Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Sean McDermott

             SECONDED by Cllr Mary Bohan

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District Meeting of 20^th November 2023.

Email correspondence was received from Coillte in relation to the motion in November re drainage at Diffagher River indicating that following discussions with colleagues in local management, Coillte, like other landowners in the catchment will co-operate with any drainage requests once received from the OPW or any other statutory organisations that may request them.

Cllr Padraig Fallon requested that this response be forwarded the Members and a similar statement from the local authority.

It was agreed to take Agenda Item No. 5 and Agenda Item No. 6 together as they were of similar nature.

I ask at this Municipal Council Meeting that consideration be given to reform the N16/A4 Cross Border Lobby Group which was originally formed in 2008 with Leitrim being the lead partner. This group was operating for approximately 5 years. At the moment Leitrim is continuing to realign sections of the N16 roadway and construction is underway on the Sligo section of the N16 roadway. Investment is needed on the A4 from Ballygawley to Belcoo. I ask Leitrim County Council to make contact with Fermanagh/Omagh, Cavan and Sligo Councils on this issue.

"I ask at this Municipal Council Meeting that consideration be given to reform the N16/A4 Cross Border Lobby Group which was originally formed in 2008 with Leitrim being the lead partner. This group was operating for approximately 5 years. At the moment Leitrim is continuing to realign sections of the N16 roadway and construction is underway on the Sligo section of the N16 roadway. Investment is needed on the A4 from Ballygawley to Belcoo. I ask Leitrim County Council to make contact with Fermanagh/Omagh, Cavan and Sligo Councils on this issue."

Report by Economic Development

"Leitrim County Council recently received correspondence from Fermanagh/Omagh District Council requesting that the N16/A4 Cross Border lobby group be reactivated and requesting Leitrim County Councils support for the initiative. Leitrim County Council indicated that it was willing to once again become a working member of the group."

Cllr Sean McDermott outlined that this group achieved significant progress in the five years of its  operation. He expressed his delight at the plan for the group to be reconstituted. He emphasised the importance of the N16/A4 road, noting that it is a cross-border link and that Fermanagh must be urged to be pro-active while also highlighting that Sligo and Leitrim have made significant progress.

Cllr Felim Gurn stated that financing is needed, and that this proposal should be maintained on the agenda and promoted by Councillors.

Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion.

I ask if toilet facilities can be provided by Leitrim County Council at the children's playground, Castle Street, Manorhamilton. In recent years there has been many welcome developments at this location which increases the need for toilet facilities. As an interim solution I am asking that port-a-loos be installed and then as a permanent solution as in permanent toilets could be incorporated into the proposed outdoor theatre/concert space at the nearby castle which could also be available to those using this playground.

"I ask if toilet facilities can be provided by Leitrim County Council at the children's playground, Castle Street, Manorhamilton. In recent years there has been many welcome developments at this location which increases the need for toilet facilities. As an interim solution I am asking that port-a-loos be installed and then as a permanent solution as in permanent toilets could be incorporated into the proposed outdoor theatre/concert space at the nearby castle which could also be available to those using this playground."

Report by Economic Development

"Leitrim County Council is not in a position to provide temporary toilet facilities at its playgrounds around the county. It is envisaged that the Manorhamilton town team will shortly be involved in the preparation of Manorhamilton Town Centre First plan which will prioritize the projects that it wishes to see advanced in Manorhamilton over the medium term. If desired by the Town team the inclusion of permanent toilets could form part of the outdoor theatre space project which is currently at development stage."

Cllr Sean McDermott asked that bathroom facilities be included in the proposal if possible because it is a popular location with a busy playground.

All members supported the motion.

I ask for consideration to be given to reforming the N16 /A4 Cross Border Lobby Group which was formed in 2008 with Leitrim been the partner in this group which was operating for 5 years. At the moment Leitrim is realign sections of the N16 and construction is underway on the Sligo side of N16. Investment is needed on A4 from Ballygawley to Belcoo. I ask for Leitrim to liaise with Fermanagh/Omagh / Cavan and Sligo County council on this ongoing issue.

"I ask for consideration to be given to reforming the N16 /A4 Cross Border Lobby Group which was formed in 2008 with Leitrim been the partner in this group which was operating for 5 years.

At the moment Leitrim is realign sections of the N16 and construction is underway on the Sligo side of N16. Investment is needed on A4 from Ballygawley to Belcoo. I ask for Leitrim to liaise with Fermanagh/Omagh / Cavan and Sligo County council on this ongoing issue."

Report by Economic Development

"Leitrim County Council recently received correspondence from Fermanagh/Omagh District Council requesting that the N16/A4 Cross Border lobby group be reactivated and requesting Leitrim County Councils support for the initiative. Leitrim County Council indicated that it was willing to once again become a working member of the group."

Cllr Felim Gurn stated that this motion had been discussed along with Cllr Mc Dermott’s.

The new public realm works on the Brae and Market Square area look fantastic but the brick work needs to sealed with a sealer to stop moss, algae and weeds growing up through the pavement.

I ask that we have the road sweeper on the street in the morning time when no traffic is parked to get leaves. In addition I ask that the moss on the remaining footpaths around the town be removed to maintain a clean look on our capital town in the municipal.

"The new public realm works on the Brae and Market Square area look fantastic, but the brick work needs to sealed with a sealer to stop moss, algae and weeds growing up through the pavement.

I ask that we have the road sweeper on the street in the morning time when no traffic is parked to get leaves. In addition, I ask that the moss on the remaining footpaths around the town be removed to maintain a clean look on our capital town in the municipal."

Report by Roads - General

"Investigations are ongoing as to an appropriate method of treatment for moss in the town. The street cleaning Rota will be looked at to address the concerns raised."

Cllr Felim Gurn stated that the amount of moss and algae growing on the pavement is both hazardous and unsightly. He asked whether it was feasible to get a sealer to address the problem, as well as a road sweeper to assist in keeping the streets clean.

Eric Gilroy, Area Engineer indicated that he received feedback on a previous sealer that was ineffective, and that discussions had taken place to trial a different seal.

Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion.

I propose that the possibility of Corry Strand, Lough Allen being designated as a wild bathing area be examined, and if an outline of Council responsibilities around such areas be given.

"I propose that the possibility of Corry Strand, Lough Allen being designated as a wild bathing area be examined, and if an outline of Council responsibilities around such areas be given."

Report by Economic Development

"Leitrim County Council has one designated bathing water at Keeldra Lake. In 2023, for the third consecutive year, the presence of an algal bloom resulted in an ‘Advice not to Swim’ notice being erected on the lake during the Bathing Season.

Nutrient and chemical pollution due to agricultural and forestry run-off, and insufficient wastewater treatment can cause excessive algal growth and eutrophic blooms of toxic cyanobacteria making the bathing water unsafe for swimming.

The Council have undertaken many investigations over the last few years to determine and cut off the source of the nutrient issue. The Council have also been working closely with the Keeldra community, Inland Fisheries and the Local Authorities Water Programme to understand and mitigate the cause of the excessive nutrients at Keeldra Lake, however the elimination of this excessive algal growth on the lake will take many years.

Creating a new designated bathing water brings with it an onerous a guardianship responsibility and this Council currently does not have the resources to take on the responsibility of a bathing water at Corry strand.

The Council does however take water samples at local swim areas ahead of the national swim weeks lessons."

Cllr Padraig Fallon stated that Corry Strand might be a good addition to what’s on offer in the County. He stated it is one of the safest swimming spots in the County. He requested  that the matter be reviewed.

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the proposal but voiced concerns about mis-use of the amenity, stating that when they attempted to upgrade the area previously, there was a lot of damage done and outdoor furniture etc. destroyed.

Cllr Justin Warnock and Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion.

"I again ask that the possibility of a turning lane off N16, L4141 Glencar be examined."

Report by Roads - General

"LCC will review the TII Standards and assess the criteria needed for a right-hand turning lane at this location."

Cllr Padraig Fallon stated that there has been a consistent desire for the residents to have this turning lane for several years. He mentioned that it is a very busy route and that he is pleased with the response that it will be reviewed again. All members supported the motion.

I ask that the Leitrim County Council Roads Department when undertaking the roads programme in 2024, ensure that an allowance for stone is made to fill in verges where necessary to avoid motorists getting stuck and to retrospectively fill in verges where issues have arisen.

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"I ask that the Leitrim County Council Roads Department when undertaking the roads programme in 2024, ensure that an allowance for stone is made to fill in verges where necessary to avoid motorists getting stuck and to retrospectively fill in verges where issues have arisen."

Report by Roads - General

"Verge filling will be implemented where possible while implementing the roads programme and carrying out routine maintenance works."

Cllr Justin Warnock expressed the concern about the roads but stated he is pleased that the verge filling will be implemented where possible during the implementation of the roads programme.

Cllr Mary Bohan requested that roads that had previously been resurfaced/improved be reviewed and filled retrospectively if possible.

Eric Gilroy, Area Engineer stated the matter will be addressed where funding allocated allows.

All members supported the motion.

I  ask Leitrim County Council to engage with the landowners at Rossclogher to get permissive access to the foreshore near Mac Clancy's which was built on a crannog in Lough Melvin and which is of such historical importance and link to Francisco de Cuellar and the Spanish Armada.

"I ask Leitrim County Council to engage with the landowners at Rossclogher to get permissive access to the foreshore near Mac Clancy's which was built on a crannog in Lough Melvin and which is of such historical importance and link to Francisco de Cuellar and the Spanish Armada."

Report by Economic Development

"The involvement of a local community group or historical society is recommended as the best mechanism to see this area of historical significance be opened up as an accessible area. The securing of permissive access to the foreshore in this instance, is more likely to be successful where the project is community led."

Cllr Justin Warnock emphasised the significance of Leitrim County Council's involvement in this matter. He praised the people of Grange for their outstanding efforts in this area.

Cllr Felim Gurn requested that funding streams be examined to assist in this regard.

All members supported the motion.

I propose that the Council provide additional public lighting and signage at Tarmon Church on the R280 in the interest of public safety.

"I propose that the Council provide additional public lighting and signage at Tarmon Church on the R280 in the interest of public safety."

Report by Roads - General

"This location will be assessed for the need for public lighting improvements."

Cllr Mary Bohan expressed the importance of this matter as it is a very busy and dangerous road.Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion.

Eric Gilroy Area Engineer agreed to inspect the area and enquired whether the three existing public lights were sufficient.

Cllr Padraig Fallon stated that the present lights are insufficient since they emit very little light.

I ask what is the current position regarding the Tenant Purchase Scheme.

"I ask what is the current position regarding the Tenant Purchase Scheme."

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

"To date 4 in 2023, 4 tenant purchase applications have been completed and 2 are in the final stages of completion. As outlined previously and discussed at the SPC meeting the classes of houses that are excluded from sale under the tenant purchase scheme are set out in SI 484/2015. 

The list of excluded properties includes units added to the Council stock since 2015 through build and acquisition and one and two bed units subject to periodic review."

Cllr Mary Bohan queries the response, asking if the numbers were low. She also questioned if a person is not living in the house but is still paying rent what happens.

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Service stated this the numbers were on a par with other years. She outlined the process in relation to properties which may be considered abandoned.

Cllr Padraig Fallon and Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion.

I ask that warning signs be put in place on the Barnes road ie. Newtownmanor to Dromahaire alerting drivers of the presence of deer along this route.

"I ask that warning signs be put in place on the Barnes Road i.e. Newtownmanor to Dromahair alerting drivers of the presence of deer along this route."

Report by Roads - General

"Signs will be erected along this route warning for the presence of deer's."

I ask again Leitrim County Council to put in place some form of traffic calming measures /signage to try and slow down the traffic on the R278 . At present the volume and speed of traffic on this road is a nightmare for everyone.

"I ask again Leitrim County Council to put in place some form of traffic calming measures /signage to try and slow down the traffic on the R278. At present the volume and speed of traffic on this road is a nightmare for everyone."

Report by Roads - General

"This route is included in the list of applications to the department for low-cost safety measures."

Cllr Felim Gurn moved Cllr Frank Dolan’s motions.

Cllr Felim Gurn wished everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year. This concluded the business of the meeting.