Agenda and minutes

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Contact: Kieran Brett  Meetings Administrator

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CMD.78.21

Adoption of Minutes of 10th May 2021

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Paddy Farrell

             SECONDED by Cllr. Des Guckian

 

 It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of Meeting of 10th May 2021

CMD.79.21

Meeting Correspondence

Minutes:

1.               Letter dated 20th May 2021 from the OPW acknowledging receipt of email

 from Leitrim County Council on foot of Resolution passed by Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District to seeking funding to clean and dredge all rivers which flow into rivers and lakes within the Shannon Municipal District.

 

Councillor Des Guckian expressed his disappointment with the reply received and asked why OPW cannot give a direct answer in this regard.

 

Councillor Sean McGowan expressed his disappointment with the reply

received and he said Leitrim County Council have not got the funding to clean and dredge all rivers and Lakes and funding is needed to do this work.

 

2.               Letter dated 24th May 2021 from Local Link acknowledging receipt of

resolution passed by Carrick-on-Shannon MD seeking a meeting with Local link and members from Carrick-on-Shannon District.

 

 

Mr Kieran Brett informed the members that he had received a further email from Fiona O’Shea on 11th June 2021 confirming that Local Link are not in a position to address a meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District Meeting on Monday, 14th June 2021 as they have not got clearance from the Department. 

 

 

Cathaoirleach, Thomas Mulligan said he looked forward to Rural Link meeting the members of Carrick-on-Shannon MD soon and to having a full in-dept discussion on Rural Link services.

 

Councillor Des Guckian expressed his disappointment that Rural Link were not attending the meeting today and he asked that the email address of the Rural Link Manager be sent to him so that he could liaise directly with them.

 

Meetings Administrator agreed to forward the email address to Councillor Guckian as requested.

 

Councillor Sean McGowan also expressed his disappointment with Rural Link not meeting the members today and he acknowledged that they were unable to meet due to clearance not been authorised and he hoped that Rural Link would attend the next meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District.

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire expressed her disappointment and said members want to know the current situation with the provision of services by Rural Link. She acknowledged the first-class service Rural Link operated when they first commenced operation. 

CMD.80.21

Motion from Councillor Des Guckian - Unfinished Housing Estates

That with reference to Rosebank Cove Estate, and other unfinished estates still waiting to be taken in charge, in the Carrick Municipal area, can the County Council give any explanation as to why certain developers have not been obliged to have an insurance Bond in place to cover the cost of finishing off the estate, thereby allowing it to be taken in charge. What will now happen to Rosebank Cove and to the others?

Minutes:

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

 

"That with reference to Rosebank Cove Estate, and other unfinished estates still waiting to be taken in charge, in the Carrick Municipal area, can the County Council give any explanation as to why certain developers have not been obliged to have an insurance Bond in place to cover the cost of finishing off the estate, thereby allowing it to be taken in charge. What will now happen to Rosebank Cove and to the others?"

 

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

 

"All Developers of residential estate type developments were obliged, as a condition of the relevant grant of planning permission, to provide a security for the satisfactory completion of their developments. These securities were either by way of a cash deposit or a Bond provided by a financial institution. The Council received a total of 71 cash deposits and 165 Bonds in respect of such developments. Of the Bonds received, 44 were of a time-limited nature whilst the remainder were open-ended. Of the time-limited Bonds which have expired, 7 may have a financial implication for the Council if the associated development is taken in charge. By and large these implications are directly related to the financial downturn post 2008 as it became practically impossible to secure the provision of replacement bonds at that time.

 

The non-availability of a Bond attaching to a development has no implications for whether or not it is taken in charge. The Council is not allowed to consider the cost implications of taking in charge if it receives a request from the majority of homeowners in the development where the permission was granted more than 9 years before the request. The Council does not, however, have to take a development in charge where it has commenced enforcement action within the appropriate enforcement period: where enforcement action has commenced, a decision on whether to take in charge is entirely at the discretion of the Council.

 

Where the Council receives a request to take in charge a development where the Bond has expired, it shall, subject to its absolute discretion where enforcement action has commenced, move to take such developments in charge. Should there be any unfinished elements within the estate then the Council and Irish Water shall have to fund the necessary works from their own resources in respect of the services they will have responsibility for. For the purposes of clarity this only extends to roads and services."

 

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion and sought clarification as to why the bond expired in 2010 why it was not enforced and why subsequent Planning Applications were not made dependent on works been carried out on the original development. He sought clarification on the possibility of Rosebank Cove Estate and other such estates getting potholes fixed and being taken in charge.

 

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion and said funding should be provided from the Department of  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.80.21

CMD.81.21

Motion from Councillor Des Guckian- Tall Trees close to the N4

That we Councillors condemn the cutting off of one of the finest views in Ireland, along the N4, above and below The Top O’ The Hill, at Aughamore, by the Council planting very tall trees close to the N4, at the time the road was widened there. These trees now pose dangers and should be removed by the Council.

Minutes:

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

 

"That we Councillors condemn the cutting off of one of the finest views in Ireland, along the N4, above and below The Top O’ The Hill, at Aughamore, by the Council planting very tall trees close to the N4, at the time the road was widened there. These trees now pose dangers and should be removed by the Council."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"After seeking funding from the TII, we have received a grant to carry out tree felling at locations along the N4. We will endeavour to carry out these works in October/November."

 

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion he welcomed the favourable reply received in this regard.

 

Councillor Paddy Farrell supported the motion and said he couldn’t understand why so many trees are planted along the N4 as it would be more cost effective to leave it treeless.

 

Councillor Sean McGowan and Cllr Thomas Mulligan also supported the motion.

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said a grant has been received from the TII to carry out tree felling at locations along the N4 at Tully and Aghamore.

 

Councillor Des Guckian said it should be kept in mind to remove trees above and below the top of Notley’s Hill.

 

Councillor Enda Stenson sought clarification if there is a grant available to farmers for the removal of trees affected by Ash die back.

 

Mr O’Boyle said there is a hedge cutting funding available for farmers which may cover this.  Mr O’Boyle said he was not aware of a specific grant available for removal of trees due to Ash die back. If trees are on Leitrim County Council roadside property, the council will remove the trees, but where the trees are on private roadside land a notice will issue to private landowners to maintain their trees.

 

On a separate matter Councillor Thomas Mulligan said that there are 8 to 9 beech trees along the new footpath out of Mohill on the Dromod road that need to be looked at, as they appear to be dying.

 

Mr O’Boyle agreed to examine the issue raised by Cllr Mulligan.

CMD.82.21

Motions from Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire, Councillor Sean McGowan, Councillor Thomas Mulligan and Councillor Enda Stenson- Dromod to Carrrick-on-Shannon By Pass

I ask that Leitrim County Council and ARUP Consulting extend the date of the  public consultation period on the Carrick Dromod by pass by 4 weeks from June 16th 2021 to July 14th 2021.

Minutes:

 

It was agreed that motion no 6 in the name of Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire, Motion No 8 in the name of Councillor Sean McGowan, Motion No 12 in the name of Councillor Thomas Mulligan and Motion no 14 in the name of Councillor Enda Stenson be taken concurrently as they all relation to the same issue.

 

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

 

"I ask that Leitrim County Council and ARUP Consulting extend the date of the public consultation period on the Carrick Dromod bypass, by 4 weeks from June 16th 2021 to July 14th 2021."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"The purpose of this public consultation is to inform stakeholders of the preliminary options developed and the findings of the constraints study in a timely manner and to provide effective opportunities to contribute to the decision-making process. Following consultation with both the Design Team and Project Managers for the Carrick on Shannon Dromod Project the closing date is being extended to 25th June. This extension was considered appropriate given the role of this stage of non-statutory consultation, while not impacting negatively on the timeframe for delivery of these phases of the project."

 

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

 

"I seek the support of members in calling on the TII and ARUP Consultants to extend the public consultation on the proposed Carrick on Shannon - Dromod Road scheme for a further month from the 16th of June to allow for the homeowners/landowners & other interested parties adequate time to consider all the options being proposed and thereby enable the making of submissions in a well-informed manner."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"The purpose of this public consultation is to inform stakeholders of the preliminary options developed and the findings of the constraints study in a timely manner and to provide effective opportunities to contribute to the decision-making process. Following consultation with both the Design Team and Project Managers for the Carrick on Shannon Dromod Project the closing date is being extended to 25th June. This extension was considered appropriate given the role of this stage of non-statutory consultation, while not impacting negatively on the timeframe for delivery of these phases of the project."

 

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

 

"I propose that the public consultation period be extended for the Dromod to Carrick on Shannon by pass."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"The purpose of this public consultation is to inform stakeholders of the preliminary options developed and the findings of the constraints study in a timely manner and to provide effective opportunities to contribute to the decision-making process. Following consultation with both the Design Team and Project Managers for the Carrick on Shannon Dromod Project the closing date is being extended to 25th June. This extension was considered appropriate given the role of this stage of non-statutory consultation, while not impacting negatively on the timeframe for delivery of these phases of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.82.21

CMD.83.21

Motion from Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire - Engagement with Leitrim County Council and ARUP Consulting on proposed Dromod by pass

Can the Executive outline to the members, the extent of the engagement thus far of Leitrim County Council with ARUP Consulting on the proposed Carrick Dromod by pass.
The knowledge that past engagements, in years prior to 2020, on this project have been put aside has come as a shock to all concerned for many reasons.

Minutes:

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

 

"Can the Executive outline to the members, the extent of the engagement thus far of Leitrim County Council with ARUP Consulting on the proposed Carrick Dromod by pass.

The knowledge that past engagements, in years prior to 2020, on this project have been put aside has come as a shock to all concerned for many reasons."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"As has been outlined on previous occasions the TII when re-initiating the Carrick on Shannon Dromod Scheme in accordance with the National Development Plan determined that the scheme had to commence from Phase zero. This was deemed necessary, due to the passage of time, changes in planning, environmental and climate action considerations in particular, meant that the considerable array or design considerations and assessments undertaken in the previous process could not be relied on. Furthermore, alternative options (including non-road-based alternatives), have now to be taken into consideration, in order to deliver a sustainable transportation solution. Therefore, while it appears to have been surprising to some, it is part of the identified process from the commencement that the route selection would progress through all stages during this process and that previous processes were irrelevant."

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire thanked Mr Terence McGovern, A/Senior Engineer for his excellent presentation presented earlier on the proposed Carrick on Shannon Dromod Scheme and she said she was much clearer, and she acknowledged looking outside the box that all the work done in the past in this regard has not been wasted.

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said that response received at the meeting from Mr Terry McGovern was very informative and should be made available to the wider public.

CMD.84.21

Motion from Councillor Sean McGowan - CCTV Schemes

Minutes:

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

 

"I seek the support of members in calling on the Acting Minister Heather Humphries and the Dept. of Justice to increase the grant assistance for community led CCTV schemes to 90% of the cost of the scheme or to a maximum of €100,000. At present the maximum grant available is 60% up to a maximum of €40,000.

The community in Mohill are anxious to get a CCTV scheme for the town. They have a committee working on it presently and if funding is increased, it would give communities, such as Mohill, a greater chance of putting a scheme in place."

 

Councillor Sean McGowan said the Community in Mohill is anxious to get good, effective CCTV for the town as it is very useful in assisting An Garda Siochana to prevent crime.  Councillor McGowan called for the grant assistance for the scheme to be increased to 90% of the cost of the scheme to ensure a good effective scheme is put in place and also to support the operation of the CCTV system after it has been installed.

 

Councillors Enda Stenson, Thomas Mulligan and Des Guckian supported the motion.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Sean McGowan

             SECONDED by Cllr. Enda Stenson

 

It was AGREED to call on the Acting Minister Heather Humphries and the Dept. of Justice to increase the grant assistance for community led CCTV schemes to 90% of the cost of the scheme or to a maximum of €100,000. At present the maximum grant available is 60% up to a maximum of €40,000.  The community in Mohill are anxious to get a CCTV scheme for the town. They have a committee working on it presently and if funding is increased, it would give communities, such as Mohill, a greater chance of putting a scheme in place.

CMD.85.21

Motion from Councillor Paddy Farrell - Lisnagot, Kingston Terrace and Breffni Heights

I ask Leitrim County Council to resolve some issues at Lisnagot, Kingston Terrace and Breffni Heights.  I ask Leitrim County Council to erect a Cul-de-sac sign at the junction between these two estates.  I ask Leitrim County Council to address the condition of the road between Number 8 Kingston Terrace & Breffni Heights as it needs attention.  Water lodges on this stretch of road, therefore water channels need to be installed.

Minutes:

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

 

"I ask Leitrim County Council to resolve some issues at Lisnagot, Kingston Terrace and Breffni Heights. I ask Leitrim County Council to erect a Cul-de-sac sign at the junction between these two estates. I ask Leitrim County Council to address the condition of the road between Number 8 Kingston Terrace & Breffni Heights as it needs attention. Water lodges on this stretch of road, therefore water channels need to be installed."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"We will erect a "cul de sac" sign at this location indicating no through road at this junction. We have invested in this local road network in 2019, 2020 and in 2021. The majority of the road network in St. Patricks Park is in very good condition. We have funding to improve the footpath leading to Breffni Crescent which will be carried out at the end of the year."

 

Councillor Paddy Farrell said the road was tarred, and a wall was built but water channels were not put in place at this location and water lodges on this stretch of road.  Councillor Farrell said the cul-de-sac sign will indicate this is not a through road and will prevent lorries going up this road.

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said a cul-de-sac sign will be erected.  Mr O’Boyle said the Council have invested in local road network at this location.  Most of the road network in St Patrick Park is in very good condition. Mr O’Boyle said he will check the ownership of the property in question from where the water is coming and if the property is in private ownership, he will issue a letter to the landowner. If it is in Council ownership, he will contact the Housing Dept. in this regard. 

 

Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

CMD.86.21

Motion from Councillor Paddy Farrell - Trimming at Junctions & Dangerous Road in Carrick-on-Shannon MD

When are the Council going to start trimming at junctions and on dangerous roads in the Carrick-on-Shannon Electoral area? There has been a lot of growth in the last number of weeks adding to the danger on these roads. 

Minutes:

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

 

"When are the Council going to start trimming at junctions and on dangerous roads in the Carrick-on-Shannon Electoral Area. There has been a lot of growth in the last number of weeks adding to the danger on these roads."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"The District Office will commence regional road junction trimming in July.

All non-regional road junctions are the responsibility of the landowners. There are hedge cutting grants available to assist the landowners in carrying out this civic duty."

 

Councillor Paddy Farrell said trimming at junctions is taking place since 1st May in a neighbouring county and he sought clarification as to when Leitrim County Council will be commencing trimming at junctions and on dangerous roads in the Carrick-on-Shannon Electoral Area. Growth of vegetation in recent weeks has added to the danger. 

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer said trimming of Regional Road Junctions is scheduled to commence in July and local road junctions are the civic duty of landowners. Mr O’Boyle said he will contract the Contractors in this regard.

 

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion and asked that local roads might also be looked at.

 

Mr O’Boyle said Leitrim County Council do not have funding in the Municipal District Roads Works Programme to carry out trimming on local roads.

CMD.87.21

Motion from Councillor Thomas Mulligan - Rebuild Stone Pier at the Entrance to Church at Lower Main Street, Mohill

That Leitrim County Council apply for permission to rebuild the stone pier at the entrance to the church at Lower Main Street Mohill.

Minutes:

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

 

"That Leitrim County Council apply for permission to rebuild the stone pier at the entrance to the church at Lower Main Street Mohill."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"The wall in question is the property of the Church of Ireland.  This issue will be addressed under the urban renewal scheme for Mohill for inclusion in urban renewal works."

 

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said this is a very old pier supporting the old, forged gate.  The pier is in not in good repair and the gate cannot be hung until the pier is rebuilt. 

 

Councillor Enda Stenson, Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire supported the motion.

 

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said this issue will be addressed as part of the public realm works which has been approved.

CMD.88.21

Motion from Councillor Enda Stenson - Upgrade street and paths in Mohill

May I get an update on where we are regarding the upgrade of street and paths in Mohill?

Minutes:

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

 

"May I get an update on where we are regarding the upgrade of street and paths in Mohill."

 

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

 

"We are currently at tender for the appointment of a design consultant for the project. Tenders are due back mid-July.

 

An Bord Pleanála have also confirmed to Leitrim County Council, following an appeal to the board, that Leitrim County Council's decision, during the Part 8 planning process, not to complete a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment was the correct decision and therefore the development will proceed in accordance with the Part 8."

 

 

Mr Joseph Gilhooly added that the tender process to appointment a design consultant for the project in underway. Tenders are due back mid-July.  It is expected to issue the construction tender in the Spring of 2022 and there will be approximately 9 months of a construction period.  In this regard, it is likely to be 12 months before contractors are on site.

 

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

CMD.89.21

Any Other Business

Minutes:

The members paid tribute to Garda Marie Guihen on her retirement from An Garda Siochana and thanked her for her wonderful service and wished her health and happiness in her retirement.