Agenda and minutes

No matters or amendments arising from Minutes.

Proposed by Councillor Enda Stenson, Seconded by Councillor Sean McGowan AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED;

“That the Minutes of the Information Meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District held via Zoom on Monday 11th May 2020 be noted and subject to formal approval at statutory meeting.”

Mr Gilhooly said his briefing would refer to the up to date position since last full council and Carrick on Shannon Municipal District meeting.

Roads/Outdoor Staff

On 18th May construction work resumed, this also mean outdoor/roads staff started back.  A detailed manual was prepared for outdoor staff and induction training has taken place.  Staff are straight back into the Roads Programme working in accordance with Covid 19 guidelines /measures.

Local Enterprise Office

Local Enterprise Office continues to support the business community through the business continuity scheme and online trading vouchers.  They are also offering one to one mentoring programme.  Restart Grants are being made available.  Closing date for this is 31st August 2020.

Planning Department

The Planning Department continued to work throughout the lockdown period.  Even though the office was not open to the public the department was still receiving and processing new applications and also dealing with day to day planning matters.

The public consultation process for planning was stalled for a period of 8 weeks (56 days) in accordance with department recommendations.

Ms Shanley gave the members a breakdown of planning statistics during the Covid 19 period.

Applications Received                                                            -           27

Decisions affected by Covid 19 period (8 weeks)      -           47

New applications received since 8 week period lifted           -           13

Ms Shanley explained that planners had already prepared 14 reports out of the 47 decisions due and these decisions have issued.

Normal day to day planning administration such as Pre-Planning, Submissions, Further Information requests have all continued during the lockdown process.

She explained that there will be a re-opening of the Planning Department from 25th May 2020 and outlined to the meeting the process involved for same, most notably that appointments must be made to have physical access to the Planning Department.

Mr Gilhooly then explained that the review of the County Development Plan was stalled due to Covid 19 however, it is expected to start the process on the 17th June 2020.  A Strategic Issue Paper will issue and the public will have from 17th June 2020 to 12th August 2020 to make submissions on this.  He advised that County Development Plan process is a very protracted one and will take approximately two years.

Housing

In relation to housing he said that works have recommenced on the site of houses in Summerhill.  The housing department is not open to the public however, they are providing assistance for those who need it on an emergency or necessity basis.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Armstrong McGuire took questions/comments from the Members.

Councillor Des Guckian:

·        He had concerns regarding the County Development Plan and its process.  He commented that he felt that Councillors should have a bigger involvement in how it is formed.

·        He again questioned why meetings needed to held online.

·        With regards to Minutes, which are subject to formal approval, he enquired was there any follow up as to what was decided at the last online meeting.

·        He questioned the cost of the road surfacing works being carried out between  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.59.20

A Caravan has been abandoned at Eslin Community Centre for past month, how can this be removed?

"A Caravan has been abandoned at Eslin Community Centre for past month , how can this be removed."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"This matter was investigated by our Community Warden. The caravan Sprite XL Musketeer White Reg No HCZ9812 is registered in the UK. This Caravan is not located on Public Lands and is located on private lands owned by the church. It is a matter for the Church to resolve with the Caravan owner.  The Garda should be consulted if further action is required."

Councillor Stenson stated that the caravan was not on church grounds as the diocese had given over this piece of the land to the community of Eslin.  He again enquired as to what could be done.

Mr Gilhooly stated that council officials would be in touch with him once this matter had been discussed internally.

May I ask have we made progress on getting Coach parking facilities in Carrick?

"May I ask have we made progress on getting Coach parking facilities in Carrick."

Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.

"The Failte Ireland approved project for Carrick on Shannon as part of the Destination Towns funding includes the provision of coach parking in the vicinity of the N4/Landmark hotel area. Our design team has just started design work on this project."

Councillor Stenson said he tabled this motion as he had heard lately that there were difficulties in obtaining suitable locations to provide coach parking facilities.

Mr Gilhooly informed the meeting that there are no problems with this proposal.  He said that the design stage will go on for a number of months and then the proposal will go through the Part 8 Planning process.  He stated that there are two proposed areas in the vicinity of the N4 and also an area at the back of the Landmark Hotel.  A detailed design has just commenced on the project.  He said that it was the council’s intention to extend the existing coach parking as part of the package of the town as a tourist destination.

That warning signs be placed in advance of the pedestrian crossing, on the L1601, at Rooskey, stating that there is a steep-sided ramp ahead. I also want a survey done of all such pedestrian crossings, with ramps, in the Carrick Municipal area with the intention of placing warning signs at all of these as well.

"That warning signs be placed in advance of the pedestrian crossing, on the L1601, at Rooskey, stating that there is a steep-sided ramp ahead. I also want a survey done of all such pedestrian crossings, with ramps, in the Carrick Municipal area with the intention of placing warning signs at all of these as well. "

Report by Roads - General

"All warning signs are in position on all pedestrian crossing in the Carrick MD.

In fact, the District Engineers office, in conjunction with the good work of the local Rooskey Residents

committee, have carried out significant works at the Rooskey harbour area in 2018. These works comprise

of the following:

1. Pedestrian Crossing.

2. Playground.

3. Refurbished car park.

4. Refurbished quay area.

5. Advance driver feedback signs on both approaches.

6. Pedestrian crossing and ramp signs on both approaches."

Councillor Guckian commented that he was looking for accuracy in the reply and that it got to the point, he added that the last 6 points of the response were totally irrelevant.

He said that the crossings were steep sided and dangerous and said that a motorist can get a jolt going over them even at a low speed.

He also highlighted that there was no advance warning signs for the ramps in Shannon Lodge, Carrick on Shannon.

In response to the matters raised Mr O’Boyle informed the meeting that he had gone out to Rooskey the previous Friday and saw for himself the signs on both approaches.  He said that the sign on the approach from Carrick was 40 metres from the crossing and the one on the Longford side was 50 to 60 metres from it.  He said that the ramps are constructed to specification and that it you do cross them at speed you will get a jolt from them, as that is the point of them.

Councillor McGowan concurred that the signs were in situ.

Councillor Guckian commented that they are obviously too far away from the crossing and they need to be put nearer the pedestrian crossings and enlarged.

Mr O’Boyle said the signs are also erected to specification and commented that there are signs at the ramps in Shannon Lodge as he was looking them up on Google Maps as the meeting was taking place.

That the Council property at each side of Faulties road Bridge, over the MGWR railway, be cleaned up, drained, tidied and re-surfaced . Also that the rubbish that is accumulating there be taken away and disposed of. Piles of Council waste in this area are generally unsightly and possibly dangerous too.

"That the Council property at each side of Faulties Road Bridge, over the MGWR railway, be cleaned up, drained, tidied and re-surfaced . Also that the rubbish that is accumulating there be taken away and disposed of. Piles of Council waste in this area are generally unsightly and possibly dangerous too."

Report by Roads - General

"This local public road is the L-3468-2. The District Office use this area as a chip storage area which facilitates surface dressing being carried out in the local region. Potholes have recurred in this area, mainly due to parking of HGV trailers. We will carry out maintenance on these potholes. Going forward the possibility of abandoning this section of road as a Public Right of Way and providing a securely fenced compound for storage of LCC materials, could be investigated, while maintaining the public access via the adjoining L-3468-1."

Councillor Guckian informed the meeting that the road in question, near the turn off for Derrycarne has a dip that floods in the winter and it needs to be raised by about six inches to take the puddle out of it.

Mr O’Boyle reiterated his reply and said that he council will cut the hedges alongside its property and will write to the landowner on the other side to do the same. 

Councillor Guckian referred to the suggestion of the abandoning of the right of way as absolute nonsense and said it was a disgraceful proposal as a right of way has existed here for hundreds of years.

He commented “it is a pure disgrace to you and to all county council officials to be left like that”.

Mr O’Boyle concluded that the council will fix the potholes and open up the road drainage.

Councillor Guckian enquired what guarantee did he have that these works would actually be done.  He said that there is a huge dip that needs to be filled up and the council have a responsibility to do it and he will not rest until it is done.

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The meeting was suspended at 11.15 am due to technical difficulties with the online meeting.

The meeting resumed at 11.40 am.

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At the June Meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District, I will seek the support of members in calling on Bank of Ireland to immediately reopen their branches in Mohill.

"At the June Meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District, I will seek the support of members in calling on Bank of Ireland to immediately reopen their branches in Mohill.”

Councillor McGowan informed the meeting that there was no other bank in Mohill.  There is an excellent Post Office and Credit Union.  He asked that the bank would be contacted straight away, as a matter of urgency to clarify when they intend to resume services.  He said he did not understand the logic behind it and was surprised that there had been no public statement on the matter.

Councillor Mulligan supported the motion and said that it was disgraceful.  People who were supposed to be cocooning had to travel to Carrick on Shannon to do basic banking business.  There was no way of making a lodgement in Mohill and they had no alternative.

The Cathaoirleach said that all members would be in support of this motion.

Councillor Guckian said that the Irish public funded these banks during the economic crisis and they must provide a proper social service to the people.

Councillor McGowan enquired if the Executive had received any correspondence from the bank.

Ms Shanley informed the meeting that a letter was sent to the Bank of Ireland from the full council meeting.  She said she would issue a separate letter on behalf of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District.

Councillor Farrell said he supported the motion and he felt that the bank were using Covid 19 as an excuse to get out.

At the June Meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District I will ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services Infrastructure to contact Irish Water as a matter of urgency with regard replacing the Trunk Water Main between Gortfadda Cross towards Satrissaun Gorvagh on the R 202 distance approx. 5 km. This section of pipe has had numerous bursts over the past year, with upwards of 20 in the last couple of months in Gortfadda alone, this is causing considerable disruption and annoyance to homeowners and business alike and is leaving the road in a very dangerous condition.

"At the June Meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District I will ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services Infrastructure to contact Irish Water as a matter of urgency with regard replacing the Trunk Water Main between Gortfadda Cross towards Satrissaun, Gorvagh on the

R202 distance approx. 5 km. This section of pipe has had numerous bursts over the past year, with upwards of 20 in the last couple of months in Gortfadda alone, this is causing considerable disruption and annoyance to homeowners and business alike and is leaving the road in a very dangerous condition. "

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"We are experiencing regular bursts on a section of the trunk watermain between Gortfadda and Gorvagh on the R202 North of Mohill town. This is due primarily to the age of this old asbestos Cement pipeline which was installed over 50 years ago and is now passed its serviceable life.

In order to make a repair we have to shut down the Trunk Main which may take between 4-6 hrs to repair.

Because of the concentration of bursts on this section of Trunk Main unfortunately the same supply area is experiencing repeated disruption to supply with bursts occurring approx 3 to 4 a month.

The replacement of this particular section of Trunk Main is top of our list of priorities for Mains

refurbishment and we continually make representations to Irish Water to invest in these projects.

Leitrim County Council will contact Irish Water to request that they approve for construction of a new Trunk Main at this location Gortfadda to Sratrissaun along the R202 to replace the existing defective main.  Permanent Road reinstatements of previous road openings made along the R202 at burst locations was been ordered and these works will be undertaken in the June 2020."

Councillor McGowan informed the meeting that as recently as last night there was a burst in this location.  He said he contacted Irish Water himself and they sent a crew out.  He said that this is the second busiest road in Leitrim after the N4.  It is an old asbestos mains and as a result of road widening over the years the pipe is now in the middle of the road.  A new mains is urgently needed at this location.  The cost of carrying out repairs by Irish Water ranges from €1,500 to €2,000 per callout and already there have been 20 call outs this year amounting to €30,000 and we are only half way through the year.  The bursts cause serious disruption to people and businesses for long periods of time.  He called on Irish Water to immediately provide funding for replacement of pipe for area of 3 – 5 km.

Councillor Farrell supported the motion.  He said that all members had been getting calls in relation to this matter.  100 – 200 metres of pipe would solve this issue.  He also called on Irish Water to replace or fix the pipes as soon as possible.

Councillor Mulligan also supported  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.65.20

That we include in our works programme the resurfacing of "The Greene Lane" Mohill in our next works programme. This opens onto Main Street in the centre of the town and is regarded as essential improvement works by Mohill Community Network.

"That we include in our works programme the resurfacing of "The Greene Lane" Mohill in our next works programme. This opens onto Main Street in the centre of the town and is regarded as essential improvement works by Mohill Community Network."

Report by Roads - General

"The Green Lane is a public laneway L-1451. We can maintain the lane by carrying out patching and maintenance works. It would not be policy to apply a grant on a public cul de sac, however, there are community involvement schemes which allow funding for such scenarios. We would be happy to meet the stakeholders on this laneway to discuss further."

Councillor Mulligan explained to the meeting that the Green Lane is in the centre of the town and connects the mart to the Main Street.  He said that there were also a number of residents living along it and it needs to be completely resurfaced to bring it up to a reasonable standard.  He said that this is regarded as essential improvement works by the Mohill Community Network. 

Councillor McGowan supported the motion and said it was a very busy lane in the heart of the town.

All members supported the motion.

Mr O’Boyle informed the meeting that the Green Lane is a public laneway L-1451.  He said that the council can maintain the lane by carrying out patching and maintenance works but it would not be the policy of Leitrim County Council to apply a grant on a public cul-de-sac.  He said that there were Community Involvement Schemes which allow funding for such scenarios and this would be a perfect example of a case where for a small fee it could be re-tarred and laid properly, if the landowners got together.  He said it is only 150 – 170 m long and he would be happy to meet the stakeholders on site to discuss it further.

Councillor Mulligan said it would be difficult to go back to people and ask them to make a contribution.

Mr O’Boyle responded that they don’t have to contribute and the council will maintain it but a Community Involvement Scheme will cover 15% of the cost of a new black-top.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Armstrong McGuire suggested that this proposal be put forward to the community.

Councillor Guckian said that Community Involvement Schemes or any of those schemes are ridiculous.  If it is up to the council to maintain them then they should make it their priority.

Following on a motion to a previous meeting of the Carrick On Shannon Municipal District when I asked that we contact Coilte to request Repairs be carried out to the stone pier at the Gortlettra entrance to Lough Rinn and the replacement of a wooden gate and gateposts along the avenue at the entrance to Hall Clements house. Have we received any response.

"Following on a motion to a previous meeting of the Carrick On Shannon Municipal District when I asked that we contact Coillte to request Repairs be carried out to the stone pier at the Gortlettra entrance to Lough Rinn and the replacement of a wooden gate and gateposts along the avenue at the entrance to Hall Clements house. Have we received any response."

Report by Roads - General

"Coillte have responded and are working towards a solution with Leitrim County Council in carrying out repairs to the stone pier and also replacing the wooden gate and gateposts along the avenue."

Councillor Mulligan noted the reply and stated that this has been going on for several years.  It would only cost a small amount to carry out the repairs.  He enquired if Coillte have given a commitment on the works.

Mr O’Boyle responded that he had been in touch with Coillte and that they have agreed in principle as a gesture of good will.  He explained that we can’t follow them under the Roads Act.  He said he will follow up on costs for the work for Coillte and will ask Ms Shanley to send it on to them.

Councillor Mulligan said that Coillte have a responsibility to replace the wooden gate, it is at the entrance to the Lough Rynn Hotel and is very ugly looking.  They should be forced to go and replace it.

Mr O’Boyle said that they can go and ask them to fix it but it is up to the landowner to make sure that their property is secured.

Ms Shanley informed the meeting that they have already been contacted.

Is there any plans to improve the main road from St Patricks Park to Lisanga, as siding is in very poor condition.

"Is there any plans to improve the main road from St Patricks Park to Lisangat, as siding is in very poor condition."

Report by Roads - General

"This section of public road and footpath from St Patricks Park to the graveyard requires a full restoration.  St Patricks Park has received significant funding over the past 2 years and has allowed us to resurface the road and footpaths in this area. Currently, Irish Water are running an above ground temporary water main on the Lisnagot link road to the graveyard to facilitate the water supply to the town of Carrick on Shannon. Irish Water are proposing to make this arrangement permanent and thus, they will be carrying out underground works on this public road through the road open licence system. This District Office will seek full road restoration on completion of this scheme."

Councillor Farrell said that he had received a number of complaints over the last number of months.  He noted the contents of the reply and said he hoped the works would be completed sooner rather than later.

The Cathaoirleach said that the road had become much more heavily trafficked in recent times with pedestrians and cars.

She also made reference to the three unoccupied and unfinished houses in this area which she said were very unsightly and she said consideration should be given to knocking them down.

Can I ask If the Current Clár programme can be applied to for funding of footpath and boundary wall where needed from Attyrory Estates Rosebank area to Dublin road where we have requested improvement in pedestrian access.

"Can I ask If the Current Clár programme can be applied to for funding of footpath and boundary wall where needed from Attyrory Estates, Rosebank area to Dublin road where we have requested improvement in pedestrian access."

Report by Roads – General

"The 2020 Clar funding scheme have recently been announced and includes the following measures:

Measure 1: Schools/Community Safety measures (expanded in 2020)

Measure 2: Community Recreation Areas (new in 2020)

Measure 3: Community Wellbeing Supports.

Measure 1 of this program includes for an intervention of the provision of a footpath which provides access to schools or community facilities. This may be relevant in this instance. Eligible applicants for this measure include schools and community groups. However, it should be noted that under the 2019 CLAR program, that funding was provided for a pedestrian crossing in this area, (which will be constructed in the coming months), and it may prove difficult to get a second grant for the same area in successive years.

It is important to note that any proposed project requires application an element of co funding from a relevant community group/applicant. The scheme has now been public advertised.

Closing date for applications is 22nd July 2020."

Councillor Armstrong McGuire noted the reply and stated that a little bit more work is needed on the pedestrian crossing.  She enquired could more funding be sought to finish it in a better way.

Mr O’Boyle said that the community could seek to apply for CLAR funding. However, he said that the caveat to this was that funding has to be evenly distributed throughout the municipal district.  If an area has received funding in the past it is unlikely they will get it again.  This is in the interests of fairness to all areas.

R7432 Cornagulla - Drumnadubber Road. The sides/edges of this road have been left very open as forestry has been removed. Since the forestry has been cut away the road has been left very dangerous for motorists and pedestrians.

" R7432Cornagulla - Drumnadubber Road.  The sides/edges of this road have been left very open as forestry has been removed. Since the forestry has been cut away the road has been left very dangerous for motorists and pedestrians."

Report by Roads - General

"The L7432 has experienced tree felling and harvesting over the last 3 years. The district engineer’s office has erected roadside delineators at the locations there is a level drop from the local road into the forestry property.

The road surface is very uneven and has been patched at a number of locations.  This road will require a RIG and should be included in the next 3 year plan."

Councillor Farrell noted the reply and said that the sides of the road are in very poor condition and is dangerous for pedestrians.

Mr O’Boyle explained that deforestation has exaggerated the existing situation.  He said that a RIG could be looked at as a possibility in the next three year plan, however at the moment the only option would be delineators at this location.

Councillor Farrell asked can this be done.

Mr O’Boyle said that he has installed delineators in other locations and this should not be a problem here.

With recent Clár funding announced for Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. Will the New Sports Campus planned for this Region fit the outline of projects that should apply?

"With recent Clár funding announced for Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. Will the New Sports Campus planned for this Region fit the outline of projects that should apply? "

Report by Economic Development

“The proposed Regional Sports Campus would not fit the Clar funding model.  The 2020 Clar funding has a particular emphasis on responding to the challenges posed by Covid 19 with Measure 1 being broadened to allow additional investment to adapt areas around schools and community facilities to meet new public health requirements and Measure 2 covering enhancement measures of existing or new Accessible Recreation Areas where people can socialise outdoors in safe community spaces. These recreational areas will be particularly important for community social interaction in the coming months, in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.  Maximum grants available to Clar schemes are in the region of 50K.

The Sports Recreation Campus committee are busy preparing documents and applications which should allow them to access the Sports Capital Grants, if and when available.”

Councillor Armstrong McGuire noted the reply.

Mr Gilhooly advised the members to encourage any community groups they may be involved with to apply for any grants available to them such as Town & Village, CLAR etc.

On a separate matter she enquired from Mr Gilhooly if it was proposed to open playgrounds in the county today.

Mr Gilhooly stated that as of close of business last Friday there was no indication that playgrounds would be re-opening.  A major cleaning and signage programme has to be implemented before they can re-open, but it is hoped that this will happen as soon as is practicable to do so.

She urged him to do so as soon as possible.

Date of AGM

The date for AGM of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District is scheduled to take place on Friday 26th June 2020 in the Bush Hotel.

Councillor Guckian said the meeting should be held in the chamber and nowhere else.

Mr Gilhooly informed him that in line with social distancing measures the chamber would not be suitable at this present time, however discussions will take place at the AGM to discuss future locations of meetings.

The Cathaoirleach said we cannot make a decision for a month’s time as we have to be mindful that Covid 19 is not gone.

Councillor Farrell supported Councillor Guckian and said he would like to see the meetings being held back in the chamber.

Councillor McGowan said he would also like to see them in the chamber however he said that it was important that we abide by the guidelines issued by the health authority.