Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

             SECONDED by Councillor Sean McGowan

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of 6^th December 2021.

Councillor Des Guckian noted that he got the support of two members in regard to his motion No CMD.152.21 which was recorded but it was not recorded as passed in the Minutes of the 6^th December 2021. He said in effect his motion was approved and carried and should give rise to the need for further action by the Engineers.

Cllr Des Guckian wished his objection to the minutes be noted that the road in question is not safe and still needs crash barriers on both sides and if Leitrim County Council cannot carry out the necessary works, a contractor should be engaged to do this work.

Mr Kieran Brett said motion No CMD.152.21 was recorded in the minutes as having got the support of two members and this is the format in which support has been recorded for all motions at Carrick-on-Shannon MD meetings. He said it will be noted in these minutes that Cllr Guckian objected to the minutes of 6^th December in regard to motion No CMD.152.21 as not recorded as passed.

1.           Email from Office of the Minister for Finance received 13^th December 2021 on foot of letter issued from Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District in relation to branch closures announced by Bank of Ireland.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire welcomed the new agreed partnership between Bank of Ireland and An Post which offers a range of banking services through An Post branches. She hoped An Post would get good recognition for this.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported this

Cllr Des Guckian proposed that a vote of sympathy and support be extended to the family and friends of Aishling Murphy who was killed tragically last week. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Sean McGowan and supported by all members.

That, in the interests of child safety, a roadside footpath be put along road L3470-0, from Antfield Td. up to Annaduff NS.

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

"That, in the interests of child safety, a roadside footpath be put along road L3470-0, from Antfield Td. up to Annaduff NS."

Report by Roads - General

"There is no funding in the roadworks program for the construction of new footpaths, However, as this proposal would link a residential area to a school, it may have potential for funding under an Active travel scheme. In this context, a funding application will be made to the National Transport Authority for a possible scheme in the Active Travel submissions for 2022."

Councillor Des Guckian asked that the Senior Executive Engineer for the Carrick-on-Shannon Road’s District pursue an Active Travel scheme at this location with vigour.

Councillor Des Guckian said he has put forward a similar motion previously and highlighted the road is very narrow from Antfield to the National School. a large number of people use this road, it is 600 metres to the centre of Antfield, and given the amount of traffic on the road, parents feel they must bring their children to school by car, and this adds more traffic.

Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion.

That the promised cutting of the very tall trees, on Council property, along the N4 at Aughamore / Aghintass, now be done without delay. This is on either side of former pub “Notley's Top O The Hill”.

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

"That the promised cutting of the very tall trees, on Council property, along the N4 at Aughamore / Aghintass, now be done without delay. This is on either side of former pub “Notley's Top O The Hill”."

Report by Roads - General

"The district office has received funding from the TII which allowed us to cut back the trees on the N4 at the Masonite junction towards Annaduff. We will request further funding to carry out the tree removal on both sides of the approach to Annaduff as we now have approval from the landowner."

Councillor Des Guckian welcomed the approval from the landowner.  Councillor Des Guckian said he had a similar motion on this last June. The reply he received at that time mislead him.    Councillor Guckian said that 7 months later now there has been nothing done. Councillor Guckian said the reason this should be done is that it is cutting off one of the most panoramic views in Ireland and it would sell Leitrim to visitors.  The trees shed their leaves and the dust from their buds make the road very slippery. The shade provided by the trees prevents frost from melting on the road in winter.

Councillor Paddy Farrell and Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer said Leitrim County Council apply to the TII for funding for tree felling.  The funding received previously was one third of what was needed.  The landowner who owns the property on both sides of the approach to Annaduff also owns the property at the Masonite junction and requested that it be cleared first.  Leitrim County Council will reapply to the TII for additional funding.  It will need between €70,000 and €80,000 to remove these trees as tree felling is very expensive. 

Councillor Des Guckian acknowledged this and said there is a great urgency to get this job done before the tree cutting season ends.

Mr O’Boyle said he could not give a commitment that the work would be undertaken before the tree cutting season ends. If the funding is received from the TII, it will be September at the earliest before work is carried out.

I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly Director of Services, Economic Development Planning & Infrastructural Services, has there been any update from the OPW to our call for a funding package over the next number of years to clean and dredge all those rivers which feed into the main rivers and lakes within the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District.

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

"I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly Director of Services, Economic Development Planning & Infrastructural Services, has there been any update from the OPW to our call for a funding package over the next number of years to clean and dredge all those rivers which feed into the main rivers and lakes within the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District."

Report by Roads - General

"Further to our request for a funding package a reply from the OPW was previously circulated to Carrick MD members in the agenda pack for the September 2021 meeting, and a further reply to another request was circulated to members in the agenda pack for the October 2021 meeting.

In summary the response from the OPW stated that they are responsible for Arterial Drainage maintenance as specified in the Arterial Acts of 1945 and 1995, but there are no Arterial Drainage schemes in the Carrick on Shannon MD. They also outline that the maintenance of Drainage schemes under earlier Acts, (which are known as Drainage Districts), are the responsibility of the Local Authority, and there are a number of these in the Carrick MD. However, there are also a significant number of drainage channels that have no state agency with a maintenance responsibility, and thus the maintenance responsibility remains with the landowner.

They further outline that their Minor Flood Mitigation Scheme, which can provide up to 90% funding, is available for areas not covered by the Arterial Drainage Maintenance Program, to address localised flooding protection problems, where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short timeframe. The eligibility criteria for this scheme includes a cost benefit ratio."

Councillor Sean McGowan said the €10,000 funding in the budget is insufficient to carry out the scope of the works required. Councillor McGowan said a major funding package of between €300,000 and €400,000 over a 3-year period is needed to clean river drainage systems and thereby help our farming community.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion and he referred to his motion that was agreed by members at the previous Carrick MD meeting calling on Minister O’Donovan to make a once off provision for the cleaning and maintenance of the Rinn and Blackriver and the Eslin Headford rivers. Cllr Mulligan said he had been in contact with Minister O’Donovan’s office, and he is hopeful funding will become available in the form of a once-off allocation.

Councillor Paddy Farrell and Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said the €10,000 amount in the Budget, will be spent this year on the Lough Rynn area.

Councillor Sean McGowan sought clarification on who can avail of the Minor Flood Mitigation Scheme.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said the Minor Flood Mitigation Scheme is available to resolve specific flooding issue that needs to be addressed. The scheme was accessed by the Local Authority to deal with the flooding incident at Ballinaglera in 2021.

Councillor Des Guckian said this issue needs  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.6.22

I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Infrastructure, to provide an update to members with regards to the provision of a much-needed footbridge alongside the Bridge over the River Shannon at Rooskey; What is the situation with Roscommon County Council who are taking the lead role in the design and planning of the footbridge and has there been any indication from the Dept of Transport when funding will be provided.?

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

"I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Infrastructure, to provide an update to members with regards to the provision of a much-needed footbridge alongside the Bridge over the River Shannon at Rooskey; What is the situation with Roscommon County Council who are taking the lead role in the design and planning of the footbridge and has there been any indication from the Dept of Transport when funding will be provided.?"

Report by Roads - General

"Previously Roscommon County Council advanced a design, part 8, contract documents and tender in circa 2009 for the widening of the entire Rooskey Bridge. The works did not proceed at the time due to the rapid decline in the economy and any funding that may have been approved in principle to complete the works, was withdrawn by the Department. No further funding applications appears to have been applied for by Roscommon County Council since then for the Bridge. However, Leitrim County Council will now pursue the construction of a footbridge alongside the existing road bridge. A submission will be made in Q1 2022 to NTA under Active Travel to advance this project to feasibility & design stage. Once we have approval to proceed, we will start the process of preparing documents to appoint a consultant to advance this project."

Councillor Sean McGowan expressed his disappointment that Roscommon County Council have dropped this issue and that Leitrim County Council have no funding for the bridge. Councillor McGowan said it is a narrow and a very busy bridge and he was looking for works to be carried out on the bridge at Rooskey similar as to what was caried out on the bridge in Carrick-on-Shannon.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion and commended the local communities for their support for this piece of infrastructure. Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said the bridge is an asset of Roscommon County Council and they have dropped this proposed footbridge. Leitrim County Council can pursue this under the Active Travel Programme. Mr Boyle said the works on this bridge would be more expensive to do than in Carrick-on-Shannon. Mr O’Boyle said the purpose of the Active Travel programme is to get people out of their cars and using alternative means of transport such as walking or cycling.

Councillor Sean McGowan said there is a short bit of a walkway on the lifting area of the bridge which is sufficient, and he said he does not think this would be more expensive of a project than the Carrick-on-Shannon bridge.

Mr O’Boyle said a feasibility study has to be carried out in the first instance. A submission will be made in Q1 2022 to NTA under Active Travel to advance this project.

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

"May I ask that the executive give consideration to and explore the possibilities of making Park Lane Car Park more easily accessed from the Leitrim Road entrance to Carrick town centre. I would welcome a report on same at soonest opportunity."

Report by Roads - General

"When the Urban Renewal works are completed in the town, and the Paid Parking regime is reimplemented, the parking bye laws for the town will be reviewed. As part of this process, and in conjunction with a Local Transport Plan, (which is being drafted at present), the access routes and directional signage to town carparks can be reviewed."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said that the Park Lane Car Park is not as easily accessible as it should be for people coming into Carrick-on-Shannon from the Leitrim Road. Cllr Armstrong McGuire asked that work be done in this regard, so that people would park and walk through the lovely streets of Carrick-on-Shannon. Cllr Finola Armstrong McGuire said she hoped it would be a while before paid parking is introduced and she appealed to the public to park in the carpark if they are spending long periods of time in Carrick and to free up spaces on the Main Street for short term parking by shoppers.

Councillor Paddy Farrell supported the motion.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said Leitrim County Council is required to develop a Local Area Transport Plan and a Local Area Plan in 2023 and this matter will be taken into account when the preparation of these plans are being considered.

May I have an update as to the plans and intentions of Leitrim County Council regarding the green space between Aura Astra turf pitches/ Public playground and Cara Court/ Glen Carraig estates.

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

"May I have an update as to the plans and intentions of Leitrim County Council regarding the green space between Aura Astra turf pitches/ Public playground and Cara Court/ Glen Carraig estates."

Report by Roads - General

"This matter is currently being reviewed, particularly with regard to boundary treatment and security of the property."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire welcomed the reply received in this regard.

As works on the streets of Carrick-on-Shannon are almost complete and they look fantastic, and congratulations to all involved, can Leitrim County Council and senior engineer Darragh O’Boyle give a start date for works to commence in St. Marys close and disclose if all overhead wires will go underground.

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

"As works on the streets of Carrick-on-Shannon are almost complete and they look fantastic, and congratulations to all involved, can Leitrim County Council and senior engineer Darragh O’Boyle give a start date for works to commence in St. Marys close and disclose if all overhead wires will go underground."

Report by Roads - General

"The Active Travel Department in conjunction with the Capital office are advancing this project and a submission has been made to the National Transport Authority for a substantial funding package. If approved, the works will include for the undergrounding of ESB and Eir cabling and for the upgrading of the footpaths in St Mary's Close."

It was noted by the members that Councillor Enda Stenson’s motion also relates to this matter.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said he met the residents of St Mary’s Close 12 months ago with elected members and he said the following areas where highlighted

• Lighting
• Narrow footpath
• Overhead wires to go underground

A small amount of funding has been received. Public lighting and realignment have been carried out by Leitrim County Council and larger civil works will have to come from Active Travel.  If funding from Active Travel is approved, the works will include for the undergrounding of ESB and Eir cabling and for the upgrading of the footpaths in St Mary's Close. This application is being submitted today for further funding from Active Travel. Mr O’Boyle advised the members that there is no guarantee that an Active Travel application will be successful for these works. The Active Travel scheme’s purpose is to take traffic off the roads and encourage people to use more active means of travel such as walking or cycling.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire supported the motion and she said if the traffic from the Leitrim Village approach to the town had better accessibility to the carpark at Park Lane it will take traffic off St Mary’s Close, and this should be considered in the overall project.

Councillor Des Guckian supported this.

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

"I ask Leitrim County Council to look for funding to carry out improvements to very narrow points on L3409-0 leading from Churchpark to Kiltoghert Community centre."

Report by Roads – General

"This scale of works would require a substantial Specific Improvement Grant as it would involve land purchase and large civil works. Applications have been made for such grants over the last number of years, but to date have been unsuccessful, as the priority for these grants in recent times appear to be for upgrading and replacement of bridges. However, we have received funding under the Low-Cost Safety measures for this stretch of road, and safety signage has been erected."

Councillor Paddy Farrell said that every week he receives representations regarding this road, and he proposed that funding be sought for this road as soon as possible.

Councillors Thomas Mulligan, Sean McGowan and Des Guckian supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said that the only way this road can be widened is through a Specific Improvement Grant and works would have to be carried out over a few years.  Funding has been received under Low-Cost Safety measures and safety signs have been erected on this road.

That we apply for funding to enhance the area extending from the Gortlettra entrance to Lough Rinn along the main Gortlettra road past the Church, graveyard and National School to the turn off to Farnaght Church, graveyard and Lime Kiln.  This would require the provision of lined footpaths and parking areas and lighting.

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

"That we apply for funding to enhance the area extending from the Gortlettra entrance to Lough Rinn along the main Gortlettra road past the Church, graveyard and National School to the turn off to Farnaght Church, graveyard and Lime Kiln.  This would require the provision of lined footpaths and parking areas and lighting."

Report by Roads - General

"There is no funding in the roads program for new footpath schemes, public lighting, or parking areas. The National Transport Authority can fund footpaths in an urban context under the Active Travel program, but it is unlikely that a scheme such as this, in a rural area, would meet their criteria. However, various funding programs are advertised each year, such as ORIS, Clar, Town and village etc., under which a project such as this may be considered. If a local community group wish to make an application under such a program, they should contact the Economic Development Department for assistance with the application, when these programs are advertised."

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan said a lot of walkers use this stretch of road as it is a very scenic area. Councillor Mulligan said it would require the provision of footpaths, parking areas and lighting.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion and said it is a very busy road and it would enhance the area from the graveyard down to the national school.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said the road is wide enough and it needs markings.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle acknowledged it is a busy road and he said he could erect appropriate signage advising of walkers on the road. Mr O’Boyle said if the Parish/Local community want this work undertaken, it could be considered under Clár, ORIS or Towns/Villages funding schemes and if a footpath were provided, public lighting would also have to be provided. The local community groups should contact the Economic Development Section of Leitrim County Council to apply for the mentioned funding streams.

We have requested on numerous occasions, since work began on Carrick streetscape, that St. Mary’s Close should be included in some funding arrangement, to repair the roads, footpaths, and reinstate the road markings. May I ask, what is the present update on works being carried out in this area.

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

"We have requested on numerous occasions, since work began on Carrick streetscape, that St. Mary’s Close should be included in some funding arrangement, to repair the roads, footpaths, and reinstate the road markings. May I ask, what is the present update on works being carried out in this area."

Report by Roads - General

"The Active Travel Department in conjunction with the Capital office are advancing this project and a submission has been made to the National transport Authority for a substantial funding package. If approved, the works will include for the undergrounding of ESB and Eir cabling and for the upgrading of the footpaths, and pavement renewal and road-markings in St Mary's Close."

Councillor Sean McGowan moved this motion as Councillor Enda Stenson was unable to attend the meeting.

The road L 7442-0 at Derreen (Just off the R201 at Drumcree) is subsiding and in my opinion needs immediate attention.
May I ask can we look at the point of danger and see if it’s possible to carry out emergency works here.

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

"The road L 7442-0 at Derreen (Just off the R201 at Drumcree) is subsiding and in my opinion needs immediate attention.

May I ask can we look at the point of danger and see if it’s possible to carry out emergency works here."

Report by Roads - General

"The local road L-7442-0 at Derreen has suffered settlement from excessive HGV movements from timber extraction. The current condition allows safe movement of domestic local vehicles. If the condition of the pavement deteriorates, we will consider a weight restriction. We have allocated a Restoration Grant on this section which will be completed later this year."

Councillor Sean McGowan moved this motion as Councillor Stenson was unable to attend the meeting.

Councillor Paddy Farrell said the members have received emails complaining about rubbish in St Patrick’s Park at one location and he was asked to take this up with the Executive at today’s meeting.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly advised that the complaint be emailed to him and it would be forwarded directly to Mr Vincent Dwyer who has responsibility for the Environment Department, and it would be referred to the Community Warden for investigation.

Councillor Sean McGowan referred to vandalism which took place in an Archway in Dromod over the weekend.  Councillor McGowan paid tribute to the people who do their best to keep the place tidy and he expressed his disappointment and disgust with this vandalism.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan said it if often young people that get blamed for their behaviour, and he paid tribute to the young people who have come out on the streets at 8.30 due to the current restrictions on the hospitality sector and he noted their good behaviour and thanked them.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire referred to the overspilling of rubbish bins and people who are not paying to have their waste removed properly and she said this is a form of bullying their neighbours and Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire called for this issue to be addressed.