Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Felim Gurn

             SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District Meeting of 19^th June 2023.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Justin Warnock

             SECONDED by Cllr Mary Bohan

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Manorhamilton Municipal District Meeting of 19^th June 2023.

Members noted the response received from the ESB in relation to recent outages in the Killargue area. Cllr Mary Bohan expressed her dissatisfaction with the response stating that the recent outages lasting whole days were not adequately explained. In some instances, she outlined that people were without power for 8-9 hours. She requested that Leitrim County Council respond to this letter expressing the need for adequate notice to be issued in relation to future planned outages and emphasising the need for consideration to be given to people with medical equipment that relies on an electricity supply.

Cllr Felim Gurn requested that the reply also highlight the damaging effects outages have on local pharmacies who require refrigeration for medicines and vaccines.

Cllr Padraig Fallon requested that the reply letter also seek clarity from the ESB regarding access to poles or transformers in forest areas, as access issues can prolong the down time until outages are repaired.

Cllr Justin Warnock questioned, in the event of a fault taking place on Coillte lands who is liable for compensation for losses during outages, the ESB or Coillte?

Members noted acknowledgements received from the Minister for Education Ms Norma Foley, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Bord Gáis in reply to recent correspondence arising from the June Municipal District Meeting. 

Mr David McGlinchey from KPMG gave a presentation on the draft Objectives and Actions of the Leitrim Local Economic & Community Plan (LECP).  David informed the members that the LECP is a 6-year framework with six high level goals.  The objectives will address specific areas related to the goals. Actions and key performance indicators (KPIs) form part of the implementation plan and will support delivery of goals, objectives and the desired outcomes.  Cllr Felim Gurn thanks Mr. Mc Glinchey for the presentation and there followed a lengthy discussion on the presentation the following questions and feedback was provided:

Cllr Justin Warnock asked:

·       How much public engagement was received during the LECP consultation process?

·       What sectors were the 1,000 jobs highlighted forecasted for?

·       How will the LECP achieve enhancement of biodiversity in Leitrim, stating that 20%/30,000 hectares has been planted with licences continuing to be granted. How will the LECP address this growing issue in Leitrim?

Cllr Warnock highlighted that due to the proximity to Sligo and Donegal, there are no real figures for third level activity in Leitrim.

He also enquired whether the plan has education objectives that are specific for Leitrim and expressed his concerns that Leitrim is not getting the plan that we need?

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the issues highlighted by Cllr Warnock. In relation to the objective regarding sustaining rural communities, Cllr Bohan highlighted the current issues that exist in regard to planning permission approvals and expressed concerns about the push towards the town centres which could potentially leave the rural areas for farming purposes only.

Cllr Bohan also expressed her dissatisfaction with the serious issues with septic tanks in Leitrim,  highlighting that a viable engineering solution is required and must be supported by the EPA.

Cllr Bohan highlighted the need to sustain rural communities including schools, GAA clubs and amenities and emphasised the importance of housing to achieve this goal. If activities and services are lost in rural communities, this will force more and more people to have to drive further away.

Cllr Bohan requested that these issues affecting Leitrim be highlighted in the new LECP plan.

Cllr Frank Dolan thanked Mr McGlinchey for his presentation. He complemented Mr McGlinchey on the preparation of a comprehensive report and questioned the feasibility of a third level institution in Leitrim and also queried who will have the responsibility to complete a review of the plan after 2 years?

Cllr Mary Bohan informed the members that the MSLETB Strategy aims to bring strands of existing training courses together including apprenticeships. With ATU Sligo now achieving university status, new and existing courses in Co. Leitrim will link with ATU Sligo for entry routes.

Cllr Frank Dolan expressed his fears of the obstacles affecting rural planning in Co. Leitrim and the negative effects this will have on rural populations.

Cllr Padraig Fallon highlighted that rural planning is the crux of the issue affecting the future of Leitrim. Families want to return to Leitrim, and they can’t. He acknowledged the Croí Conaithe  ...  view the full minutes text for item MMD.3.22

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

             SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED to approve the following LIS grants.

1. LIS roadway at Magurk, Leckaun – Spokesperson Liam Martin (Ref. 101)

The estimated Total Cost of the project is €113,835

2. LIS roadway at Corlea, Rossinver – Spokesperson Enda McGuinnes (Ref. 002)

The estimated Total Cost of the project is €70,400

3. LIS roadway at Tawley, Castlegal – Spokesperson Kathleen Murtagh (Ref. 164)

The estimated Total Cost of the project is €81,730

4. LIS roadway at Leckaun – Spokesperson Paul McDermott (Ref. 149)

The estimated Total Cost of the project is €119,462

5. LIS roadway at Lisgorman, Dromahair – Spokesperson Gerry Sheridan (Ref. 053)

The estimated Total Cost of the project is €132,876

6. LIS roadway at Kiltyfeenaghty, Drumkeeran – Spokesperson Peter Lowe (Ref. 190)

The estimated Total Cost of the project is €108,720

Cllr Mary Bohan acknowledged that many applicants have been waiting a long time to be approved for LIS funding. She stated that with rising costs of construction additional funding will be required to sustain the scheme and ensure that applicants can continue to be approved for funding or else the scheme runs the risk of increasing its waiting list once again.

Cllr Frank Dolan highlighted that there are issues with almost every LIS application in relation to communities and if not resolved then applicants are at risk of having their application withdrawn. He expressed the need for more funding.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

             SECONDED by Cllr Frank Dolan

It was AGREED to write to the Department of Rural and Community Development to seek additional funding for Co. Leitrim in respect of the Local Improvement Scheme.

Ms Nicola McManus provided an update to the members on broadband in Co. Leitrim. She highlighted that surveying work has been completed in a number of areas including Manorhamilton, Carrigallen and Roosky with S254 licences currently in process for poles etc related to the build phase in these areas. The rollout of SIRO fibre broadband has commenced in Carrick on Shannon with the build stage commencing in May and to be completed by the end of 2023.

Ms McManus provided an overview of the 12 Broadband Connection Points – BCPs located around Co. Leitrim. A national BCP strategy is being developed currently by the Dept to support future development of the BCP’s and a new national website for the BCP’s is being developed.

The presentation provided information to members on the current Digital Strategy outlining how actions are being delivered under pillars 1-4 of the plan.

Cllr Justin Warnock highlighted that statistics for Bundoran area would include Askill and Kinlough. Cllr Mary Bohan enquired if Drumkeerin and Dromhair areas were included on the list?

Ms McManus confirmed that these areas are included in the Manorhamilton and Bundoran Areas.

Cllr Felim Gurn outlined that Manorhamilton had fibre optic broadband 15 years ago and that service providers are still using this old infrastructure for supply. He also stated that some areas located along the R280 do not have telephone coverage, let alone broadband coverage.

Cllr Mary Bohan thanked Ms McManus for her presentation. She thanked Ms McManus for her assistance in progressing high speed broadband to the Enterprise Units in Drumkeerin. The supply of reliable fast broadband will make a huge difference to the facility and the units can be marketed confidently in future.

The Killenummery Community Committee has expressed concerns about overhanging trees that are obscuring the view of motorists at the bridge adjacent to Killenummery Hall. I ask Leitrim County Council to examine this as it could lead to a serious traffic accident.

"The Killenummery Community Committee has expressed concerns about overhanging trees that are obscuring the view of motorists at the bridge adjacent to Killenummery Hall. I ask Leitrim County Council to examine this as it could lead to a serious traffic accident."

Report by Roads Department
"The Roads Section will investigate this location to see if corrective action is required."

Cllr Frank Dolan welcomed the reply and highlighted that several members of the Manorhamilton MD have been contacted on the issue. He hopes a timely and efficient solution can be found.

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion.

I ask that Leitrim County Council carry out some grass and verge trimming on the lake road in Glencar as this road is now at its busiest.

"I ask that Leitrim County Council carry out some grass and verge trimming on the lake road in Glencar as this road is now at its busiest."

Report by Roads Department

"The Roads Section will assess the route. Routine hedge cutting operations are expected to commence in the coming weeks."

Councillor Frank Dolan acknowledged that the issue of hedge cutting comes up every year and highlighted that hedges cut during the hedge cutting season have regrown by June resulting in obscured views and a narrowing of the road to dangerous levels.

Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion and highlighted that residents along this road are hugely frustrated. There are a small number of individuals who despite being contacted by Leitrim County Council every year to cut hedges refuse to do so. Leitrim County continue to issue enforcement letters, but no action is taken. He questioned the possibility of Leitrim County Council billing landowners for hedge cutting for hedges located along public roads.

I ask the Local Authority planning department if it can provide an update with regard to the taking in charge of the Windmill Park estate, Drumkeeran.

"I ask the Local Authority planning department if it can provide an update with regard to the taking in charge of the Windmill Park estate, Drumkeeran."

Report by Planning

"While the Council is giving consideration to the taking in charge of the remaining portion of Windmill Park, it cannot give any commitment on when it, or any other estate, will be finalised for taking in charge. As previously advised, the taking in charge process requires the Council to engage with and obtain the agreement of Uisce Éireann to the taking in charge of the water services being that are being considered for taking in charge prior to the formal taking in charge of any estate. The Council will not be progressing any estate to final taking in charge until such time as it has obtained the agreement of Uisce Éireann to do so."

Cllr Padraig Fallon expressed his frustration with Uisce Éireann continuously holding up the taking in charge of housing estates.

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion and expressed her disappointment with the reply. She acknowledged the work of the Drumkeerin Tidy Towns in achieving funding for the development of a new footpath and lighting to the estate, however the takeover of the estate is not progressing.

Cllr Padraig Fallon explained that one half of the estate has been taken in charge while the other half remains in a state of uncertainty.

I ask if there are any plans to increase staffing levels, outdoor, skilled, trades, in the Housing section of Leitrim County Council.

Motion from Councillor Padraig Fallon and Councillor Felim Gurn

It was agreed to take the two motions together relating to staffing levels in the Housing Department of Leitrim County Council.

"I ask if there are any plans to increase staffing levels, outdoor, skilled, trades, in the Housing section of Leitrim County Council."

I ask are there enough staff to carry out repairs on council owned tenant housing? Frustrated tenants are ringing elected representatives to get repairs done and it is taking too long to get the works complete.

"I ask are there enough staff to carry out repairs on council owned tenant housing? Frustrated tenants are ringing elected representatives to get repairs done and it is taking too long to get the works complete."

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

"There are currently two Housing work crews available to undertake routine housing maintenance in the Manorhamilton area and there are no immediate plans to increase Housing staff numbers. Each crew currently consists of a Craftsperson and a general operative. These in house crews are supplemented by external contractors for specialist works such as electrical and plumbing repairs and building works when they are required. The recent increase in Notice To Quit being served on HAP tenants and the risk of homelessness has resulted in the housing crews working to turn around all casual vacancies as quickly as possible so as to have these houses available for tenanting and help prevent homeless presentations

Cllr Padraig Fallon stated that this motion is brought to the Manorhamilton MD every year. He welcomes the addition of new staff to the local authority across the wide variety of service areas, however the Housing Department requires additional staff and additional outdoor staff are also needed. Cllr Fallon commended the staff for the work they do and highlighted current issues with appointing private contractors to carry out works. He stated that it is getting more and more difficult to get a contractor to do works within a six month period .

Cllr Felim Gurn outlined that 90% of issues received by elected members relate to housing. He stated that the issue of staffing has to be addressed and more staff are needed as jobs are taking longer.

Cllr Padraig Fallon highlighted that contractors do not have the same availability as they used to. The ability of the Housing Department to rely on outside resources to complete repair and maintenance is not there anymore and therefore more internal staff are required to meet demand.

Cllr Mary Bohan stated that previously Leitrim County Council could not hire full time electricians or plumbers instead private contractors were availed of as needed. She queried the possibility of the appointment of full-time craft persons to fulfil these roles?

Cllr Justin Warnock acknowledged that more help is needed. He stated the additional General Operatives were taken on in South Leitrim but none in North Leitrim.

Ms Mary Quinn, Director of Service,  confirmed that Leitrim County Council is constrained by its budget and housing work programme and are not in a position to take on any additional housing staff at the moment. She confirmed that the matter is kept under review. Ms Quinn also highlighted that many housing issues are the responsibility of the tenant and not Leitrim County Council.

Cllr Felim Gurn urged that the message needs to be communicated to tenants regarding their responsibility for maintenance repairs.

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

"There  ...  view the full minutes text for item MMD.10.22

With the increase in utility bills, group water schemes that have not been taken over by Irish water are going to face an uncertain future. The potential for arrears building up and the schemes being caught in limbo trying to provide water on a voluntary water scheme could see power supplies cut due to high ESB rates to power the schemes. I propose this Municipal District write to the Minister for Housing seeking clarity on how these group water schemes can be supported.

"With the increase in utility bills, group water schemes that have not been taken over by Irish water are going to face an uncertain future. The potential for arrears building up and the schemes being caught in limbo trying to provide water on a voluntary water scheme could see power supplies cut due to high ESB rates to power the schemes. I propose this Municipal District write to the Minister for Housing seeking clarity on how these group water schemes can be supported."

Cllr Felim Gurn outlined that electricity costs have risen dramatically. People running group water schemes are doing so on a voluntary basis and there is now a serious risk of people being without water due to the inability of group water schemes to pay their electricity bills to keep pumps running.

Cllr Mary Bohan highlighted that nothing has been done to support these schemes. Many schemes are waiting years to be taken in charge by Uisce Éireann and cannot afford to keep running schemes with the sharp rise in energy costs.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Felim Gurn

             SECONDED by Cllr Mary Bohan

It was AGREED to write to Minister for Housing seeking clarity on how these group water schemes can be supported.

I ask Leitrim County Council to engage with Tourism Officers in Leitrim, Cavan and Fermanagh regarding improvements to the tourism signage. This would see an increase in tourists coming to North Leitrim, West Cavan and South West Fermanagh. We have a lot of tourism strengths in our catchment area, but it's not highlighted enough.

"I ask Leitrim County Council to engage with Tourism Officers in Leitrim, Cavan and Fermanagh regarding improvements to the tourism signage. This would see an increase in tourists coming to North Leitrim, West Cavan and South West Fermanagh. We have a lot of tourism strengths in our catchment area, but it's not highlighted enough."

Report by Planning

"The request is noted; however, each County Council has their own signage policy in place. The Leitrim guide, which includes all attractions and activities on offer in the county, was extended this year to include attractions in nearby counties, and the guide has been distributed to tourist offices in Sligo, Ireland West Airport, Bundoran, Offaly, Cavan and Fermanagh tourist offices."

I ask is it possible that the Glenfarne River from Lough MacNean Upper to Glenfarne village be checked as the channel needs maintenance. This river benefited from cleaning in 2010, but now there are large amounts of plastic caught in branches and briars along its riverbank. Well done to everyone that was involved in the cleaning of the section of this river earlier this year from Glenfarne Village back towards Manorhamilton.

"I ask is it possible that the Glenfarne River from Lough MacNean Upper to Glenfarne village be checked as the channel needs maintenance. This river benefited from cleaning in 2010, but now there are large amounts of plastic caught in branches and briars along its riverbank. Well done to everyone that was involved in the cleaning of the section of this river earlier this year from Glenfarne Village back towards Manorhamilton."

Report by Capital Projects Office

"Capital Projects will consult with the OPW to explore the possibility of securing funding for the proposed maintenance works through their Minor Works Program."

Cllr Frank Dolan moved Cllr Sean McDermott’s motions in his absence.

As Ash dieback is so pronounced this year in the hedgerows along the regional, local and tertiary road network in this Municipal District and throughout Leitrim, I ask that we write to the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue TD to seek funding for the marking and removal of these dead trees before they become a potential hazard to all road users in the coming years.

As Ash dieback is so pronounced this year in the hedgerows along the regional, local and tertiary road network in this Municipal District and throughout Leitrim, I ask that we write to the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue TD to seek funding for the marking and removal of these dead trees before they become a potential hazard to all road users in the coming years."

Cllr Justin Warnock highlighted the need for funding to adequately remove ash trees infected with ash dieback as the process involves roads to be closed and insurance companies to be notified.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Justin Warnock

             SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn

It was AGREED to write to the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue TD to seek funding for the marking and removal of these dead trees.

Following numerous motions and with the continued growth in the population of Kinlough and it's hinterland, I again must highlight the urgent need for a primary care and a day care centre in Kinlough, so therefore I ask Leitrim County Council to write to the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD and the Head of the HSE for Sligo, Leitrim and West Cavan, Damien McCallion to acquire a site and provide the facilities and staff necessary to deliver proper services for this community.

"Following numerous motions and with the continued growth in the population of Kinlough and it's hinterland, I again must highlight the urgent need for a primary care and a day care centre in Kinlough, so therefore I ask Leitrim County Council to write to the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD and the Head of the HSE for Sligo, Leitrim and West Cavan, Damien McCallion to acquire a site and provide the facilities and staff necessary to deliver proper services for this community."

Cllr Justin Warnock highlighted that the population of Kinlough has risen and there is an urgent need for a HSE primary care centre and day centre. He stressed the importance of having this service and also a service that allows people to live independently.

Cllr Mary Bohan declared that the facility in Drumkeerin is fantastic and allows full time care and independent living. She highlighted the need for a facility of this quality for Kinlough.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Justin Warnock

             SECONDED by Cllr Mary Bohan

It was AGREED to write to the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD and the Head of the HSE for Sligo, Leitrim and West Cavan, Damien McCallion to acquire a site and provide the facilities and staff necessary to deliver proper services for this community."

All members supported the motion.

I ask when will the Council carry out the proposed traffic calming measures at Lough Allen College, Drumkeeran?

"I ask when will the Council carry out the proposed traffic calming measures at Lough Allen College, Drumkeeran?"

Report by Planning

"The design for active travel measures in this area are at an advanced stage. Roads anticipate commencing in August with the works to be substantially complete by the end of the year."

Cllr Mary Bohan welcomed the response.

I propose that the Council contact the current owners of the Abbey Hotel in Dromahair to ascertain the future use of same.

"I propose that the Council contact the current owners of the Abbey Hotel in Dromahair to ascertain the future use of same."

Cllr Mary Bohan indicated that planning permission for retention was granted in January 2023 for up to 22 units. At present the people of Dromahair have not been made aware of the intention of the building owners and they are seeking a guarantee for the use of the building in the future.

Cllr Mary Bohan also sought confirmation on whether a commencement notice, fire certificate and disability access certificate were received by Leitrim County Council to ensure that compliance is in place with the planning permission approval. She also requested confirmation that plans are in compliance as the building is a protected structure.

Cllr Frank Dolan supported the motion stating that the biggest worry is the uncertainty over the use of the building. He requested that that the general public and the local community be informed about the purpose of the building as a significant increase in population in Dromhair will place pressures on the existing services.

Cllr Padraig Fallon urged the need for correct and factual information. He stated that clarity was required on the future use of the building.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

             SECONDED by Cllr Frank Dolan

It was AGREED to write to current owners of the Abbey Hotel in Dromahair to ascertain the future use of the building.

All members extended their congratulations to boxer Dean Clancy on his qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

All members extended their sympathies to the families of Dáire Maguire and Gene McDonald who tragically lost their lives while competing in the Sligo Rally.