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CMD.43.21

Adoption of Minutes 8th March 2021

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Sean McGowan

             SECONDED by Cllr. Finola Armstrong McGuire

 

 It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of Meeting of 8th March 2021.

 

Councillor Des Guckian referred to his motion no CMD 33.21 in relation to the old dump in Mohill and welcomed that the scientific staff of Leitrim County Council would be carrying out more detailed investigations in this regard.

 

Councillor Des Guckian referred to his motion no. CMD 34.21 in relation to the Shannon River and reiterated the importance of having drainage works carried out on the river Shannon.

CMD.44.21

Votes of Sympathy

Minutes:

The Members paid tribute to the great legendary Leitrim footballer Packie McGarty who passed away recently and in this regard the Members extended a vote of sympathy to his wife Ellen and the McGarty Family.

 

           

 

 

CMD.45.21

Meeting Correspondence

Minutes:

1.         Letter received from OPW dated 25th March 2021 in response to resolution passed at the 19th October 2020 Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District Meeting seeking a meeting with the OPW on foot of a motion from Councillor Sean McGowan.

 

Councillor Sean McGowan said this request was made to the OPW with a view to securing a funding package over the next 4 to 6 years to clean and dredge all rivers which feed into the main rivers and lakes within the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District as the €20,000 budget Leitrim County Council has is not enough to carry out the above works.

 

Councillor Enda Stenson proposed that a letter issue to the Minister in this regard.

 

 

2.         Email from Deputy Frank Feighan of the 6th April 2021 in regard to funding for  Rural areas for Active cycling and walking Infrastructure

 

Councillor Des Guckian sought clarification in regard to this funding.

 

Councillor Enda Stenson sought an update in relation to the application for the Jamestown-Drumsna walkway.

 

Mr Joseph Gilhooly advised the members the Active Travel Scheme has been in operation for a number of years in large urban areas in large towns and cities and the aim of the scheme is to encourage people to move and travel around urban areas without using vehicles.

 

Mr Joseph Gilhooly advised that Leitrim County Council is working on an ongoing basis with the National Transport Authority in regard to a number of pilot schemes. One such pilot scheme is the Jamestown-Drumsna walkway, for which Leitrim County Council is working in conjunction with Roscommon County Council to obtain funding, but and no further details are currently available from the NTA regarding progress of the proposed walkway.

CMD.46.21

Motion from Councillor Des Guckian - Tha Canon's House

That Chief Planner, Bernard Greene, be asked to explain why he approved of the demolition of The Canon’s Wall, part of the curtilage of The Canon’s House, a protected historic structure at Main St, Carrick-on-Shannon. Does he agree that this was an offence, contrary to Sections 58:4 and 58:5 of the Planning &Development Act 2000? Whose expert advice or opinion was sought? Did he not consult all the prescribed bodies?

Minutes:

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

 

"That Chief Planner, Bernard Greene, be asked to explain why he approved of the demolition of The Canon’s Wall, part of the curtilage of The Canon’s House, a protected historic structure at Main St, Carrick-on-Shannon. Does he agree that this was an offence, contrary to Sections 58:4 and 58:5 of the Planning &Development Act 2000? Whose expert advice or opinion was sought? Did he not consult all the prescribed bodies?"

 

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

 

"There are High Court Proceedings pertaining to a Judicial Review of elements of Leitrim County Council’s Part 8 procedure with respect to the ongoing Carrick on Shannon Public Realm Scheme.  The subject matter of this question is included in these proceedings. The Council will not be commenting further on this matter as it is sub judice. However, I can confirm that Leitrim County Council are vigorously defending its position in these proceedings and the Council have vehemently defended that the works to the realignment of this boundary wall were undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the Planning and Development 2000, as amended."

 

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion and said he was not happy with the response received in this regard.

 

Mr Bernard Greene, Senior Planner asked if the Motion had been seconded.

 

Mr Bernard Greene, Senior Planner said this matter is before the High Court and Leitrim County Council will vigorously defend its position. Until such time as the matter is determined by the High Court, Leitrim County Council will not be making any further comment.

CMD.47.21

Motion from Councillor Des Guckian - L1601

That Senior Engineer, Terry McGovern, be asked to draw up a comprehensive plan for making badly-needed improvements all along the L1601 road from its junction with the N4 at Faulties to Rooskey. These to include the re-jigging of the junction itself to make it far safer, the replacement of damaged signage and the resurfacing of parts of the L1601 which are damaged by potholes or where there are “channels” in the centre of the road.

Minutes:

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

 

"That Senior Engineer, Terry McGovern, be asked to draw up a comprehensive plan for making badly-needed improvements all along the L1601 road from its junction with the N4 at Faulties to Rooskey. These to include the re-jigging of the junction itself to make it far safer, the replacement of damaged signage and the resurfacing of parts of the L1601 which are damaged by potholes or where there are “channels” in the centre of the road."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"Detailed proposals were drawn up and applications were made in September 2020, (under a new call for former national roads rehabilitation grants) for funding for two different schemes on former national roads, namely the L1601 (FaultiesDromodRooskey) and the L3656 (N4- Jamestown) roads. The L1601 was our first priority as it was the larger scheme proposal at an estimated cost of €1.05 million. Funding of €200,000 was approved for County Leitrim, under this call for the scheme on the L3656, and the application for the L1601 was unsuccessful. However, we will resubmit an application for this scheme on the L1601 for funding for 2022, when the call is advertised later this year. In the mean-time the routine maintenance will be carried out on this section of road. It should be noted that, as previously advised, the Junction of the L1601 and the N4 was designed in accordance with the TII standards when the N4 DromodRooskey Bypass was constructed, and a road Safety Audit would have been completed, which would have helped to inform the Junction design."

 

Councillor Des Guckian said parts of this road are in bad state, it is a very busy route, it is used by Leitrim County Council when the need arises to divert traffic off the N4, and it is that important the junction of the L1601 and the N4 are realigned and damaged signage at this junction needs to be replaced.

 

 

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said Leitrim County Council are totally dependent on funding from central Government to carry these works. Leitrim County Council will carry out the work with the funding that has been approved for this section of road and will continue to pursue further funding for the L1601.

 

Councillor Sean McGowan said there has been no money spent on this road since 2007, it is a very busy route and needs an upgrade.

CMD.48.21

Motion from Councillor Thomas Mulligan and Motion from Councillor Paddy Farrell - Costrea Lough to Annaghearly Lake

I ask that Leitrim County Council makes a contribution towards the drainage of the river connecting Costrea Lough to Annaghearly Lake. The present condition of this river is causing serious land drainage problems for farmers and flooding on the road leading to houses in this area.

Minutes:

It was agreed Motion No 5 in the name of Councillor Thomas Mulligan and Motion No 8 in the name of Councillor Paddy Farrell be taken concurrently as they relate to the same issue.

 

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

 

"I ask that Leitrim County Council makes a contribution towards the drainage of the river connecting Costrea Lough to Annaghearly Lake. The present condition of this river is causing serious land drainage problems for farmers and flooding on the road leading to houses in this area."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"This drainage network from Costra Lough to Aghaghearly Lake is not on the prescribed OPW drainage network system. Funding is provided to carry out specific drainage maintenance on the Ballinamore Ballyconnell canal system that flows from Leitrim Village into County Cavan. All other drainage systems are the responsibility of the landowners."

 

 

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

 

"I call on District Engineer, Darragh O'Boyle, to try and source funding to clean the river from Annaghearley Lake to Costrea Lake.  This stretch of river is causing major problems for local small farmers and local road flooding."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"This drainage network from Costra Lough to Aghaghearly Lake is not on the prescribed OPW drainage network system. Funding is provided to carry out specific drainage maintenance on the Ballinamore Ballyconnell canal system that flows from Leitrim Village into County Cavan. All other drainage systems are the responsibility of the landowners."

 

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said a number of people are concerned about the present condition of the river from Annaglearly Lake to Costrea Lake as it is causing serious problems, not just farm flooding but flooding on the road leading to housing in the area.

 

Councillor Thomas Mulligan proposed that Leitrim County Council make a contribution towards the drainage of the river.

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer said Leitrim County Council have a prescribed list of river channels under OPW drainage network schemes and Annaghearley Lake is not on that prescribed list. Mr O’Boyle said the property between the 2 lakes is private and drainage is therefore the responsibility of the landowners. 

 

Cllr Thomas Mulligan said Leitrim County Council should make a contribution to landowners carrying out drainage works that will prevent flooding to local houses.

 

Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion.

 

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said drainage is a matter for the landowner and he advised that the OPW operate a Minor Works scheme and the Capital Office will investigate if this water way is eligible for an OPW funded Minor Works Scheme. 

 

Councillor Paddy Farrell proposed that some source of funding be found to clean the river and he said the people involved would be happy to contribute towards the cleaning of the river.

CMD.49.21

Motion from Councillor Thomas Mulligan - Footpath on Hyde Street

I am requesting that the subsidence to small sections of footpath on Hyde Street be rectified as agreed at a Municipal District meeting in 2020.

Minutes:

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

 

"I am requesting that the subsidence to small sections of footpath on Hyde Street be rectified as agreed at a Municipal District meeting in 2020."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"We will carry out essential repairs to areas of footpath that represent a hazard to the general public. The majority of footpaths on Hyde Street have settled due to cars parking on the footpath. It is a traffic offence to park on footpaths and the proposed urban renewal scheme in Mohill will endeavour to rectify this situation."

 

Councillor Thomas Mulligan noted that a number of businesses are seriously affected by this subsidence on the footpath on Hyde Street.

 

Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion.

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said this subsidence on the footpath is due to unlawful carparking and under an Active Travel Scheme, bollards would be erected, and it would rectify this situation.

 

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said he did not accept this response.  Very minor works are required, and no bollards will need to be erected, a few paving bricks need to be lifted and re-laid in sand.  Councillor Thomas Mulligan said this was agreed last year.

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle acknowledged this was discussed previously and agreed to examine the matter again. He noted that it may be possible to carry out some remedial works later in the year once the road works program is completed. 

CMD.50.21

Motion from Councillor Paddy Farrell - Littering

I call on Leitrim County Council to address the recent littering of items of household refuse, such as small household appliances and children's toys behind the crash barrier and down the side of the northern embankment on the N4 from Tully crossroads in the direction of Drumsna.

Locals report that there have been a number of incidents of dumping in this area over the past few years.

Minutes:

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

 

"I call on Leitrim County Council to address the recent littering of items of household refuse, such as small household appliances and children's toys behind the crash barrier and down the side of the northern embankment on the N4 from Tully crossroads in the direction of Drumsna.

Locals report that there have been a number of incidents of dumping in this area over the past few years."

 

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

 

"This recent incident of littering will be investigated by the Waste Enforcement Office. The Council intends to undertake a media campaign about littering in the coming months to inform the public and businesses of their individual responsibilities about keeping Leitrim tidy and litter free. The Council are also undertaking a review of the current Litter Bye-Laws and will bring amended bye-laws before the Elected Members for consultation, amendment and resolution. We have received funding to carry out tree pollarding along the N4 later this year. This will expose any illegal littering and may reduce the frequency of same."

 

Councillor Paddy Farrell said this is a very scenic area and he proposed that the trees and foliage covering the area be cut back and this would prevent littering.

 

Councillor Sean McGoawn supported the motion.

 

Councillor Enda Stenson complimented the Anti Litter Campaign.

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said funding has been received from the TII to carry out tree pollarding and this location will be looked at in October/November.

CMD.51.21

Motion from Councillor Sean McGowan - Drainage Works

I ask District Engineer, Darragh O’Boyle, to carry out drainage works on the Gubagraphy- Rooskeynamona road No. L-5620 along the bog at Rinnagowna, and to carry out surface repairs to the section of the road that is damaged because of the road being flooded there.

Minutes:

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

 

"I ask District Engineer, Darragh O’Boyle, to carry out drainage works on the Gubagraphy- Rooskeynamona road No. L-5620 along the bog at Rinnagowna, and to carry out surface repairs to the section of the road that is damaged because of the road being flooded there."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"We can carry out routine drainage works along this road where and when flooding occurs. The majority of this road is situated in a bog and thus, will lend itself to occasional flooding."

 

 

Councillor Sean McGowan said this road is dangerous in frosty weather due to the surface water and it is a short area that needs to be addressed with drainage.

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said the best solution to the problem at this location is to raise the road. This road will be included in the next 3-year road works programme. Mr O’Boyle agreed to carry out routine drainage works in the interim.

CMD.52.21

Motion from Councillor Sean McGowan - Derrycarne Woods

I ask the Director of Services, Infrastructure, to have discussions with Coillte requesting them to upgrade the very popular amenity area at the beautiful Derrycarne woods, and also to discuss what are Coillte’s plans for the forest in the townland of Cornagillagh halfway between the villages of Dromod & Rooskey.

Minutes:

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

 

"I ask the Director of Services, Infrastructure, to have discussions with Coillte requesting them to upgrade the very popular amenity area at the beautiful Derrycarne woods, and also to discuss what are Coillte’s plans for the forest in the townland of Cornagillagh halfway between the villages of Dromod & Rooskey."

 

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

 

"Leitrim County Council and Coillte established a joint working group in order to progress priority items of mutual interest.  The Council has raised and will do so again the Derrycarne Woods and potential improvement works.  The Council will also make contact with Coillte in regard to the other property referred to."

 

Councillor Sean McGowan said this is a beautiful amenity and it needs a little tender loving care and not a huge amount of funding is required. Councillor Sean McGowan proposed that Leitrim County Council contact Coillte in regard to upgrading the amenity area at Derrycarne Woods and to discuss their plans for the forest at Cornagillagh between the villages of Dromod and Rooskey which has an area of between 80 to 100 acres.

 

Councillor Des Guckian said he was opposing the motion and said it was unnecessary as this is a very small amenity area.  The roads are potholed and dangerous, table and seating has been broken and there is a dangerous avenue for traffic and for children who use this road. There are no facilities at this site and Leitrim County Council should have no role to play at this location.

 

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said a joint working group between Leitrim County Council and Coillte has been established.  An application for funding to develop the site was sought 2 years ago and it was unsuccessful. Leitrim County Councill will raise Derrycarne Woods and Cornagillagh with Coillte again with a view to improving the walking experience.  

 

Councillor Sean McGowan said he understood that the woods were Coillte’s responsibility, and he was not looking for large scale investment in the site.   He said it would be good for people’s health to improve the walking experience and proposed that that the barrier at this location could be moved back to facilitate extra parking.

CMD.53.21

Motion from Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire - Pathway

Would Leitrim County Council please look favourably on continuing a pathway on left hand side of road as you approach Attirory from the NCT centre. Local residents are calling for this extension and it would benefit safety in the area. The lands involved can be taken at no or low cost as the residents are very much in favour of the extension of pathway.

 

Minutes:

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

 

"Would Leitrim County Council please look favourably on continuing a pathway on left hand side of road as you approach Attirory from the NCT centre. Local residents are calling for this extension and it would benefit safety in the area. The lands involved can be taken at no or low cost as the residents are very much in favour of the extension of pathway."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"Over the past 4 years, a complete circular footpath route has been constructed with uninterrupted access. We have installed a number of crossings to allow easy, unhindered access to all footpaths in Attirory. The area described above does not have room to provide a footpath and will require land take from private residents garden and driveway."

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire asked if the land was made available would Leitrim County Council consider installation of the pathway.  Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire re-iterated that the residents of the area want to see the footpath continued.

 

Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion and said there needs to be a continuation of the footpath at this location.

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said Leitrim County Council have completed a circular footpath route in the area and a number of crossings have been installed. A footpath must have a start and end point and cannot be continued to nowhere, it must be continued to a pedestrian crossing which physical constraints in this area prevent. 

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said she the residents in this area are not satisfied with the footpath and requested if the situation could be reviewed again, giving consideration to the other side of the road.

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said he would improve the footpaths that go across by the Halting site.

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire welcomed this.

CMD.54.21

Motion from Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire - Footpath & road Surfaces St Patrick's Park/Breffni Heights and Breffni Crescent

Footpaths and road surfaces in parts of St Patrick’s Park / Breffni Heights and Breffni Crescent need to be assessed and a plan put in place to do more than repairs. Can I have an assurance that an audit of this area will be done and works carried out as soon as possible? Since Farrons appear to have left the site, finishing works must be done by LCC. I would like to see a written report on the markings on assessment given to pathways and road in this area of town.

 

Minutes:

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

 

"Footpaths and road surfaces in parts of St Patrick’s Park / Breffni Heights and Breffni Crescent need to be assessed and a plan put in place to do more than repairs. Can I have an assurance that an audit of this area will be done and works carried out as soon as possible? Since Farrons appear to have left the site, finishing works must be done by LCC. I would like to see a written report on the markings on assessment given to pathways and road in this area of town."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"With the exception of Lisnagot (which is being resurfaced this spring), all roadways are in very good condition in ST Patricks Park. The last audit carried out 3 weeks ago, showed one pothole on the public roads. The footpaths require attention and we have secured funding to replace the existing footpath at L-33996 (first left turn at St Patricks Park). Any issues regarding leakages within the footpaths have been brought to the attention of Irish Water."

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire paid tribute to the residents that take great care of their area and when they reach out to Leitrim County Council for help they should be accomodated, as this is the way forward for Leitrim County Council.  Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire welcomed that funding has been secured for the footpath at L33996 and the resurfacing works in Lisnagot.  Councillor Armstrong McGuire pointed out that footpaths to houses owned by Leitrim County Council are not in good repair and a lot of elderly people live in these houses.

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said Leitrim County Council will always work with the residents.  Mr O’Boyle said the roadways in St Patrick’s Park are in good condition and Smarter Travel funding has been sought to repair the footpaths and he acknowledged the salt deteriorates the concrete footpaths.

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said vehicles parked up on footpaths cannot be tolerated.

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised  that it is a road traffic offence to park on footpaths.

CMD.55.21

Motion from Councillor Enda Stenson - Ohill Cross

Considering the excellent work done on making the road at Ohill cross on the Mohill , Keshcarrigan road a lot safer to travel on, may I ask when will the road there be surfaced, to complete this work.

Minutes:

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

 

"Considering the excellent work done on making the road at Ohill cross on the Mohill , Keshcarrigan road a lot safer to travel on, may I ask when will the road there be surfaced, to complete this work."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"The road reconstruction work at Oghill was carried out last year under a RIG scheme. New embankments require time to settle and once this settlement has occurred, we will place another RIG to finish the road surface. This scheme can be submitted for the next 3 year programme. In the meantime, we will maintain any potholes or settlement cracks with our maintenance crew."

 

Councillor Enda Stenson complimented the reconstruction work done at this location but noted that the surface of the road is poor.

 

Councillors Farrell, Mulligan, Guckian and McGowan supported the motion. 

 

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said the people are very appreciative of the work done at this location and he acknowledged that there are settlement problems.

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle expressed his thanks to the landowners involved at this location.  Mr O’Boyle said new embankments require time to settle and once this settlement has occurred, Leitrim County Council will finish the road surface with a restoration improvement grant.

CMD.56.21

Motion from Councillor Enda Stenson - Speed Limits and Safety

Concerns have been raised with me regarding the speed limits and safety on the Castlecarra road. What can we do to make this road, that has become increasingly busy, safer for cyclists and pedestrians?

Minutes:

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

 

"Concerns have been raised with me regarding the speed limits and safety on the Castlecarra road. What can we do to make this road, that has become increasingly busy, safer for cyclists and pedestrians?"

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"There is a 50km/hr Special speed -limit on the Castlecara road from the N4 out past the junction with the L7415 (Lisduff)road and it should also be noted that there is off-road, segregated facilities for both cyclists and pedestrians along this stretch with three pedestrian crossings. If speeding is an issue, it is a matter for enforcement, and we can request the Garda to carry out speed checks in this area."

 

 

Councillor Enda Stenson said he has received correspondence from people regard in relation to this road, as it is very dangerous and narrow.

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said that people are cycling on the road and not on the cycle path.  Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire queried if signage on the road was good enough for cyclists.

 

Councillors McGowan and Guckian supported the motion.

 

Councillor Des Guckian said that speed limits are badly needed in the area as it is getting increasingly busy and he has notified the Council of HGV’s using this road.  Councillor Guckian proposed this road be upgraded and widened for residents and other users.

 

Councillor Paddy Farrell supported the motion.

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said moving the speed limit would have repercussions on the County Development Plan and he acknowledged that the road is used by HGV’s.  Mr O’Boyle said he will review this road further.

 

Councillor Enda Stenson sought that a response to address the safety issues be made available at the next Municipal District meeting.

CMD.57.21

Any other business

Minutes:

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said he would like to get approval for the 1 km distance to be extended to 2 kms to save time and achieve better value for money for Road Restoration Grants in the next 3-year road works programme.   Mr O’Boyle outlined this would mean 12 RIG’s would be completed as opposed to 24. He asked the members to contact him with their views on this matter.

 

Councillor Enda Stenson agreed to this.