Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean McDermott

             SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District Meeting of 16^TH October 2023

There was no meeting Correspondence for consideration.

Mr. Paul Jordan, Coillte was welcomed to the meeting by Cllr. Gurn Cathaoirleach and gave an overview of the proposed project for the Glenfarne Demense , outlining the possible need for a special meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District in early February to consider the Part 8 proposal for this project as it will be submitted to the RRDF Scheme on February 8^th, 2024.

Cllr Sean McDermott thanked everyone involved for their help in getting the design plans turned around quickly and stressed the importance of moving the project forward.

Cllr Mary Bohan welcomed the design plans and thanked Paul Jordan from Coillte for all the effort involved in getting it to this stage.

Cllr Padraig Fallon stated how this design plans show an excellent example of collaboration between all parties involved and welcomed same.

Cllr Frank Dolan thanked both Coillte and the Council, whilst acknowledging Cllr Sean McDermott for his commitment in bringing this project to fruition.

Cllr Felim Gurn expressed the importance of the project being completed as it will have major benefits. Cllr Felim Gurn gave thanked Sarah Duffy and Paul Jordan for attending the meeting.

Mr. Bernard Greene, Senior Planner confirmed the Council’s support for the project, and it was agreed to hold a special meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District on February 6^th, 2024.

I ask what if any progress has been made with regard to removal of dangerous trees at Sheena Drumkeeran. These trees pose a serious risk to the homes of tenants, pedestrian road users and children walking to the National School.

“I ask what if any progress has been made with regard to removal of dangerous trees at Sheena Drumkeeran. These trees pose a serious risk to the homes of tenants, pedestrian road users and children walking to the National School.”

Report by Roads - General

"The housing section have sought quotations for the removal of these trees, quotations are due in and once the contractor is appointed the trees will be removed as soon as possible."

Cllr Padraig Fallon stated that this is a significant issue as storms become more frequent.

Eric Gilroy stated he will review the matter.

All members supported the motion.

I propose that contact be made with Coillte and the OPW seeking drainage at Diffagher River from Lisacoghill back to Belhavel.

“I propose that contact be made with Coillte and the OPW seeking drainage at Diffagher River from Lisacoghill back to Belhavel.”

Cllr Padraig Fallon stressed the significance of this problem, which affects farmers' lands. He stated that he had previously raised the issue and had not received a positive response from the OPW or the Local Authority.

Eric Gilroy stated that if OPW, Local Authority agree, the area office will investigate the issue.

All members supported the motion.

I ask if signage can be provided indicating the location of Our Lady's Hospital Manorhamilton. More services are now being provided at this hospital and there are more service users coming from Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Sligo and West Cavan. Service users have difficulty locating this hospital when they arrive in Manorhamilton which adds to the stress by being late for appointments.

“I ask if signage can be provided indicating the location of Our Lady's Hospital Manorhamilton. More services are now being provided at this hospital and there are more service users coming from Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Sligo and West Cavan. Service users have difficulty locating this hospital when they arrive in Manorhamilton which adds to the stress by being late for appointments.”

Report by Roads - General

"Signage for Our Lady's hospital will be reviewed to see if enhancements can be made to improve accessibility for the public and service providers."

Cllr Sean McDermott stated that new and existing residents of Manorhamilton require improved signage to be installed indicating available services.

Eric Gilroy stated that new signage is currently being reviewed.

Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion.

I ask for an update on providing a bus shelter at Glenfarne Post Office and also having traffic calming measures at the same location.

“I ask for an update on providing a bus shelter at Glenfarne Post Office and also having traffic calming measures at the same location.”

Report by Roads – General

 "Tenders have been received for the installation of bus shelters and the successful contractor has been identified. NTA approval has been granted for the eastbound shelter in Glenfarne but LCC is currently waiting on TII approval before construction can commence. Installation of the westbound shelter will be progressed in conjunction with any safety measures carried out at this location. The TII has approved the Feasibility and Options report and the design will be progressed going forward."

Eric Gilroy assured the meeting that the matter is being progressed and that discussions are underway.

All members supported the motion.

Correspondence was received this week from the DCEDIY in relation to the Abbey Hotel in Dromahair confirming 155 beds will be provided to people seeking refugee status in Ireland in 47 rooms. 124 beds for families and the remaining 31 beds for single men for international protection applicants.
There is concern locally that families may be mixed with single men at the one facility.

I ask is there co-ordination between Leitrim County Council, the owner of Abbey Hotel and the HSE in terms of adding 155 people to a community already under stress to provide adequate services to the community.

“Correspondence was received this week from the DCEDIY in relation to the Abbey Hotel in Dromahair confirming 155 beds will be provided to people seeking refugee status in Ireland in 47 rooms. 124 beds for families and the remaining 31 beds for single men for international protection applicants. There is concern locally that families may be mixed with single men at the one facility.

I ask is their co-ordination between Leitrim County Council, the owner of Abbey Hotel and the HSE in terms of adding 155 people to a community already under stress to provide adequate services to the community”.

Report by Corporate Services Department

"Responsibility for the provision of accommodation and related services to people in the International Protection (‘asylum’) process rests with International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) under the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth (DCEDIY). In meeting temporary accommodation needs for IP applicants, the Council understand, IPAS select properties following a tendering/expression of interest process. Part of this process involves ensuring compliance with all relevant statutory provisions including fire safety, planning etc. The Department has recently established a Community Engagement Team who are working across Government to ensure a more co-ordinated approach in relation to IP accommodation. This team provides advance engagement with communities ahead of refugees moving into their areas. In this context, a briefing note on a new centre which will be opening shortly in Abbey Manor Hotel, Dromahaire, was received by Leitrim County Council on 7th November 2023 and circulated to all relevant parties. Leitrim County Council in conjunction with many other agencies and community groups provides a range of supports to refugees living in the county and specifically work with new arrivals. As part of this process, Leitrim County Council convenes the Community Response Forum whose membership comprises agencies, community, and voluntary organisations. This forum meets monthly to discuss support measures, share information and consider updates on new arrivals and the status of existing refugees. At our most recent meeting on the 15th November, the Community Response Forum discussed the IP Briefing Note of 7th November and the key agencies including HSE, MSLETB, LDC, DSP, Leitrim Volunteer Centre committed to providing services to support the new arrivals."

Cllr Felim Gurn highlighted the issue raised in the community in terms of concerns that  families and single men may be sharing the same accommodation. He referred to the pressure on services highlighting lack of Primary Care Centre spaces available in Dromahair, and capacity issues in other services.  He highlighted that Dromahair is a welcoming place but this is a sensitive issue.

Cllr Mary Bohan agreed situation is  sensitive and requested that a letter issue to the department requesting the delay of  the arrival of any residents until all concerns have been addressed.

Cllr Frank Dolan stated that the locals are dissatisfied with what is going on because they are not being kept informed on what is happening in their local area.

Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion and stated that  ...  view the full minutes text for item MMD.38.22

With the winter season upon us I ask that leaves and branches be removed swiftly from the main streets in our towns and villages so people can walk safely on our streets at night, I ask that this be extended to the demonstration stretches of our greenways in Dromahair, Manorhamilton and Glenfarne over the winter months.

“With the winter season upon us I ask that leaves and branches be removed swiftly from the main streets in our towns and villages so people can walk safely on our streets at night, I ask that this be extended to the demonstration stretches of our greenways in Dromahair, Manorhamilton and Glenfarne over the winter months.”

Report by Roads - General

"Street cleaning in North Leitrim has commenced in the towns and villages and will continue as and when required. Extending this cleaning to the greenways will be assessed for feasibility."

Eric Gilroy indicated that he would consider the matter.

All members supported the motion.

I ask Leitrim County Council for a progress report on the taking in charge of Cois Na hAbhainn, Tullaghan, Dartry View, Dartry Vale, Melvin Fields and Oakfield Lawn, Kinlough.

“I ask Leitrim County Council for a progress report on the taking in charge of Cois Na hAbhainn, Tullaghan, Dartry View, Dartry Vale, Melvin Fields and Oakfield Lawn, Kinlough.”

Report from Senior Planner - "As previously advised, 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 within each development 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. Cois Na hAbhainn in Tullaghan With regard to Cois Na hAbhainn in Tullaghan, the Council has not been requested to take this estate in charge. In addition to not being requested to take the estate in charge, it is noted that all works to the estate have not yet been completed and the final surfacing course to the road remains outstanding.

The Council has received a request for the taking in charge of the Dartry View and Dartry Vale estates and these are being considered. Works to the estates are complete and it is not expected that any significant problems will arise during the taking in charge process. Due to resource constraints, these estates are not included in the current tranche of estates that are being progressed through the formal taking in charge process, and consultations with Uisce Éireann have not commenced.

Melvin Fields Melvin Fields is most advanced in the taking in charge process, with the Council having undertaken the relevant conditional surveys and the draft preparation of tendering documents with the intention of engaging a contractor to undertake the remedial works identified by the surveys. Discussions with Uisce Éireann in respect of the equitable apportionment of the bond monies has yet to be concluded and there remains an outstanding foul sewer wayleave requirement over third party property that will have to be resolved prior to this being finalised.

Oakfield Lawns Oakfield Lawns is a relatively recent applicant estate for taking in charge, with the Council only having been requested to take it in charge in 2020. Due to the COVID restrictions and the ongoing assessments and surveys of earlier applicant estates, the Council has not yet commenced the surveys required to consider this estate for taking in charge.

The Council desires to complete the taking in charge process for all legacy estates where it has been requested to do s. However, it is neither practicable nor possible to undertake the necessary conditional surveys, the procurement of contractors and consultation/agreement with Uisce Éireann, for all estates at the same time and the taking in charge process must have regard to the Councils’ resources and other competing demands. This resource  ...  view the full minutes text for item MMD.40.22

I ask Leitrim County Council to have Tullaghan on all tourism promotional maps in 2024 and to provide better signage for the access to the sea in our treasured coastal village.

“I ask Leitrim County Council to have Tullaghan on all tourism promotional maps in 2024 and to provide better signage for the access to the sea in our treasured coastal village.”

Report by Economic Development

"Interpretational signage is already in place at Tullaghan Coastal Park and some directional signage has already been erected also. The Coastal Park is being promoted by Leitrim County Council at every possible opportunity through relevant means including through the Tourism website and social media platforms. Tullaghan Coastal Park will be included in all relevant Leitrim guidebooks when reprints are required."

Cllr Felim Gurn moved Cllr Justin Warnock’s motions.

I propose that a speed ramp be provided at St Brigid’s National School in Drumkeeran in the interest of child safety.

“I propose that a speed ramp be provided at St Brigid’s National School in Drumkeeran in the interest of child safety.”

Report by Roads - General

"This location will be assessed for consideration in the current list of low cost safety proposals."

Cllr Mary Bohan asked whether there was any possibility that a slowing mechanism, such as a ramp, could be installed.

Eric Gilroy stated that a speed study could be conducted. Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion.

I propose that Leitrim County Council contact Waterways Ireland regarding the provision of the proposed slipway at Spencer Harbour.

“I propose that Leitrim County Council Contact Waterways Ireland regarding the provision of the proposed slipway at Spencer Harbour.”

Cllr Mary Bohan has raised this issue before and asked that another letter be issued to Waters Ireland in this regard.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

             SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED to contact Leitrim County Council Contact Waterways Ireland regarding the provision of the proposed slipway at Spencer Harbour.

I ask Leitrim County Council to investigate the Public Lighting situation at Carberry Coast Estate in Tullaghan. I understand that only one of the street lights is functional out of eleven for an estate of 29 houses.

“I ask Leitrim County Council to investigate the Public Lighting situation at Carberry Coast Estate in Tullaghan. I understand that only one of the streetlights is functional out of eleven for an estate of 29 houses.”

Report by Roads – General

 "Carberry Coast Estate is not currently in charge but is one of many estates under assessment for taking in charge, therefore the public lighting in this estate is currently not in charge of by LCC."

Mr.  Bernard Greene Senior Planner stated that if the landowner agrees, consideration could be given to working  with them.

Cllr Felim Gurn and Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion.

Workshop on unfinished estates – it was agreed that the workshop be held before the January 2024 Municipal District meeting.