Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the 18^th October 2021

Councillor Des Guckian said he has been advised that Garda report that he requested at the previous meeting (Minute No. 118.21) does not exist. Councillor Des Guckian asked that executive talk to the Gardai about the real situation with regard to traffic at St Mary’s Close and Main Street during the recent predestination trail period in Carrick on Shannon.

1.           Email from the Office of the Minister for Justice acknowledging receipt of   Resolution passed by Leitrim County Council in regard to CCTV Schemes.

Councillor Sean McGowan welcomed the reply and said he would be delighted to see CCTV installed in Mohill town and would like to see the funding threshold increased.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said Phase 2 for the installation of CCTV in Carrick-on-Shannon will be open to Public Consultation in the near future and invited the public to participate in the process. Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said the Department of Justice should consider the savings achieved in policing since CCTV was introduced in Carrick-on-Shannon.

Councillor Des Guckian said this reply is not good enough. Mohill needs CCTV for its citizens and visitors.

2.            Letter dated 22^nd October 2021 from the General Manager, Services for Older Persons, HSE confirming he is not in a position to attend the Municipal District meeting on the 15^th November 2021.

Mr Kieran Brett said a similar reply was received for 10^th January 2022 Council meeting also which has been circulated to all Members.

Councillor Enda Stenson expressed disappointment with the reply received and outlined that the members had genuine concerns and questions to ask a representative from the HSE concerning the provision of Day Care Services for Older people.

Councillor Sean McGowan proposed that a letter issue to Mr Paul Reid, CEO of the HSE expressing the disappointment of the members of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District that the Local Manager of the HSE will not come to a meeting.

Councillor Paddy Farrell said this will be raised again at the next HSE Forum meeting.

Councillor Des Guckian supported the proposal to write to Paul Reid, CEO.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said he found the reply very dismissive. He said very little maintenance work is required to bring the Mohill facility up to standard. Councillor Mulligan supported the call that the Local Manager and CEO be contacted, and a meeting be demanded in regard to day care services for older people in Mohill.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said she will raise the matter at the next HSE Forum meeting, and she too expressed her disappointment that the Local Area Manager of HSE would not meet with the members.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said some landscaping and safety works at ArusO’Carolan Nursing unit in Mohill will also have to be discussed with the HSE.

Mr Shay O’Connor, Senor Engineer advised that Leitrim County Council are working with Roscommon County Council and recently have submitted the proposal to replace the existing bridge at Hartley with a new bridge to an Bord Pleanála. The existing bridge is an old reinforced concrete bridge. The concrete is spalling away at the moment and for that reason there is 3 tonne weight limit on the bridge. The cost of repairing the existing bridge is not an option as the costs of repairs to the existing areas plus the bridge will continue to deteriorate and will need ongoing repair.

Part 8 planning approval was obtained for a new bridge in the early 2000’s. We did not advance this project at the time due to lack of funding. Following the securing of funding recently we obtained legal advice if the original Part 8 planning approval was still valid. The advice we received that it is best to redo the planning due to the changes in planning and environmental legislation.

One current requirement for such a development is to do a screening report for Appropriate Assessment. This screening report concluded that a full Nature Impact Statement was required for the development. If a local authority carries out a Natura Impact Statement for a project, they are not allowed to approve the report thorough the planning process. It must be submitted to an Bord Pleanála for their approval. For this reason, we submitted the project to an Bord Pleanála for their approval on the 29^th October 2021. The public are allowed to make submissions or observations on the proposal to An Bord Pleanála up to the 10^th December 2021.

The plans and particulars of the proposed development, including the Natura Impact Statement, may be inspected free of charge, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy during public opening hours between 29^th October 2021 to 10^th December 2021 (inclusive of both dates but excluding weekends and bank holidays) at the following locations at Leitrim County Council, Roscommon County Council and An Bord Pleanala.

The proposed new works include the following:

• The demolition of the existing 6-span Hartley bridge
• Construction of new 3-span replacement bridge structure 25m downstream of the existing bridge crossing.
• The new bridge will have a 6 metre carriageway plus two footpaths on each side
• Construction of the realigned (vertical and horizontal) L3400 on approaches to the new bridge structure.
• Decommissioning of defunct sections of the L3400.

Councillor Enda Stenson said this is the 4^th attempt at this bridge and welcomed the progress to date and he hoped the project will continue.

Councillor Stenson said he understood that submissions/observations on the project could be made to either local authority.

Councillor Stenson acknowledged that the current bridge is not fit for purpose and that it is an important piece of infrastructure. Councillor Stenson queried if the necessary land has been acquired.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire queried if a footpath from  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.138.21

That we urge the County Council officials not to proceed with the proposed seventy-space car park at Acres Lake, Drumshanbo. This disproportionately large car park is unnecessary and poses threats to the peace and quiet and to the rights of the residents at Drumduff North and surrounding areas.

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

"That we urge the County Council officials not to proceed with the proposed seventy space car park at Acres Lake, Drumshanbo. This disproportionately large car park is unnecessary and poses threats to the peace and quiet and to the rights of the residents at Drumduff North and surrounding areas."

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

"It is noted that this Notice of Motion requests the Council not to proceed with the development of the proposed car park at Acres Lake. The full proposal, the subject of a Part 8 public consultation process, includes for the construction of a Facility for Water Sports Activities in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland along with the provision of a raised pedestrian crossing. The Council cannot separate one element of the proposal from that which has been advertised for public consultation.

In relation to the requirement for this project this amenity and walk has and continues to be attracting increasing numbers. There is currently a limited number of car parking spaces available at the overall Acres Lake amenity on lands owned by the Council and Waterways Ireland and also along the regional road. However, a certain number of spaces in the existing car park will be used to facilitate the construction of the proposed building which in its own right is a significant investment for the future development of this area. However, regardless of the proposed Facility for Water Sports Activities being developed, there is a significant demand for car parking spaces to serve the growing visitor numbers to the existing facilities and amenities at this location. These facilities and amenities include the Visitor Centre, outdoor swimming pool, playground, tennis court, marina along with the successful Blueway to Battlebridge including the floating elements along Acres Lake. At present, during busy periods, the car parking facilities are wholly inadequate to cater for the level of demand. When the car park and parallel spaces are full, motorists park their cars along the footpath in front of residences opposite the amenity area and also along the grass verge opposite as far as Acres Cove housing development. Arising from the success of the existing amenities and facilities in the general Acres Lake area, additional supporting infrastructure in the form of further car parking is clearly required to be provided. The rationale for the car park is contained within the documentation which was placed on public display.

This Part 8 is currently going through a statutory process, which the Local Authority intends to see to a conclusion. It was advertised for public consultation on 20th October and will remain on display until 17th November. Members of the public have until 1st December to make their submissions to the Planning Department in writing. Council officials have engaged with residents on a number of occasions since the proposed Part 8 was placed on public. Residents have been encouraged to participate in the process by making  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.139.21

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

"That the Council officials be asked to commission a report on the archaeological traces of the ancient Mohill Abbey which was founded about the year 550 and around which the town grew."

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

"The Council have a role in built heritage through the work undertaken by our Heritage Officer along with natural and cultural elements of heritage. A Heritage Plan was prepared and adopted last year to cover the period 2020-2025. This Plan identifies a range of agreed actions that will be pursued over the 5-year life of the plan. This Plan forms the basis of projects developed by the Heritage Officer in conjunction with funding provided by the Heritage Council, Creative Ireland and under the National Biodiversity Plan. These projects form the basis of the budget for the Heritage Officer each year which was approved on Monday last for 2022.

There is no action in the Heritage Plan which seeks to commission an archaeological report of Mohill Abbey. There is a generic action contained within the Heritage Plan which seeks to facilitate community groups to avail of funding for the conservation, management and promotion of heritage site and projects. The request contained in this Notice of Motion has been forwarded to the Heritage Officer who will contact the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to explore if any funding source to pursue such a project by a local community group exists."

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion and proposed that a report be commissioned on the archaeological traces of the ancient Mohill Abbey which was founded about the year 550 and around which the town grew. Councillor Des Guckian outlined a number of methods used in the UK that have enabled archaeological surveys to take place on similar historical locations.

Councillor Guckian said the previous work carried out by the Council in Mohill has ignored the archaeological heritage of the area.

Mr Bernard Greene, Senior Planner said the response is factual and the heritage budget is modest. A Heritage Plan was prepared and adopted last year to cover the period 2020-2025. There is no action in the Heritage Plan which seeks to commission an archaeological report of Mohill Abbey. This request has been forwarded to the Heritage Officer who will contact the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to explore if any funding source to pursue such a project by a local community group exists.

Mr Bernard Greene, Senior Planner said the repair to the wall at St Mary’s Church is approved under the Public Realm Works for Mohill Town which undergoing a Judicial Review. He expressed his disappointment that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage would not accept Leitrim County Council’s proposal that would have enabled historical ruins at the library to be visible through a glazed floor. Mr Greene said the Local Authority has sought the advice  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.140.21

I ask for an update on the current Local Authority housing stock and the client list currently live in Leitrim.

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

"I ask for an update on the current Local Authority housing stock and the client list currently live in Leitrim."

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

"We are currently undertaking our Strategic Needs Assessment at present however current Local Authority housing stock is 1027 and 205 are on the Housing Waiting List."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire gave the background to her motion and welcomed the reply received in this regard.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire acknowledged that housing rents are going up from €550 to €700 per month. She appealed to members of the public with houses available for rent to put them on the market and also for the local authority to identify lands for housing development.

Councillor Paddy Farrell and Councill Sean McGowan supported the motion

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said the Housing Action Plan is currently being prepared. The Local Authority recognises the need for available housing development land and housing are in   constant demand. The Housing Action Plan will aim to address these matters so that our requirements under the Governments Housing for All strategy can be met.

Trees in public areas in our county need maintenance. In the Carrick area there have been great efforts at planting and general maintainance. However, Ash Dieback is a problem, as are older trees. Does Leitrim County Council have a policy, or a liason person to connect with, when a problem is noticed with unkept, dying or diseased trees that will have consequences for the public in months ahead.

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

"Trees in public areas in our county need maintenance. In the Carrick area there have been great efforts at planting and general maintenance. However, Ash Dieback is a problem, as are older trees. Does Leitrim County Council have a policy, or a liaison person to connect with, when a problem is noticed with unkept, dying or diseased trees that will have consequences for the public in months ahead."

Report by Roads - General

"In relation to dangerous trees and hedges, the local authority, once made aware, will issue a hedge /tree cutting notice to the owner of said hedge/tree. Under the roads act, that person has 7 days to act on this notice and make safe the hazard to the road user. If any person has concerns regarding these issues which occur on the public roadside, they can contact the district office."

Cllr Armstrong McGuire referred to areas where trees require attention such as Oaklands Manor, and the avenue at Marymount and queried who from the council would address this issue.

Councillor Paddy Farrell said this is a major problem throughout the county and he referred to hedge cutting notices and asked if there is some other means to get people to maintain their hedges and trees.

Councillor Sean McGowan welcomed the work recently carried out by the staff of Leitrim County Council and the landowner at Cloneagh Cross.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer said Hedge Cutting Notices are served where trees are a hazard to road users under the Roads Act. The owner of the trees has 7 days to take action upon receipt of the notice served on them. 400 hedge cutting notices are served each year in the Carrick and Ballinamore areas and in general a good response is received. Mr O’Boyle also referred to the hedge cutting grant scheme that is currently available. Mr O’Boyle said if anyone has an issue in regard to trees to contact his office.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire queried if a plan is in place to replace the trees coming into Carrick between the two roundabouts.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan asked if these trees are at risk, as they are set in a flood plain.

Mr O’Boyle said these trees are healthy and there is no concern.

I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Area Engineer Carrick on Shannon, when is it planned to carry out resurfacing works on the R202 Mohill / Ballinamore Road from the junction of local road to Rosharry on towards Gorvagh for a distance of 2km approx. There are several dips and depressions on this very busy road following on from the replacing of the water mains there in the past year.

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

"I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Area Engineer Carrick on Shannon, when is it planned to carry out resurfacing works on the R202 Mohill / Ballinamore Road from the junction of local road to Rosharry on towards Gorvagh for a distance of 2km approx. There are several dips and depressions on this very busy road following on from the replacing of the water mains there in the past year."

Report by Roads - General

"The 3-year restoration improvement grants have been approved by the members. Within this 3-year programme, we have dedicated 3 grants to the R202 (Mohill to Ballinamore Road). However, the depressions that you refer to in the motion relates to Irish Water mains replacement works which have recently been carried out. IW are obliged to carry out permanent reinstatement to these sections of road prior to any LCC works at these locations."

Councillor Sean McGowan acknowledged that the water main has been reinstated on this road and there are a number of depressions remaining. Councillor McGowan said the grant allocated for this road has been delayed due to the number of water bursts on this stretch.

Councillor Paddy Farrell and Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion.

Mr O’Boyle advised that Irish Water have replaced the watermain on this stretch and once Irish Water have carried out the required re-instatement works on the road, Leitrim County Council will resurface the road within the 3 year restoration improvement programme.

I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Area Engineer Carrick on Shannon, to provide additional street gullies at the entrance to Portrooske Housing Estate and in front houses in the townland of Georgia in Rooskey. After heavy rainfall both areas tend to flood quite badly.

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

"I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Area Engineer Carrick on Shannon, to provide additional street gullies at the entrance to Portrooske Housing Estate and in front houses in the townland of Georgia in Rooskey. After heavy rainfall both areas tend to flood quite badly."

Report by Roads - General

"The Portrooske housing estate has recently been taken in charge. We will get the gully system in this estate and the gullies along the old N4 in Rooskey cleaned out by our road sweeping contractor. We have also gotten or drain services contractor to survey the underground drainage and have found that a number of constructed gullies (by others) are not connected to the main drainage system. We will carry out repair works when resources allow."

Councillor Sean McGowan said the gardens of houses have flooded at the entrance to Portrooske Housing Estate and he proposed that a number of street gullies be put in place at this location to relieve the flooding.

Councillor Des Guckian and Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said a number of the gullies are not connected to the main drainage system, but that gullies will be cleaned, and repair works will be carried out when resources allow.

I ask Leitrim County Council & Area Engineer, Darragh O'Boyle, to examine the L7381 along the canal at Battlebridge & Drumhierney to see if funding could be got to erect barriers between the road and the canal, as it is very dangerous.

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

"I ask Leitrim County Council & Area Engineer, Darragh O'Boyle, to examine the L7381 along the canal at Battlebridge & Drumhierney to see if funding could be got to erect barriers between the road and the canal, as it is very dangerous."

Report by Roads - General

"The L-7381 is a very low volume trafficked road used mainly by residents of the area. We carried out safety fencing at the start of this road due to the high incline between the road and the canal. The remainder of the road is at the same level as the canal and does not require safety fencing. The cost of providing a containment system along this road would be in the region of €500K. In the last 13 years, one car has veered of this road and become stuck in the grass verge."

Councillor Paddy Farrell said there are a lot of walkers on this road. Councillor Farrell referred to an incident that occurred recently at this location and that a stump of a tree saved the person in the vehicle.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion and said this is a very popular area and funding should be provided to prevent future incidents taking place.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire and Councillor Des Guckian also supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said there has been one incident in the last 13 years at this location and erection of a containment system is not feasible because of the cost involved.

I call on Leitrim County Council to remove obstacles blocking the view coming off L-7415-0 on to the Castlecara road, as they are a hazard to all road users. 

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to remove obstacles blocking the view coming off L-7415-0 on to the Castlecara road, as they are a hazard to all road users."

Report by Roads - General

"We will be removing/repositioning the obstacles (eir communication poles) as part of the active travel programme for this local road. The issue is currently with the Eir programme of works."

Councillor Paddy Farrell said the view at this location is very bad and he noted works are currently taking place on this stretch of road. Councillor Farrell said it is a great opportunity now to move the pole that is blocking the view coming from L-7415-0.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said there is an Active Travel scheme on this road, and the footpath is being widened. EIR have been contacted to remove the existing pole to another location and the landowner has been contacted regarding the removal of the shrubbery and has agreed to the removal of this.

Councillor Paddy Farrell welcomed this reply.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan queried how faults with public lights can be reported.

Mr O’Boyle said public lights that are not working can be reported to Leitrim County Council and a call will then be logged with Electric Skyline.

The Members extended a vote of sympathy to Cllr Gerry Dolan on the death of his brother Denny Dolan RIP.

Councillor Des Guckian noted that the heat is off in the Council Chamber and the doors and windows are open. Councillor Des Guckian asked if the meetings for Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District can go back online.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said the doors and windows are kept open in line with public health advice to keep indoor areas well ventilated. The heating in the Chamber will be put on for longer at future meetings.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said online meetings will be considered once the latest public health advice issued by Government later in the week and in the context of increasing Covid-19 cases.

The next meeting of the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District will take place on Monday 6^th December 2021. The January meeting of the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District meeting will take place on Monday 17^th January 2022.