Agenda and minutes

MMD.164.24 Adoption of Minutes of the Meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District held on 11th December 2023

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Frank Dolan

             SECONDED by Cllr Justin Warnock

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District Meeting of 11th December 2023.

Email correspondence was received from OPW in relation to the motion in December 2023 in relation to Diffagher River from Lisacoghill back to Belhavel. The OPW outlined that “The area in question does not form part of any Arterial Drainage Scheme which would fall under the remit of the OPW under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act. The OPW therefore has no responsibility for the maintenance of the channel, nor any authority to carry out any works there.”

Cllr Mary Bohan questioned who is responsible and requested that it be revisited. Mr. Eric Gilroy agreed to look into this.

Ms. Mary Quinn Director of Services outlined the requirement for a Special Meeting of the Municipal District to deal specifically with the Glenfarne Demesne Part VIII as the project will be submitted under the RRDF funding scheme.

On the proposal of: Cllr Sean Mc Dermott and seconded by Cllr Mary Bohan it was agreed to schedule a special meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal district to consider the Part VIII process for the Glenfarne Demesne project on 6th February 2024.

Ms. Quinn also outlined thatthere is a Climate Action meeting scheduled for the morning of February 19th, 2024, in Carrick on Shannon. Ms. Quinn asked that the February meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District take place at 1.30pm in Carrick on Shannon after the Climate Action Meeting

All members agreed.

I propose that this municipal write to the Minister and the Department of Agriculture urging the full ACRES payment be made in recognition of the difficulties caused by the delay in payment of the advance in December. Farmers in this Municipal are negatively impacted by such delays and full payment is now required.

"I propose that this municipal write to the Minister and the Department of Agriculture urging the full ACRES payment be made in recognition of the difficulties caused by the delay in payment of the advance in December. Farmers in this Municipal are negatively impacted by such delays and full payment is now required."

I propose that this Municipal write to the Minister for Justice asking that this municipal district be considered for one of the announced Garda Community engagement vans. North Leitrim has seen the closure of a number of stations and is in need of resources.

“I propose that this Municipal write to the Minister for Justice asking that this municipal district be considered for one of the announced Garda Community engagement vans. North Leitrim has seen the closure of a number of stations and is in need of resources.”

Cllr Mary Bohan moved Cllr Padraig Fallon’s motions.

I ask if footpaths can be made safe along the Kilcoo Road, Housing Estate, Kiltyclogher. These footpaths are very uneven and dangerous at entrances to households, this issue has been raised in the past.

"I ask if footpaths can be made safe along the Kilcoo Road, Housing Estate, Kiltyclogher. These footpaths are very uneven and dangerous at entrances to households, this issue has been raised in the past."

Report by Roads - General

"These footpaths are included in the preliminary list of footpaths which are under consideration for the IPB rebate scheme, this scheme will provide funds to repair footpaths with the potential for public liability claims."

Cllr Sean McDermott stated this issue has been mentioned before, and that the road is requires attention as it is uneven.

Eric Gilroy, Area Engineer outlined that a number of footpaths including Kilcoo Road Estate are being addressed under the IPB rebate scheme

I ask if there is a timeframe for works to be carried out on the N16 National Primary Road on the Manorhamilton side of the Rainbow Ballroom, where cracks along the roadside are increasing in size.

"I ask if there is a timeframe for works to be carried out on the N16 National Primary Road on the Manorhamilton side of the Rainbow Ballroom, where cracks along the roadside are increasing in size."

Report by Roads - General

"Roads are in discussions with the TII to progress pavement rehabilitation works on the N16 near Glenfarne, it is hoped that the repairs required beside the Rainbow will be completed in 2024."

Cllr Sean McDermott highlighted the fact that there is a huge drop alongside into the drain.

Mr. Eric Gilroy, Area Engineer highlighted that road design are progressing a scheme to deal with the issue.

I ask what is the winter protocol when trees fall and lights go out after 5pm on a Friday or a bank holiday weekend. Also in instances of flooding who do we contact because fire services are the last ones to be told that they are needed in certain situations.

"I ask what is the winter protocol when trees fall and lights go out after 5pm on a Friday or a bank holiday weekend. Also in instances of flooding who do we contact because fire services are the last ones to be told that they are needed in certain situations."

Report by Roads - General

"As per Roads Based Incident Plan, all emergency calls should be directed to West Regional Control Centre, Castlebar, (Camp West), at 999 /112, and they are aware of the appropriate emergency response to contact."

I ask that the council look at existing footpaths and roundabout entrances coming into
Manorhamilton and come up with a solution for when these footpaths are paved on sand to ensure that weeds and moss cannot keep coming up through the brick surfaces.
This is a different issue from New public realm works that have just taken place in the town.

"I ask that the council look at existing footpaths and roundabout entrances coming into

Manorhamilton and come up with a solution for when these footpaths are paved on sand to ensure that weeds and moss cannot keep coming up through the brick surfaces.

This is a different issue from New public realm works that have just taken place in the town."

Report by Roads - General

"This issue will be investigated to see if measures can be included in the installation works that will eliminate the onset of weeds and moss."

Cllr Sean McDermott moved Cllr Felim Gurns motions.

We have seen a welcomed 10% growth in the population of Leitrim in the 2022 census, a) I ask Leitrim County Council what percentage growth took place in the Manorhamilton Municipal District? and b) what is the current population of this MD?

"We have seen a welcomed 10% growth in the population of Leitrim in the 2022 census, a) I ask Leitrim County Council what percentage growth took place in the Manorhamilton Municipal District? and b) what is the current population of this MD?"

Report by Economic Development

"The population of the Manorhamilton MD at the time of the 2022 census was 11,686 consisting of 5,877 males and 5,809 Females. The population of the Manorhamilton MD at the time of the 2016 census was 10,447 consisting of 5,250 Males and 5,187 Females. The overall increase in population in the Manorhamilton MD between 2016 and 2022 was 1,239 people. The percentage growth of population between 2016 and 2022 in the Manorhamilton MD was 11.86%."

Cllr Justin Warnockacknowledged the update on census figures and highlighted that there is a significant increase in population in the Manorhamilton, MD area.

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion.

The employment opportunities in Kinlough and Tullaghan are very limited and with the continued growth in population in these areas, I ask Leitrim County Council to deliver the infrastructure necessary to the sites zoned for Enterprise and Employment in our County Development Plan 2023 - 2029 to maximise the potential for job creation.

"The employment opportunities in Kinlough and Tullaghan are very limited and with the continued growth in population in these areas, I ask Leitrim County Council to deliver the infrastructure necessary to the sites zoned for Enterprise and Employment in our County Development Plan 2023 - 2029 to maximise the potential for job creation."

Report by Economic Development

"The land zoned Enterprise and Employment under the County Development Plan 2023-2029 in Kinlough is serviced with water and with sewerage to the site boundary. There is also capacity in the existing Kinlough WWTP to accommodate additional loadings. It is envisaged that the site recently purchased in Kinlough with funding from the DRCD under the Building Acquisition Measure (BAM) will ultimately be developed by the community with the focus on creating space for enterprise development and creating opportunities for employment.

The land zoned Enterprise and Employment under the County Development Plan 2023-2029 in Tullaghan is serviced with both water and sewerage. There is also capacity in the existing WWTP to accommodate additional loadings. This site is bounded to the north by the N16 National Primary Route."

Cllr Justin Warnock acknowledged the response but outlined he doesn’t see the building acquired under the BAM measure as creating significant enterprise development. He stated that it may fill the void in Kinlough but will not generate jobs. He also asked if the two areas inTullahave access to sewage and water.

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Service, undertook to revert with an update in relation to water and sewage access.

I ask if any progress has been made on the proposed provision of a footpath /pedestrian walk on Castle Street bridge in Manorhamilton. A grant was allocated for this project a number of years ago, but no works were ever carried out.

"I ask if any progress has been made on the proposed provision of a footpath /pedestrian walk on Castle Street bridge in Manorhamilton. A grant was allocated for this project a number of years ago, but no works were ever carried out."

Report by Roads - General

"The required wayleave for the proposed works is still to be resolved. Leitrim County Council is in regular correspondence with the solicitor in an effort to progress the matter."

Cllr Justin Warnock stated that this matter is holding back development.

Cllr Mary Bohan questioned what the councils options are in this case.

Mr. Eric Gilroy, Area Engineer stated unfortunately there has been no contact with the required parties involved which has led to no further update. He outlined he would investigate the matter further.

All members supported the motion.

There is an ongoing problem on the R278 at the corner of Lough Doon where the road is continuously being eaten away by surface water and as a result traffic is forced to swing on to the wrong side of the road in order to avoid the large potholes. I ask that on this occasion that this be properly addressed.

"There is an ongoing problem on the R278 at the corner of Lough Doon where the road is continuously being eaten away by surface water and as a result traffic is forced to swing on to the wrong side of the road in order to avoid the large potholes. I ask that on this occasion that this be properly addressed."

Report by Roads - General

"This issue will be investigated for remediation works and will be reinstated in 2024 if funds allow."

Cllr Frank Dolan emphasised that there have been few unsuccessful attempts at correcting the issue. He emphasised the need to have a sustainable solution delivered on the road.

Mr. Eric Gilroy, Area Engineer stated that he will explore what can be done to address this issue.

All members supported the motion.

I ask what is the current position regarding the provision of the bus shelter in Drumkeeran

"I propose that repairs and roadside drainage be carried out on the road leading to the Mass Rock in Tullynascreena."

Report by Roads - General

"The L-42653 to the Mass Rock will be assessed for consideration in upcoming road works programs."

Mr. Eric Gilroy, Area Engineer indicated that he would assess the matter.

Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion.

I propose that repairs and roadside drainage be carried out on the road leading to the Mass Rock in Tullynascreena.

"I ask what is the current position regarding the provision of the bus shelter in Drumkeeran"

Report by Roads - General

"The initial proposed location, proved not suitable, relating to the provision of a bus shelter on the north bound direction of services, and thus we were unable to procure the bus shelter which was designed for Drumkeeran in 2023. Following a number of meetings, we have agreed an alternate location for the Bus shelter with the NTA and Local Link, which will be progressed through the approval stages in 2024."

Cllr Mary Bohan expressed her disappointment that the initial site proved unsuitable but was pleased to learn that there is an alternate option.

Cllr Justin Warnock expressed the importance of providing these shelters as people should not have to stand out in the rain. He also questioned whether a shelter was built out of last year’s budget.

Cllr Justin Warnock Supported the motion.

Cllr Mary Bohan thanked all staff for assisting with setting up teams meeting due to the HSE office being unavailable due to power outages etc.

Cllr Justin Warnock questioned was there much damage throughout the county. He also thanked locals and the County Council staff for all the assistance throughout the storm.

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Service stated that there was significant damage from fallen trees and ESB poles, but thankfully there were no injuries or fatalities. She encouraged people not to travel unless absolutely necessary, since storm Jocelyn is predicted, and after storm Ischa, tress etc may be more unstable.