilroy confirmed that the Area Office would be starting works on this road in the next few weeks and pavement strengthening works will be completed.

I ask the Area Engineer for an update on funding and legal issues in relation to the bridge walkway on Castle street in order to get it completed. Danger is mounting for pedestrians with traffic coming from all directions.

It was agreed to take the two motions relating to Castle Street, Manorhamilton

MMD.62.23 Motion from Councillor Felim Gurn
I ask the Area Engineer for an update on funding and legal issues in relation to the bridge walkway on Castle Street in order to get it completed. Danger is mounting for pedestrians with traffic coming from all directions."

MMD.63.23 Motion from Councillor Frank Dolan

"The provision of a footpath on the bridge at Castle Street in Manorhamilton still remains to be a necessary piece of infrastructure for the town. The funding that was allocated for this project in the past was diverted to another project in the town at the time. I ask that this be revisited again."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council is pursuing resolution of wayleave issues at this location to progress footpath proposals through statutory procedures. Once access to the lands is resolved an application for funding can be lodged with the NTA under Active Travel proposals.”

Cllr Felim Gurn stated that funding was received to complete safety measures on Castle Street, however legal issues persist. There is an issue with traffic exiting two carparks and HGVs that pose a huge risk to pedestrians. Funding was diverted two years ago to upgrade this area, however the project is no further on. Cllr Gurn urged Leitrim County Council to complete these much-needed works.

Cllr Frank Dolan highlighted that this is a health and safety issue for pedestrians. The two-way street is extremely narrow but continuous delays have resulted in this street still being an issue for Manorhamilton.

Cllr Felim Gurn outlined that there is an ownership issue and any funding or progress on the project will be stalled until the legal issues are resolved.

Cllr Sean McDermott, Cllr Mary Bohan and Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion.

Mr Eric Gilroy confirmed the wayleave issue is being pursued.

I ask what is the potential for a river walk for Manorhamilton?

"I ask what is the potential for a river walk for Manorhamilton?"

Report by Roads - General

"The Economic Development unit can be contacted by community groups regarding possible sources of funding for this proposal."

Cllr Felim Gurn confirmed that an area has been identified however legal issues exist as it is in private ownership. Manorhamilton is currently the only town in Leitrim with a river but without a river walk. Cllr Gurn confirmed that permissive access of two private landowners are required. This project would be hugely beneficial for the town.

Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion and highlighted that the river is a great asset for the town and Manorhamilton needs to take advantage of that.

Cllr Frank Dolan supported the motion and urged the council to make greater use of the potential of the town of Manorhamilton.

Cllr Justin Warnock stated that the Local Authority needs to step in and purchase the land required. He highlighted that permissive access may work in the short term, but access can be withdrawn.

The provision of a footpath on the bridge at Castle Street in Manorhamilton still remains to be a necessary piece of infrastructure for the town. The funding that was allocated for this project in the past was diverted to another project in the town at the time. I ask that this be revisited again.

"I ask Leitrim County Council if there has been any progress made in securing a Low-Cost Safety Scheme for the junction of the Carrickfad road with the R278. Both the increase in volume and speed of traffic on the R278 has made this work a necessity."

Report by Roads - General

"There is no funding available for low-cost measures at the R278 Carrickfad junction in 2023. The location will be included in the 2024 application for low cost safety measures made towards the end of 2023, if successful a design will be developed in 2024."

Cllr Frank Dolan welcomed the reply and stated that he hoped  funding would be successful for this project in 2024.

I recently received photos and a video from residents on the Loughside Road, Garrison, Co Fermanagh of raw sewage on the road from an unfinished development which ends up in Lough Melvin SAC as it is only metres away. Therefore, I ask Leitrim County Council to contact Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Northern Ireland Water and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs about this unacceptable situation.

"I recently received photos and a video from residents on the Loughside Road, Garrison, Co Fermanagh of raw sewage on the road from an unfinished development which ends up in Lough Melvin SAC as it is only metres away. Therefore, I ask Leitrim County Council to contact Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Northern Ireland Water and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs about this unacceptable situation”.

Cllr Justin Warnock explained that Lough Melvin is a shared lake and a water source for thousands of people in Bundoran and Ballyshannon. This serious issue needs to be addressed.

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion and highlighted recent correspondence from people in Garrison. She outlined that as a consequence of a stream being polluted and flowing into Lough Melvin, the treatment plant has not been able to take the additional pressure.

Cllr Justin Warnock outlined that anglers are currently working on a project for PEACE PLUS on the upper and lower Lough Neane. A lot of money has been made available for improving water quality. The fish in Lough Melvin are in danger of negligence from the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and needs to be addressed urgently.

Cllr Sean McDermott, Cllr Frank Dolan and Cllr Felim Gurn all supported the motion.

As the demand for 1, 2 and 3 bedroom Local Authority houses reaches unprecedented levels in Kinlough, I ask the Housing Department to accelerate the purchase of houses and the turnaround time of their own housing stock, also to mediate for extensions with landlords who have served notices to quit, before we end up with a homeless problem in this ever expanding new town.

"As the demand for 1, 2 and 3 bedroom Local Authority houses reaches unprecedented levels in Kinlough, I ask the Housing Department to accelerate the purchase of houses and the turnaround time of their own housing stock, also to mediate for extensions with landlords who have served notices to quit, before we end up with a homeless problem in this ever expanding new town."

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

"The Housing section of Leitrim County Council is acutely aware of the need to secure additional housing stock in the Kinlough area.The Housing section currently has a Turnkey proposal for 6 No. 2 bedroom houses with the DHLGH for approval. Subject to approval it is envisaged that these units will be delivered in Q3 2024.Leitrim County Council purchased 3 houses in Kinlough during 2022 and have went sale agreed on 1 other house in 2023 to date. The housing section is currently focussing on Tenant In Situ acquisitions (where the criteria is met) to prevent homelessness and recently went sale agreed on 1 further property in Kinlough. The housing section is fully committed to engaging with tenants that have been served with a Notice to Quit as well as with landlords in order to secure extensions to existing tenancies and failing that in securing alternative local authority housing where available.”

Cllr Justin Warnock highlighted the issues in relation to the high level of housing demand in  Kinlough as the town is growing and the need for the Council to purchase lands.

Cllr Sean McDermott stated that there is an urgent supply and demand issue for housing across the country.

Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion and agreed that a housing shortage exists across the country and especially larger towns and villages. He referred to the tenant in situ scheme and queried the requirement for a valid “notice to quit” to avail of  the scheme

Cllr Padraig Fallon proposed Leitrim County Council write to the Department of Housing to request that landlords do not have to issue “Notices to Quit” to their existing tenants in order to avail of the Tennant in Situ scheme.

Ms Mary Quinn provided an overview of the Tenant in Situ scheme.  She highlighted the increasing number of homeless presentations and notices to quit.  In response to Cllr Fallon’s query regarding additional staff, she outlined that no extra staff have been allocated to deal with homeless presentations, however the matter is being kept under review.

Ms Quinn stated that we are dealing with a very acute situation and the Housing Department of Leitrim County Council are aware of the situation.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Padraig Fallon

SECONDED by Cllr Justin Warnock

It was AGREED to write to the Minister for Housing to request that landlords do not have to issue “Notices to Quit” to their tenants in order to avail of the Tennant in Situ scheme.

Cllr Justin Warnock thanked the Housing  staff for engaging with landlords and  ...  view the full minutes text for item MMD.67.22

Cllr Mary Bohan highlighted the need for replacement of playground equipment in Drumkeeran. She outlinied that following a review of the equipment, a few items are currently damaged and require upgrades.

Ms Mary Quinn highlighted that there are limited funding streams available for playground upgrades outlining that funding is available under CLÁR and small allocations of funding are available from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. 

Cllr Mary Bohan stressed the need for protective fencing at the lower end of the works that have been undertaken at the Drumkeeran viewing area at the entrance to the village.

Mr. Eric Gilroy confirmed he would meet with the Drumkeeran Tidy Towns Group to discuss this issue.

Cllr Sean McDermott expressed a vote of sympathy for Gerry Finneran. He described Gerry as a great ambassador for Glenfarne , highlighting his contribution to festivals,  traditional music and dance..

Cllr Frank Dolan paid tribute to Leonie McKiernan, Leitrim Observer for her dedication to reporting on the Manorhamilton Municipal District meetings over the years. He thanked Leonie for her professionalism and her positive and helpful attitude and wished her well in the future.