Agenda and minutes

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Contact: Mairead Shanley  Meetings Administrator

Items
No. Item

CMD.128.20

Adoption of minutes

·         Minutes of meeting held on 19th October 2020

·         Minutes of meeting held on 4th November 2020

Minutes:

Matters arising from Minutes:

No matters arising from minutes.

 

Proposed by Councillor Thomas Mulligan, Seconded by Councillor Enda Stenson AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED;

“That the Minutes of the Meetings of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District held on Monday 19th October 2020 be adopted”.

 

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

“That the Minutes of the Meetings of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District held on Wednesday 4th November 2020 be adopted”.

CMD.129.20

To consider the Chief Executive Report and Recommendations pursuant to Section 179 of the Planning & Development Act 2000 ( as amended ) and Part 8 of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001( as amended) in respect of the following proposed development:

·       To undertake a Public Realm Improvement Scheme in Mohill.

·       To modify the curtilage/front boundary of St.Mary’s Church Wall.

Minutes:

Chief Executive’s Report issued to members in advance of the meeting (Appendix 1 to the Minutes of this meeting book).

 

Mr Gilhooly gave a detailed overview of the concept of the proposed scheme,

 

Councillor Mulligan thanked Mr Gilhooly for his presentation of the scheme.  In his opinion this is the most important document for consideration for Mohill in quite a long time.  It was unfortunate that it arrived alongside the pandemic.   As a result of this the public are not entirely satisfied with the timeframe and the lack of opportunities to meet with both council officials and public representatives to discuss the document in detail.  He stated that from this moment the amended document is now a public document.  This plan is the only one available.  It has been amended because of the number of submissions made by the people of Mohill.  He thanked them for taking the time to make submissions.  He stressed that his concern with the proposed plan was the issue of parking.  Primary consideration should be given to the provision of on street parking.

 

He said that this plan is like a set of scales and it is about setting out balance.  On one side is a very lucrative application for funding to enhance and improve the town of Mohill.  On the other side consideration need to be given to on street parking, traffic flow and traffic safety.  It is important that there is an acceptable balance between both.   He felt confident it could be achieved.  He remarked that as a result of the number of submissions made in respect of parking considerable ground has been achieved.  He suggested that the members go back to the public again to look for their views.   Adding that the initial timescale for submission of application was not as tight as first thought, he recommended the deferral of the proposal until the December meeting to allow the councillors to go out and make the document widely available to the public and seek their views.

 

Councillor McGowan concurred with everything Councillor Mulligan and seconded his proposal to defer consideration until December meeting. 

 

Councillor Guckian said that he knew for a fact that the people of Mohill were totally against this proposal.  It is very simple we either accept or reject the proposal in full, as put forward to us today.  I reject this proposal in full and call on my colleagues to also do the same.

 

He remarked that the scheme was drawn up by a Dublin based company and it lacks real research.   No economic impact assessment report was carried out.  There needs to be a detailed archaeological assessment report in and around the Abbey area.  The whole plan appears premature and rushed through.  A plan for Mohill town must firstly cater for those who live, work and shop in the town.  Regarding some of the submissions he had read he said that a lot of them referred to inadequate public consultation and to the loss of car parking spaces.  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.129.20

CMD.130.20

Motion from Councillor Enda Stenson:

Before any of the public realm works are carried out in Mohill , I request that the waste water, and water gullies are all checked out ,and working as intended

Minutes:

"Before any of the public realm works are carried out in Mohill, I request that the waste water, and water gullies are all checked out and working as intended.”

 

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

"Leitrim County Council highlighted the proposed scheme to Irish Water and arrangements arebeing made to have the sewer examined. The Council will continue to endeavour to secure Irish Waters agreement to remedial works in advance of any public realm works commencing. The Council will be including surface water drainage renewal as part of the costs within the application for funding within the area of Phase 1 of the proposed public realm works."

 

Councillor Armstrong McGuire concurred with comments made by Councillor’s Mulligan and McGowan.  She too requested the deferral of a decision.  She said that some people had contacted her, who were of the opinion that the plan could not be changed.  She said that the public need to be walked and talked through the entire plan.  There are a lot of positives that can be taken out of it.  This is an opportunity for Mohill which cannot be lightly let go.

 

Councillor Farrell supported all comments made adding that he would like to see investment coming into Mohill.  It needs a major industry.  In light of issues raised he said he was prepared to give an additional two weeks to consider the plan.

 

Councillor Guckian remarked that he was always concerned when he saw a fudge being created.  He stressed he did not want to see a repeat of the situation in Carrick on Shannon as a result of Public Realm works.  He said the figure of €2.8 million was pie in the sky.  He said he did not accept this figure as most of it would be swallowed up by architects and contractors.  In the meantime the council are trying to take away people’s right to have a comfortable life.  Addressing council officials he said that if they were serious about doing something for Mohill and its people why are they not supporting present and upcoming businesses?  There is also a great need for a

new central playground.  

 

He said that the new amendments had only come to the members at the last minute and they were being asked to rubber stamp it.   He again voiced his objection to the plan and called on his colleagues to do so.

 

Responding to comments made by Councillor Guckian, Councillor Mulligan said he took exception to the reference that this is a fudge.  He said that this is too big an issue to be talked about in such terms.    He said Councillor Guckian’s comments were being used to create scaremongering and put fear into the public.  He called on Councillor Guckian to refrain from using this kind of language.

 

Councillor McGowan supported Councillor Mulligan in his comments.  He said that this is a very critical and important matter.   A project like this could be the kick start Mohill centre needs.  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.130.20

CMD.131.20

Meeting Correspondence

Minutes:

Letter dated 18th November 2020 from the Minister of State at the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief.  Acknowledging receipt of recent email from Carrick on Shannon Municipal District seeking an increase in funding for flood relief works.  (Minute Item 131 to the Minutes of this meeting book).

 

Councillor McGowan commented that this correspondence was on foot of a previous motion he had tabled.  He said that a very large funding package would be required for the cleaning of rivers and drainage.

 

All Councillors agreed with Councillor McGowan’s comments.

CMD.132.20

Motion from Councillor Des Guckian:

I’m asking Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Deputy CEO, to explain the bad manner in which the Hartley Cartown GSS Committee has been treated over the past six years. The Committee members have done everything they have been asked to get their scheme moving towards completion, yet they were informed by a phone call, on 25th June last, that their scheme has been cancelled and the cost per house, of joining, has skyrocketed.

Minutes:

"I’m asking Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Deputy CEO, to explain the bad manner in which the Hartley Cartown GSS Committee has been treated over the past six years. The Committee members have done everything they have been asked to get their scheme moving towards completion, yet they were informed by a phone call, on 25th June last, that their scheme has been cancelled and the cost per house, of joining, has skyrocketed.”

 

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council would not at all accept that the Hartley Cartown GSS was dealt with in a bad manner. In fact, this Scheme was very well facilitated and updated throughout the process with any new information when received from the Department. The Part 8 Planning Approval process was delayed as there was an issue with acquiring the sites for the pumping stations, and further archaeological and ecological studies had to be completed.

The Part 8 Planning Approval was finally approved in January 2019. Following this, we requested the GSS’s Consultant Engineer to provide us with a detailed cost estimate for the scheme, based on his design (which had to be in compliance with Irish Water Standards). We eventually received this cost estimate in June 2019, which was €1,100,000 ex. vat for the site investigations and construction contract. In addition, the Design costs, Irish Water Connections costs, Archaeological and Ecological Report Costs brought the total estimated cost of the Scheme to €1.455 million – An estimated cost of almost €32,000 per house. After review we submitted these revised costings to the Department in June 2019. While the Department verbally indicated to us that the costings were very high, it was only on the 25th June, 2020 (after numerous communications with them), that they confirmed in writing that the maximum that they would fund would be €13,000 per house. We wrote to the Committee on the 6th July 2020 and outlined the response from the Department and the funding gap of approx. €19,000 per house. We requested that the Scheme consider the costings as now presented and consider whether it was feasible to progress with the Scheme having regard to the current estimated costs and the fact that the Scheme/Households would have to fund the shortfall between the estimated total cost of the Scheme (almost €32,000 per house) and the Grant available for the Scheme (€13,000 per house) – A shortfall of approx. €19,000 per house. We requested a response by July 24th.  However, as we received no response, we contacted the Scheme by phone on the August 4th 2020. We issued a reminder letter to the Scheme on the 12th October 2020. We again contacted the Scheme on the 19th October 2020. Leitrim County Council still awaits the outcome of the Scheme’s deliberations on the future of this GSS as initially requested from the GSS on 6th July, 2020."

 

Councillor Guckian informed the meeting that this has been a long running issue.  He gave a detailed background as to need for the GSS  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.132.20

CMD.133.20

Motion from Councillor Des Guckian:

This motion seeks to find out from Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Deputy CEO, how and why the area off Main St, Carrick, called Flynn’s Field, has changed ownership since it was compulsorily acquired by Leitrim Co Council? Are the new owners fit to handle the future development of this area on behalf of the public in Co Leitrim? Is there another agenda at work to help speculator’s acquire the back gardens which surround Flynn’s Field and therefore enrich themselves at the public’s expense?

Minutes:

"This motion seeks to find out from Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Deputy CEO, how and why the area off Main St, Carrick, called Flynn’s Field, has changed ownership since it was compulsorily acquired by Leitrim Co Council? Are the new owners fit to handle the future development of this area on behalf of the public in Co Leitrim? Is there another agenda at work to help speculator’s acquire the back gardens which surround Flynn’s Field and therefore enrich themselves at the public’s expense?”

 

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

"The lands at Flynn's Field which were approved to be acquired through the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process have not changed ownership and therefore continue to be the property of Leitrim County Council. Statements made in this regard in the media are incorrect. There is a minor swap of land required to facilitate the provision of footpath along the access road to the new public car park (238 sq metres) from the owners of the Primary Care Centre to the Council with an area of incidental open space on lands acquired by the Council (113 sq metres) being transferred in lieu of this land. This proposal will be brought before the Elected Members in the new

year. The public car park will be owned and managed by Leitrim County Council."

 

Councillor Guckian responded that he was amazed by the response from Leitrim County Council claiming that they owned the land.  He said that the information he had stated that the land in question was registered under the name of a company which was in liquidation.  He also stated that he had been informed that there were issues with obtaining “Rights of Way” in this area. 

 

Mr Gilhooly categorically stated that Flynn’s Field, where the car park is located is in the ownership of Leitrim County Council.  The council’s legal team are currently going through the process of “registration of title”.   He explained to the members that if there were any transactions concerning council owned land it would be brought before the members under a Section 183 for their approval. 

 

Councillor Guckian then asked if the property in question was rented out.

 

Mr Gilhooly again clarified that this property is solely in the ownership of Leitrim County Council, it has not been sold nor is it being rented out to any other party.  

 

He said he was conscious of incorrect information being made in the media lately and stated that this matter was currently with the council’s legal advisors.

CMD.134.20

Motion from Councillor Sean McGowan:

I ask the Director of Services, Infrastructure when is it planned to start works on the replacement of a section of Trunk Water Main at Gortfadda on the R 202 outside Mohill. Following on from the welcome announcement in the last couple of weeks by Irish Water to replace 1.4 KM of mains piping at Gortfadda.
This section of pipe has had numerous bursts over the past year which has caused considerable disruption and annoyance to the local community who had to endure constant interruptions to their water supply, not to mention the huge damage to the surface of the road.

Minutes:

"I ask the Director of Services, Infrastructure when is it planned to start works on the replacement of a section of Trunk Water Main at Gortfadda on the R 202 outside Mohill. Following on from the welcome announcement in the last couple of weeks by Irish Water to replace 1.4 KM of mains piping at Gortfadda.

 

This section of pipe has had numerous bursts over the past year which has caused considerable disruption and annoyance to the local community who had to endure constant interruptions to their water supply, not to mention the huge damage to the surface of the road.”

 

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"Irish Water has approved the replacement of a 1.4Km section of Trunk Main along the R202 from Gortfadda northwards to Corngresha Td. These works have been placed with the frameworks contractor Farrans Construction and design works have begun. It is programmed that works will commence on the ground early in the New Year and will take at least 6 weeks to complete."

 

Councillor McGowan welcomed the reply and asked would it be possible to give a definitive date for the commencement of works.  He said that there have been up to 50 bursts so far this year and the year is not yet through.

 

Councillor Stenson remarked it was great to see funding coming through.

 

Councillors Mulligan and Farrell concurred with comments made.

 

Councillor McGowan asked Mr Gilhooly for an exact starting date.

 

Mr Gilhooly responded that design works are ongoing at the moment and that it is hoped to commence works in the very early stages of the New Year.

CMD.135.20

Motion from Councillor Sean McGowan:

I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, South Leitrim District Engineer to carry out much needed drainage works on the road from Antfield leading onto Finnalaghta Annaduff road No.L-7472-0 as considerable damage has occurred due to water lodging on the road and to include this road for resurfacing in the 2021 roadworks programme. This is a very busy local road that needs attention as a matter of urgency.

Minutes:

"I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, South Leitrim District Engineer to carry out much needed drainage works on the road from Antfield leading onto Finnalaghta Annaduff road No.L-7472-0 as considerable damage has occurred due to water lodging on the road and to include this road for resurfacing in the 2021 Roadwork’s Programme. This is a very busy local road that needs attention as a matter of urgency.”

 

Report by Roads - General

"The District Office has commenced drainage investigation on this local public road. We hope to replace or rectify the damaged drainage pipes at this location.  We can include this public carriageway in the 2021 road works programme once the adjoining property owners complete their catchment drainage on their driveways in accordance with their planning permission. Once these works are complete we can carry out complete road restoration. If these works are not completed we will delay the application of any grants until such works are done. The residents have been made aware of these issues."

 

Councillor McGowan noted the reply and said that there were quite a number of houses on this particular stretch of road.  The lower end of the road is in a very bad state and needs to be rectified.

 

Councillor McGowan welcomed the news adding that he had raised this matter in the past.

 

Councillor Guckian seconded the motion.  He said that the there are contractors currently working on behalf of Leitrim County Council carrying out drainage works.  They released quite a lot of water which caused the garden of a property to flood.  He enquired what the council were going to do about this.

 

Mr O’Boyle addressed the meeting and clarified that this road could be included in the 2021 Road Works Programme as stated.  This however was a three year programme which covered the years 2022, 2023 and 2024.   He reiterated that a number of households need to deal with the drainage issues at their properties before any such job could be undertaken.  He said that the households involved have been made aware of this.

 

Councillor McGowan said that the understood the works would be done in 2021 and was disappointed to now learn that it would be later.  He asked Mr O’Boyle if there was anyway anything could be done in 2021.

 

Mr O’Boyle responded that it more money becomes available in 2021 he would look at this road again.  However, he stressed that nothing would be done unless the property owners undertook the necessary works required regarding drainage. 

 

Councillor McGowan asked would it be possible to write out to these households again and ask them to comply with the works.

 

Councillor Guckian reverted back to his earlier question and Mr O’Boyle informed him that he would be meeting the engineers onsite after the meeting today at 2.00 pm.

CMD.136.20

Motion from Councillor Enda Stenson:

The Road resurfacing at Belmont Drumsna is excellent, may I ask, when will this work be completed down the main st of Drumsna

Minutes:

"The Road resurfacing at Belmont Drumsna is excellent, may I ask , when will this work be completed down the Main Street of Drumsna.”

 

Report by Roads - General

"The RIG in Drumsna was specifically for the R199 which terminates at the T-junction at Belmont Heights.  We have no RIGs applicable to this section of road in our current 3 year programme. We have applied for further grants along the old N4 from the TII earlier this year and, if successful, we can complete the Main Street in 2021."

 

Councillor Stenson acknowledged the reply.  He enquired of Mr O’Boyle if he would be confident that this work could be done next year.  He said it is needed to complete the look of the village.

 

Councillor Farrell seconded the motion.

 

Councillors Guckian, McGowan and Armstrong McGuire all supported the motion.

 

Mr O’Boyle referred to his response and clarified that the grants they sought ran from Rooskey back to Jamestown all along the route of the N4.  The allocation of these grants is solely the responsibility of the TII.

CMD.137.20

Motion from Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire:

I call on this council to look at the ruling it is enforcing re new builds by local people. The 4km limit in Low capacity areas is unreasonable and causing frustration to people trying to establish themselves in permanent homes.

Minutes:

"I call on this council to look at the ruling it is enforcing re: new builds by local people. The 4km limit in Low Capacity Areas is unreasonable and causing frustration to people trying to establish themselves in permanent homes."

 

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

"The Leitrim County Development Plan 2015-2021 identified three area types in the County in terms of their capacity to accommodate further rural housing – low, medium and high capacity areas. The continued demand for individual rural houses in the countryside needs to be balanced against the preservation and protection of the receiving environment. The County Development Plan sets out the policy under which all applications for one off housing in the countryside are assessed. The National Planning Framework recognises that careful planning is required to manage demand for housing in the countryside and acknowledges that it will continue to be necessary to demonstrate a functional economic or social requirement for housing need in areas under urban influence i.e. the commuter catchment of large towns such as Carrick on Shannon. This matter will be given further consideration as part of the review of County Development Plan. However, persons from or living in a town such as Carrick on Shannon are not considered members of the rural community and proposals for individual houses in the countryside are considered to constitute urban generated rural houses. Such proposals for one off housing to cater for such need is not provided for under national policy such as the National Planning Framework, Regional Economic and Spatial Strategy and the Section 28 Rural Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities."

 

Councillor Armstrong McGuire said that she was submitting this notice of motion to get clarity.  Young couples are trying to build on their own land but are unable to do so because they are renting a property that is more than 4km from the proposed site.

 

Councillor McGowan supported the motion.  He remarked that we are trying to get people to come back and live in the county.  It is unfair on young couples and families.

 

Councillor’s Mulligan and Farrell both agreed.

 

Councillor Guckian also sought clarification on this 4km rule.

 

Ms Egan, Senior Executive Planner gave the members and detailed background to Policy 17 (for non natives to the local area) in Low Capacity Areas of the current County Development Plan.

 

In summary she said that there are three parts to the policy.

 

Part 1 -            Indicates that an applicant must be “currently living in the Low Capacity Area” – this would include applicants who are currently living in rented accommodation in the area. 

 

Part 2 –            States that the site which is being applied for planning permission must be within the “immediate vicinity” of where they currently reside.  She added that Leitrim County Council examined a range of County Development Plans in this regard and considered that the approach of Monaghan County Council (which is a similar rural county to Leitrim) of a 4km distance  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.137.20

CMD.138.20

Motion from Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire:

May I have an update on the recognised need for new Primary School building that will have capacity for future population anticipated in Carrick On Shannon.
Does County Dev Plan include site proposals for this need?

Minutes:

"May I have an update on the recognised need for new Primary School building that will have capacity for future population anticipated in Carrick on Shannon.

 

Does County Dev Plan include site proposals for this need?"

 

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

"In the submission received from the Department of Education and Skills to the pre draft consultation stage of the County Development Plan review, the Department stated that in considering potential emerging and future education accommodation requirements, the Department will work with Leitrim County Council to identify projected population growth to a circa ten-year horizon in order to make sufficient provision for the planning and construction of school and other education accommodation where necessary.

As more specific population and housing growth figures become available, the Department will analyse these in the context of existing and planned school provision in order to identify potential additional school and other education accommodation requirements.  The Department did not identify any location in which they requested additional lands to cater for a new school building at this time.  The County Development Plan 2022-2028 will not contain land use zoning objectives for Carrick on Shannon. This will be a matter for the joint Carrick on Shannon / Cortober Local Area Plan which will commence preparation after the County Development Plan process has been completed in 2022.

As household and population figures are developed and following the publication of a draft County Development Plan, the Planning Authority will engage further with the Department in this regard. As the projected household and population increase in Carrick on Shannon will comprise at least 30% of the total County allocation, it is likely that additional capacity in educational facilities will be required."

 

Councillor Armstrong McGuire commented that she did not have a chance to read the reply in full but commented the council needs to be active in identifying potential sites in Carrick on Shannon.  She said the merger of the two national schools is working well but not on a spatial level.

 

Councillor Farrell seconded the motion.

 

Councillor McGowan supported the motion adding that Carrick on Shannon was a growing town.  There needs to be engagement with the Department of Education.

 

Councillor’s Stenson and Mulligan also supported the motion.

 

Councillor Guckian supported the motion adding that there is a need for a new national school.  He enquired who would pick the site, would it be the Department of Education, Board of Management or Trustees?

CMD.139.20

Motion from Councillor Thomas Mulligan:

Mohill Historical Society wish to have the recorded unique and fascinating history of Mohill from the 6th century to date, portrayed in a people and visitor friendly manner as part of the public realm plan currently under consideration.
I welcome that submission and propose that this be incorporated into the proposed plan.

Minutes:

"Mohill Historical Society wish to have the recorded unique and fascinating history of Mohill from the 6th century to date, portrayed in a people and visitor friendly manner as part of the public realm plan currently under consideration.

I welcome that submission and propose that this be incorporated into the proposed plan."

 

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

"Leitrim County Council will incorporate actions proposed by the Mohill Historical Society as part of the Public Realm improvement scheme and include a programme of actions promoting Mohill's unique history and heritage to accompany the capital works. This will part of our funding application to the Rural Regeneration Development Fund.  We acknowledge the valuable contribution that the Historical Society have made to the overall project in terms of promoting Mohill as a place of interest in terms of its history and heritage. This will be useful in the overall promotion of Mohill for tourism purposes."

 

Councillor Mulligan noted the reply.  He welcomed a submission from Mohill Historical Society.  He praised the work of Fiona Slevin who has traced records back to Mohill as far as the 6th century.

 

Councillor’s Stenson and McGowan both supported comments made by Councillor Mulligan.

 

Councillor Guckian agreed with the motion and said that while all this is desirable there is a need for an archaeological survey at the lower end of Main Street.  The research needs to be more in-depth than just a few dates on a page, they need to be backed up by an archaeological survey.

CMD.140.20

Motion from Councillor Thomas Mulligan:

Local road Clooncahir to Treanmore is one of the most scenic and safe walking routes in South Leitrim. I propose that we carry out surfacing works to make it suitable for pedestrian/leisure activities.

Minutes:

"Local road Clooncahir to Treanmore is one of the most scenic and safe walking routes in South Leitrim. I propose that we carry out surfacing works to make it suitable for pedestrian/leisure activities.”

 

Report by Roads - General

"We have carried out a considerable amount of works along the Lough Rynn Walkway which included a segregated off road walkway with public lighting.  We have applied for ORIS grant aid to complete the works on the L-10530, which, if approved, will allow the circular Lough Rynn walkway to be completed. This will include recycling of the current road surface and re-sealing along with driver feedback signs on the R202 to advise motorists of the Lough Rynn Walkway crossings."

 

Councillor Mulligan noted the response and stated that this matter had been raised on a number of occasions.

 

All members supported the motion.

CMD.141.20

Motion from Councillor Paddy Farrell:

I call on senior engineer Darragh O' Boyle to seek funding for a complete upgrade of St. Mary's close and road at the back of St Marys church. Residents can not understand why they were left out of capital funding that St Georges' and main street are having at the present time. There has been very little work done there in a long number of years. I, along with others would rate St Mary's as being centre of Carrick-on-Shannon.

Minutes:

"I call on Senior Engineer, Darragh O' Boyle to seek funding for a complete upgrade of St. Mary's close and road at the back of St Marys church. Residents cannot understand why they were left out of capital funding that St Georges' and Main Street are having at the present time. There has been very little work done there in a long number of years. I, along with others would rate St Mary's as being centre of Carrick-on-Shannon.”

 

Report by Roads - General

"The District Engineer has met with the local residents in St Marys Close and has taken note of their concerns.  The Capital office have been requested to include these public realm works in any future capital scheme as the O&M budget would not cater for a complete urban renewable (works that would include undergrounding of services, complete footpath renewal, public lighting upgrades and new road surfacing). We will know by year end if capital investment in St Marys Close is an option. If not, we can carry out minor road lining works, public light LED

replacement in early 2021. We can also propose a community involvement scheme for the residents in 2021 which will involve community match funding of 15%."

 

Councillor Farrell noted the reply and outlined a number of issues that need to be addressed in this area, namely:

 

·         Need for Small Car Park

·         Improved Public Lighting

·         Footpath Repairs

·         Issues with parking at back of St Mary’s Church

·         Emergency Vehicles not being able to gain access to area behind church or residential area of St Mary’s Close due to cars parked.

·         Traffic coming up and turning at top of St Mary’s Close

 

Councillor Armstrong McGuire supported and seconded the motion.  She said that these issues have been raised on a number of occasions.  The public use of this area has increased significantly in the last 10 years.  The parking area beside St. George’s Church is very busy.  There is no capacity on Main Street to provide parking for St Mary’s Church.  They tend to use the small area behind the church when attending mass.  This area is seeing more and more public use than it was originally designed to cater for.  The footpaths in this area are very uneven.  It is time that these issues were addressed.  The car parking spaces have faded at the area around St. George’s Church.  She said it was very unfair to ask residents to pay a 15% contribution to have works done in their area.

 

Councillor Stenson supported the motion commenting that he had a similar motion tabled about 6 months ago and at that stage Mr Shay O’Connor advised that the council would hope to have this area included in the second phase of the public realm scheme.

 

Councillor Guckian commented that it was a bottleneck in this area.  Needs to be tackled.  He agreed with Councillor Armstrong McGuire that it was too much to ask residents to make a contribution.

 

Councillor McGowan also supported the motion  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.141.20

CMD.142.20

Motion from Councillor Paddy Farrell:

I call on Leitrim county council to contact whoever owns cut out forestry at townlands of Drumnadober L7418-L7419 Killassanowl, to cut down tall trees and foliage left on boundaries along these roads as they are a hazard to road users at this time of year.

Minutes:

"I call on Leitrim County Council to contact whoever owns cut out forestry at Townlands of Drumnadober L7418-L7419 Killassanowl, to cut down tall trees and foliage left on boundaries along these roads as they are a hazard to road users at this time of year.”

 

Report by Roads - General

"We will issue a hedge cutting/tree cutting notice to the registered land owner adjacent this public road."

 

Councillor Farrell noted the reply and enquired from Mr O’Boyle do landowners take any heed on letters that are issued.

 

Mr O’Boyle responded that there are instruments available under the Roads Act pertaining to public roads.  He outlined the procedure for hedge cutting notices concluding that if a landowner ignores the requests and the council have to go in to carry out the work the landowner will be billed by the council for the works.  He said that there was a compliance rate of 80 to 90% in his area.  Up to 250 notices have been issued by his office which covers the Carrick on Shannon and Ballinamore Municipal District areas.  To follow up on each individual one would be impossible. 

 

Councillor Des Guckian seconded this motion.

CMD.143.20

AOB:

Minutes:

Date for December Meeting

                                   

Mr Gilhooly said because today’s meeting happened later in the month to accommodate the Part 8 process and to allow for the two weeks to consider the Mohill Public Realm Report, the December meeting to take place on Monday 14th December 2020 at 10.00 am.

 

All members were agreeable to this.

 

Ms Shanley informed the meeting that in light of Covid Restrictions, it was unclear at the moment as to whether the December meeting would be online on held in person.  All members would be notified in advance as to the format of the meeting.

 

Deferral of Part 8 – Mohill Public Realm

 

Mr Gilhooly stressed to the members that the two weeks were to provide further time for their deliberation on the Chief Executive’s Report.  The report, as it is presented today, is that recommended by the Chief Executive.  The members can decide to accept, accept with modifications or reject in its entirety the report. 

 

 

Traffic on Main Street, Carrick on Shannon

 

Councillor Guckian enquired from Mr Gilhooly when Main Street, Carrick on Shannon would re-open to traffic.

 

Mr Gilhooly responded that it would be re-opened next week, hopefully in the early part of the week.  He also added that it is hoped to have the new car park in Flynn’s Field open by early December.