Agenda and minutes

Proposed by Councillor Enda Stenson, Seconded by Councillor Sean McGowan 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 13th January 2020 be adopted.”

Matters arising from the Minutes:-

Page 6 of Minutes – Reference CMD.5.20 – Councillor Guckian enquired if there was a problem with access from Flynn’s Field.

Mr Gilhooly responded that there was no problem at this location.

Councillor Guckian said that this was not his understanding and wanted a public record made that a council official has stated that there was no problem with access.

Copies of the following were circulated to the Members in advance of the meeting:-

·        Report on Annual Area Programme 2020 from A/Senior Engineer, Roads Department

·        Schedule of Municipal District Works 2020

·        Annual Area Programme 2020

·        Relevant maps

 (Appendix 1 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book).

Mr Gilhooly informed the members that Mr McGovern, A/Senior Engineer Roads would go through the roads programme and take questions at the end of it.

He reminded the members that the roads programme was drafted from the budget approved last November and was prepared based on 2019 figures.

Mr McGovern gave the members and in-depth presentation in relation to the Annual Area Programme 2020 and the Schedule of Municipal District Works 2020.

After the presentation members put their questions to Mr McGovern and Mr O’Boyle.

Councillor Stenson enquired about the lower portion of the road from Stuck to Eslin Bridge.  He said that the top half had been done but the lower end was in a bad way.  The people of the area were promised that it would be done.   He said that this portion of the road should be done and the locals had co-operated when the road was closed for 4 months to facilitate works being carried out by Irish Water.

Mr O’Boyle explained that the Restoration Improvement Grants are part of a 3 year programme -

which runs for 2019, 2020 and 2021.  Last year the local authority carried out 2 extra RIGs which were taken from the 2020 list.  The list of roads going forward for 2020 are pre-approved. 

A Community Involvement Scheme may be able to applied to this stretch of road to cover the damage done by Irish Water.

Councillor Stenson said he would leave it with Mr O’Boyle to get something done.

Mr O’Boyle said that this was an issue for senior management.  If extra funding becomes available to do extra RIG’s the roads can only be taken from the pre-approved list.

Councillor Stenson said that he believed roads could be swapped if necessary.

Mr O’Boyle explained that the municipal district meeting was the forum for such things.  He asked Councillor Stenson did he wish to swap a road.

Councillor Stenson replied no.

In relation to the condition of the road at Stuck Mr O’Boyle stated that a Restoration Maintenance Grant cannot be used as surface dressing cannot be used on a road that has deteriorated badly.

Councillor Stenson said that the people of the area were told by Leitrim County Council that it would be done.

Councillor Armstrong McGuire supported Councillor Stenson on this matter.

Councillor Mulligan also supported the motion.  He also enquired if the €100,000 allocated for Oghill, related to Oghill Cross.

Mr O’Boyle informed Councillor Mulligan that this particular road is at the cross and was discussed at previous municipal district meeting.  It requires a Specific Improvement Grant and land acquisition however in the interim a Restoration Improvement Grant will be used which will allow for the strengthening of  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.15.20

A copy of the Arts Festival Support Scheme 2020 was circulated to the members.  (Appendix 2 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book).

Councillor Stenson enquired from Mr Gilhooly if he had received correspondence with a proposal to create a Hub for Arts in Leitrim.  It would be a facility that would be beneficial for the large number of artists in the county. 

Councillor McGowan supported the suggestion of an Arts Hub commenting that Leitrim prides itself on art.

Mr Gilhooly confirmed that he did receive correspondence with regard to same.  He said that the creative sector was very important.  The main issue with regard to an Arts Hub would be the long term sustainability of it.

Councillor Stenson said that art and tourism are very important to this creative county.

Councillor Guckian enquired as to how wide are the parameters for art.  What is art and what is not?  Where do you draw the line?  Is there anything being done with regards to digitising traditional music?

Mr Gilhooly has said that in the last 20 years the arts have expanded in Leitrim.  He said that artists found Leitrim financially attractive and it offered them a better quality of life.  It was suggested that the Arts Officer would give a presentation to the members on the Programme for Arts 2020, at a future date.

Proposed by Councillor Sean McGowan and Seconded by Councillor Enda Stenson;

“That the Arts Festival Support Scheme 2020 be approved”

A copy of the Festival & Events Grants 2020 was circulated to the members.  (Appendix 3 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book).

Mr Gilhooly informed the meeting that there has been a major increase in the level of interest for the Festival & Events Grants.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Armstrong McGuire asked would there be any way Leitrim County Council would be able to facilitate a contribution towards insurance costs for the running of such events.  She explained that the high cost of insurance is preventing a lot of events from taking place.  She enquired if there was anything that could be done on a local or indeed national level to cover the rising costs of insurances. 

All members supported this.

Councillor McGowan remarked that a lot of smaller towns and villages were put off from organising/running festivals due to the high insurance costs.

Mr Gilhooly informed the members that nationally discussions are taking place in relation to this matter.  He said that there are issues around blanket policy scenarios – risk management etc.

Councillor Guckian remarked that the insurance companies are ripping off small groups that are trying to run events.

Proposed by Councillor Sean McGowan, Seconded by Councillor Des Guckian;

“That the Festival & Events Grants 2020 be approved”

Item No’s 1 & 2

Letter dated 14th January 2020 from the Office of the Chief Executive Officer, HSE acknowledging letter in respect of re-building/refurbishing works at St Patrick’s Hospital, Carrick on Shannon.  (Appendix 4 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book).

Letter dated 6th February from the Office of the General Manager – Services for Older Persons giving an update on progress of works on St Patrick’s Hospital, Carrick on Shannon.

(Appendix 5 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book).

Councillor Stenson noted the replies and commented that at least the works were going forward.

Councillor McGowan supported Councillor Stenson in his comments and added that this has been talked about for a long time.  He said he hoped the works would be commenced in the near future and he also took the opportunity to complement the staff of St Patrick’s for the tremendous work that they do.

Councillor Farrell welcomed the news. 

Councillor Guckian enquired if it was going to be a fully public hospital.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Armstrong McGuire said that this question could be asked when works commence.

Item No. 3

Letter from Iarnród Éireann dated 27th January 2020 regarding the charging of parking at Dromod railway station.  (Appendix 6 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book).

Councillor McGowan said he was disappointed with the response and suggested that we write to Irish Rail again.  Iarnród Éireann have got to get a move on this.  He will not let this matter go and will continue to raise it.

That Council Engineers work in cooperation with the Principal and Board of Management of Annaduff N.S. to discover the reason why there is some flooding on to the road L3470-0 just outside the School gate. The local belief is that there is an under-road pipe blocked and this is the cause of the flooding.

"That Council Engineers work in cooperation with the Principal and Board of Management of Annaduff N.S. to discover the reason why there is some flooding on to the road L3470-0 just outside the School gate. The local belief is that there is an under-road pipe blocked and this is the cause of the flooding.”

Report by Roads – General;

“The District Office is happy to meet with the Board of Management at any time. We believe that the drainage issue is coming from the Grotto. The Schools Catchment system at the road (Aco-drain /interceptor drain) may need to be cleaned or unblocked before any investigation.”

Councillor Guckian says that the motion speaks for itself, it is an appeal for the Annaduff community for help.  The road is relatively narrow and children have to walk in the water, it is not good enough.  He suggested that the problem may be with old roadside shores which have been broken down by heaving lorries on the road.  He asked Mr O’Boyle if there was any possibility of having the problem fixed.

Mr O’Boyle referred to his reply and said that the school would need to look at the drainage systems on their property.  Their catchment system does not appear to be working. 

Councillor Guckian responded that the water is welling up from something underneath the road.

Mr O’Boyle responded that if this was the case it will be repaired under a Restoration Maintenance Grant in June/July.  If it the problem is on the public road and there is damage to a culvert it will be repaired.  He said that he would meet with the Board of Management of Annaduff National School, if they wished.

Councillor McGowan supported the suggestion of a meeting.

That where there is a clear case of overcrowding in a Council house and illness among one or more of the family, Leitrim Housing takes immediate action to rehouse that family in a larger house, in a safe area.

"That where there is a clear case of overcrowding in a Council house and illness among one or more of the family, Leitrim Housing takes immediate action to rehouse that family in a larger house, in a safe area."

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

“All transfer requests are dealt with in line with the Council's Allocation Scheme. If there is a specific case of concern, the matter can be raised by the Councillor with the Housing Officer.”

Councillor Guckian noted the reply and commented that he did not see an official present from the Housing Department. 

Mr Gilhooly said that the matter could be explored first.    He referred to the response given.

Councillor Guckian said that he was not at all happy that there was no representative from the housing department.

Mr Gilhooly reminded him that individual case could not be discussed at municipal district meetings.  There is the issue of data protection.  He suggested that Councillor Guckian contact the housing department.

He reiterated that the he was not happy and that he had contacted the housing department on a number of occasions with regard to separate cases and none of them have been adequately dealt with.

Mr Gilhooly suggested that if Councillor Guckian wanted to give him the details he would make contact with the housing department.  He also advised Councillor Guckian if there was a housing policy matter that he wanted clarity on this could be brought to the Corporate Policy Group and the relevant SPC.  Mr Gilhooly advised that a housing briefing could be arranged for a future Municipal District meeting.

Town centre of Carrick is a much favoured walk for dog owners and their pets. Dog fouling is a problem on our footpaths. All dog walkers do not pick up and dispose of dog pooh properly. Evening and night walkers get the dirt on shoes, wheels and tyres and the consequences could be serious. What further can be done to encourage proper disposal of dog foul? CCTV is installed. Can environmental officers view it? Have warnings been issued to dog owners?

"Town centre of Carrick is a much favoured walk for dog owners and their pets. Dog fouling is a problem on our footpaths. All dog walkers do not pick up and dispose of dog pooh properly. Evening and night walkers get the dirt on shoes, wheels and tyres and the consequences could be serious. What further can be done to encourage proper disposal of dog foul? CCTV is installed. Can environmental officers view it? Have warnings been issued to dog owners?.”

Report by Roads - General;

“Dog waste is a public health issue. Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 makes it an offence for the person in charge of a dog not to clean up when their dog fouls in a public place. This obligation particularly applies to public roads, footpaths, parks and beaches. Failure to clean up your dog’s waste can lead to a 150 euro “on-the-spot” fine, or on summary conviction to a fine of up to 3,000 euro.

Leitrim County Council has erected notices on popular dog walking routes advising the public of their responsibility. In addition, there are three bins/dispensers in Carrick town area at the Linear Park, Castlecara road and at Park Lane, which are serviced by the Animal Warden. Street Litter Bins can also be used if the necessity arises for disposal of dog waste bags.

Leitrim County Council will engage the Animal Warden to carry out house-to-house dog licence inspections in Carrick area, to identify dog-owners and issue advice and leaflets etc. We will request the Animal Warden to increase dog control inspections & patrols in the area going forward.

We also intend to participate in the Leitrim County Council / Dog’s Trust ‘Scoop the Poop’ campaign in March where it will be promoted on Social Media and Local paper.”

Cathaoirleach Councillor Armstrong McGuire noted the reply and stated that this was a matter raised by members of the public.  She said it was down to responsible dog ownership.

Councillor Guckian seconded the motion.

Councillor McGowan supported the motion.

Can I have an update on Programme to increase HAP payments to those who need such in the county.  Carrick-on-Shannon area has increased rent charges in recent years and HAP has not increased in line with same.

"Can I have an update on Programme to increase HAP payments to those who need such in the county. Carrick-on-Shannon area has increased rent charges in recent years and HAP has not increased in line with same.”

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

“HAP rent limits for County Leitrim are set out in the Housing Assistance Payment (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2016 and currently, there is no departmental programme to increase the prescribed rent limits.

Each Local Authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 20% above the prescribed maximum rent limit in circumstances where it is necessary because of local rental market conditions. It is a matter for the Local Authority to determine whether an application of an increased HAP payment of 20% is warranted and will be considered on a case by case basis having cognisance to the household’s ability to pay and current market rent for similar properties in the local area. ”

Councillor Armstrong McGuire noted the reply and outlined to the meeting the difficulty faced by people in securing accommodation due to high rental rates.  She said the average rent in Carrick on Shannon was €800 per month while it is slightly less in areas such as Ballinamore or Drumshanbo.  She said she was calling on the council to review the HAP Programme.

Councillor Guckian enquired if there was room for manoeuvre and does the amount vary from county to county.

Mr Gilhooly informed the meeting that there is a 20% adjustment which can be applied at local level.  The HAP Scheme can be included in the Housing Briefing that will be scheduled.

Councillor McGowan supported the motion and said that the problem really was in Carrick on Shannon.

All members supported the motion.

I ask did we make any progress on provision of Public Toilets for Quay in Drumsna.

"I ask did we make any progress on provision of Public Toilets for Quay in Drumsna.”

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

“Drumsna harbour belongs to Waterways Ireland. Waterways Ireland have stated repeatedly that they will not erect public toilets at Drumsna Harbour as it does not meet its selection criteria. However, the Council has been engaging with the local community and also continues engagement with Waterways Ireland to look at finding likely alternatives to traditional direct delivery. The matter will continue to receive attention.”

Councillor Stenson noted the reply.  He welcomed and appreciated the fact that Leitrim County Council is working on alternatives.

Mr Gilhooly informed the meeting that Irish Water only provide strategic service stops at certain distances and unfortunately Drumsna does not fall within this area.

He asked that this matter be kept to the forefront.

Councillor McGowan supported the motion.

I ask can Drainage work be carried out on stretch of road from Stuck cross towards Eslin Bridge, this road is continually flooded since new water mains were laid.

"I ask can Drainage work be carried out on stretch of road from Stuck cross towards Eslin Bridge, this road is continually flooded since new water mains were laid”

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

“We have put forward our drainage programme for approval in the Carrick MD. Stuck is not included in the 2020 drainage programme, however we can carry out routine land cuts and drainage works and emergency culvert replacement if necessary.”

Councillor Stenson informed the meeting that this matter had been dealt with and we will wait to see what happens.  There may be a need for further discussions going forward.

I  ask the Director of Services, Infrastructure what is the up to date position regarding replacing the Trunk Water Main between Gorvagh and Gortfadda on the R 202 distance approx. 7 km. This section of pipe has had numerous bursts over the past year, with 4 in the last couple of weeks in Gortfadda alone, this is causing considerable disruption and annoyance to homeowners and business alike not to mention the huge damage to the surface of the road.

"I ask the Director of Services, Infrastructure what is the up to date position regarding replacing the Trunk Water Main between Gorvagh and Gortfadda on the R 202 distance approx. 7 km. This section of pipe has had numerous bursts over the past year, with 4 in the last couple of weeks in Gortfadda alone, this is causing considerable disruption and annoyance to homeowners and business alike not to mention the huge damage to the surface of the road.”

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services;

"We have identified this section of old asbestos cement trunk main along the R201 from Gorvagh to Gortfadda as a priority for replacement under Irish Waters Network Portfolio programme.  We had hoped that this trunk main (along with some others in similar condition) would be approved for completion under the network portfolio in 2020. Unfortunately none of these have been approved and we cannot say when Irish Water will provide the funding to upgrade them.  There are significant lengths of old asbestos Cement trunk mains in the South Leitrim Regional Water Supply Scheme all of which are well over 40 years old and in need of replacement. We will continue to make representations to Irish Water to get these done.  In the meantime our staff under the SLA will carry our emergency repairs as required to maintain water supplies and minimise disruption to customers."

Councillor McGowan said that there had been 5 or 6 bursts in the last number of weeks.  It has caused a lot of annoyance and disruption and the road is suffering. 

Mr Gilhooly responded that the trunk replacement is unlikely to take place in 2020.

Councillor McGowan request that Irish Water be written to seeking a timescale for the replacement of the trunk water main.

Councillor Guckian stated that he had received correspondence from Irish Water and there was no work planned.

Councillor McGowan requested that this would be treated as an emergency.

Councillor Stenson supported the motion and said that the matter needs to be highlighted to Irish Water.

Councillor’s Guckian and Mulligan supported the motion.

Councillor Mulligan added that in credit to Irish Water they were good at coming out however it is maddening for the public to see this and annoying to see money being spent in this fashion.

I ask the Senior Engineer, Roads to include the provision of a footpath from where the traffic calming starts in Rooskey, as far as the entrance road to the three housing estates on the Longford end of the village in this year’s roadworks programme.

"I ask the Senior Engineer, Roads to include the provision of a footpath from where the traffic calming starts in Rooskey, as far as the entrance road to the three housing estates on the Longford end of the village in this year’s roadwork’s programme."

Report by Roads - General

"While the Council acknowledges the merit of this proposal, there is no provision for new footpaths within the budget. If other funding streams can be identified, the matter will be reviewed. An alternative source of funding may come from T&V or CLAR schemes, which will need local community input. This office is more than happy to meet and discuss such a funding application with these community spokespersons."

Councillor McGowan said that it is approximately 400 metres in distance.  He said that this area deserved a footpath.  He noted the reply and enquired if there was any funding left from the development charges in that area.  He wanted to know if they had been collected yet as they were supposed to be used for the provision of footpaths in the area.

He called on all members to support this motion.

It was supported by all members.

I propose that we arrange a meeting with a representative from the H. S. E. to discuss works that need to be carried out on the grounds of Arus Carolan. This work to include remedial works in the car park, landscaping along the bank of the river, rebuilding of wall, replacing of wooden fence and provision of lighting on pedestrian bridge over the river

"I propose that we arrange a meeting with a representative from the H. S. E. to discuss works that need to be carried out on the grounds of Arus Carolan. This work to include remedial works in the car park, landscaping along the bank of the river, rebuilding of wall, replacing of wooden fence and provision of lighting on pedestrian bridge over the river"

Councillor Mulligan informed the meeting that he was referring to a pedestrian bridge which leads into Arus Carolan.  There are no lights in the area and he witnessed firsthand, someone falling on the steps.  He said that the HSE have a responsibility here.  He enquired if the council were proposing to do any works in this area and was there any money being made available for flooding in Mohill.  He confirmed that he had already spoken to someone in the HSE and they were favourable to talking to some in the council with a view to progressing the works.

Councillor Stenson supported the motion and stated that this was a very dangerous area.  He enquired if the HSE had been written to in relation to this matter.

Councillor McGowan also supported the motion adding that the priority would be to get the area lit up, it is very dark at the moment.  The steps also need to be painted.  He commented that the HSE need to act on this and they should be written to outlining the issues.

Councillor Mulligan stated that any works would also require the rebuilding of the wall.

Mr O’Boyle informed him that the wall is located on the town side of the property.  It is linked into the heritage of the old Church of Ireland wall.  With regard to public lighting in the general vicinity he said that he could get in touch with the public lighting contractor to upgrade public lights near that area in question.

Councillor Mulligan concluded by requesting a meeting between the HSE and Leitrim County Council.

That the stone pier at the Gortlettra gatehouse entrance to Lough Rinn be rebuilt and that the nearby forest wooden gate be replaced. This may be the property of Coilte and if so that we contact them.

"That the stone pier at the Gortlettra gatehouse entrance to Lough Rinn be rebuilt and that the nearby forest wooden gate be replaced. This may be the property of Coilte and if so that we contact them."

Report by Roads - General

"The registered owner of this land is Coillte. Leitrim County Council will contact the land owner regarding this matter."

Councillor Mulligan explained to the meeting that the stone was all there just lying around.  He also said that of the original wooden gates needed to be replaced.  The gate is lying down.  He asked if we could put pressure on to have the second gate restored.  This is a second entrance to the hotel and used as a walkway.

Councillor Stenson supported this motion and asked for a sign to be put up at this location.  He asked would it be possible to write to Lough Rinn Hotel to asked them to put up same.

Councillor McGowan also supported the motion and said that all the materials were in place for the restoration of the wall.

Councillor Guckian enquired as to who owns the avenue from the gatehouse into Lough Rinn.

Mr O’Boyle responded that even though it was a public road the entrance and boundaries were in the ownership of Coillte.  With regard to the erection of signage he said that the hotel would need to apply for a Section 254 Licence which can be obtained from the Planning Department.

I call on Leitrim County Council to erect a crash barrier on the R299-7 at Tonnagh, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim.

"I call on Leitrim County Council to erect a crash barrier on the R299-7 at Tonnagh, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim."

Report by Roads - General

"We will endeavour to erect a containment system at this location as there is a RIG proposed for this stretch of regional road."

At the outset Councillor Farrell apologised for his late arrival

He explained to the meeting that this was a very busy stretch of road.  There was a high volume of lorries on it and some of them were coming over on the wrong side of the road.  He said that some people felt afraid on this dangerous stretch of road.

Mr O’Boyle asked Councillor Farrell is he asking for the barrier to be placed on the left had side coming from Drumsna towards Kiltoghert.  Mr O’Boyle said he would look into putting up a crash barrier for about 50 metres, in the interim.

Councillor Stenson supported this motion.

I call on Leitrim County Council to include L7420-0 for tarring.

"I call on Leitrim County Council to include L7420-0 for tarring."

Report by Roads - General

"Our Roads Programme will be presented to the elected members for approval at the February meeting."

Councillor Farrell said that the patch of road he was referring to was at Ballinawing.

Mr O’Boyle informed him that it was not on the approved roads programme.

Councillor Farrell said that there were a lot of tourists in this area.

Mr O’Boyle said he had driven this stretch of road and there wasn’t one pothole on it.  He enquired if Councillor Farrell was possible suggesting widening it.

Councillor Farrell suggested that a lay by could be put in to help with traffic.

Mr O’Boyle informed him that this particular road could be included on a Restoration Improvement Grant for 2021.

·        Councillor Enda Stenson raised the issue of price increases with Barna Waste.  Mr Gilhooly informed him that this was a matter for Mr Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance and Water Services.

·        Next meeting scheduled for Monday 9th  March 2020 at 10.00 a.m. in the Council Chamber.