On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Cllr. Sean McGowan

 It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of Meeting of 15th February 2021

Councillor Des Guckian said that he wanted it noted in the above minutes that he was not against the proposed Part 8 as set out in Minute CMD 15.21, he was in favour of the social housing development but he had a few reservations about the proposal and they were cleared up.

1.         Email of the 26th February 2021 from the Office of the Minister of State, Peter Burke in response to the Resolution passed by Carrick on Shannon Municipal District in regard to the making of legislation 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 Finola Armstrong McGuire expressed her disappointment with the reply received. She outlined that developers and home builders are being affected by the COVID related shutdown in the construction sector and that the Department will need to act on this matter at the end of the pandemic.

Councillor Paddy Farrell, Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Enda Stenson supported Councillor Armstrong McGuire’s views on the matter.  The Members agreed this issue is going to have a significant impact not only on this county but the entire country.

Councillor Sean McGowan paid tribute to former Councillor Sinead Guckian who is having one of her paintings, marking the centenary of the 1916 Rising, unveiled and put on display in the Seanad chamber by Senator Regina Doherty, the leader of the Seanad, as part of International Women’s Day.

Councillor Enda Stenson, Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire, Councillor Thomas Mulligan and Councillor Paddy Farrell congratulated and paid tribute to Ms. Sinead Guckian’s talent as an artist.  Members wished continued success in her future endeavours.

Mr Terry McGovern, A/Senior Engineer gave an overview of the updated Roads Works Programme 2021.  Mr McGovern advised that the total allocation for Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District Area Works Programme for 2021 is €4.5 million, an increase from €4.1 million received in 2020. Mr McGovern advised that no notification of the Local Improvement Scheme allocation has been received to date from the Department of Rural and Community Development and when this becomes available, Members will be notified. He advised there is no breakdown of the Community Involvement Scheme to date.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer gave an overview of 2021 Area works Programme for Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District.

Councillor Enda Stenson welcomed the funding and sought clarification on when the Hartley Bridge project will commence and be completed.

Councillor Enda Stenson also sought an update on the discussions with Roscommon County Council regarding the development of a walkway from Jamestown to Drumsna.

Mr Shay O‘Connor, Senior Engineer advised the planning documents for the Hartley Bridge Project are being reviewed by both the Planning Department of Leitrim County Council and Roscommon County Council. Once this review is complete a planning application will be submitted to An Bord Pleanala.  

Mr Terry McGovern, A/Senior Engineer advised that an application for the Jamestown Drumsna Walkway this has been submitted under Active Travel, but it is unlikely to secure funding because it is not urban based.  Mr McGovern outlined that the Active Travel is administered by National Transport Authority. Leitrim County Council has put forward 15 projects in the Carrick-on-Shannon MD area for funding under this scheme and hope to be successful securing funding in the majority of applications.

Councillor Stenson supported the funding received for the link road to Lough Rynn trail.

Councillor Sean McGowan welcomed the additional funding received, and he expressed his disappointment that the Antfield to Finnalaught Road is not included in this year’s work programme.

Councillor McGowan welcomed the funding for Rooskey Greyway and Jamestown footpath. Councillor Sean McGowan expressed his disappointment that the Department of Transport has not given any funding towards the Local Improvement Scheme. He proposed that a letter issue to the Department of Transport seeking matching funding to that received from the Department of Rural and Community Development for the Local Improvement Scheme.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer said Road L7472 Antfield to Finnalaught will be included in the next 3-year Restoration Improvement Grant programme.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan welcomed the funding for the Lough Rynn Trail.  Councillor Mulligan proposed that this work be started from the Dromod end of the road and that the works carried out would include measures to prevent speeding. 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer advised that the road will be resurfaced This road is intended as walkway rather than a link road and measures will be put in place in this regard.

Councillor Paddy Farrell said he would like to see more funding going towards Local Improvement Schemes and Drainage.

Councillor Des Guckian said road 1601 needs to  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.32.21

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

"I’m asking CEO, Mr Power, to give us all an undertaking, with proof, that there is no need to worry about emissions from the old unlined dump in Mohill, closed since 2005. The EPA Report 2019 suggests that there are several shortcomings, which is worrying since the dump has a direct hydrological link to Lough Forbes."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"The EPA granted Leitrim County Council a Waste Licence for the closure, restoration, and aftercare of Mohill Landfill in January 2002.

The EPA Waste Licence for Mohill Landfill provided the structure for the restoration and aftercare works required by the EPA.  

Leitrim County Council prepared the designs and Method Statements for the restoration works in accordance with the Waste Licence and EPA Code of Practice.  These designs were approved by the EPA prior to commencement of works.  The design included for an engineered piped leachate collection system around the landfill which is connected to the Knocklongford wastewater pump station from where the leachate is pumped forward for treatment at Mohill wastewater treatment plant.

This EPA Waste Licence for Mohill Landfill also requires that Leitrim County Council carry out an extensive suite of biological and physico-chemical monitoring and analysis on a monthly/quarterly basis. The licence sets emission limit values for these parameters. All emissions from the Landfill continue to be monitored in accordance with the EPA Waste Licence. It is a condition of the licence that all monitoring results are reported, and an Annual Environmental Report (AER) is submitted each year.  This AER is a summary report of the environmental information for a given year.

The AER for 2019 which Cllr Guckian is querying does show that there was an exceedance in the storm water for COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), Total Phosphorous and Iron in the samples analysed. The storm water is monitored at 2 (two) locations identified in the EPA Licence as SW4 (upstream of the landfill) and SW6 (downstream of the Landfill); and the exceedances were detected in both the upstream and the downstream samples on the day at the time of sampling. If the Landfill were the source of the exceedance, then the exceedance would only have been detected in the downstream sample (SW6) and not in the upstream sample (SW4) as well. The results indicate that the source of this exceedance must be located further upstream of Mohill Landfill, the exceedances in both samples were classified as marginal. 

Also, the AER for 2019 shows that there was 1 (one) exceedance in the groundwater sample for Ammonia, Chloride, Iron, Manganese and Potassium. The groundwater is monitored in 4 (four) locations identified by the EPA Waste Licence around the perimeter of Mohill Landfill; the exceedance was detected in 1 (one) of the samples on the day at the time of sampling. The other 3 (three) groundwater samples taken at the same time were within the limits. The AER states that the “Sample  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.33.21

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

"That in light of the government’s failure, over the last eleven years, to really tackle Shannon flooding, we write to the Taoiseach and Tánaiste and the relevant Minister, seeking to have the Shannon deepened at shallows, dredged where there are mud banks or bog silt banks and the River kept flowing as fast as possible, along its course, throughout the year."

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

"In order to tackle flooding on the Shannon flood risk management plans were prepared (CFRAMS) by the OPW. Arising from these studies allocations of funding for a significant flood relief scheme was received by Leitrim County Council along with allocations for a scheme in Leitrim Village with a review of proposed works in Mohill. The Council working with OPW and Roscommon County Council are progressing the detailed design of the Carrick on Shannon Scheme while consultants have also been appointed to the Leitrim Village Scheme with OPW review of Mohill ongoing."

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion and said the river was dangerously high although it has slowly gone down a little over the last few days due to the dry spell.  Councillor Guckian said Leitrim County Council have to be the lead authority and he said that there is much better equipment and technology available now to get the river moving.

Councillor Sean McGowan said the issue with the Shannon is south of Athlone where the landscape is quite flat.  Councillor McGowan said there is much silt in the bed of the Shannon, and he acknowledged that work has been done at some pinch points and that works are going to be done in Leitrim, Councillor McGowan said this will have an impact of possibly spreading the water out to land.

In the new development plans for waterside at the public toilets and jetty, can consideration be given to removal of the waste collection point to a more enclosed and locked facility for boat users.  A card or fob should be needed for access. As it is often overfilled, it is a blot on the walkway.

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

"In the new development plans for waterside at the public toilets and jetty, can consideration be given to removal of the waste collection point to a more enclosed and locked facility for boat users.  A card or fob should be needed for access. As it is often overfilled, it is a blot on the walkway."

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

"Consideration will be given to this during the detailed design of the Destination Towns project"

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said she was happy with the reply received.

Some months ago, a group of pedestrians and wheelchair users navigated Carrick’s shopping areas and off streets highlighting difficulties. I know there is a paper issued from this. Has heed been taken of peoples access difficulties in the new street plans? I note the small step into AIB remains and I ask, have any such steps been eliminated in upper and lower Main St? Can you outline the main learning points incorporated into the new streetscape?

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

"Some months ago, a group of pedestrians and wheelchair users navigated Carrick’s shopping areas and off streets highlighting difficulties. I know there is a paper issued from this. Has heed been taken of people’s access difficulties in the new street plans? I note the small step into AIB remains and I ask, have any such steps been eliminated in upper and lower Main St? Can you outline the main learning points incorporated into the new streetscape?"

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

"All Council projects, whether public realm type or buildings, are designed having regard to the principles of Universal Design so that projects are as inclusive as possible. In addition to the initial design philosophy, when undertaking any project that involves works to public realm infrastructure and/or buildings the Council refers all Part VIII design proposals to the Council’s Access Officer for any further recommendations to ensure compliance with the requirements of being universally accessible and inclusive. Any recommendations by the Access Officer are thereafter incorporated into the design. A similar process is also used in respect of any planning applications that include open space or common areas to which the public will have access.

In addition to the consideration of universal accessibility at design stage, the public consultation phase of both Part VIII proposals and planning applications in general, affords the opportunity to all members of the public, or special interest groups, to submit comments and recommendations in respect of any project. Any submissions received are fully considered and, where appropriate, incorporated into the project.

In undertaking any scheme, such as the Carrick on Shannon Public Realm Project, the responsibility of the Council is to seek to provide public areas which are, as far as is practicable, universally accessible, and inclusive. Accordingly, the Council is providing safe road crossing points for wheelchair users and pedestrians as part of the Public Realm Project. The Council has also sought to ensure the provision of adequate dedicated accessible car parking spaces and the minimisation of any impediments or barriers to all persons by the elimination of obstacles through the use of appropriate street furniture.

With regard to access into various business properties in the town, while responsibility rests with the property owners. the Council, as part of the Public Realm Project on the streets in Carrick on Shannon is eliminating steps where possible. It is not possible to achieve this in respect of every premises due to the difference between the internal floor level and the footpath outside a given premises: in the case of the AIB building the level difference between the internal step, in combination with the adjacent dropped kerb to enable access to the rear car park, would create excessive slopes on the footpath if it were eliminated."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire welcomed the continuing work on the new streetscape in Carrick-on-Shannon. She complimented the design of the paving  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.36.21

I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, District Engineer Carrick-on-Shannon, to put in place a programme of works to renew the road markings at the pedestrian crossing at Lower Main Street & Castle Street in Mohill, and at the raised tabletop at the junction at St Manachan’s NS, St Patrick's Church and the road leading up to Mohill Community College.

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

"I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, District Engineer Carrick-on-Shannon, to put in place a programme of works to renew the road markings at the pedestrian crossing at Lower Main Street & Castle Street in Mohill, and at the raised tabletop at the junction at St Manachan’s NS, St Patrick's Church and the road leading up to Mohill Community College"

Report by Roads – General

"We are currently carrying out an audit on all pedestrian crossing within Carrick and Ballinamore MDs and we will re-establish all line marking where needed. These works will be carried out in conjunction with our busy roads work programme once the pandemic restrictions allow."

Councillor Sean McGowan said he was satisfied with the reply received and hoped the work would be done sooner rather than later.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion.

I seek the support of members in calling on EIR to provide broadband service to the people in the Clooncolry / Cornagillagh area - outside Dromod. Both townlands are within 3km of the exchanges in both Dromod & Rooskey. The homeowners have been in contact with Eir on numerous occasions in relation to securing a proper broadband service, but to date have not had any success.

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

"I seek the support of members in calling on EIR to provide broadband service to the people in the Clooncolry / Cornagillagh area - outside Dromod. Both townlands are within 3km of the exchanges in both Dromod & Rooskey. The homeowners have been in contact with Eir on numerous occasions in relation to securing a proper broadband service, but to date have not had any success."

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

"The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications have provided an interactive map which identifies Eircode locations within Leitrim as being either AMBER or BLUE in relation to the availability of broadband services.

•          AMBER areas – These are targeted areas for state intervention under the National Broadband Plan. The contract of which has being awarded to National Broadband Ireland (NBI).

•          BLUE areas – These are areas where commercial operators either currently deliver or plan to deliver high speed broadband services.

Members can identify which area an Eircode falls under through this publicly available map: https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=99c229dc4c414971afc50818b25337ef

If an Eircode falls within a BLUE area, members are welcome to contact Broadband@decc.gov.ie to let them know if they cannot get high speed broadband from the providers in that area.

If an Eircode falls within an AMBER area, members are welcome to visit the National Broadband Ireland website where further information will be provided on the delivery schedule for broadband to that area: https://nbi.ie

In addition, Leitrim County Council have invited National Broadband Ireland to attend the May plenary meeting where they will provide an update and will be available to take questions on the rollout of broadband within Leitrim under the National Broadband Plan."

Councillor Sean McGowan gave the background to his motion and he proposed that Leitrim County Council contact EIR and get the service repaired.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire supported the motion and said this is a national Issue and families need broadband.

Councillor Paddy Farrell and Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said that if members have issues with regard to broadband service, they can contact Mr Richard Molly, Broadband Officer in Leitrim County Council and he informed the members that National Broadband Ireland will give a presentation to all the members at the plenary meeting of the council in May.

I call on District Engineer, Darragh O'Boyle, to sort out the water logging issue on the Church road, L3390-0, Carrickaver as the road floods heavily at this point.

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

"I call on District Engineer, Darragh O'Boyle, to sort out the water logging issue on the Church road, L3390-0, Carrickaver as the road floods heavily at this point."

Report by Roads – General

"The district office has a full restoration grant on this local road which will allow us to remove all depressions and ponding along this section. We envisage these works to take place in May subject to pandemic restrictions being eased."

Councillor Paddy Farrell said he was satisfied with the reply received. 

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion and welcomed the funding for the Sheemore Project.  Councillor Thomas Mulligan and Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire concurred with the remarks on the funding for the Sheemore Project.

I ask Leitrim County Council to arrange a meeting  with Waterways Ireland & Carrick-on-Shannon MD, to try and sort out a range of outstanding issues such as public toilets.

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

"I ask Leitrim County Council to arrange a meeting with Waterways Ireland & Carrick-on-Shannon MD, to try and sort out a range of outstanding issues such as public toilets."

Mr Joseph Gilhooly agreed to this request and asked that members submit matters for inclusion on the agenda for the meeting with Waterways Ireland.

Councillor Des Guckian said he has been made aware that the public toilet at the Moon River is not open.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said Waterways Ireland are not operating the public toilet due to the current lockdown restrictions.

I call on Leitrim County Council to carry out improvement works to the access road to the Water Treatment Plant in Mohill.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to carry out improvement works to the access road to the Water Treatment Plant in Mohill."

Report by Roads – General

"This road is in private ownership by a number of landowners and thus not the charge of the local authority. The road has a right of way for Irish Water to access the treatment plant”.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan proposed that Leitrim County Council carry out improvement works to this access road leading to the water treatment plant at Coolebawn in Mohill.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer outlined that this is a private road; the road has a right of way for Irish Water to access the treatment plant and he agreed to contact the Water Department in this regard.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan proposed that a letter issue to Irish Water to have some repairs carried out on this road.

I call for a post and rail fence or something similar be erected where the river runs close to the edge of the road leading to the "Bring Centre" in Mohill. There is a significant drop into the river at this point and it’s dangerous, as this narrow road can often be busy with traffic approaching and returning from the "Bring Centre".

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

"I call for a post and rail fence or something similar be erected where the river runs close to the edge of the road leading to the "Bring Centre" in Mohill. There is a significant drop into the river at this point and it’s dangerous, as this narrow road can often be busy with traffic approaching and returning from the "Bring Centre"."

Report by Roads – General

"Heavy rainfall has eroded the earth bank which separates the road from the Mall river. We will putting forward this road for a full restoration improvement grant in the next 3 year plan which will allow us to carry out gabion or rock armour treatment at this location along with road surface and drainage improvements. In the meantime, we shall place reflective delineators along this section of the L-55501"

Councillor Thomas Mulligan highlighted that this is a very open and dangerous area for children, and he proposed that a post and rail fence or similar be erected where the river runs close to the edge of the road leading to the "Bring Centre" in Mohill. 

Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Des Guckian supported this.