Agenda and minutes

Proposed by Councillor Thomas Mulligan, Seconded by Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED;

“That the Minutes of the Meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District held in Aras an Chontae, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim on Monday 26^th June 2020 be adopted.”

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Services who was in attendance on behalf of Joseph Gilhooly gave an update on operations in the Council – she advised that all leisure facilities and amenities are back open including Aura Leisure and Drumshanbo Swimming Pool.

Shay O’Connor gave the Councillors an update on the Carrick on Shannon Flood Relief Scheme. In particular he updated them on the Public Consultation process that will commence in July. The information pack for the public consultation was sent to Councillors directly from the Design Consultant, Ryan Hanley. Every household in the scheme area of Carrick on Shannon and Cortober will be sent the same information pack including a questionnaire and a return envelope. All households should be encouraged to fill out the questionnaire. It is vital that people’s opinions/concerns etc. are received regarding the flood relief scheme at this early stage.

Councillor Paddy Farrell questioned if Leitrim County Council were taking the lead on this.  Mr. Shay O’Connor confirmed this.

Councillor Des Guckian informed the meeting that he objects to Zoom Meetings.  Councillor Guckian also wished to hear about plans in relation to the area opposite the church and he highlighted lack of information.

In relation to Flood Relief Councillor Des Guckian stated that it is not only Carrick on Shannon but all other towns and villages seriously affected by bad floods and that these should be brought in to the scheme and also worked on.

Councillor Enda Stenson asked if there was there any news in relation to the glass walls that was discussed previously.

Councillor Sean McGowan welcomes the public consultation and stated that the glass walls need to be taken on board and also agreed with Councillor Guckian that all other areas prone to flooding should be addressed.

Mr. Shay O’Connor outlined that all councillors will get information in advance in regard to the public consultation. Mr. O’Connor also outlined that the make up of the wall will be determined as part of the design when the barrier height is determined.

Mr. Shay O’Connor advised that an application for a concept opposite the church was submitted to the Department for funding, no funding has been confirmed yet. 

Councillor Des Guckian highlighted his serious reservations in regard to plans for a Plaza and the fact that it was not mentioned to the Councillors -why the need for secrecy?

Councillor Des Guckian highlighted the exceptional flood in 2009 and the ten year struggle since to put the case forward.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan queried the situation regarding Mohill.

Mr. Shay O’Connor replied to Councillor Thomas Mulligan that Mohill has been approved -it is only a small scheme and OPW are reviewing flood mapping and feedback is expected in the next couple of months. Leitrim County Council will do work in conjunction with OPW.

That, in the interests of safety, in Mohill Town, the Council recognises the hazards experienced by motorists coming from the Dromod direction and crossing the Main St junction towards the Ballinamore direction. The sight lines are very poor and a motorist has to edge out on to Main St to see if there is oncoming traffic from either side. The Council engineers should be asked to make a plan, within two weeks, to remedy this danger. Would it be possible to erect new traffic lights, mirrors etc ?

Report by Mr. Terrence McGovern, A/Senior Engineer;

“The Junction of the R202 and the R201 has restricted sight lines due to the parking bays on Main Street.  In order to improve these sight lines, we would have to remove 4 car parking spaces from Main street. Traffic lights would be insufficient at this location due to traffic volumes. We have no record of any major incidents at this location”.

Councillor Des Guckian stated that the reply was very disappointing that the junction is extremely hazardous.  People come into town to do business and have to cross a blind junction.  The situation cannot be allowed to continue as there could be a fatal accident and needs to be looked at.  Traffic lights could be part of a solution or a corner mirror to give view.

Councillor Sean McGowan stated that the problem at this major junction is that vans/cars park on the corner and all vehicles have to crawl out – traffic lights are possibly not an option.  Councillor Sean McGowan feels to sort the problem effectively that parking needs to be taken away and make the corner clear but acknowledges it is a difficult one to solve. 

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle stated that he checked the traffic figures and they are insufficient to justify traffic lights and highlighted the option of extending the double yellow lines by 15 meters which would likely require the removal of two parking spaces each side of the junction to give sufficient slight lines. 

Councillor Thomas Mulligan stated that there would have to be consultation with the businesses to discuss the impact of the double yellow lines would have on them.  Councillor Enda Stenson agreed.

Councillor Des Guckian stated that in his experience not all accidents are reported.  He stated that all he has asked for is that Leitrim County Council come up with a plan that will work. He feels that there is nothing wrong with traffic lights and does not see why it would be such a problem.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle outlined that yellow lines of 15 meters from a junction are required.   There is not sufficient volume of traffic for traffic lights.

That, in light of COVID, AND the Council’s failure to go ahead with its expansion of the Carrick offices AND to cut back on travel expenses for all people in S. Leitrim who need services, Leitrim Co Council reopens and expands its Mohill office. I hope we can all agree that people from the Mohill area, now working in the central Carrick office, will be allowed to work nearer to home in the Mohill office.

That, in light of COVID, and the Council’s failure to go ahead with its expansion of the Carrick offices and to cut back on travel expenses for all people in S. Leitrim who need services, Leitrim Co Council reopens and expands its Mohill office. I hope we can all agree that people from the Mohill area, now working in the central Carrick office, will be allowed to work nearer to home in the Mohill office.

Report by Mr. Terrence McGovern, A/Senior Engineer;

“The Mohill Office was used as a temporary Library up to the time of the Covid Pandemic and is currently being used by our Mohill Roads outdoor staff. The use of this building will be kept under review”.

Councillor Des Guckian indicated that the answer was limited and feels that keeping it under review does not answer the motion.  Covid has had a direct impact on how people are working remotely.  There will be a need to consider other office space. Councillor Guckian stated that there was no shortage of office space in Mohill and that Mohill is central to South Leitrim.  People who depend on Council Services would appreciate this.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion along with Councillor Paddy Farrell and also Councillor Sean McGowan.

Councillor Des Guckian thanked the councillors for their support.

When is works expected to start on the junction at Funshinna Cross on the Mohill to Keshcarrigan road

When is works expected to start on the junction at Funshinna Cross on the Mohill to Keshcarrigan road

Report by Mr. Terrence McGovern, A/Senior Engineer;

“We will endeavour to commence works in September, once the Wildlife Act allows us to remove vegetation at the embankments of approach road to Oghill Cross”.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle read out the reply.

Councillor Enda Stenson fully supports this and stated that it is badly needed. 

Councillor Thomas Mulligan question would it include the turn into Gorvagh Junction -

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle clarified matters around the Gorvagh Junction.

In light of improving circumstances with regard to covid 19 I am calling again on Bank Of Irl to state when they will be reopening their branch in Mohill.

In light of improving circumstances with regard to Covid 19 I am calling again on Bank of Ireland to state when they will be reopening their branch in Mohill.

Since the motion Councillor Thomas Mulligan states that Bank of Ireland open for half days and welcomes this. 

Councillor Sean McGowan welcomes the re-opening as it is the only bank in Mohill. 

Councillor Enda Stenson stated that all supports the motion

It is vital that our towns now provide public toilets for general public use. Privately owned businesses cannot be expected to provide toilets for the public. With public health being of such vital importance and the presence of Covid 19 in our country toilet facilities of adequate standard must be open and accessible to the public. What are we providing today in our towns and villages? What do we expect a family or couple who are shopping in Carrick centre this summer to do for facilities?

It is vital that our towns now provide public toilets for general public use. Privately owned businesses cannot be expected to provide toilets for the public. With public health being of such vital importance and the presence of Covid 19 in our country toilet facilities of adequate standard must be open and accessible to the public. What are we providing today in our towns and villages? What do we expect a family or couple who are shopping in Carrick centre this summer to do for facilities?

Report by Mr. Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services;

“The public toilets in the town of Carrick on Shannon are provided in conjunction with Waterways Ireland who operate and manage them as part of their service block at the quayside. The Council has been in contact with Waterways Ireland who are currently developing their management regime for reopening in the current environment. Public toilets in the country would have been closed down during the lockdown period. The cafes, restaurants and hotel facilities are now re-opened and their customers can now, once again, avail of services provided”.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire stated that it is an essential service and called on Leitrim County Council to provide good toilet facilities in the town.

Councillor Paddy Farrell supports the motion.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle outlined the Waterways Ireland work with Leitrim County Council in relation to the hours open to the general public.

Councillor Enda Stenson supports the motion and feels it is essential that something is done. 

Councillor Des Guckian supports the sentiment of the motion – there is a potential problem in the abuse of these facilities such as vandalism, but certainly thinks it needs to be looked at.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan stated that years ago there was kiosk type toilets in Boyle.

Councillor Sean McGowan supports the motion.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle will look in to the system in Boyle.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle stated that he would speak to Mr. Joseph Gilhooly in relation to arranging a meeting with Waterways Ireland

Signage re Carrick centre being Open for Business is not adequate on the lead in roads to our town. What plans are in place to improve this oversight? Businesses need major help and improvements in signage would be a significant symbol of willingness to help the ratepayers.

Report by Mr. Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services;

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire feels it needs bigger signage and the businesses need help.

Councillor Paddy Farrell supports the motion.

Mr. Shay O’Connor stated that contractor had put up signs on all approach roads but he will look at increasing the number and will take comments on board. 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire stated that Quay Road, Park Lane is also open for parking not just St. Mary’s Close.

Mr. Shay O’Connor stated that he would look at the matter further.

I call on Leitrim County Council to carry out necessary clearing at junctions in particular at crossroad junctions. I have received many complaints from numerous members of the public regarding this matter.

I call on Leitrim County Council to carry out necessary clearing at junctions in particular at crossroad junctions. I have received many complaints from numerous members of the public regarding this matter.

Report by Mr. Terrence McGovern, A/Senior Engineer;

“The District Office will carry out verge and hedge cutting at Regional Road junctions. All other verge and hedges need to be maintained by the land owners. This is in accordance with the Roads Act. If there is illegal dumping at the cross roads, then this should be pointed out to us immediately and we can follow up in accordance with local authority protocol”

Councillor Des Guckian raised the issue of clearing rubbish also.

Councillor Paddy Farrell and Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion.

Councillor Sean McGowan supports the motions and stated that this time of the year it is a problem.

Mr.Darragh O’Boyle highlighted that as the junction is a local road to a local road it is not a priority given the works remaining on the road works programme.

I call on Leitrim County Council to address the safety issue that is present at the exit of lock 13 along the Ballinamore road R209-4. It is impossible for cars leaving Lock 13 to see out on to the road to see if there is oncoming traffic. It would benefit road users if there was substantial clearing carried out at this exit such as hedge cutting. This entrance could benefit from a blind exit mirror to provide road users with a clear view when exiting.

I call on Leitrim County Council to address the safety issue that is present at the exit of lock 13 along the Ballinamore road R209-4. It is impossible for cars leaving Lock 13 to see out on to the road to see if there is oncoming traffic. It would benefit road users if there was substantial clearing carried out at this exit such as hedge cutting. This entrance could benefit from a blind exit mirror to provide road users with a clear view when exiting.

Report by Mr. Terrence McGovern, A/Senior Engineer;

“This existing access and Lock is under the control of Waterways Ireland. We will contact Waterways Ireland immediately and advise them to carry out hedge cutting at this location.
The council do not install mirrors at Private or Public junctions”.

Councillor Enda Stenson supports the motion

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle has written to the property owner – Waterways Ireland in relation to hedge trimming and signage

At the July Meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District I will seek the support of members in calling on the Government to immediately put in place a Stimulus package / provide grant assistance to SMEs to get them up and running after Covid 19. The SME sector is by far the largest employer in Ireland with some 1.2 million employed throughout the country.

Councillor Sean McGowan stated that SMEs are the backbone of the county, biggest employers right throughout the Country.  These companies need a grant, some will not get back up and running. Hopes that the Government will announce a stimulus package and kickstart the economy.  

Councillor Paddy Farrell supports the motion and says that it is vital that SMEs are kept going.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supports the motion and accepts there is a package already but stimulus package needs to be looked at. 

Councillor Enda Stenson supports the motion.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire supports the motion and feels that businesses will need a leg up.  Applications for funding will need to be straightforward and easy to complete.  Motion needs to be referred to the relevant agencies.

At the July Meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District, I will ask Mr Shay O ‘Connor to give an update on the “Public Realm Works” in Carrick on Shannon. As a result of Covid 19 and the delay that that it caused to the planned works, what is the new date for completion of the car park in Flynn’s field ? what impact will this have on the works which are scheduled to start on Main street & when are these improvement works scheduled to be completed ?

Report by Mr. Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services;

“The new car park at Flynn's Field will be completed by September. The works have commenced on Main Street. We are in communication with the businesses on the street about our activities especially outside their own premises. We are in discussion with the contractor on the programme for these works. The original contract had a nine month programme but this will have to be extended due to the working restrictions imposed by Covid 19”.

Mr. Shay O’Connor stated that the Council will continue contact with the Contractors and monitor works and the Councillors will be kept informed. 

Councillor Des Guckian raised the idea of a new Plaza Project in Carrick on Main Street and how it wasn’t factored in to the original plan. Councillor Guckian also raised the query in regard to any future CPO on properties and the consultation process. 

Mr. Shay O’Connor replied that the project is at a very initial stage and is a concept only under the Urban Regeneration Scheme.

May I ask has there been any further discussion with Church of Ireland representative about the securing/ rebuild of wall at Main Street Mohill

Report by Mr. Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services;

“Representatives of the Church of Ireland in Mohill applied for funding under the Historic Structures Fund Scheme 2020 to undertake necessary works to the front boundary wall of their property which is a Protected Structure. The application was recommended for inclusion by the Planning Authority but was not successful in being considered for funding by the Department. However, the Department indicated their willingness to offer architectural and archaeological advice through their Architectural Advisory Unit to the representatives of the Church of Ireland. This information was issued by letter to the applicant recent past”.

Councillor Enda Stenson felt it was back to the Council to reapply. 

Ms. Mairead Shanley gave an update on the funding process.

Councillor Sean McGowan supports motion and asked Mr. Darragh O’Boyle if it is a Council wall.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle confirmed it was private property.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion

Councillor Enda Stenson reiterates that it must be kept in our sights as the wall visible as you come into the town of Mohill

The motion was supported by all.

May I ask, is it on the agenda of this Local Authority to, re zone land in Carrick-on-Shannon, for the purposes of building family homes in the near future

Report by Mr. Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services;

“As advised last October, there is no shortage of lands identified for housing in Carrick on Shannon in the existing Local Area Plan. The current County Development Plan 2015-2021 projected a population increase of 600 people for the town. The 2016 population of the town (which includes Cortober for Census purposes) was 4,062, an increase of just 82 people on the 2011 Census figure of 3,980 persons. The Local Area Plan identifies 22.91 hectares of land to provide for this projected population increase which includes 50% of headroom. It is respectfully considered that the cost of construction in Carrick on Shannon is such that it does not yield sufficient profit to encourage developers bring forward proposals to build new houses. The Planning Authority does not specify the type of residential units which can be developed and it is considered that placing such restrictions on lands, however well intended, could not be enforced.

The review of the County Development Plan is now underway which includes the need to prepare a Housing Strategy informed by an analysis of housing needs to include affordability. An evidence basis will be presented which will inform the extent of residentially zoned lands required in each urban centre. It is likely that the extent of lands zoned will be reduced and not increased. The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Northern and Western Regional Assembly requires the preparation of a joint Local Area Plan for Carrick on Shannon / Cortober in conjunction with Roscommon County Council within 3 years of the making of the RSES. The preparation of this joint Local Area Plan will not commence until both respective County Development Plans have been adopted”.

Councillor Enda Stenson feels the demand will be great in the future with a lack of family homes if  a large employer decides to set up in Carrick – He wishes to flag this issue in light of the upcoming County Development Plan.

All supported the motion.

Councillor Enda Stenson raised the issued about an incident in Cappagh Estate in Mohill and

Councillor Sean McGowan supported.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan also supported the matter and reassured people that Leitrim County Council were very active on the site, everything that can be done is being done.

Councillor Des Guckian raised his concerns for the other residents of Cappagh and highlighted that the situation had deteriorated rapidly.

Ms. Mary Quinn, Director of Services stated that everything that can be done is being done & all concerned are working very closely with the Gardai

Councillor Paddy Farrell stated that it was misfortunate that this situation had arisen for the local people.

Councillor Enda Stenson appreciates being allowed to raise the issue so as to emphasise that the Mohill people are not forgotten.

Vote of Sympathy

Councillor Des Guckian vote of sympathy for Nancy Duignan, Dublin Road, Carrick on Shannon on the death of her husband Noel, RIP.

All members supported the vote of sympathy.

·        Next meeting scheduled for Monday 14^th September at 10.00 a.m.