Agenda and minutes

Proposed by Councillor Paddy Farrell, 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 10th February 2020 be adopted.”

Matters arising from the Minutes:-

Councillor Guckian made reference to an incorrect statement contained on page 4 of the Minutes CMD.16.20.

The line read “He continued that the programme was selective and biased towards rural areas and that people who choose to live in rural areas were being treated as 2nd or 3rd class citizens.” 

The correct wording should read “He continued that the programme was selective and biased against rural areas and that people who choose to live in rural areas were being treated as 2nd or 3rd class citizens.”

This amendment was noted.

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Councillor Guckian also requested an update in relation to Notice of Motion CMD.20.20 regarding flooding at Annaduff National School.

Mr O’Boyle responded that, as stated in the Minutes, he was open to meeting with members of the Board of Management of Annaduff National School but to date no contact had been made with his office.

Councillor Guckian said that this was contrary to what he had been told by the school principal, who told Councillor Guckian that he had met with someone from the council and they told him that it was a council matter and works would be carried out.

Again Mr O’Boyle reiterated that no contact had been made with his office.  Mr O’Boyle informed the meeting that he had met with the principal about 6 months ago in relation to footpaths.

Councillor Guckian said that the problem appears to be an underground pipe that is blocked which is leading to flooding.

Mr O’Boyle said that as previously stated in the minutes, this pipe is on school property and it is a matter for the school to get someone in to look into this matter and that once the gully is cleaned out and unblocked, the situation can be assessed.

Councillor Guckian called on Mr O’Boyle and the School Principal to meet in order to sort this matter out.

In his concluding remarks Mr O’Boyle stated for the purposes of clarity that this was a matter for the school because it was on their property.  He was open to meeting with members of the Board of Management and for the record, to date no one has made contact with his office.

Report dated 3rd March, 2020 together with map circulated to the members in advance of today’s meeting.  (Appendix 1 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book).

Ms. Kathryne Bohan outlined the details of the Report to the Members and the process involved in making the Prohibition Order.

Councillor Guckian questioned the need for the making of such a Prohibition Order as there appears to be one already in place as there are signs to this effect in place on this roadway.  He said that householders in this area are concerned regarding the current situation.

Ms Bohan informed the meeting that the signs have been in place a long number of years now, however there appears to be no evidence of a formal order having been made.  Hence, the need to make a new Prohibition Order in line with the provisions of the legislation.

Councillor McGowan remarked that he did not ever recall a Prohibition Order being made.  He commented that this was the right move to put a stop to illegal parking in this location.

Councillor Armstrong McGuire enquired how many Prohibition Orders were in the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District?

Ms Bohan informed her that this was the only one.

Councillor Guckian enquired as to whether the current sign was not a Prohibition Order.  The wording on the sign clearly states that it is a prohibited area.

Mr Gilhooly informed the meeting that the sign is only an information piece and has no legal backing and if a case was legally challenged, there is no legal Prohibition Order in place.

Councillor Farrell made reference to a similar incident of illegal parking recently at Jamestown.

Mr O’Boyle informed him that this particular case came under the Roads Act.

Proposed by Councillor Sean McGowan, Seconded by Councillor Des Guckian AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED;

“That the Leitrim County Council Prohibition Order, 2020 – Annaduff Townland, Annaduff, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1948 and the Local Government Act, 2001 be approved.”

Councillor Armstrong McGuire informed the meeting that the questions and answers session would not be going ahead today as the both the representatives from Rural Link were unavailable.

A copy of Report was circulated to Members at the meeting (Appendix 2 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book).

Mr Shay O’Connor, Senior Engineer, Capital Projects Office gave the members a comprehensive update in relation to the approved Flood Relief Schemes at the following locations:

·        Carrick on Shannon/Cortober

·        Leitrim Village

·        Mohill

Councillor Guckian noted that there was no mention of Dromod, Jamestown or Roosky which had significant flooding issues in 2009.  He commented that there appears to be no overall co-ordinated effort to resolve these issues and that there are too many bodies involved in the  management of the River Shannon and that he believes that it should be one authority, the OPW.  Councillor Guckian said that the works need to commence as quickly as possible.

Councillor McGowan agreed with Councillor Guckian that there should only be one authority responsible for the overall management of the Shannon.  He too added his disappointment that Dromod/Roosky are not included. 

Councillor Paddy Farrell called for works to be done as soon as possible as there were a number of homeowners living in fear of the threat of flooding.

Councillor Armstrong McGuire enquired about works at Jamestown Weir.

Mr O’Connor informed the meeting that the current environmental and planning legislation must be complied with.  A Project Team has been set up.  While Dromod has not been approved by the OPW to be part of the current Schemes, after these 3 Schemes are completed, they will look at Dromod.  He informed the meeting that since 2009 and lot of work has been carried out at Jamestown Weir, namely the removal of trees and vegetation, widening of the embankments and installation of stop valves.  He said that Jamestown Weir forms part of the Carrick on Shannon Flood Relief Scheme.  It has come up for discussion with the flood committee who have asked the OPW to come back with some proposals.  He cautioned that care needs to be taken as this is a very old structure, if there are significant changes it could cost millions and it is not a case of building a new Weir.

Councillor Guckian said that there is need for an overall National Plan and that Lough Allen is the real problem and that progress needs to be made as a matter of urgency.

Councillor Sean McGowan said that the works need to get underway as soon as possible but that there needs to be discussions with the farmers involved.

The Cathaoirleach informed the meeting that a proposal had been submitted for approval for the allocation of €800 towards the Annual Carrick on Shannon Fishing Festival.  (Appendix 5 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book).

Proposed by Councillor Sean McGowan, Seconded by Councillor Des Guckian AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED;

“That €800 be allocated towards the Annual Carrick on Shannon Fishing Festival.”

Item No. 1

Letter dated 27th February 2020 from Office of Public Works acknowledging receipt of letter to Minister of State, Kevin Moran in relation to drainage of River Shannon (Appendix 3 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book).

Item No. 2

Letter dated 28th February 2020 from Mr Martin Collum,  General Manager, Services for Older Persons, HSE in relation to associated fees for potential residents of the new Community Hospital. (Appendix 4 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book).

What measures can be taken by this Council to improve the appearance and possible chance of occupancy of apartments in the Liscara Estate of Carrick. Are there other currently abandoned construction sites in the county where Leitrim County Council may consider what is the desirable outcome in finishing the development.

"What measures can be taken by this Council to improve the appearance and possible chance of occupancy of apartments in the Liscara Estate of Carrick. Are there other currently abandoned construction sites in the county where Leitrim County Council may consider what is the desirable outcome in finishing the development. ”

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

“It is reasonable to say that the condition of the Cluain Buí apartments at Liscara is a direct consequence of the collapse of the overall economy and construction industry in 2008 and the subsequent economic depression of 2009 and the following years. Whilst some of the apartments were initially sold, at this time the majority of the units appear to be registered to the original Developers with financial burdens.

Whilst it is desirable that this development be rehabilitated and brought into use as residential apartments (as original intended when planning permission was granted), until the issue of clear ownership title, the resolution of all financial burdens and an improvement of the ratio between the completion costs and the market value of the works, it is unlikely that this matter will be resolved.

With regard to other existing, non-active, multi-unit housing development construction sites within the county, the Council has a process of ongoing review of such sites and we continue to engage with the owners and funding banks with a view to identifying any potential avenues to resolve same. Over the years we have facilitated the resolution of the overwhelming majority of such sites and there now remain a small quantity that continue to be considered problematic. While it would be desirable that these developments should also be resolved as soon as possible, fortunately none are occupied and, realistically, their resolution will ultimately be determined by market forces. We will continue to engage with the relevant parties in the future to facilitate and progress any potential site resolution plans for these developments.”

Councillor Armstrong McGuire informed the meeting that she has had this particular location in mind since her time canvassing in the recent elections.  She felt that because of the sites proximity to the town it could become a very desirable area in the next ten to twenty years.  She believes that future development of the town will include this area.

She said that there were a number of houses on the Leitrim Road and in Lis Cara that are abandoned and boarded up and she called for some movement to be made on these premises.  She requested that the ownership of these properties be clarified and that the owners be asked to either sell the properties or to let them in whatever capacity they can.   She would love to see people living in all those apartments and houses, somewhere they can call home.  It is the future we are looking to not the past.

She noted that the council was doing its best in this regard but the matter needs to be highlighted on  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.38.20

Developing Leitrim as a Tourism Centre is the way to go. I call on Leitrim County Council to develop an access point to Sheemore and also to include a small car park.

"Developing Leitrim as a Tourism Centre is the way to go. I call on Leitrim County Council to develop an access point to Sheemore and also to include a small car park."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads;

“This proposal has been submitted to ORIS funding streams on a number of occasions without success. The plans can be resubmitted for 2020 grant schemes when they open for calls. Land owner permission will need to be obtained to allow a car park at the foot of Sheemore.”

Councillor Farrell said that Sheemore is a gem on our doorstep.  There is no access point to it and there is a real need for it to be developed.  He said even a small car park of about 6 spaces and picnic area would suffice. 

Councillor Armstrong McGuire agreed with Councillor Farrell.

Councillor McGowan supported the motion reiterating that Sheemore was a gem in Leitrim.  He said in his opinion it would be money well spent.  He enquired if there were any grants available for same.

Councillor Stenson agreed and said that this should definitely be done.  He said that even though it is located on private lands he still believed that a walkway should be developed from Leitrim Village through Kilclare to Sheemore.  It would be hugely beneficial.  He commended the landowner who has always been very accommodating to anyone accessing the area.

Councillor Guckian said that there should be a nationally agreed scheme for areas such as this and a key part would be written permission from the Landowner.

Mr O’Boyle said that this was a unique opportunity to develop a walkway from Leitrim Village to Sheemore.  Leitrim Tidy Towns have applied for funding under ORIS (Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme).  It is hoped that if funding is secured it can be used to develop some unused part of road to form a walkway.  The development of a car park would require a land agreement with the Landowner.

Councillor Farrell said that there were a number of access point areas which could be used for a car park.

Mr Gilhooly informed the members that should funding become available, IPB Public Liability Insurance may be available to the landowners who allow access through their lands and an indemnity to the landowners involved.

Councillor Armstrong McGuire said she looked forward to seeing this project happen.

I wish to enquire who, among County Council officials, decided that Fairways Estate, a lovely quiet residential estate on the edge of Dromod, should now be doubled in size to include social housing.

"That our Engineers place a cycle-way /footpath along the N4 road for a distance of about 70 metres in the townland of Fearnaught. This is close to Duignan’s Mills, now the County Council yard, and on that same side of the N4. There is a complete absence of a hard shoulder and walkers and cyclists are forced to walk along the very edge of a busy enough traffic lane. This is urgently needed.”

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads;

“We will liaise with the Safety Section of the TII regarding this proposal. There is no funding in the current year’s budget, however if the location in question can accommodate a cycleway that complies with the National Road standards for retrofitting cycleways on the National Road network, we will request TII approval and funding, for works in 2021.”

Councillor Guckian said that he was disappointed with the reply and that there is plenty of space on this section of road to accommodate a cycleway.  He informed the members that the area in question is close to Duignan’s Mills and on the same side of the N4.  He said that there is a complete absence of a hard shoulder and it forces walkers and cyclists to the very edge of a busy traffic lane.  Urgent work is required at this location.   Councillor Guckian warned the Executive that the reply provided was not taking into account the law regarding appropriate distances between cyclists and vehicles and that somebody is going to be killed.

Mr Gilhooly informed Councillor Guckian that it is the responsibility of the driver to make space between them and a pedestrian/cyclist.  This needs to be done safely and if it can’t the driver must stay behind until the road is clear for them to pass.

Councillor Guckian was adamant that it was up to the Council to provide the cycleway and that the Council was opting out of its responsibility.

Mr Gilhooly once again said that it was the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle to ensure that there is sufficient space to overtake a cyclist and if not then the driver must wait until there is sufficient space.

Councillor Armstrong McGuire concluded saying that drivers need to stay behind cyclists, the driver has that responsibility.

The other members agreed.

I wish to enquire who, among County Council officials, decided that Fairways Estate, a lovely quiet residential estate on the edge of Dromod, should now be doubled in size to include social housing.

"I wish to enquire who, among County Council officials, decided that Fairways Estate, a lovely quiet residential estate on the edge of Dromod, should now be doubled in size to include social housing.”

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

“No decision has been taken in relation to the provision of social housing in Dromod. The Planning Authority has recently received a planning application for the extension to the existing residential development at The Fairways in Dromod and no decision has been made to date on this application.”

Councillor Guckian informed the meeting that there was a lot of concern locally about what is being proposed in this development.  He said that there is a common belief that the housing proposed would be used for social housing. 

Councillor McGowan said he did not want to comment as this is the subject of a live planning application at the moment. 

Councillor Guckian commented that there was great concern locally that the people who may occupy these houses would not fit in with the existing residents.

I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Economic Development Planning & Infrastructural Services, to provide an update to members with regards to the provision of a much needed footbridge alongside the Bridge over the river Shannon at Rooskey, what is the situation with Roscommon County Council who are taking the lead role in the design and planning of the footbridge?

"I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Economic Development Planning & Infrastructural Services, to provide an update to members with regards to the provision of a much needed footbridge alongside the Bridge over the river Shannon at Rooskey, what is the situation with Roscommon County Council who are taking the lead role in the design and planning of the footbridge?”

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads;

“Roscommon County Council are the Lead Authority for this Bridge project. They were ready to go to tender for widening of this bridge about 10 years ago, when the downturn in the economy came and thus the project did not proceed at that time. In recent years they requested to proceed with the tender process again, but were told by the department that they would have to reapply for the project, from the start. They submitted an application for a Specific Improvement Grant to commence design works in 2020, but no funding was approved for the current year. They will reapply for this funding for 2021. We are liaising with Roscommon County Council regarding this project.”

Councillor McGowan noted the reply and said that it was not very positive.  He informed the meeting that at the end of 2008 Leitrim and Roscommon local authorities received funding for this project but it was subsequently withdrawn.  He commented that the people of Roosky are working hard to further the development of Roosky and that they recently launched their development plan for the village.  He said that he believed a footbridge similar to the one in Carrick on Shannon would be suitable.  He had recently spoken to Shane Tiernan, Director of Services, Roscommon County Council who was also anxious to get a push on this project.  The people of the area will continue to fight for this.  They still hope that the hotel will re-open as a hotel.  He said that the development plan had greats plan for the village.  He encouraged Roscommon County Council to progress this matter.

Councillor Guckian supported the motion. 

I ask Leitrim County Council to carry out some improvements works to improve visibility for motorists who are turning from the Road 7391 at Tullylannon on to the R280 - They have a very restricted view when turning towards Leitrim Village.

"I ask Leitrim County Council to carry out some improvements works to improve visibility for motorists who are turning from the Road 7391 at Tullylannon on to the R280 - They have a very restricted view when turning towards Leitrim Village.”

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads;

“The sight lines are adequate for the speed limit in place. If and when the hedges interfere with the sight lines LCC will issue hedge cutting notices. The local road will receive a restoration grant in 2020 and stop lines will be rejuvenated.”

Councillor Farrell noted the reply.  He informed Mr O’Boyle that there were a couple of large trees which he believed, if removed, would improve the visibility at this location.

Mr O’Boyle stated that the road is within the 50km/hour speed limit and that the Landowner is responsible for trees and hedges on his property.  When the Restoration Grant works are complete, the Stop Line will be redone and hedge/tree cutting notices will be issued if necessary.

All members supported this motion.

I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, South Leitrim District Engineer to carry out immediate repairs on the road from Antfield leading onto Finnalaghta Annaduff road No.L-7472-0 as damage has occurred due to the heavy rainfall over the past few weeks- this is a very busy local road that needs attention as a matter of priority.

"I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, South Leitrim District Engineer to carry out immediate repairs on the road from Antfield leading onto Finnalaghta, Annaduff road No.L-7472-0 as damage has occurred due to the heavy rainfall over the past few weeks - this is a very busy local road that needs attention as a matter of priority.”

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads;

"We will dispatch our maintenance crew to this local road.”

Councillor McGowan noted the reply.  He informed the meeting that he had this road down before for inclusion on the Road Works Scheme.  He told Mr O’Boyle that the lower section for about 300 yards is in very poor condition at Finnalaghta.   He asked Mr O’Boyle to take a look at this road again.

Councillor Guckian supported the motion and said that the road had become very bad.  He enquired as to why this road should not be included in the Road Works Programme.

Mr O’Boyle reminded the members that they approve the roads on the Road Works Programme.

Councillor Stenson said that this road had been brought up before on a number of occasions.

·        No matters arising.

·        Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday 14th April 2020 at 10.00 a.m. in the Council Chamber.