Agenda and minutes

Carrick on Shannon Municipal District Meeting held on 26^th November 2020.

Matters arising from Minutes:

No matters arising from minutes.

Proposed by Councillor Thomas Mulligan, Seconded by Councillor Sean McGowan AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED;

“That the Minutes of the Meetings of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District held on Thursday 26^th November 2020 be adopted”.

·         To undertake a Public Realm Improvement Scheme in Mohill.

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

Chief Executive’s Report issued to members in advance of the November 2020 meeting (Appendix 1 to the Minutes of this meeting book).

Cathaoirleach Councillor Farrell read out the description of the Part 8 Proposal:

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 (Pages 17-54).

·       To undertake a Public Realm Improvement Scheme in Mohill.

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

Councillor Mulligan then addressed the meeting.  He started by saying that a considerable amount of time had been spent on this project in many ways, but he would have liked to have had more time to have the opportunity to discuss this proposal better with the public. 

Today the Members of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District are presented with three options namely:

·       To adopt Chief Executive’s Report without amendment.

·       Reject Chief Executive’s Report

·       To adopt Chief Executive’s Report with amendments.

He outlined that he intended now to propose amendments which he said were as a result of speaking with members the public and listening to their views.

He wished to make the amendments under specific headings, namely:-

1.     Achieving Better Traffic Flow.

2.     Businesses – Carrying out Day to Day Business.

3.     Disabled Parking.

4.     Maintaining proper access to Gateways, Archways and Laneways.

5.     Measures to accommodate Festivals, Fairs etc.

6.     Enhancement Works

Cllr Mulligan then proceeded to outline the proposed amendments as follows:

Achieving Better Traffic Flow

1.               That the junction from Castle Street onto Lower Main Street be altered to accommodate two lanes of one way traffic in order to avoid tailbacks and give better turning room for large goods vehicles.

2.               That step outs at the junction of Green lane and Water Street be removed to allow turning room for heavy vehicles.  Tight corner at best of times, especially for HGV’s.  Proposed step out would result in difficulties with HGV’s navigating turn.

3.               That turning room for cattle trucks entering and exiting the mart at Upper Main Street and Green lane not be impeded in anyway.  Free access to Enter and Exit.

Businesses - Carrying out day to day business

1.     That three set down areas be provided outside former National Irish Bank and Paul’s.  There is already a Disabled Parking Bay here, proposing that it be moved up the street a little towards the Bank of Ireland.

2.     That detailed design would ensure the provision of three car park spaces on Glebe Street extending from Killraines to O Brien’s Bed and Breakfast.  This is vitally important to a number of businesses in this area.

3.     That the step out at Greens be removed.  That the first step out on Lower Main Street be omitted and replaced with a car parking space.

4.     That the step out at Fitzpatrick’s (Business Premises) be omitted and two car park spaces be introduced starting at end of  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.145.20

As Councillor’s Guckian and McGowan had tabled similar motions, Councillor

McGowan asked the Cathaoirleach if it were permissible for his motion to be

taken alongside Councillor Guckians.  The Cathaoirleach agreed to this

request.

"That where good jobs have been done in raising the level of road surfaces, there

 must be a follow on of putting support verges in place to stop traffic going ompletely

off the road. Also, on narrow roads, suitably large lay-bys must be provided to allow

vehicles to meet and pass. Along the L7465-0, near Lough Boderg, and the L7661-0

at Crow Hill, Drumsna, are but two examples.

Walkers along the latter are finding stepping in off the road quite dangerous."

Report by Roads - General

"The construction works along the flooded area at Mullagh are now complete. It will

be spring/summer before we can get to verge works in this area due to the high level

of the Shannon and the nature of earthworks. The new road surface is wider than the

previous road surface and the lay-bys will be repaired when the conditions allow."

I ask District Engineer Darragh O’Boyle to immediately provide banking and some additional passing bays on both sides of Local Road No. L-7465-0 serving the townland’s of Gortinee, Mullagh onto Derrybrack in Annaduff. There is a severe drop on both sides of the road, as much as 4ft in some areas, which leaves it very dangerous.
This is a very busy local road with traffic but with a lot of people using this for walking. With no verge to stand in, there is genuine concern in the neighbourhood that someone could get hurt while out walking or that a vehicle could slip down the side of the road.

“I ask District Engineer Darragh O’Boyle to immediately provide banking and some additional passing bays on both sides of Local Road No. L-7465-0 serving the townlands of Gortinee, Mullagh onto Derrybrack in Annaduff. There is a severe drop on both sides of the road, as much as 4ft in some areas, which leaves it very dangerous. This is a very busy local road with traffic but with a lot of people using this for walking. With no verge to stand in, there is genuine concern in the neighbourhood that someone could get hurt while out walking or that a vehicle could slip down the side of the road."

Report by Roads - General

"It will be spring/summer before the district office can get to verge works in this area due to the high level of the Shannon and the nature of earthworks. The new road surface is wider than the previous road surface and the lay-byes will be repaired when the conditions allow."

Councillor Guckian noted the reply and remarked that his biggest quibble with it was the time lag to deal with this grave situation.  He said that people are afraid on this stretch of road.  He expressed a real fear that someone would go off the road.  He also raised concerns regarding two cars which may have to pass at this location.  One of them would have to back up to a crossing to allow the other one to pass.  Passing Bays in this location are not wide enough or long enough to facilitate two cars passing safely at the moment.  This is very dangerous as it is a bog area and has deep drains on either side.  He suggested a number of things for this area which could alleviate the problems;

·       Proposed cutaway to allow cars pass safely.

·       Erection of Warning Notices.

·       More Reflectors – not enough in situ.

·       Bollards.

·       Maybe a one-way system on the road.

·       Any lay-bys need to be large enough to accommodate trucks as they use this road on occasion.

Councillor McGowan praised the great work done of this stretch of road.  He also reiterated Councillor Guckian’s concerns that locals were very fearful of the drop off on each side of the road.  He said that this road is a very popular road for walking and is proving unsafe.  He commented that it was a pity that this work was not carried out first before the road was raised.  Concluding, he asked Mr O’Boyle would it be possible for the passing bays to be extended to make them a bit longer.

Mr O’Boyle responded that this work was carried out as part of funding under a Climate Change.  The funding was received in September and had to be spent in November.  The main aim of the work was to raise the road out of the River Shannon, this involved adding a foot onto the height of the road and this has created the issue with verges.  As a result of  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.147.20

"That Council officials explain how they have dealt with the seepage of sewerage into the marsh near the block of flats and offices that lie behind the old Leitrim Observer office, just off the Leitrim Road in Carrick-on-Shannon. There seems to be a widespread threat to public health in that general area."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"The Council has not been informed of any current problems with pollution at this location. This overall development is in private ownership. However the Environment Department will now investigate this complaint to establish the facts and take whatever subsequent action is deemed necessary."

Councillor Guckian said he was not happy with the reply he had received.  He read out the reply to the members and said that he could not accept that the Council had not been made aware of this situation.  He said that this problem had been going on for a number of years now.  There is a bad odour in this area and raw sewerage is leaking into the marsh. The pipes are broken in places due to the boggy nature of the ground.  He informed the meeting that there is an infestation of rats in this area affecting a number of neighbouring properties and housing estates, this is a serious threat to public health.  He cited an incident witnessed by a member of the public recently, whereby a large rat jumped out from the ditch near the HSE offices on the Leitrim Road.

Mr Gilhooly reiterated the second part of the reply given.

Mr O’Boyle responded that there had been many incidences of drainage works in storm drains carried out in Carrick on Shannon.  The road into this particular development is in private ownership as is the pumping station.  He commented that it was not unusual for vermin to live in drains.

Councillor Guckian responded that it was good that storm drains were cleared out but questioned why there was such a rat infestation in such a long stretch of drainage.

Councillor Guckian enquired if this motion has now been passed and were the Council giving an undertaking to look at it.

Mr Gilhooly replied yes, as confirmed in the reply issued.

I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly Director of Services to provide an update on the status of Oak Meadow Housing Estate in Drumsna, have the Council taken this estate in charge or has there been an application lodged to take the estate in Charge ?

"I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly Director of Services to provide an update on the status of Oak Meadow Housing Estate in Drumsna, have the Council taken this estate in charge or has there been an application lodged to take the estate in Charge?"

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

"The Council does not have a request to take this estate in charge. As has previously been advised to the Members at the Meeting of 3 December 2018, whilst the Council remains amenable to taking this estate in charge, this is dependent on the street lights being made operational by the Developer or, as an alternative, by the Developer lodging sufficient monies with the Council to cover the costs that would be incurred by the Council in having them connected up. To date the issue of connecting the street lights has not been resolved. Also, as previously advised the Council did issue the Developer with an enforcement notice seeking to compel the commissioning of the lights. The Developer has not complied with the requirements of the enforcement notice issued. Notwithstanding our wish to take charge of this estate should the outstanding issues be resolved, it should be noted that the Council does not have to give consideration to taking in charge any estate where enforcement proceedings have commenced. The Council will not consider this estate for taking in charge until such time as the issue of the street lighting is resolved."

Mr Donnelly reiterated that there has been no form request for Taking in Charge but that there was an informal agreement with the bank at the time to finish out the houses and roads.   An Enforcement Notice was issued to developer.

Councillor McGowan enquired as to the name of the developer?

Mr Donnelly responded that they were a limited company named Rivendell Ltd.

Councillor McGowan enquired as to the cost for finishing out the works.

Mr Donnelly said that an estimate had been provided a number of years ago and at that time the cost would have been €7,500 excluding VAT.  An estimate would have to be redone.  There is damage to one of the lights.  He estimated that it could be in the region of over €10,000 now excluding VAT.

Councillor McGowan said that this situation was not fair on the residents.  He enquired if there were any resolution funds available.  He recalled some type of fund a number of years back, administered by the Department to facilitate the finishing out of a number of estates.  The lighting fixtures are already in place, it is only a matter of getting power to them.

Mr Donnelly responded that there was some funding provided by the Department a number of years back, there is no further source of funding available.  The only option would be for the council to fund it themselves.

Councillor McGowan enquired if the council had such money available to them.  Mr Donnelly said no.

Councillor McGowan proposed contacting the department  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.149.20

Update on  opening for public use toilets in our towns and villages. Any response from Waterways Ireland.

"Update on opening for public use toilets in our towns and villages. Any response from Waterways Ireland."

Report by Roads - General

"The public toilets in the town of Carrick on Shannon are provided in conjunction with Waterways Ireland who operate and manage them as part of their service block at the quayside. The Council has been in contact with Waterways Ireland who are currently developing their management regime for reopening in the current environment. Public toilets in the country would have been closed down during the lockdown period. The cafes, restaurants and hotel facilities are now re-opened and their customers can now, once again, avail of services provided. Waterways Ireland have advised that their policy in relation to service blocks is to have 1 at every 12 miles stretch of water unless there are extenuating circumstances. There are currently service blocks in both Carrick on Shannon and Dromod which is approx. 12 miles apart so the inclusion of a further service block at Drumsna is not envisaged by Waterways Ireland at this stage in light of their restricted Capital and Operational resources."

Councillor Armstrong McGuire noted the reply.  She said that it is more important now than ever that such facilities were opened to the public and maintained to the highest standards in light of Covid 19.  This is something that should be pursued with Waterways Ireland.

She felt that it was not right that hotels, restaurants and coffee shops should be obliged to provide toilet facilities to casual callers to their premises.  This is something that she said needs to be made clear to the public that these businesses are under no obligation to facilitate same.   She said she did not agree with toilet facilities being locked up when we are encouraging people to get healthy and go outdoors.

Councillor Farrell seconded the motion and said he would like to see all the facilities reopened.

Councillor McGowan also supported the motion adding that he hoped Waterways Ireland would play ball and open up all the toilets.

Councillor’s Stenson and Mulligan also supported the motion.

Councillor Guckian supported the motion and said that the facilities should be open and available to all.  He referred to a previous notice of motion he had submitted with regard to toilet facilities at Rooskey playground.  He requested an update on this.

Mr Gilhooly informed the meeting that Waterways Ireland provide the toilet facilities in conjunction with Leitrim County Council.  The various Covid 19 restriction levels have impacted on the facilities.  During Level 5 there was no throughput of tourists/visitors to the area.  It is hoped that Waterways Ireland will be returning to their normal Winter Opening programme soon.

Update on opening of New Car Park in Flynns Field Carrick.

"Update on opening of New Car Park in Flynn’s Field Carrick."

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

"The car park is now open. The contractor has to finish lane marking, landscaping and some other minor works which will happen over the next few weeks."

Councillor Armstrong McGuire noted the reply and said she had submitted her motion 8 to 10 days in advance of today’s meeting.  She thanked and congratulated all involved in finally getting a car park in the town.  She commented that it had been a very long road, the idea for such a car park was first suggested about 30 years ago.  She said it was an excellent facility and that the accessibility onto Main Street was great and commented on the excellent public lighting in this area. 

She enquired if this public lighting could be replicated at the laneway between Keaneys and Heslins.  She called on the public to avail of this car park when coming to town, adding that at the moment it was free of charge. 

She also raised an issue with regard to a disabled parking space on Main Street which had been removed from outside St Mary’s Church during the public realm works.  She said she had been contacted by a number of people who have mobility issues who are having difficulty in locating a disabled parking space in the town.  She asked if it was even possible for a temporary one to be installed along Main Street for the Christmas period.

Councillor Stenson supported the motion adding that it was a wonderful development to have in any town.  He said it was badly needed and praised all concerned.  He said it will change the face of Carrick town and hopefully some day they will see something similar in Mohill town.

Councillor Farrell supported the motion and welcomed the opening of the car park.  He added that he had received a number of calls regarding signage for the car park. 

Councillor McGowan and Mulligan also wished to be associated with the foregoing comments.

In response to the issues raised by Councillor’s Armstrong McGuire and Farrell, Mr O’Connor responded as follows:

The council have no involvement with public lighting at laneway at Keaneys.  This is a private lane, the council have made a temporary agreement that while the public realm works are ongoing this lane can be used for pedestrian access onto Bridge Street. 

Regarding the removal of the disabled parking space outside the church he said that one will be facilitated on the opposite side of the road when the scheme has been completed.  The installation of a temporary one to facilitate Christmas shopping was an oversight and a temporary arrangement will be put in place.

Signage will be erected in the coming days for new car park.

I call on Leitrim County Council to clarify if there are any developments in acquiring property at the INTREO office on the Leitrim rd. I have had a lot of enquiries about this junction.

"I call on Leitrim County Council to clarify if there are any developments in acquiring property at the INTREO office on the Leitrim Road.  I have had a lot of enquiries about this junction."

Report by Roads - General
 "We have acquired a piece of land at this location to enable us to set back the boundary wall and improve the sight distance for drivers at this junction. These works will be carried out when the main contractor for the Public Realm Works is working in this location next year."

Councillor Farrell welcomed the reply.  He said a number of people have been onto him about this particular junction.  He thanked all who were involved in the land acquisition proceedings.  He enquired as to when this work would be carried out.

Mr O’Connor responded that this work was included for the current programme of the Public Realm works and would be carried towards next summer.

Councillor Guckian stated that there are difficulties at this area.  He said that he had serious concerns when the traffic flow changed and he called on the council engineers to look at reversing the traffic flow.  He also enquired who the council had purchased the land from?

Mr O’Connor responded to Councillor Guckian’s queries.  Firstly, at the time of the traffic review the council looked at the traffic flow in both a clockwise and anticlockwise direction.  It was felt that the current flow was the best as the alternative would introduce conflicts on Main Street/Junction with Park Lane.  Secondly, the land was purchased from the Department of Social Welfare.

Councillor Stenson supported the motion and commented that the traffic flow is very good and the new system is working well.

I ask district engineer Darragh O'Boyle if there could be a pedestrian crossing installed on the Keadue Rd on the Leitrim village side of the national school nearer to the main street.

"I ask District Engineer Darragh O'Boyle if there could be a pedestrian crossing installed on the Keadue Rd on the Leitrim village side of the national school nearer to the main street."

Report by Roads - General

"There will be no further pedestrian crossing in Leitrim Village. Since the newly completed crossing at the Keadue Road, the village has 5 pedestrian crossing."

Councillor Farrell noted the reply however he said he did not welcome it.   He said the area in question is very busy with children coming out from the school and trying to cross the road.

Mr O’Boyle responded that there was an incredible amount of pedestrian crossings for a small village like Leitrim.  He said he was unsure of where another one could be physically placed.  He informed the meeting that in an area where a pedestrian crossing is placed an area of 15 metres each side of it becomes sterilised and cannot be used.  He said that at the moment there is a lot of money being spent on footpaths in the village and this is down to the hard work of the various local committees who have been applying for various funding streams. 

"May I ask for the footpath, from old Treanmore Mohill to Main Street , be brought up to a proper standard for wheelchair users and pedestrians . Also I believe that better signage is needed as we approach the pedestrian crossing at Treanmore."

Report by Roads – General

 "The footpath from St Patricks View to Main Street Mohill is in good condition. The footpath from speed limit on the Regional Road to the pedestrian crossing will require a new surface, however, we cannot widen the footpath unless we access a specific grant for these works. Regarding the signage, there is adequate signage on both approaches to the new ramped crossing. Drivers need to slow down in urban pedestrianised areas."

Councillor Mulligan informed the meeting that he had since discussed this matter with Mr. O’Boyle.  He explained that the surface of the footpath is in a terrible state and expressed the need for something urgent to be done.

Councillor McGowan supported the motion adding that there were a number of wheelchair users who use this particular path.  He said that he could not imagine that the costs involved would be very high.

Councillor Mulligan also supported the motion commenting that the paths badly needs work done and indeed suggested that a replacement would be better.  He also requested the erection of better signage at this location.

Councillor Farrell said that all Councillors would be in support of this motion.

Mr O’Boyle addressed the issues raised.  With regard to the resurfacing he agreed that the surface was in poor condition due to wear and tear.  He said he was fully aware of the fact that people with mobility issues use it on a regular basis.  It would be a very expensive job to replace the footpath.  The council do not have that sort of funding however, he did say he would look at the possibility of smoothing out the surface and providing grip, if the money was available from the Council’s own budget.  Regarding the matter of signage he referred back to response given.

Councillor Stenson thanked Mr O’Boyle for his reply.  He commented that this footpath was a lifesaver for those with mobility issues, who use it regularly.  He said that the main issue with the signage is that it is on a curve and is not clearly visible to someone who would not be familiar with the road.

"Recently I’ve come across a number of old stone built road crossing, that have now collapsed and are no longer serving a purpose, can those be replaced with pipes, if brought to the attention of our Engineers"

Report by Roads - General

"The district office will endeavour to maintain our built heritage as much as possible, however, in some cases these old stone drainage systems cannot be salvaged. Old Stone Arch Bridges will be maintained and re-established but require specific grants. The district office has been fortunate in recent times that most of our specific improvement grant allocations are for our bridge network. In extreme circumstances where the structure or building is listed, i.e. a structure that a planning authority considers to be of special interest from an architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical point of view. If you are the owner or occupier of a protected structure, you are legally obliged to prevent it becoming endangered, whether through damage or neglect. This document describes the protection given to these structures under Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000."

Councillor Stenson enquired from Mr O’Boyle if it would be possible to get funding to carry out such work and if so could it be possible to carry out this work every now and again.

Proposed Amendments to Part 8 – Mohill Public Realm

Councillor Mulligan informed Ms Shanley that he would send on the comprehensive proposed amendments which he had alluded to earlier in the meeting.

Date for January Meeting

Ms Shanley said that the next date for the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District was due to take place on Monday 11^th January 2021, however, Mr Gilhooly informed the meeting that the full council meeting would be taking place on that date.  It was suggested that the meeting would then be held on Monday 18^th January 2021 at 10.00 am.   

All members were agreeable to this.

Before the meeting concluded Cathaoirleach Councillor Farrell wished to address comments made by Councillor Stenson on a number of occasions during today’s meeting, regarding certain Members of the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District being against investment for Mohill town.

Councillor Farrell clarified, for the record, that he was not opposed to any investment for Mohill town but he was not prepared to vote for something that he believed the people of Mohill were not happy with.

Councillor Farrell concluded the meeting by wishing every a very Happy Christmas and New Year.