Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Cllr. Sean McGowan

 It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of Meeting of 18th January 2021

Councillor Des Guckian opposed the adoption of the minutes in relation to his motion CMD 4 2021 in relation to the private laneway from Flynn’s field Car Park to Bridge Street and said the statement that the use of this laneway has been properly managed to facilitate public access to Bridge Street on the agreement of the landowners and all parties involved is not true. Councillor Guckian also raised the issue of being informed that the temporary signs at this location would be removed but that this was not the case.

Mr Shay O’Connor outlined the detail in regard to signs that we removed as he had informed the MD meeting but clarified that a number of other signs were removed subsequently.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructural Services said that for the purpose of clarity the people who manage the properties at this location had given the permission and that he was satisfied for the minutes to reflect this amendment.

The Chief Executive’s Report and Recommendation pursuant to Section 179 of the Planning & Development Acts 2000 (as amended) and Part 8 of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) as circulated to the Members.

Nature and Extent of Development

Development of 12 houses 

Location of the Development

Páirceanna an Bhaile, Townparks, Carrick-on-Shannon.

The Council has complied with the Requirements of the Regulations in respect of the proposed development and a necessary public notice was published in accordance with the Regulations.  It is proposed to proceed with the works listed.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Finola Armstrong McGuire

            SECONDED by Cllr. Enda Stenson

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council proceed with the works in accordance with the approved plans.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said she had read the documentation she received, has engaged with people in regard to this development and said people in general are in agreement with it. 

Councillor Des Guckian stated that although he is in favour of proposed Social Housing development he  had reservations with the map attached to the documentation. He proposed that the access route off the main road be widened to make it safer for vehicles coming up and down this route.  He also expressed his disappointment that an Environment Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment are not required in this instance.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly, advised that the map contained in the Part 8 documentation is from the Carrick-on-Shannon Local Area Plan.  Mr Gilhooly confirmed that the Carrick on Shannon Local Area Plan 2010-2019 acknowledges the need to increase the supply of social housing and sets this out in Policy 3.1b – It is the policy of the Council to accommodate social and affordable housing needs through the range of measures available, including purchase, the long-term leasing scheme, the rental accommodation scheme and construction where appropriate, subject to available funding.

Mr Gilhooly advised that the proposed scheme adheres to the policy framework provided for in the Carrick on Shannon Local Area Plan 2010-2019. The design is considered appropriate and the layout and design is the culmination of an extensive design development. All matters pertaining to Flood Risk Assessment, Appropriate Assessment, archaeology and servicing have been addressed through the documentation submitted with the Part 8 application. The development will not adversely impact upon the receiving environment and therefore the development adheres to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

Mr Gilhooly said the access road was assessed as part of the design process and it is not intended to be a through road, and he said alternating the road could be unproductive.

Mr Justin Fallon, Senior Executive Officer, advised the access road to the proposed development site is via the existing Autumn View junction on the Summerhill Road. Road alignment at this junction allows of excellent lines of visibility in both directions. Given the fact that the proposed development will contain a higher volume of traffic than the existing Autumn View development, the access road has been designed accordingly to National Road Authority  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.15.21

The Members extended a vote of sympathy to the following:

•          Terry McGovern on the death of his mother Nellie McGovern R.I.P and aunt to Mr Joseph Gilhooly.

•          Carmel Doherty and Johanna Daly on the death of their mother Maureen Daly R.I.P

•          Sandra Rowley on the death of her mother Maureen Rowley R.I.P

Mr Vincent Dwyer gave a report on the Schedule of Municipal District Works.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire acknowledged that there was far too little money to spend in the schedule of Municipal District works.

Councillor Des Guckian made observations on the following items in the report:

•          Burial ground undertakers

•          Public water/public conveniences

•          Maintenance of burial grounds

•          Lands drainage costs in Carrick

•          Veterinary service

•          Administration of Rates 

In response, Mr Vincent Dwyer advised that Burial Grounds caretakers receive an annual payment to administer the graveyard register and provide limited maintenance and support for the graveyard under their control.

The Irish Water costs are fully recouped from Irish Water. Public convenience relates to the operation and maintenance of small sewerage schemes still under the control of Leitrim County Council.

Leitrim County Council provides a countywide Veterinary Service on behalf of the Food Safety Authority. The Dog Warden service (Division G) is also provided on a countywide basis with Leitrim Animal Welfare currently providing the Dog Pound Service.

The Administration of Rates figure in the report includes a provision to cover the costs of the 75% write off in respect of vacant properties. Staffing costs are also included.

Mr Vincent Dwyer acknowledged that he would prefer if the amount of funding was higher for the Municipal District works.

Cllr Thomas Mulligan sought clarification in relation to commercial properties that are closed and vacant and benefiting from the existing 75% write. He queried if such properties are excluded from the 3-month rates waiver announced recently by the Government,  or are they still liable for a full 25% of their annual commercial rates.

Mr Vincent Dwyer confirmed that there is no waiver for vacant properties.

Councillor Enda Stenson proposed that the public seating at the lay-by on the N4 at Duignan’s Mill be replaced.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer confirmed that when the restrictions are lifted two picnic seats will be replaced at this location.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructural Services advised that the Roadworks Programme allocation would normally be received from the Department of Transport at this stage. Mr Gilhooly said that the Department has advised verbally to commence the Roadworks Programme based on the same level of funding as last year.  When the allocation is received an updated Roadworks Programme will be brought to the March Municipal District meeting. 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer gave a report on the 2021 Roadworks Programme, including roads proposed for  the Restoration Improvement Grant.

Mr O’Boyle sought the approval of the Members to move the funding from Foxborough to Lisnagot.

Proposed by Councillor Enda Stenson and Seconded by Councillor Sean McGowan that the funding for Foxborough would be moved to Lisnagot.

Councillor Des Guckian expressed his disappointment with the level of funding available for road improvements.  Councillor Des Guckian said every road should be done every 10 years.

Councillor Guckian welcomed the funding for Derrycarne, Derrybrack, Old Rooskey Road  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.17.21

The Meetings Administrator stated that there was no meeting correspondence.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Des Guckian;

"That in light of COVID with its sudden deaths, Leitrim Co Council sharpens up its reaction to the need for emergency plots for the dead. People in the catchment of Carrick-on-Shannon and other Council operated cemeteries in this Municipal area, worried by the situations arising, have been enquiring about getting new plots. They have been met with obfuscation. I wish to ask engineer Darragh O Boyle, as the person in charge, if he will now give an undertaking to each bereaved family that a new burial plot can and will be made available, at a standard modest charge, within an hour s notice."

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

"The Allocation of Burial Plots by Leitrim County Council is done in accordance with the Leitrim County Council Burial Grounds Policy 2016-2022 which was adopted by the members of Leitrim County Council on 11th July, 2016.  Burial Plots are allocated by Graveyard Caretakers who are based within the community and whose duty it is to allocate grave spaces as the need arises in a compassionate and dignified manner.  As set out in the Burial Grounds Policy, Plots are allocated as need arises on the demise of a person and can also be allocated in advance in specific circumstances where medical evidence is submitted e.g.  where a person receives a terminal diagnosis or similar situations.  Where a spouse is still alive, a double or family plot will be allocated.  Regard is given to special circumstances also such as a sole surviving offspring or sibling.  Prior to the adoption of this Policy, grave spaces could be allocated in advance.  However, this resulted in grave plots being acquired in advance of need with the result that many of our burial grounds had only limited unallocated spaces available (Plots were often purchased by healthy people where there was no imminent need for the plot, this policy also resulted in plots being acquired in advance by people who subsequently leave the area and are unlikely to return).  The introduction of the new Policy ensured a more ordered allocated of spaces as the need arises but also with the capacity to take account of specific family and medical circumstances as the need arises.  

The cost of Burial Plots in County Leitrim are 250 for a single plot and 500 for a double plot.  These fees have not been reviewed since 2007 and compare favourably with costs of plots in other Counties.  

The Burial Ground Policy will be due to be reviewed in 2022 and will be brought to the members of Leitrim County Council at that time for their consideration.

The above Policy applies to Cemeteries which are In charge of Leitrim County Council  Leitrim County Council have no role in the allocation of Burial Plots in Cemeteries which are not in our charge."

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion and proposed that all grave space  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.19.21

That Leitrim Co Council actively invests in Mohill, which is a town in decline. The Council has decided not to go ahead with its new extension to its offices in Carrick. When this was first proposed, the Council offices, in Mohill were closed and staff transferred to Carrick. It would be a big boost to the economy of Mohill and a morale booster also, if Council sub-offices were to be developed in Mohill for engineering, housing, heritage etc.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Des Guckian;

"That Leitrim Co Council actively invests in Mohill, which is a town in decline. The Council has decided not to go ahead with its new extension to its offices in Carrick. When this was first proposed, the Council offices, in Mohill were closed and staff transferred to Carrick. It would be a big boost to the economy of Mohill and a morale booster also, if Council sub-offices were to be developed in Mohill for engineering, housing, heritage etc."

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

"The former area office in Mohill is currently in use by some Roads staff and the Library Service.  There are no plans to utilise it as a sub office for core services e.g. housing etc."

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion and said it is a scandal to rule out his motion as this would be a big boost to the economy of Mohill and a morale booster also, if Council sub-offices were to be developed in Mohill for engineering, housing, heritage etc and an anchor investor would encourage more investment into Mohill.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported any move for more office accommodation into Mohill, but he questioned the sincerity of the motion in light of Cllr Des Guckian’s opposition to the Public Realm scheme which is proposed for Mohill and which Councillor Mulligan said he hopes to see coming to fruition in the coming months.

Councillor Des Guckian said the plan was hollow and not worth supporting and An Bord Pleanala were not happy with the work.  Councillor Guckian said the €2.8 million funding for the project would not be going to the people of Mohill and the Council should help struggling ratepayers by decreasing rates by 50%.  Councillor Guckian stated if an office can be provided in Manorhamilton the same can be done for Mohill.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly advised Leitrim County Council is committed to the regeneration of Mohill.  The office in Manorhamilton is a hub as it is further away from the Main Offices of Leitrim County Council and Mohill is just 12 kms from Carrick-on-Shannon.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said he was not aware of any findings by An Bord Pleanala in relation to the Public Realm scheme in Mohill. He advised that a submission has been referred to An Bord Pleanala in relation to the proposed Public Realm scheme for Mohill, but that submission has not yet undergone due process by An Bord Pleanala.

Are there direct guidelines laid down when it comes to a request or granting of a transfer from one Local Authority house to other?

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Enda Stenson;

"Are there direct guidelines laid down when it comes to a request or granting of a transfer from one Local Authority house to other?"

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

"The guidelines for transferring from one local authority house to another are contained in Leitrim County Council s Allocation Scheme adopted by the Elected Members on 2nd July 2018.  The provisions of the scheme state as follows in relation to transfers:

Tenants of the housing authority, including tenants of dwellings provided under the Social Housing Leasing Initiative, RAS, or by AHB s may apply for consideration for a transfer to other dwellings, under the following circumstances - Down-sizing: 

Exceptional medical/disability or compassionate grounds:  Overcrowding: 

Tenants seeking a transfer must fulfil the following requirements to the satisfaction of the housing authority :

The following conditions also apply to the approval of a transfer request: 

1.         Tenants must have a clear rent account with no arrears relating to their existing tenancy. 

2.         The tenants must have complied with all the conditions of their letting agreement. 

3.         The tenants must not have engaged in anti-social behaviour for the previous two years 

4.         The tenants must have resided in their current accommodation for the previous two years

5.         Subject to an inspection of the existing accommodation the property must be in a satisfactory condition 

6.         The date of application for a transfer will only be set after all the conditions for

a transfer has been met in the opinion of the housing authority. 

Applications for a Transfer are available on Leitrim County Council s website or can be obtained on request from the Housing Department.  The housing authority will not consider transferring a tenant because of unsatisfactory relations with a neighbouring tenant or because of dissatisfaction in general with the estate or the neighbourhood. 

Qualified applicants on the transfer list are considered for all suitable vacancies in line with the Scheme of Letting Priorities."

Councillor Enda Stenson welcomed the reply.  Councillor Paddy Farrell and Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Councillor Enda Stenson said those most in need of housing are entitled to get it and he questioned how people who cause unsocial behaviour can qualify.

Councillor Des Guckian proposed that the guidelines in this regard be sent to all Elected Members and a plan for enforcement should be put in place that if someone oversteps the line they are reminded of what they can and cannot do.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said she did not want to see people homeless and she said that the area of waste management needs to be looked at.   Leitrim County Council have to help communities to live side by side and she said she didn’t want any further paperwork in this regard.

We have on various occasions discussed the possibility of a walkway between the villages of Drumsna and Jamestown. While I realise and know this is Roscommon ground, has any progress been made on discussions with Roscommon relating to this issue?

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Enda Stenson;

"We have on various occasions discussed the possibility of a walkway between the villages of Drumsna and Jamestown. While I realise and know this is Roscommon ground, has any progress been made on discussions with Roscommon relating to this issue?"

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

"Leitrim County Council have submitted an application to have the these riverside villages connected under the forth coming Active Travel Scheme from the National Transport Authority. We have been in contact with Roscommon County Council on this issue and, if successful, we can carry out works under a section 85 agreed with our neighbouring authority. We would envisage the scheme to provide a public footpath between both Shannon bridges."

Councillor Enda Stenson welcomed the reply received in this regard and outlined how extremely important it is that Leitrim County Council continue to pursue this walkway.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion and noted that this had been raised by former Councillor Sinead Guckian on numerous occasions.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer advised that Leitrim County Council have been in close contact with Roscommon County Council in seeking funding under the Active Travel Scheme. If this funding is forthcoming there will be a Section 85 Agreement with Roscommon County Council to develop the project.

I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning & Infrastructure to examine the potential of applying for funding from the National Transport Authority under the heading of “Active Travel Fund” for the Shannonside villages of Rooskey, Dromod, Drumsna & Jamestown. Works to include upgrade public lighting, the provision of new footpaths, provision of tabletops to slow the traffic down & other infrastructural works to enhance the villages.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Sean McGowan;

"I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning & Infrastructure to examine the potential of applying for funding from the National Transport Authority under the heading of Active Travel Fund for the Shannonside villages of Rooskey, Dromod, Drumsna & Jamestown. Works to include upgrade public lighting, the provision of new footpaths, provision of tabletops to slow the traffic down & other infrastructural works to enhance the villages."

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

"Leitrim County Council have submitted applications to have the Rooskey, Dromod, Drumsna and Jamestown villages considered for footpath connector routes under the forth coming Active Travel Scheme from the National Transport Authority.

We are currently awaiting assessment of the application by the NTA."

Councillor Sean McGowan proposed that funding should be explored from the National Transport Authority under the heading of Active Travel Fund for the Shannonside villages of Rooskey, Dromod, Drumsna & Jamestown.  Councillor Sean McGowan said this would give these Shannonside Villages a boost as they have been by-passed.

Councillor Sean McGowan proposed that toilet facilities be also provided in Drumsna at the Quay.

Councillor Paddy Farrell supported the motion.

Mr.  Darragh O’Boyle advised that Leitrim County Council have applied for funding to connect to two estates to the village in Rooskey, and an interconnector route from Rooksey to Dromod and a wider footpath in Dromod.  The Active Travel Fund is an initiative aimed to get people to use other forms of active transport rather than their cars and in that Mr O’Boyle said toilet blocks are not included under this funding.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion. Councillor Des Guckian said he would see some merit in this.

Councillor Des Guckian proposed that Leitrim County Council contact the OPW in regard to the rising of the Shannon water levels.  Mr O’Connor said the Shannon is operating as normal and he outlined that water levels on the  Shannon River take a long time to drop  due to the nature of the river and the flat topography of the landscape.  Mr O’Connor acknowledged that this can be frustrating.

I ask Housing Engineer Jonathan Mulhern, what plans are in place to secure or replace the cast iron gutters on several of the properties in Hyde terrace Mohill? The residents are concerned that the gutters, some of which are loose, could fall and cause serious injury to the homeowners or members of the public.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Sean McGowan;

"I ask Housing Engineer Jonathan Mulhern, what plans are in place to secure or replace the cast iron gutters on several of the properties in Hyde terrace Mohill? The residents are concerned that the gutters, some of which are loose, could fall and cause serious injury to the homeowners or members of the public."

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

"This issue has been included for consideration within our 2021 programme of works, however, are subject to 2021 funding confirmation"

Councillor Sean McGowan said from speaking to residents in this area they are concerned  that the cast iron gutters are loose and could fall and cause injury to homeowners or members of the public.  Councillor Sean McGowan proposed that they should be removed and replaced.

Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion and outlined sewerage systems at this estate also needs to be reviewed.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion.

I call on Leitrim County Council, when preparing the winter gritting plan for next term,    to include the road from Letterfine R209 via Keshcarrigan to Mohill L3051-2 as this is a very dangerous stretch of road.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Paddy Farrell;

"I call on Leitrim County Council, when preparing the winter gritting plan for next term,   to include the road from Letterfine R209 via Keshcarrigan to Mohill L3051-2 as this is a very dangerous stretch of road."

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

 "The winter gritting programme will be reviewed in full during the current year in preparation for the next winter season.  A number of roads and locations have been identified on numerous occasions for inclusion in the programme including the above-mentioned route.  All such locations will be considered as part of the review, but the outcome will be based on available resources and scope of programme that can be accommodated.

Councillor Paddy Farrell said a lot of people use this road and he would like to see it included in next year’s plan.

Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion.

Mr.  Darragh O’Boyle said he will pass this onto Mr. Terry McGovern, Senior Engineer for inclusion in next year’s Winter Maintenance Programme.  Mr O’Boyle advised that the Winter Maintenance Programme is at full capacity.

I ask that that surface dressing be carried out on road number L- 5550 in the townland of Aughadrumderg to Hill Street on the Cloone side of Mohill town.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Thomas Mulligan;

"I ask that that surface dressing be carried out on road number L- 5550 in the townland of Aughadrumderg to Hill Street on the Cloone side of Mohill town."

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

"The district engineers office carried out a grant on the L-5550 last year. The connector public road L-1550-1 can be put forward for inclusion in the next 3 year plan (2022 to 20225). This years surface dressing grants are already determined as part of the outgoing multi annual programme.  It is important to note that surface dressing grants (RMG's) are only applicable to roads which are in generally good condition but require sealing from the weather and improving grip."

Councillor Thomas Mulligan welcomed the reply and said there is a quite a number of houses on this road.

Councillor Paddy Farrell and Councill Sean McGowan supported the motion.

I ask that repairs to the southern end of road no. L-3480-0 in the townlands of Corriscoffey and Esker, including the provision of "pull-ins bays", be carried out.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Thomas Mulligan;

"I ask that repairs to the southern end of road no. L-3480-0 in the townlands of Corriscoffey and Esker, including the provision of "pull-ins bays", be carried out."

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

"The southern end of the road network at Corriscoffey has a RMG grant scheduled for later this year, subject to approval from municipal district members. The L-1475 will be surface dressed and existing lay byes shall be cleaned and surfaced."

Councillor Thomas Mulligan welcomed the reply and he outlined that there are no lay-bys on the Dromod end on this road.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer said an RMG grant is scheduled later on the southern end of this road and lay-bys can be reviewed at that stage.

Planning permissions are all subject to a time limit and many have extensions granted. In the light of the close down of the construction industry and many projects associated with it, what further extensions are being allowed to those who have gotten planning permission but for reasons associated with the pandemic are not in a position to commence works.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire;

"Planning permissions are all subject to a time limit and many have extensions granted. In the light of the close down of the construction industry and many projects associated with it, what further extensions are being allowed to those who have gotten planning permission but for reasons associated with the pandemic are not in a position to commence works."

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

"Following the onset of COVID 19 and the ‘stay at home’ restrictions which impacted on various construction related activities in early 2020, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, taking account of the considerations under Section 251A(5) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended, made Orders which result in an extension of time for a range of specified/appropriate periods and timelines under this Act being implemented.

The Ministerial Order meant that such periods were first extended in duration from 29 March 2020 to Monday 20 April. They were subsequently extended until Saturday 9th May, and again further extended until Saturday 23rd May 2020 inclusive, comprising a total period of eight weeks (56 days).

All 31 Local Authority Planning Office public counters were then re-opened subject to public health requirements along with a strengthening of the requirements for planning documentation to be made available online, from Monday 25 May 2020. This was set out in the Government’s Roadmap for managing Covid 19. It was decided not to extend the Order under Section 251A for a further period. The Planning system has therefore being open since 24th May 2020 without interruption (other than the normal 9 days over Christmas). 

A grant of planning permission is valid for a period of 5 years from the date of grant: this period is now extended by an additional 56 days to reflect the pause between 29 March to 23 May 2020 last.  There is also provision in the Planning legislation that allows a person to extend the time period of their permission for a further period of up to 5 years subject to certain provisions having been met. 

Leitrim County Council has no ability to alter the timeframes for planning permission which are set out by law." 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire acknowledged that the reply is complex and proposed that a letter issue to the Department calling for the Planning Regulations to be updated to allow for the construction related shutdown, caused by COVID-19 restrictions, to be taken into account in the calculation of existing and future planning permission durations.

Councillor Paddy Farrell supported this.

Ms Vivienne Egan, Senor Executive Planner outlined the Planning Department is bound by the Regulations and welcomed the Council in writing to the Department in this regard.

Having been proposed by Councillor Armstrong McGuire and seconded by Councillor Farrell it was resolved that a letter issue to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as follows:

“That Planning Regulations  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.28.21

What is the current status of the process to develop a continuous walkway from Carrick-on-Shannon to Leitrim village?

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire;

"What is the current status of the process to develop a continuous walkway from Carrick-on-Shannon to Leitrim village?"

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

"This council is currently in the process of appointing Jennings O'Donovan Consulting Engineers as design consultant for this project. One of the first items for them to consider is to hold appropriate consultation on the project which will give relevant stakeholders an opportunity to discuss the project."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said it important that this walkway is developed.

Councillor Paddy Farrell and Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Councillor Enda Stenson complimented Leitrim County Council for the development of all the walking trails in the county.

Councillor Sean McGowan concurred with this and paid tribute to Councillor Enda Stenson as Chairperson of Leitrim GAA on the successful 50-mile challenge fundraiser by Leitrim GAA.