Agenda and minutes

Minutes of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District held in the Council Chamber, Aras an Chontae, Carrick on Shannon on Monday 9th December 2019

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

“That the Minutes of the Meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal meeting held in Aras an Chontae, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim on Monday 9th December 2019 be adopted.”

Matters arising from the Minutes:-

Councillor Guckian highlighted the following amendment:

Page 6-           CMD 19/130   -           Paragraph 6

·        Mr O’Boyle explained that the council simply can just go in and cut it.

Sentence should read:-

·        Mr O’Boyle explained that the council simply cannot just go in and cut it.

This amendment was noted.

Page 3-           CMD 19/128   -           Timescale for Installation of Flood Barriers

Councillor Guckian referred to this motion tabled by him.  He enquired if the Executive had written to Minister Moran and the OPW.  He asked what promises have been given?  What progress has been made on this?

Mr Gilhooly responded that the OPW have approved the selection of a contractor for the works.  The local authority are awaiting formal confirmation of this.

Councillor Guckian asked that this be treated as a matter of urgency.

Mr Gilhooly said that he would brief the members on the timescale of works once the contractor is in place.

Councillor Guckian commented that he would like to be kept up to date on this, adding that he feared Minister Moran would not be there for much longer with the forthcoming general election.

Councillor Stenson enquired if the upcoming election would have any bearing on these works.

Mr Gilhooly stated that it would not, as it was a done deal, funding had been allocated and consultants were in place.

Mr Guckian stated that he had been looking at the Shannon over the last few days and the level has been rising consistently.  He feared we may find ourselves in the same situation as 10 years ago.  He stressed that this is not something that can be left to chance, it needs to be dealt with as a priority.

Councillor Armstrong McGuire remarked that she would like to note the work carried out by both Leitrim and Roscommon County Councils on the Shannon.

The Cathaoirleach informed the meeting that this presentation had been cancelled due to the inclement weather.

Mr Gilhooley said it would be rescheduled for February Municipal District meeting.

Councillor Guckian enquired that in the absence of the presentation today, could he be provided with the contact details of the Local Link Office covering the Leitrim Area.

The Cathaoirleach asked the Executive that these details be provided to all members.

The Cathaoirleach informed the meeting that there were no items of correspondence, however, Councillor Sean McGowan wished to raise and issue which was of concern to him regarding Car Parking Charges at Dromod Railway Station.

Councillor McGowan outlined to the meeting that from this morning Irish Rail have employed APCOA Parking Ireland Ltd. to manage parking at Dromod Railway Station, this also includes the new extension previously built.   He explained that the only way of securing a parking space was to book it online.  There was no machine available at the station to allow customers to purchase a ticket for parking.  He said that the rates for parking were as follows:-

Daily                -           €3.50

Weekly            -           €9.00

Monthly           -           €30.00

He requested that the Executive would write to Irish Rail to ask them to reconsider this decision or defer charging for parking until such time as people would be able to purchase a ticket at a machine in the station.  He said that the situation was not good enough and that he was particularly conscious of older people who would be using the train and were not familiar with using online facilities.

Councillor Guckian seconded this, commenting that people have to be afforded the option of using a machine at the train station.

This was supported by all members.  Councillor Armstrong Maguire commented that the weekly rate of €9.00 was quite a substantial cost to young families availing of the service.

I ask that Leitrim County Council request that Bus Éireann install a cover on Bus Stops at Annaduff both at Notleys and on School and Church side of N4.

"I ask that Leitrim County Council request that Bus Éireann install a cover on Bus Stops at Annaduff both at Notleys and on School and Church side of N4.”

Councillor Armstrong McGuire informed the meeting that she was requesting covers for both sides of the road.  She said that both stops are well used but are in a very exposed area.  She said that people are entitled to protection and that this is something we should push for.

Councillor Sean McGowan seconded this motion.  He said the erection of covers in both locations is warranted.

Councillor Guckian queried where exactly the covers would be erected.  He commented that the covers should have been erected at the start. 

Councillor Armstrong McGuire said that the exact location of the covers can be decided upon once the approval has been given.

It was agreed that the Executive would write to Bus Éireann requesting them to erect covers at the bus stops on both sides of the N4.

What is the expected date for completion of Public Car Park at Flynn's Field. What pedestrian entrances make it accessible to Bridge Street and Main Street. Will a one way system be introduced on to N4 to allow for extra traffic?

"What is the expected date for completion of Public Car Park at Flynn's Field. What pedestrian entrances make it accessible to Bridge Street and Main Street. Will a one way system be introduced on to N4 to allow for extra traffic?"

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

“It is expected that works will commence before the end of January on the construction of the new car park at Flynn's Field. It is expected to be completed by the end of May 2020. There will be one pedestrian entrance to the car park from Main Street. This council will continue to explore the possibility of providing other pedestrian access from Bridge Street.

This council is at present considering options that may improve traffic flow in the area. We will keep the members informed.”

Councillor Armstrong McGuire welcomed the reply and said that she was looking for a date of completion of the car park.  She stated that from day one it has to be highlighted that this car park will be available for use.  We have to highlight this as a positive and get the word out to the public that from the June Bank Holiday weekend this car park will be open and fully operational.  With regard to pedestrian access from the car park to Bridge Street, she said that it would be important to have one if not two accesses onto Bridge Street area.  She asked about the possibility of implementing a one way system maybe going in by Cryan’s and coming out possibly at Shannon Lodge.  She stated that the staff would know what best suits the situation.  She asked Mr O’Boyle to look at traffic flow and possibly get a conversation going with the public with regard to any proposals.

Mr O’Boyle said that the council are currently looking at options for dealing with traffic on N4.  They are looking at possibility of implementing a one way system which would not allow traffic to right turn back onto the N4.  This may mean diverting traffic through Shannon Lodge our back to the N4 roundabout.  Discussions need to take place with the TII and also with residents of Shannon Lodge should such a proposal be considered.  Mr O’Boyle reminded the members that any change to traffic flows must follow statutory processes.

Councillor Stenson commented that the N4 roundabout may become further congested if traffic was diverted up to it in a proposed one way system.

Councillor McGowan said that the extra traffic in this area would lead to problems.  A discussion needs to take place between all stakeholders e.g. Shannon Lodge Residents to see if this should be turned into a one way system.  We need to find a solution that will work for everyone.

Mr O’Boyle said that he envisaged a system whereby it would be similar for traffic coming up from Moon River Car Park, where there is no right turn onto the N4.

A number of members remarked that this  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.5.20

That the Council engineers immediately address a long-standing problem with a bad bend and blind turn along the L3437-3 Drumsna to Effernagh Road, in the townland of Lislea. Going from Drumsna to Effernagh, the road turns sharply to the left, opposite a junction it makes with the road coming uphill from the old Lisduff NS. This problem has been notified to the Council on a number of occasions. The landowner is prepared to cede a bit of ground so the road can be straightened and made much safer.

"That the Council engineers immediately address a long-standing problem with a bad bend and blind turn along the L3437-3 Drumsna to Effernagh Road, in the townland of Lislea. Going from Drumsna to Effernagh, the road turns sharply to the left, opposite a junction it makes with the road coming uphill from the old Lisduff NS. This problem has been notified to the Council on a number of occasions. The landowner is prepared to cede a bit of ground so the road can be straightened and made much safer.”

Report by Roads – General

“The local authority have enlisted this section of road in our Low cost safety works schemes, however, there has been no recorded incidences at this location. If and when we are successful in our application, we can approach the land owner and discuss what land is required for the specific low cost safety works.”

Councillor Guckian noted the reply and said that he was happy as long as it goes ahead.  He said that he was amazed by the reply stating that there were no recorded incidences at this location.  He commented that people don’t go around reporting that they had hit something.  They sort it out among themselves.

Councillor Stenson supported the motion.

Councillor McGowan also supported the motion adding that it needs to be done badly.

This was supported by all members.

Mr O’Boyle informed the members that Low Cost Safety Schemes are based on the amount of reported incidences recorded at a particular location.  The TII look at the number of incidences, it is a fair method of assessment.  This road in question is a low volume road, another possibility would be applying for a Restoration Improvement Grant at this location, when the 3 year Road Improvement Grants are applied.

That Housing officials be asked to consider, with care, the idea of “peaceful enjoyment” of existing householders in an estate when placing a new tenant in what had, hitherto, been a settled, happy and peaceful estate.

"That Housing officials be asked to consider, with care, the idea of “peaceful enjoyment” of existing householders in an estate when placing a new tenant in what had, hitherto, been a settled, happy and peaceful estate.”

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

“Housing allocation is a function of the Executive. Offers of social housing are determined in line with the Order of Priorities outlined in Leitrim County Council’s Allocation Scheme as adopted by the Elected Members on 2nd July 2018, which permit, if necessary, the considerations of estate management in allocations determined.”

Councillor Guckian addressed the meeting stating that undesirables were being placed in local authority housing estates and were causing mayhem.  He said that prior to the arrival of these new tenants the estates were peaceful and residents were happy living there.

He commented that he was aware of a number of incidents particularly in Carrick on Shannon, but in other areas too.  He made reference to one particular incident that he was aware of, whereby a person was placed into a semi detached house in a local authority housing estate and created mayhem and made life hell for the neighbour next door.  It was so bad that the neighbour was forced to move out. 

He added that if we allow this sort of behaviour to continue we will have vigilantes taking matters into their own hands and this was something that he did not want to see.

Councillor Mulligan supported the motion and said that the has had experience of this in his own area.  It is totally unacceptable, however he does not know what can be done to deal with it.  He commented that almost every local authority estate in Mohill has an element of anti social behaviour.

Councillor Armstrong McGuire said that it was important that such incidents were reported and would encourage people to do so.  If people did not want to contact the local authority she said that they could report it to their local representative.   She said she believed that this was one of the roles of an elected member.   She thanked Councillor Guckian for raising this issue and said that it is something that must be addressed.  She also took the opportunity to complement the housing staff on the excelling work that they do. 

Councillor Guckian asked Mr Gilhooly what obligation Leitrim County Council has to house someone with court records.  He said that he often attends court hearings and some of the people who are up before the court have committed multiple offences previously.  He said that it is not good enough that these people can be housed alongside good citizens.  This is a very serious matter and it is something that the local authority and the Gardai need to face up to.

Mr Gilhooly reiterated the reply and stated that tenants have responsibilities under their tenancy agreement.  He added that any anti social behaviour affects a person’s prospects of future housing allocations.  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.7.20

I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer Carrick-on-Shannon, to put in place a programme of works to highlight the pedestrian crossing and junction at St Manachans NS, St Patricks Church Mohill and the road leading up to Mohill Community College.

"I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer Carrick-on-Shannon, to put in place a programme of works to highlight the pedestrian crossing and junction at St Manachan's NS, St Patricks Church, Mohill and the road leading up to Mohill Community College.”

Report by Roads – General

“The District office have installed a pedestrian crossing at the location of the school and church. In recent years, and following discussions with the national school, we have also installed a pedestrian guardrail preventing cars mounting the kerbs and footways. The crossing is designed and constructed and signed in accordance with best practise and there are no further works planned or scheduled for this location.”

Councillor McGowan noted the reply.  He asked that the white lines be redone as they have become faded. 

Councillor Stenson thanked Mr O’Boyle for the work he carried out at this location.  He commented that there were huge safety works done.  The staff of the school also appreciates the work done.

Mr O’Boyle confirmed he will repaint the white lines at this location.

I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning & Infrastructural Services, what is the status of the application for the Lock Estate in Rooskey to have the estate taken in Charge? There is no public lighting in the estate and it is extremely dark for the residents who live there.

"I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning & Infrastructural Services, what is the status of the application for the Lock Estate in Rooskey to have the estate taken in Charge? There is no public lighting in the estate and it is extremely dark for the residents who live there. ”

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

“The Council received a request for taking in charge of this estate in July of 2019. At that time the Council was engaged in progressing a significant number of estates through the taking in charge process and we are still in the process of finalising same. In regards to The Lock, we will shortly be assessing the cost implications for taking in charge of this estate as part of the process to declare the road in the estate as being a public road. Once this assessment is completed it is proposed to commence the statutory public consultation process for this estate. The public consultation process will take 8 weeks after which a recommendation shall be presented to the Members by way of a Chief Executives Report at the next relevant Municipal District meeting.

In relation to the absence of street lighting within this development; the original application did not propose street lighting and the development was permitted on this basis. As street lights did not form part of the permitted development the Council will not be providing lighting in this estate through the taking in charge process and the installation of street lights here will be added to the list of areas requesting street lights and shall be determined on a priority basis and subject to available funding.”

Councillor McGowan noted the reply, he said that he was satisfied with the first part.  With regard to the lighting he said that he was referring to 5 lights at the most.  The bases for the installation of public lighting poles are already in place.  He stated that this was a very dark area.  He asked Mr Gilhooly to look at this matter again.

Councillor Guckian seconded the motion and said that it was unthinkable for an estate not to have public lighting.  He enquired how the council approved planning permission for an estate without adequate lighting.

Councillor McGowan said that the developer had installed public lighting ducts.  There was a bond in the region of £8,000 (pounds) at the time.

Mr Gilhooly responded that the reply was done in the context of “Taking in Charge” process.  The design submitted for the estate did not include public lighting.  Regarding the using of Bonds to finish out estates this can only be used in accordance with what was contained in the Planning Permission at that time.  Funds cannot be used for any other purpose, only those relating strictly to the Permission granted.  Public Lighting installation is outside the “Taking in Charge” process.  He suggested that CLAR funding may be applicable for this project.

He said he would double  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.9.20

I call on Leitrim County Council to take a look at L3439-1.  One point on this road floods at Drumgowna.

"I call on Leitrim County Council to take a look at L3439-1. One point on this road floods at Drumgowna.”

Report by Roads – General

“Following an investigation of the public road L-3439, it was noted that there are 4 large agricultural sheds adjacent this road. The laneways leading to these units allows water onto the public road. The district office will consider this road for a restoration maintenance grant once these land owners trap the water and stop it from egressing onto the public road.”

Councillor Farrell said that he was happy with the reply.  He said that the incident only occurs after very heavy rain.  In his opinion the drains need to be cleared and the road raised.

This was supported by all members.

Mr O’Boyle stated that he would carry out general maintenance works.  He is proposing to put a Restoration Maintenance Grant on this road when the roadwork’s programme comes for approval in March.  He commented that he would like to get all the landowners concerned to sort out the issue of water flowing from their fields onto the road first, before any works would commence.

The sidewalk at Leitrim Village from entrance to hotel up to where the towpath starts at Donnellan's pub.  I ask Leitrim County Council to do something to remove water and dirt that accumulates at this location.

"The sidewalk at Leitrim Village from entrance to hotel up to where the towpath starts at Donnellan's pub. I ask Leitrim County Council to do something to remove water and dirt that accumulates at this location."

Report by Roads – General

“The area between the hotel entrance and Donnellans bar is not public property, however, we will maintain the existing road gullies at this location. Any further development within this area will require the construction on new footpaths so that the existing footway system will be joined up.”

Councillor Farrell noted the reply and said that all the footfall was on this particular side of the street, he added that there were approximately 7 manholes/gullies involved.

All members supported this motion.

Mr O’Boyle said that it was his understanding that there are a few planning applications submitted for this particular area at the moment.  The roads department will look for the construction of a proper footpath.  He also mentioned that he had spoken to members of Leitrim Village Tidy Towns Committee regarding the seeking of funding under the Town and Village Scheme, for the construction and extension of the footpaths in the village.  He said that he will continue to maintain the gullies and manholes but because they are in a low lying area, there will always be problems.

I ask what is the current situation Re Saint Patricks Hospital. Is the funding that was originally Ring Fenced for re building / refurbishing still in place, and has the HSE lodged plans for future development, or discussed the project with planners or our CEO.

"I ask what is the current situation Re Saint Patricks Hospital.  Is the funding that was originally Ring Fenced for re building / refurbishing still in place, and has the HSE lodged plans for future development, or discussed the project with planners or our CEO."

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

“The HSE will be contacted seeking an update for the Council.”

Councillor Stenson said that he had this motion down before.  He wondered if the HSE has lost sight of the proposal.  A committee was set up and also the “Friends of St Patrick’s Hospital” and all of this has died off.  He enquired if any meetings had taken place between the local authority and the HSE with a view to seeking planning for this proposed development.  St Patrick’s Hospital is an exceptionally good institution for home care.  It would be extremely disappointing if the HSE would not fund it, to bring it up to HIQA standards.  What is the HSE’s priority at this moment?.

Councillor Guckian commented that there is an increase of elderly people who will need proper car in the future.

Councillor McGowan supported the motion and added that remedial works were required for St Patrick’s Hospital.  The HSE were originally planning a 90 bed unit but this proposal was revised in light of the unit coming on stream in Ballinamore.    He added that this is something that needs to be discussed and moved forward.

Councillor Guckian suggested, with the permission of the proposer of the motion, that the Executive would write the HSE to ask them what their current position is now in relation to St Patrick’s Hospital. 

This was supported by all members.

I ask is there any progress being made on reducing the number of Local Improvement Schemes.

"I ask is there any progress being made on REDUCING THE NUMBER OF LOCAL improvement schemes. "

Report by Roads – General

“Since the reintroduction of the LIS scheme by Minister Ring in 2017 over 50 schemes have been carried out. There are currently 124 No. Applicants on the Waiting List. We are awaiting our 2020 Funding Allocation and when this is received we will be writing to the next Applicants on the LIS Waiting List requesting them to update their Applications in order that their applications can be processed and LIS completed. We have made many requests to the Department for additional funding for this Scheme for County Leitrim based on the large number of applicants on the LIS Waiting List and the high demand for this Scheme in County Leitrim.”

Councillor Stenson enquired if there was any extra funding available for LIS.  He wanted to know could the local authority request extra funding to clear the backlog.  This situation is going on forever, people are on the list for years awaiting works.

Councillor McGowan supported the motion and said that we can’t open up the scheme to any new applications because of the current backlog.  He added that he sincerely hoped that we get something significant to reduce the numbers.

Councillor Guckian commented that he was not a fan of LIS.  Not all people are happy to have to apply for the scheme.  People are being penalised for living in rural areas.  People are paying enough through the Local Property Tax.  Central Government needs to face up to the fact that they need to provide adequate funding to local authorities.

Councillor Stenson remarked that if we could get adequate funding to do the schemes people would be happy to go on lists.

Mr Gilhooly informed the meeting that it would take a significant scale of investment to clear the list.  He said that he had occasion to meet with Minister Ring last November and he highlighted to him the concerns regarding the large number on the waiting list for LIS in Leitrim.  He added that there are no allocations at the moment, some years there are two tranches other years there is only one.

Councillor Guckian made reference to a particular lane in the Gowel area, he said the lane leads up to the house for a distance of a mile and you literally have to crawl up the road.  He said that this is simply not good enough and people are desperate to get something done.

Councillor McGowan stated the Minister Ring was the only one who stepped up the mark and provided funding for the last couple of years.

Councillor Guckian stated that the believed that LIS’s were a form of blackmail.