Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Áras an Chontae, Carrick-on-Shannon

Contact: Kieran Brett  Meetings Administrator

Items
No. Item

CMD.103.21

Adoption of Minutes 12th July 2021

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Cllr. Finola Armstrong McGuire

 

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of 12th July 2021.

 

Councillor Des Guckian proposed that the following amendment be made under CMD 95.21 “Councillor McGowan noted some ducting was provided for lighting when the estate was being built.”

 

Councillor Des Guckian complimented the Roads staff for the works carried out at Aughamore.

CMD.104.21

Meeting Correspondence

Minutes:

1.         Letter from the OPW dated 19th July 2021 in relation to the request from Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District for funding to clean and dredge rivers within the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District.

 

Councillor Des Guckian said funding was not addressed and proposed that a letter issue to Minister O’Donovan to ensure adequate funding is available to do the necessary drainage.

 

Councillor Enda Stenson, Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported this.

 

 

2.         Letter from the Office of the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment dated 21st July 2021 in relation to Resolution passed by Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District regarding special grant schemes for publicans and restaurant owners.

 

3.         Letter from the HSE dated 5th August 2021 in regard to Resolution passed by Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District regarding the withdrawal of services in Mohill Community Hospital and how the NOWDOC operates in Leitrim.

 

Councillor Sean McGowan said there was no date provided by the HSE when they would attend a meeting of the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District and he proposed that a further letter issue to the HSE inviting them to attend a meeting.

 

Councillor Enda Stenson supported this.

 

Councillor Paddy Farrell said he will raise this issue at the HSE Forum meeting which is due to be held later this week.

 

 

4.         Letter from HSE dated 5th August 2021 in regard to Resolution passed by Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District regarding Day Services in Mohill. 

 

5.         Letter from HSE dated 17th August 2021 in regard to Resolution passed by Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District in relation to improving the appearance of Arus Carolan when viewed from Bridge Street, Mohill.

 

6.         Memo from Tourism Officer in regard to the Festival & Events Grants Scheme 2021.

 

7.         Email received 6th September 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Justice in regard to CCTV. 

 

 

Councillor Sean McGowan said the businesses and the wider community in Mohill are anxious to get CCTV in the town and he said it would be extremely challenging for a small town to raise the level of funding required. Councillor McGowan said it would be a great boost to communities if the Government give the necessary funding.

 

Councillor Enda Stenson said society needs CCTV and not just businesses.

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said the Department of Justice should consider the savings achieved in the 3 years since CCTV was introduced in Carrick-on-Shannon.  Gardai have said CCTV is a huge benefit and it has changed detective work and there is savings. It was agreed the Taoiseach and Minister of Justice should be contacted in this regard.

CMD.105.21

Motion from Councillor Des Guckian - Pedestrianisation

That we advise the Council officials not to attempt again, the pedestrianisation of any part of Main St., or any other street, in Carrick-on-Shannon.

Minutes:

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

 

"That we advise the Council officials not to attempt again, the pedestrianisation of any part of Main St., or any other street, in Carrick-on-Shannon."

 

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

 

"Leitrim County Council seeks to ensure the continued development and progression of the County for the benefit of business, residents and visitors. On occasion this key objective involves the piloting of initiatives or indeed implementation of change.  The outcomes of the pilot pedestrianisation recently in Carrick on Shannon will certainly inform future such initiatives and the Council will not be committing to the request in this notice of motion regarding further pedestrianisation in the future.  If and when such pedestrianisation initiative arises in the future, they will be implemented in accordance with all statutory requirements and consultation through the Councils executive functions."

 

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion and proposed that Council officials not to attempt again, the pedestrianisation of any part of Main St., or any other street, in Carrick-on-Shannon.

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said pedestrianisation has been looked for by many people. Carrick-on-Shannon is a tourist town, and the pace has slowed down, people walk in a much slower pace and spend more time in the town centre and the new streetscape has worked.

 

The pedestrianisation was trialled over a few weeks when not much activity was taking place and she was disappointed it did not work. She said she hoped it would be trialled again as Carrick-on-Shannon is a changing town. She paid tribute to the Economic Development Department of Leitrim County Council for trialling it.

 

Councillor Sean McGowan said he did not agree with the motion, and he acknowledged the trial of the pedestrianisation got off to a bad start. Councillor Sean McGowan said he can see merit in pedestrianisation over weekends and he said the Council should engage with the businesses and the community and listen to them. Councillor Sean McGowan said he would like this revisited again next year and trialled again.

 

Councillor Enda Stenson said “you can never say never”, as it will happen again. Councillor Stenson acknowledged there was a difference of opinion on the matter, and he said to pass a motion in this regard would be silly, and there is no shame in trying out an initiative such as this, but it would be a bigger shame not to try such initiatives.

 

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said he agreed with the speakers on the motion and said there will be other instances where this will be put in place for a variety of reasons and occasions.

 

Mr Vincent Dwyer said the lack of vision, suggested by Cllr Guckian would be to do nothing and he refuted Cllr Des Guckian comments and his inflammatory language, The decision to introduce a pedestrianisation initiative is an executive function and such initiatives will continue to be trialled or introduced for the betterment of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.105.21

CMD.106.21

Motion from Councillor Des Guckian - The Fair Green Lane, Mohill

That we ask the Council officials to fully investigate and re-engineer the surface of The Fair Green Lane, Mohill. This lane is in the Council’s ownership and no further flooding should ever be allowed to flow downhill from it and badly damage houses on Glebe Street. The anti-flood measures should be undertaken in conjunction with the nearby Mart owners.

Minutes:

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

 

"That we ask the Council officials to fully investigate and re-engineer the surface of The Fair Green Lane, Mohill. This lane is in the Council’s ownership and no further flooding should ever be allowed to flow downhill from it and badly damage houses on Glebe Street. The anti-flood measures should be undertaken in conjunction with the nearby Mart owners."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"The district office have visited the site on a number of occasions and met with the adjoining landowners who were affected by the torrential rainfall in mid-July. We have installed a temporary measure at the rear entrances to the dwellings which back onto the Green Lane. A permanent solution will be to provide a Community Involvement Scheme which will allow us to install kerbing, gullies and new road surface to the lane. The mart has kindly offered to contribute towards this CIS which we hope to get in 2022."

 

 

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion and said the Council should fully investigate and re-engineer the surface of The Fair Green Lane, Mohill. He acknowledged the reply received in his regard and said this lane is in the Council’s ownership and this is a council issue.

 

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion and said the reply given was similar to one he received previously. A Community Involvement Scheme solution did not sit well with the people affected by this issue.  Councillor Mulligan asked if there is any other solution to solve this problem, as he said it was unreasonable to ask private landowners to deal with this issue which is very close to the centre of the town.

 

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer said the intensity of storms is increasing and are more frequent, however the gullies were not blocked at this location.  He said there are two possible solutions

 

          Approach OPW to get a grant scheme. This will take a long period of time.

          Apply for a Community Involvement Scheme. This is the quickest and best solution.

 

Mr O’Boyle said he has had discussions with the Mart owners, and they will voluntarily provide funding towards a CIS.  

 

Councillor Des Guckian thanked the members who supported the motion, and he said the gullies failed because they were blocked, this was a recurring flooding issue and he said that the reply received is shoddy.  Councillor Guckian acknowledged that the Mart officials have been very forthcoming.  Councillor Guckian said he did not agree with a Community Involvement Scheme and said the Council must face up to its responsibilities.

 

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said this road is obviously busy on Mart days which take place 2 days a week and is heavily used.  It is not fair to say it is a cul-de-sac, he acknowledged it enters into private property and then back onto a public road.

 

Mr Vincent Dwyer said Leitrim County Council had  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.106.21

CMD.107.21

Motion from Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire - Traffic Congestion Carrick

I ask for an outline of plans going forward in 2021 to relieve congestion in Carrick where traffic flow is very slow at times on the N4 particularly from the roundabout at Drisheogue to The Landmark Hotel. This is a problem we have to resolve over next few months.

Minutes:

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

 

"I ask for an outline of plans going forward in 2021 to relieve congestion in Carrick where traffic flow is very slow at times on the N4 particularly from the roundabout at Drisheogue to The Landmark Hotel. This is a problem we have to resolve over next few months."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"A thorough traffic management assessment by external consultants was carried out in regard to the traffic flow on the N4 through the town. The outcome clearly identified that the key issue is the capacity of the existing network particularly at mini roundabout at the Bridge.  The only resolution is the delivery of an alternative route which is being developed through the N4 Carrick-on-Shannon to Dromod Project.  Unfortunately, there is no short-term 'fix' available."

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire acknowledged the reply received and said congestion may continue for the next 7 years, until such time as an alternative route is provided.  She referred to the level of traffic on the Castlecarra Road and she said HGVs are causing a lot of trouble on it. Residents are not happy with HGV’s using it and the 80kph speed limit is unduly high.  Councillor Armstrong McGuire asked if a safety speed report has been carried out on this route.  Councillor Armstrong McGuire said it is unfair that residents on this road may have to endure this level and type of traffic for 7 years.  Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire queried what steps are being taken to reduce the speed and can land be provided to enable footpaths to be put in place.

 

All members supported the motion.

 

Councillor Sean McGowan said the junction after Coffey’s and the next junction approaching the roundabout slow the traffic and this needs to be addressed.

 

Councillor Paddy Farrell proposed that a separate meeting be held to discuss this issue.

 

Councillor Des Guckian said the congestion is mainly inside Carrick and the gridlock cannot continue. Signs should be put in place to divert traffic through Cootehall and at Drumsna to take traffic off the N4 and away from Carrick.

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said an incident occurred a few months ago and the report from the Gardai will feed into a low-cost safety scheme.  Advisory signs for HGV’s will be removed in the next 2 weeks and this will make a difference to the Castlecarra Road.  There are possibilities for footpaths, but this will rely on landowners being in complete agreement.

CMD.108.21

Motion from Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire - New Streetscape in Carrick

The progress of works on new streetscape has been embarrassingly slow and the inconvenience for residents, motorists, pedestrians, and visitors is unfair. I am calling on our engineers to outline to us the programme going forward, and I ask that everything possible is done to engage crafts/trades people on to the sites left untouched around town for many weeks now.

Minutes:

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

 

"The progress of works on new streetscape has been embarrassingly slow and the inconvenience for residents, motorists, pedestrians, and visitors is unfair. I am calling on our engineers to outline to us the programme going forward, and I ask that everything possible is done to engage crafts/trades people on to the sites left untouched around town for many weeks now."

 

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

 

"Our contractor has recently informed us that the works will be completed by mid-November this year. We will continue to engage with business owners in the town during the works."

 

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said the works on the new streetscape has been slow and she asked for a schedule of definite finishing times.

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire asked that a reminder be put into the Capital office to have the lighting on the Board Walk put in place that was previously agreed on.  Councillor Armstrong McGuire paid tribute to this fabulous facility.

 

Councillor Paddy Farrell supported the motion. Councillor Paddy Farrell said a lot of traffic is pushed up onto St Mary’s Close and he asked if something could be done in this regard.

 

Councillor Des Guckian queried if the Contractor will be penalised for this extremely long delay.

 

Mr Vincent Dwyer said the Capital office is in constant contact with the Contractor and he acknowledged the Council is annoyed with the delay.

CMD.109.21

Motion from Councillor Sean McGowan - Dangerous overhanging trees

I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Area Engineer Carrick on Shannon, to take immediate steps to remove the dangerous overhanging trees on the roads from Dromod to Clooneagh Cross No. L-1621-2 and from Clooneagh Cross to Corracramph No. L-1631-0. A lorry recently hit a branch of an overhanging tree and it feel down on the road, luckily no one was hurt. Both of those roads are extremely busy, several school buses use these roads daily and there is genuine fear that a serious accident could happen.

Minutes:

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

 

"I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Area Engineer Carrick on Shannon, to take immediate steps to remove the dangerous overhanging trees on the roads from Dromod to Clooneagh Cross No. L-1621-2 and from Clooneagh Cross to Corracramph No. L-1631-0. A lorry recently hit a branch of an overhanging tree and it feel down on the road, luckily no one was hurt. Both of those roads are extremely busy, several school buses use these roads daily and there is genuine fear that a serious accident could happen."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"The district Office have issued hedge/tree cutting notices to the landowners and have followed up with telephone calls. We have been assured that the landowners will carry out the works once they can get hedge cutting contractors. In the current climate, it is extremely difficult to get contractors, but we are hopeful that this issue will be resolved."

 

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle acknowledged that it is extremely difficult to get someone to cut down trees and the landowner in question has been informed of his duty and if an incident occurs the responsibility may fall on the landowner as he has been notified of his duty.

 

Councillor Enda Stenson referred to trees along roads that will fall due to the Ash Die Back disease.

 

Councillor Des Guckian said there needs to be a Council and Government Policy on this.

CMD.110.21

Motion from Councillor Sean McGowan and Motion from Councillor Enda Stenson - Resurface the section of the Keshcarrigan / Mohill road from Oghill Cross

I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Area Engineer Carrick on Shannon, when does he plan to resurface the section of the Keshcarrigan / Mohill road from Oghill Cross on towards Mohill No. L- 3052-2 / 3052-1. This section of road was widened last year, and with the settlement that has taken place there are several potholes and depressions on it which leaves it quite dangerous.

Minutes:

It was agreed by the members to take Motion No. 8 in the name of Councillor Sean McGowan and Motion No. 11 in the name of Councillor Enda Stenson concurrently as they relate to the same matter.

 

 

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

 

"I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Area Engineer Carrick on Shannon, when does he plan to resurface the section of the Keshcarrigan / Mohill road from Oghill Cross on towards Mohill No. L- 3052-2 / 3052-1. This section of road was widened last year, and with the settlement that has taken place there are several potholes and depressions on it which leaves it quite dangerous."

 

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"The Oghill Cross section of the L-3052-2 was extremely narrow and have shown signs of failure. The district office applied a restoration grant to improve the width and underlying construction of the road. Due to land constraints and boggy underground conditions, we widened the existing roadway knowing that settlement would occur. We will maintain this settlement periodically, but it is expected to continue for another 12 months. Once we are satisfied that the settlement has lessened, we will carry out a full restoration of the carriageway. I will be placing a full restoration improvement grant at this location in 2023 and hope to get elected member approval for this as part of the next 3-year plan submission. Warning signs of uneven surface are in place to advise motorists on the unfinished surface"

 

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

 

"I previously raised the issue of the condition of the Mohill to Keshcarrigan road at Ohill cross and I received a positive response, for which I was grateful. 

Since that meeting in May, this road has deteriorated greatly, and I don’t believe we can wait until the 2022 works programme to repair this stretch of road. I am requesting that we immediately carry out remedial work here."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"The Oghill Cross section of the L-3052-2 was extremely narrow and have shown signs of failure. The district office applied a restoration grant to improve the width and underlying construction of the road. Due to land constraints and boggy underground conditions, we widened the existing roadway knowing that settlement would occur. We will maintain this settlement periodically, but it is expected to continue for another 12 months. Once we are satisfied that the settlement has lessened, we will carry out a full restoration of the carriageway. I will be placing a full restoration improvement grant at this location in 2023 and hope to get elected member approval for this as part of the next 3-year plan submission. Warning signs of uneven surface are in place to advise motorists on the unfinished surface"

 

Councillor Sean McGowan gave the background to his motion and acknowledged the issue with the road was due to settlement.  Councillor Enda Stenson gave the background to his motion and said motorists could easily  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.110.21

CMD.111.21

Motion from Councillor Paddy Farrell - Traffic Management

Due to the large volume of traffic and tail backs on the N4 in Carrick-on-Shannon in the last couple of months, even early in the week, I call on Leitrim County Council in conjunction with Roscommon County Council to survey this issue as soon as possible.

Minutes:

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

 

"Due to the large volume of traffic and tail backs on the N4 in Carrick-on-Shannon in the last couple of months, even early in the week, I call on Leitrim County Council in conjunction with Roscommon County Council to survey this issue as soon as possible."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"A thorough traffic management assessment by external consultants was carried out in regard to the traffic flow on the N4 through the town. The outcome clearly identified that the key issue is the capacity of the existing network particularly at mini roundabout at the Bridge. The only resolution is the delivery of an alternative route which is being developed through the Dromod Carrick Road Scheme.

Unfortunately, there is no short-term 'fix' available."

 

Councillor Paddy Farrell proposed that a separate meeting be held to discuss this issue.

 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire supported this motion.

CMD.112.21

Motion from Councillor Paddy Farrell - Restoration Improvement Grant

I call on Leitrim County Council and district engineer Darragh O’Boyle to apply for a Restoration Improvement Grant on the L3410-0 from Gowel to Kilnagross as parts of this road has a very uneven surface and a very high level of traffic uses this road.

Minutes:

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

 

"I call on Leitrim County Council and district engineer Darragh O’Boyle to apply for a Restoration Improvement Grant on the L3410-0 from Gowel to Kilnagross as parts of this road has a very uneven surface and a very high level of traffic uses this road."

 

Report by Roads – General

 

"This road will be considered for inclusion in the 3-year roads plan later this year".

 

Councillor Paddy Farrell said he would like to see something done on this road sooner rather than later.

 

Councillor Stenson asked that the road be included in the first year of the 3-year programme.

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer said a list of the roads considered for grant funding in 2022 will be brought before the members in October for approval.

CMD.113.21

Motion from Councillor Enda Stenson - Walkway between Drumsna and Jamestown

I ask is there any further update on the proposed walkway between Drumsna and Jamestown.

Minutes:

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

 

"I ask is there any further update on the proposed walkway between Drumsna and Jamestown."

 

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

 

"Roscommon County Council are implementing this project and have confirmed that the NTA has now given its approval to appoint a consultant for the design of this job. This will now be progressed."

 

Councillor Stenson queried if this will be done next year.

 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said Roscommon County Council are implementing this project.

 

Councillor Enda Stenson said he will give an update to the Municipal District when he is in receipt of an update from Roscommon County Council in this regard.

CMD.114.21

Motion from Councillor Thomas Mulligan - Library Service in Mohill

When is it expected that the Library service in Mohill will return to the magnificent refurbished Library building incorporating the new (Shared Space /  Seomra Cairdeas)?

Minutes:

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

 

"When is it expected that the library service in Mohill will return to the magnificent refurbished Library building incorporating the new (Shared Space/Seomra Cairdeas)?"

 

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

 

"The situation with regard to the reopening of library services nationally is governed by the ‘Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting’ document which was published by the government on Tuesday August 31st, 2021.

 

Regarding Mohill Library, work is ongoing with Eir and KN Group to get the physical IT infrastructure finalized.  Work is ongoing regarding completion of cabling and the library service is working with Leitrim County Council’s IT Department to agree the location of public internet points and self-check/self-print kiosks.  It is hoped that this work will be completed in the coming weeks and that we will then be in a position to offer services from the newly refurbished building."

 

Councillor Thomas Mulligan acknowledged that all Public Libraries are open now in line with Government guidelines and he acknowledged that there is a technical issue at the new library in Mohill and he said he is anxious that this issue is progressed quickly.

 

Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion.

CMD.115.21

Motion from Councillor Thomas Mulligan - Telephone Scams

That this Municipal District call on the Minister for Communications, Eamonn Ryan TD, to introduce measures to prevent and combat the tsunami of telephone scams which are attempting to acquire peoples bank account numbers etc.

Minutes:

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

 

"That this Municipal District call on the Minister for Communications, Eamonn Ryan TD, to introduce measures to prevent and combat the tsunami of telephone scams which are attempting to acquire peoples bank account numbers etc."

 

Councillor Thomas Mulligan gave the background to his motion and said this is such an infringement on privacy and an issue for the Government to stop.  Councillor Mulligan said he raised this motion to raise the awareness particularly for elderly people to be aware of these telephone scams.

 

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

 

 

 

 

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Thomas Mulligan 

             SECONDED by Cllr. Sean McGowan

 

 

“That Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District call on the Minister for Communications, Eamonn Ryan TD, to introduce measures to prevent and combat the tsunami of telephone scams which are attempting to acquire peoples bank account numbers etc.”

CMD.116.21

Update in relation to closure of Main Street, Mohill

Minutes:

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer said Leitrim County Council’s carried out an investigation into the issue of falling masonry from the façade of a building on the Main Street in Mohill. In the interest of public safety, Main Street has been closed as the structural integrity of the building is such that it may collapse.  Mr O’Boyle said the owner of the property is set to present a plan of proposed remedial works to the Council today.  It is hoped to reopen the Main Street in 2 -3 weeks, but it will depend on how quickly a contractor can be engaged by the owner. 

 

Mr Vincent Dwyer said the priority is public safety and the landowner is co-operating to get the work done as soon as possible.

 

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said the closure of the Main Street is causing havoc to traffic and he said that the Council should do everything they can in this regard.

 

Councillor Des Guckian asked if any financial support can be provided by the Council to the property owner as this structural damage may have been caused by traffic passing on Main Street.

 

Councillor Enda Stenson said there are other buildings in and outside of Mohill that the same is likely to happen to.

 

Councillor Thomas Mulligan asked that the Council avoid using unsightly temporary structures to support the building and if required such structures could be put inside the building. 

 

Mr Vincent Dwyer said it is up to the landowner to come back with a plan and he acknowledged that RSJs are unsightly, and he said he would not envisage the Council providing financial support in this case. Leitrim County Council have no fund for this.

CMD.117.21

Date of next Carrick MD Meeting

Minutes:

Mr Vincent Dwyer said the next Carrick Municipal District Meeting will be held on

Monday, 18th October 2021 at 10 am and the General Municipal Allocation and the 3 Year Roads Work Programme will be listed on the agenda for consideration.