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 18^TH September 2023.

The following correspondence was noted by the members.

·        Letter from Minister Heather Humphreys in relation to the RSS Scheme.

·        Acknowledgement from An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar and Tánaiste Micheal Martin also regarding the RSS Scheme.

Cllr Padraig Fallon welcomed the reply which stated that a review of eligibility criteria will be completed in January 2024.

Chief Executive, Joseph Gilhooly introduced the General Municipal Allocation.

Head of Finance, Mr. Vincent Dwyer, presented the 2024 General Municipal Allocation to the members. He highlighted the increase in funding from €82,000 - €112,000 across the 3 Municipal Districts, the allocation for the Manorhamilton MD in 2024, is €37,326.

Cllr Justin Warnock proposed that the Budget be increased to install CCTV at bring banks.

Mr Dwyer, Head of Finance outlinedthat having cameras at all 40 bring banks would be impractical and that hotspot could be considered for cameras in the future.

Cllr Gurn queried when the budget would be finalised.  Mr.  Dwyer, Head of Finance advised that the budget meeting is scheduled for 13^th November 2023 and that the budget book will be circulated in advance.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean Mc Dermott

             SECONDED by Cllr Justin Warnock

It was agreed that the General Municipal Allocation for the Manorhamilton Municipal District be adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 102(4A)(a) of the Local Government Act 2001 as inserted by Section 58 of the Local Government Reform Act 2014.

At this point Mr. Gilhooly, Interim Chief Executive left the meeting.

I ask that Leitrim County Council develop a Masterplan for Manorhamilton town particularly with the SLNCR greenway coming in 2027/28.  The Masterplan should consider projects including the fair green at the castle, river walks, the courthouse museum, hotel, pods and apartment building accommodation in order to see the real benefits of the greenway.

We need to start working on this now to avail of funding streams.

"I ask that Leitrim County Council develop a Masterplan for Manorhamilton town particularly with the SLNCR greenway coming in 2027/28. The Masterplan should consider projects including the fair green at the castle, river walks, the courthouse museum, hotel, pods and apartment building accommodation in order to see the real benefits of the greenway. We need to start working on this now to avail of funding streams."

Report by Economic Development

"Leitrim County Council is acutely aware of the importance of having a well-developed Masterplan for the town of Manorhamilton in order to be in a position to submit well developed applications under the various funding streams that are currently available to support community and economic development. It is anticipated that the next round of funding for the development of Town Centre First Plans will be announced before the end of the year and an application for funding will be submitted. If successful the Town Centre First plan will be developed by the local town team working alongside the Leitrim Town regeneration team and will identify the challenges, actions, and integrated responses across a number of themes (business/commercial; community/cultural; housing; built environment; heritage). The potential projects mentioned above will no doubt form a key plank of the future Manorhamilton Masterplan."

Cllr Felim Gurn stated that he was happy with the response given.

I ask Leitrim County Council what is the current vacancy rate in housing stock in the Manorhamilton Municipal District and what is the current turnaround of vacant houses been put back into use?

Is there a shortage in funding that needs to be addressed in our housing budget to alleviate the pressure of returning houses back into use, considering inflation and materials increases because we will not be building social houses for next few years.

"I ask Leitrim County Council what is the current vacancy rate in housing stock in the Manorhamilton Municipal District and what is the current turnaround of vacant houses been put back into use?

Is there a shortage in funding that needs to be addressed in our housing budget to alleviate the pressure of returning houses back into use, considering inflation and materials increases because we will not be building social houses for next few years."

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

"There are currently 8 no. houses vacant in the Manorhamilton Municipal District. The current turnaround time is 27 weeks."

Cllr Felim Gurn raised the issue of getting repairs carried out to local authority housing and outlined the need for additional staff to be appointed in the Housing Department.

Cllr Padraig Fallon raised the issue of staffing problems and proposed that the recruitment of additional housing maintenance staff be addressed in the 2024 budget.

Cllr Justin Warnock, Cllr Fank Dolan and Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion.

I propose that storm drains in Sheena, Drumkeeran are examined, maintained, cleared and cleaned. There appears to be an issue with two in particular which are putting a number of homes at risk.

"I propose that storm drains in Sheena, Drumkeeran are examined, maintained, cleared and cleaned. There appears to be an issue with two in particular which are putting a number of homes at risk."

Report by Roads - General

"The drainage network in Sheena will be inspected and cleared of any blockages."

Cllr Padraig Fallon stated there are several houses at risk of flooding.

Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion and requested that drains in LA estates be cleaned out 2-3 times per year.

Cllr Sean McDermott & Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion.

"I propose that an examination of the L2126 and L2127 Mullie’s take place with a view to works being carried out."

Report by Roads - General

"These roads will be assessed for consideration in future road programmes. It should be noted that surface dressing works were carried out on L-2126 in 2022 and it is programmed to carry out strengthening works on a section of L-2127 in 2024."

Cllr Padraig Fallon stressed the importance of having both parts of these roads examined.

Eric Gilroy, North Leitrim Area Engineer, Roads Department acknowledged the problem and undertook to review.

In light of the recent closure of the N16 road for roadworks between Manorhamilton and Glenfarne for a considerable length of time. Is it possible in the future when such works have to take place, can consideration be given to carrying out the works at night time as is done in some other other local authority areas.

"In light of the recent closure of the N16 road for roadworks between Manorhamilton and Glenfarne for a considerable length of time. Is it possible in the future when such works have to take place, can consideration be given to carrying out the works at nighttime as is done in some other local authority areas."

Report by Roads - General

"The N16 Manorhamilton to Cornacloy Phase 1 pavement overlay scheme consists of the strengthening and resurfacing of a 3 km section of national primary legacy road between Manorhamilton and the Junction of the N16 / R283. The works will extend the life of the existing road, improve skip resistance, drainage, and ride-ability of the road. The works commenced on the 25th of September and is expected to be fully completed by the 27th of October. To maintain road surface consistency of the N16 Hot Rolled Asphalt, (HRA), was used as a road surface outside the speed limits, and to facilitate the installation of HRA a road closure was required. The road closure was advertised for a 2-week period, but only a 1-week road closure was required (9.15am – 4.30pm). The road closure was necessary for the installation of HRA given the fact that this section of the N16 is a legacy road which would not allow the safe working width required for workers on the road. Organising a road closure at nighttime in a rural setting is not advisable for the following reasons:

(1)        Health and safety issues for staff working at night.

(2)        Workmanship and quality control issues

(3)        Depending on the time of year low night temperature could become an issue.

(4)        Diverting a lot of traffic onto minor roads at night is not advisable as it could increase the risk of an accident on narrow, poorly aligned rural roads.

Leitrim County Council always try to minimise the impact of this type of work on the public and wish to apologies for any inconvenience caused in relation to these works."

Cllr Sean McDermott stated that it was great to see that the work was done but raised the question if it would it be possible for the works in future to be done at night as there was a serious impact due to the closure of the N16.

Cllr Felim Gurn highlighted the complaints from the public, outlining that diversions were very badly signposted. He requested that in context of future road closures, notification be provided to Councillors of the proposed diversion plans.

All members supported the motion.

I have been made aware that Leitrim County Council Housing Department are notifying landlords of their intention to inspect private rented dwellings. I ask are similar inspections done on Council owned properties?

"I have been made aware that Leitrim County Council Housing Department are notifying landlords of their intention to inspect private rented dwellings. I ask are similar inspections done on Council owned properties?"

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

"Leitrim County Council has a statutory responsibility to inspect private rented dwellings to ensure that the properties meet certain minimum standards.

Local Authority owned housing is exempt from inspection under these regulations."

Cllr Sean McDermott Highlighted that some Council houses may not be inspected in years.

Mr Dwyer confirmed that all properties meet the minimum standard at time of letting and there is regular communication with the tenants, should issues arise.

Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion.

I ask for a special allocation of money to be set aside in the roads budget for a pilot scheme for the Manorhamilton MD, for the emergency cutting of hedges on roads which hinder the delivery of public services due to issues of ownership of lands, absentee landlords or private forestry companies.

"I ask for a special allocation of money to be set aside in the roads budget for a pilot scheme for the Manorhamilton MD, for the emergency cutting of hedges on roads which hinder the delivery of public services due to issues of ownership of lands, absentee landlords or private forestry companies."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council will continue to issue Hedge Cutting notices to landowners when required, as it is the landowner’s responsibility to maintain roadside hedgerows on their property. Allocation of public funds to hedge cut on private property in isolated locations will discourage other landowners who have been maintaining their hedgerows. Landowners can avail of the hedge cutting grant to assist in covering some of the costs involved."

A detailed discussion took place regarding the issue of hedge cutting in the Manorhamilton district.

Cllr Justin Warnock proposed that an emergency budget be allocated for unsafe roads because of overgrown hedges.

Mr Dwyer confirmed that there was no capacity to deploy hedge cutting machinery across the public road networks in the Manorhamilton District. Mr Dwyer suggested that the issue be brought to the next council meeting to determine the next steps to be taken to address the issue.

Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion.

As the pavements in Kinlough are not wide enough to facilitate the grant aided bus shelters, I ask that Leitrim County Council provide 2 slimline polycarbonate bus shelters in Kinlough, one on the main street and one at Melvin Fields.

"As the pavements in Kinlough are not wide enough to facilitate the grant aided bus shelters, I ask that Leitrim County Council provide 2 slimline polycarbonate bus shelters in Kinlough, one on the main street and one at Melvin Fields."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council can apply for funding from the NTA for a Bus shelter on Main Street, Kinlough as this is an approved/formalised Bus Stop. However, the location of the Bus shelter will have to be agreed with the residents and businesses on the street before it can be installed.

The bus stop at Melvin fields is currently not a approved/formalised stop.  Leitrim County Council can assist Local Link in their application to the NTA to formalise this stop, if their application is successful, funding can then be sought for a Shelter at this location."

Cllr Justin Warnock highlighted the need for a slim line poly carbon shelter at this location. It was agreed that Cllr Warnock and Eric Gilroy meet to discuss a suitable location and design of bus shelter.

Cllr Padraig Fallon & Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion.

I ask what is the current position regarding the taking in charge of the remaining estates in Dromahair by Leitrim Country Council?

"I ask what is the current position regarding the taking in charge of the remaining estates in Dromahair by Leitrim Country Council?"

Report by Planning

"The Council is giving consideration to the taking in charge of a number of estates throughout the county, however, it cannot give any commitment on when the processes will be completed. 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.

Specifically with regard to Dromahair, there are 16 no. housing developments in the urban centre, 8 no. of which have been taken in charge by the Council. Of the remaining 8 no., 2 of them do not qualify to be taken in charge (Castle Court & Stone Abbey). There remain 6 no. estates that are eligible for taking in charge, 2 no. of which have not requested their estates to be taken in charge (Castle Cove and Wood Green). Of the remaining 4 no. estates, the Council has settled bonds with regard to Churchfield, Forest Grove and The Acres. The Acres is most advanced with surveys being undertaken by Capital Projects with a view to having the required works undertaken in due course. Churchfield and Forest Grove will follow in 2024. There is no bond in place for Larkfield Lawns and the taking in charge of this estate will be dependent on Uisce Éireann's acceptance of no funding being available to undertake the required works."

I propose that the litter bins be reinstated at the amenity/ playground area in Drumkeeran and also on the roads leading to Lough Allen College from the village.

"I propose that the litter bins be reinstated at the amenity/ playground area in Drumkeeran and also on the roads leading to Lough Allen College from the village."

Report by Roads - General

"Litter bins in the area were removed in the past as they were being used for refuse disposal. The area office will look at reinstating litter bins at a few locations and monitor their use."

Cllr Justin Warnock moved Cllr Mary Bohan’s motions in her absence.

I ask Leitrim County Council to have the link road around Corrigeencor lake included in the roads programme. This road is used by quite a number of people but has fallen into poor condition.

"I ask Leitrim County Council to have the link road around Corrigeencor lake included in the roads programme. This road is used by quite a number of people but has fallen into poor condition."

Report by Roads - General

"The roads around Corrigeencor Lake are not included in the current RIG programme which finishes in 2024, these roads will be assessed and considered for inclusion in future programmes."

Cllr Frank Dolan proposed that this road to be considered in next year’s budget as it has grass over growing in middle of it together with potholes. Mr Eric Gilroy acknowledged the problem and said that he would keep it under review.

I ask this Municipal District to contact Eir in relation to the poles that remain on the outside of the footpath right beside Drumlease NS. Those poles are a danger and a hazard for parents dropping off or collecting children at the school.

"I ask this Municipal District to contact Eir in relation to the poles that remain on the outside of the footpath right beside Drumlease NS. Those poles are a danger and a hazard for parents dropping off or collecting children at the school."

Report by Roads - General

"The area office will assess to see what is involved in removing the poles and look to source funding for their removal if feasible."

Cllr Frank Dolan requested that the poles be removed since they are leaning and causing a hazard, and he raised the possibility that the Broadband workers themselves be contacted because it would be a simple job for them.