Agenda and draft minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

             SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Manorhamilton Municipal District Meeting of 19^th February 2024.

Cllr Mary Bohan referred to  the HSE's reply in relation to Our Lady’s Hospital Manorhamilton  and described it as dismissive.  She stated that any Councillor has the right to put forward a motion if they wish. Cllr Bohan also highlighted the fact that the HSE has previously declined to attend an MD meeting. Cllr Mary Bohan asked that Leitrim County Council write again on behalf of Manorhamilton MD.

Cllr Felim Gurn agreed with Cllr Bohan and stated that the HSE have previously been dismissive.

Cllr Justin Warnock expressed the importance of this facility as medical needs are not being attended to locally.

It was agreed by all members that a further letter be issued from the Manorhamilton Municipal District  Members to the HSE in relation to the Day Care Centre, Our Lady’s Hospital Manorhamilton.

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Service referred to the reply in relation to the MICA Scheme and stated that in relation to homeowners that have an issue with MICA that they should contact the local authority in the first instance as per the correspondence from the Minister.

Cllr Padraig Fallon highlighted that full redress for homeowners is needed.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

             SECONDED by Cllr Felim Gurn

It was AGREED to approve the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) – LIS Applications where cost will exceed €65,000.

It was agreed to take Agenda Item no.4 (Cllr gurn) and no 7. (Cllr Fallon) together as they were of a similar nature.

I ask that this municipal contact the Department of Education and Minister Foley with a view to funding urgent enhancements to the school building and playground at St Aidens national School, Ballaghameehan, Rossinver. Emergency funding for external doors and windows was unsuccessful in November 2023. In addition, the playground is not fit for purpose these issues need to be addressed immediately.

Our farming community is having to endure late farm payments, as well as low prices in the market for their produce. In addition, they are facing real issues in securing one off housing for their children on the family farm. I ask that this municipal write to the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue so that no more family farms are lost in the county.

Cllr Felim Gurn expressed the frustration of late payments not being good enough along with small farmers not being supported locally.

Cllr Padraig Fallon supported the motion.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Felim Gurn

             SECONDED by Cllr Justin Warnock

It was AGREED that this Municipalwrite to the Minister for Agriculture Mr. Charlie McConalogue so that no more family farms are lost in the county."

It was agreed to take Agenda Item no.6 (Cllr Fallon) and no 10. (Cllr Dolan) together as they were of a similar nature.

I ask that an update be given as to where negotiations are between Leitrim Co. Council and Newgrove Housing Association with regard to much needed planned facility in Manorhamilton.

I ask that this municipal write to the Department of Education and Minister Foley urging much needed funds be made available for works at St Aidans school, Rossinver.

Cllr Felim Gurn stated that a letter was given to all councillors in relation to the department not providing the necessary funding for schools. He outlined that parents and teachers are frustrated with this response along with them having to work in these poor conditions.

Cllr Padraig Fallon outlined he  recently brought this issue to the attention of Deputy Martin Kenny, along with having brought it to the attention of Minister Norma Foley. He outlined that the environment that these students and teachers must work in is now a safety hazard and that an Emergency works grant must be granted.

Cllr Justin Warnock stated that the extent of work required will have to be completed in stages since it is too large a project to complete in one summer.

All members supported the motion.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Felim Gurn

             SECONDED by Cllr Padraig Fallon

It was AGREED to write to both the Dept of Education and Minister Foley in relation to the issues at St. Aidan’s NS in Ballaghameehan, Rossinver.

I ask the roads department how many Hedge Cutting Grant applications were received and approved for the Manorhamilton MD.

Cllr Frank Dolan stated that the cutting of hedges must take place regardless of funding.

Cllr Justin Warnock acknowledged the provision of  funding in relation to this.

All members supported the motion.

I ask Leitrim County Council what engagement has there been with the NWRA in relation to the feasibility study to be undertaken re the potential of a National Park/ Euro Park for North Leitrim and the Sliabh an Iarainn area.

Cllr Justin Warnock highlighted the  Green Health Initiative and outlined that North Leitrim can be part of this.  He outlined that this EU funded programme could be  very beneficial for North Leitrim as it will help with the growth of the county and population.

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion once no negative consequences resulted from it.

All members supported the motion.

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Service informed the members  that the Fire station is at design stage currently.

All members supported the motion.

I ask has there been any progress made between LCC and the HSE in providing a house for the people in the National learning network in Manorhamilton.

Cllr Padraig Fallon expressed how disappointing this response was and how disheartening it is for the families as well as the young adults who would have availed of this service. He asked the local authority if there was anything they could do.

Cllr Frank Dolan outlined the frustration and worry  for the parents of these young adults as they are getting older and were hoping their children would be supported in the future.

Cllr Felim Gurn stated that funding for this service was provided 2-3 years ago but remains unspent.

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Service, indicated that Leitrim County Council will seek alternative expressions of interest as soon as possible.

All members supported the motion.

I ask that Leitrim Co. Council put in place measures to deal with the following;

(a) Repairs to the footpath from the village in Dromahair to the park.

(b) Provide a continuous footpath from the primary school to the village.

(c) Provide traffic calming on Main St. and on the Back Line.

Cllr Mary Bohan expressed that the foothpaths are a health and safety issue and requested what the timeline would be for repairs.

Eric Gilroy, Area Engineer stated that he will investigate the areas and assess the  trip hazards that could be funded under IPB Funding.

All members supported the motion.

I ask that this Council call again on the Government to bring all applications for afforestation planting and felling under the Local Authority Planning Regulations as a matter of urgency.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Mary Bohan

             SECONDED by Cllr Justin Warnock

It was AGREED for this municipal to call again on the Government to bring all applications for afforestation planting and felling under the Local Authority Planning Regulations as a matter of urgency.

Cllr Warnock outlined the issues relating to forestry and the need for planning regulation. All members supported the motion.

Cllr Mary Bohan expressed sympathy to Cllr Warnock on the recent passing of his sister.

·       The use of campaign posters in the upcoming local elections was discussed.  It was agreed that the use of use of Campaign posters in the upcoming local elections be accepted.

·       Cllr Padraig Fallon proposed the members from Manorhamilton Municipal District put forward a joint motion to the next plenary Council meeting in May 2024 to raise awareness for the Palestinian Solidarity Group.

·       Mary Quinn, Director of Services, outlined that the date of the May meeting be need moved to an earlier date due to the Local Elections, and Members can consider at the April  meeting.

·       Eric Gilroy, Area Engineer informed the Members that the TII allocation has been received and the Roads Programmes has been updated which was circulated to all members.