Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Padraig Fallon

             SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District Meeting of 17^th July 2023.

The following correspondence was noted by the members.

·         Letter 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 had no excuse and that 4/5 hours is long enough for people to be left without power.

Cllr Padraig Fallon requested that other notices should be given apart from social media notices.

·         Letter from Minister Heather Humphreys regarding additional funding for Leitrim County Council through the Local Improvement Scheme.

·         Letter from Minister Daragh O’Brien regarding an update on the Taking in Charge of Glenfarne Glenboy GWS. Cllr Sean McDermott confirmed that the scheme is being progressed with Irish Water.

·         Letter from Minister Daragh O’Brien’s regarding the Tenant in Situ Scheme.

·         Letter from the OPWin relation to funding for drainage improvements at Shass Mountain.

Cllr Mary Bohan raised the problem of compensation payments being received yet being insufficient. She requested that Leitrim County Council and the OPW work to develop with a Drainage Programme.

·         Letter from Minister Charlie McConalogue regarding funding for the removal of trees infected with Common Ash (Fraxinus Excelsior).

I ask that Leitrim County Council designate the popular Barr Road 5km loop and the High Road 9km loop at Kinlough as walking routes and erect the appropriate signage necessary in the interest of road safety.

"I ask that Leitrim County Council designate the popular Barr Road 5km loop and the High Road 9km loop at Kinlough as walking routes and erect the appropriate signage necessary in the interest of road safety."

Report by Roads - General

"This can be investigated and if appropriate, then funding will have to be identified and sourced in conjunction with our Tourism Department."

Cllr Justin Warnock emphasised that there are no greenways in Kinlough and this route serves as a popular walking route in Kinlough. The recreational forum has also recommended that signage be erected along all walking routes.

Cllr Mary Bohan, Cllr Sean McDermott and Cllr Frank Dolan supported the motion

I ask Leitrim County Council to add Kinlough to at least 5 road signs between the N4 at Drumsna and Drumshanbo, this will promote the R280 as a route to access the north of the county through some of the most beautiful landscapes Leitrim has to offer in our part of the Hidden Heartlands.

"I ask Leitrim County Council to add Kinlough to at least 5 road signs between the N4 at Drumsna and Drumshanbo, this will promote the R280 as a route to access the north of the county through some of the most beautiful landscapes Leitrim has to offer in our part of the Hidden Heartlands."

Report by Roads - General

"All our Regional Road signposts are designed in accordance with The Traffic Signs Manual, (TSM), which we are obliged to do. The TSM stipulates that the number of destinations on a sign should be kept to a minimum – (a maximum of 4). These destinations should be the nearest intersection towns with a population greater than 200. The signage on the R280 north of Drumshanbo, already have 4 destinations on it of towns greater than 200 population, namely, Drumkeerin, Dromahair, Sligo, Manorhamilton. The signage on R280 existing Drumkeeran does have Kinlough included."

Cllr Justin Warnock proposed that signage be erected in South Leitrim to direct people going to Bundoran through Kinlough as part of the Hidden Heartlands tourism marketing.

Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion.

Over the summer months, a bad accident was narrowly avoided at the Curley Bridge beside Mill Hill Lawns and Manorhamilton Mart. There is no pedestrian access and with heavy traffic of HGVs, tractors, buses & cars, pedestrians are in danger every day while walking along that bridge. The height of this bridge is too low and needs to be looked at as part of the SLNCR Greenway.

Students are back at school and works are ongoing at the Brae, the height of Whittakers Bridge is too low, there is a risk that students and pedestrians may fall into the river.

I ask the Area Office to examine both of these issues urgently.

"Over the summer months, a bad accident was narrowly avoided at the Curley Bridge beside Mill Hill Lawns and Manorhamilton Mart. There is no pedestrian access and with heavy traffic of HGVs, tractors, buses & cars, pedestrians are in danger every day while walking along that bridge. The height of this bridge is too low and needs to be looked at as part of the SLNCR Greenway.

Students are back at school and works are ongoing at the Brae, the height of Whittakers Bridge is too low, there is a risk that students and pedestrians may fall into the river.

I ask the Area Office to examine both of these issues urgently."

Report by Roads - General

"We previously had plans to provide safe Active Travel measures at Curly Bridge, but they were deemed premature until the preferred route of the SLNCR is determined. The SLNCR project is currently at Phase 2 Option selection. As regards Whittakers Bridge, this will be inspected with a view to carry out repair works.”

Cllr Felim Gurn remarked that this bridge is very narrow and has a very low wall. This is not the first time this matter has been raised.

Cllr Frank Dolan, Cllr Justin Warnock and Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion.

Eric Gilroy, North Leitrim Area Engineer confirmed he will review the situation.

With the winter season upon us and more and more people using public transport, a bus shelter needs to be provided outside Our Lady’s Hospital on the pedestrian path. I ask that discussions take place between the HSE and the Council to provide a quality bus shelter along with carrying out repairs of the wall outside Our Lady’s Hospital at the bus stop.

"With the winter season upon us and more and more people using public transport, a bus shelter needs to be provided outside Our Lady’s Hospital on the pedestrian path. I ask that discussions take place between the HSE and the Council to provide a quality bus shelter along with carrying out repairs of the wall outside Our Lady’s Hospital at the bus stop."

Report by Roads - General

"The Active Travel Department are liaising with the HSE regarding a land take which is required for the bus shelter at this location. A consultant is currently at preliminary design stage for a Safe Route to School Scheme at this location & the bus shelter design will be incorporated into this, Construction will be carried out in 2024.

The repairs of the hospital wall are a matter for the HSE"

Cllr Felim Gurn requested that these works be undertaken. Cllr Justin Warnock stated that no one should have to stand out in the rain in one of the main towns in Leitrim.

Cllr Justion Warnock and Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion.

I ask if there are any plans to remove any of the bollards recently installed in Manorhamilton, specifically at the library corner.

"I ask if there are any plans to remove any of the bollards recently installed in Manorhamilton, specifically at the library corner."

Report by Capital Projects Office

"Recent work on this junction took place as part of a much larger public realm improvement works scheme in Manorhamilton town. The design standards utilised for the Manorhamilton scheme was predominately DMURS given its urban environs. The Design Consultants undertook swept path analysis at this junction using the following vehicles which all worked fine.

•          7.5t Panel Van (7.21m long)

•          Ambulance (5.46m long)

•          Utility car 4x4 (5.13m long)

Larger vehicles, such as a Rigid Truck (10m long) and an Articulated Truck (16.48m long) are diverted right on the Carrick on Shannon approach.

which corresponds with the existing signage at the junction. Leitrim County Council are satisfied with the design and layout of the junction."

Cllr Padraig Fallon expressed his concern with the local authority's choice of location of the bollards. Cllr Padraig Fallon stated that he has witnessed numerous collisions of vehicles with the bollards and that the choice of location should be reconsidered.

Eric Gilroy, North Leitrim Area Engineer, acknowledged the problem and said that he would keep it under review.

Cllr Felim Gurn and Sean McDermott supported the motion.

I ask that this Municipal District contact the Department of Social Protection & the three government party leaders asking that income thresholds are extended for the eligibility criteria for Rural Social Scheme.

"I ask that this Municipal District contact the Department of Social Protection & the three government party leaders asking that income thresholds are extended for the eligibility criteria for Rural Social Scheme."

Cllr Padraig Fallon requested the eligibility for this scheme be expanded, as persons who earn a minor household income increase become no longer eligible to participate in the scheme.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Padraig Fallon

             SECONDED by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED to contact the Municipal District contact the Department of Social Protection & the three government party leaders asking that income thresholds are extended for the eligibility criteria for Rural Social Scheme.

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

I ask if slight repairs can be made to the tarmacadam at the council playground in Kiltyclogher village to make it safe.

"I ask if slight repairs can be made to the tarmacadam at the council playground in Kiltyclogher village to make it safe."

Report by Roads - General

"The Playground will be inspected to determine the extent of the repairs required and repairs can then be carried out."

Cllr Sean McDermott stated that there are more children currently living in the Kiltyclogher area, there are both potholes and a need for new playground equipment, both of which should be addressed.

All members supported the motion.

I ask that Leitrim County Council and Coillte look into the possibility of tarring the section of road from Glenfarne boat quay at Lough MacNean back towards Kiltyclogher. This section of road has never been tarred.

"I ask that Leitrim County Council and Coillte look into the possibility of tarring the section of road from Glenfarne boat quay at Lough MacNean back towards Kiltyclogher. This section of road has never been tarred."

Report by Roads - General

"This is not a public road, so the Council are not in a position to undertake any works on it."

Cllr Sean McDermott emphasised that the road needs serious work and asked the Council to review it to identify a solution. Cllr Sean McDermott stated the road must be tarred as it needs to be level in the winter, due to the road being a very busy one for housing and the farming community.

All member supported the motion.

I ask would it be possible to put a flashing or digital sign on the R286/278 asking motorists to reduce speed while the works on the N16 in Sligo are in progress. At present this regional road has turned into a nightmare for everyone.

"I ask would it be possible to put a flashing or digital sign on the R286/278 asking motorists to reduce speed while the works on the N16 in Sligo are in progress. At present this regional road has turned into a nightmare for everyone."

Report by Roads - General

"Investigations will be carried out to determine whether it is appropriate and if required a temporary sign will be erected."

Cllr Frank Dolan stressed the importance of reducing speed limits on this road due to the presence of two National Schools and the road's narrow and winding nature.

All members supported the motion.

I ask this Municipal District to bring to the attention of the Joint Policing Committee, the serious effect those doing donuts etc at certain locations on our roads are having on ordinary people’s lives.

"I ask this Municipal District to bring to the attention of the Joint Policing Committee, the serious effect those doing donuts etc at certain locations on our roads are having on ordinary people’s lives."

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Frank Dolan

             SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn

It was AGREED to ask this Municipal District to bring to the attention of the Joint Policing Committee, the serious effect those doing donuts etc at certain locations on our roads are having on ordinary people’s lives.

Cllr Frank Dolan highlighted that people are living in fear because they are hesitant to call the guards because of what might happen in the aftermath.

 All members supported the motion.

I propose that the Council carry out repairs or provide replacement footpaths in the Sheena housing estates as soon as possible.

"I propose that the Council carry out repairs or provide replacement footpaths in the Sheena housing estates as soon as possible."

Report by Roads - General

"Currently there is no funding available in the roadworks program for footpath replacement, but footpaths can be inspected, and routine repairs carried out as required."

Cllr Mary Bohan requested that repairs be carried out and stating that the  areas of the footpath in need of most repair must be sorted and a special allocation sought for the works.

Cllr Padraig Fallon, Cllr Felim Gurn and Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion.

I propose that Leitrim County Council call on Irish Water to replace the old water mains in Drumkeeran and any other areas where necessary as a matter of urgency.

"I propose that Leitrim County Council call on Irish Water to replace the old water mains in Drumkeerin and any other areas where necessary as a matter of urgency."

Cllr Mary Bohan reported that the water in Drumkeerin is damaging washing machines and filters in the taps. She reports that the water quality is poor and that the pipes need to be replaced by Irish water.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

             SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED to write to Uisce Éireann to request the replacement of the old water mains in Drumkeerin and any other areas where necessary as a matter of urgency.

Cllr Padraig Fallon requested Leitrim County Council to contact the Minister of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Daragh O’Brien urging him to bring the industrial action by FORSA members to a speedy conclusion.

A vote of Sympathy was expressed to the families of Peter McDermott and Meath Councillor Damien O’Reilly on their recent tragic losses.

The elected members extended their gratitude to Lar Power,  for his service as Chief Executive of Leitrim County Council and wished him success in his new position in Kilkenny County Council.