Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Paddy Farrell

             SECONDED by Councillor Sean McGowan

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of 17^th January 2022

Councillor Des Guckian said his motion No CMD.152.21 in Minutes of the 6^th December 2021 was still not addressed and he sought clarification on the status of his motion from the Cathaoirleach. He highlighted the motion got the support of two members and he asked that further safety works are carried out on the Mullagh to Derrybrack road (L7464-0).  Councillor Guckian said it was previously promised that clay/stones would be dropped on either side of this road. Councillor Des Guckian asked the Cathaoirleach to make his opinion known as there was no clear decision enunciated.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan said the minutes are recorded as to what took place at the meeting, if a motion is proposed and seconded it does not necessarily mean what is sought in the motion is done, or that a certain action takes place.

Councillor Des Guckian asked for a written explanation from Joseph Gilhooly on this issue. Mr Vincent Dwyer explained he was substituting for Mr Gilhooly at this meeting, and it was his understanding that the motion was proposed and seconded. This does not mean that an action will be undertaken; this will depend on the resources available to meet the commitment and in such circumstances where no funding is available, the executive will note the concern of the members for future consideration, should a suitable funding stream become available or for potential inclusion in a future roadworks programme. Mr Dwyer outlined that it is not possible to carry out all road works requested by the members due to lack of funding. If works are not included in the roadworks programme, then it cannot be done in the current year’s roadworks programme.

Councillor Des Guckian expressed his disappointment with this response, and he asked that in future there should be some money made available to do this particular type of work.

Mr Vincent Dwyer said elected members may raise/address issues of concern at Municipal District meetings and these issues will be considered by the executive and if further funding arises in the future, the particular issue raised will be considered.

Councillor Des Guckian said the roadworks carried out at Derrybrack and Mullagh has been done with Climate Change funding and this is nothing to do with TII.

Mr Dwyer advised members that all funding comes from natonal exchequer funding.

Cathaoirleach, Thomas Mulligan said that he was satisfied things have been done correctly in this regard.

The Chief Executive’s Report and Recommendation pursuant to Section 179 of the Planning & Development Acts 2000 (as amended) and Part 8 of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) as circulated to the Members.

Nature and Extent of Development

Improvements and modifications to the existing Sheemore Heritage Trail

Location of the Development

To the existing Sheemore Heritage Trail

The Council has complied with the Requirements of the Regulations in respect of the proposed development and a necessary public notice was published in accordance with the Regulations. It is proposed to proceed with the works listed.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Paddy Farrell

            SECONDED by Cllr. Sean McGowan

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council proceed with the works in accordance with the approved plans.

Councillor Des Guckian said Sheemore is one of the most beautiful hills in the country and he hoped it would not be affected by large numbers of visitors. Councillor Des Guckian said he would support the development provided local people were not affected by it and will be given support in this regard by the Local Authority

Councillor Paddy Farrell said this was one of the first motion’s he put forward when he was first elected to Leitrim County Council, and he is delighted to see this proposal being considered.

Councillor Sean McGowan said people are going up and down Sheemore for a long time and no issues have arisen. The current proposal is a great opportunity for the area and the county.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire supported the development and re-iterated that this was wanted by the people of the area and the public.  Theetiquette of most of the walkers that use this area is that they do not bring dogs on their walks, and it will be used by smaller rather than large groups. Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire praised the excellent documentation/maps presented for the project and she thanked all the landowners who have worked with the Local Authority on this project.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the development and said the Local Authority have been in talks with the landowner.

Mr Bernard Greene, Senior Planner gave a report as circulated to the members which appearsas Appendix 1 to the Minutes of this meeting

Councillor Des Guckian noted that an archaeological survey was carried out previously in the area circa 1935.  At the time some archaeological items were discovered. He proposed that an archaeological review should be carried out on the top of Sheemore.

Mr Vincent Dwyer gave a report on the Schedule of Municipal District Works for 2022 as circulated to the Members which appears as Appendix 2 to the minutes of this meeting.

Mr Terry McGovern, Senior Engineer gave a report on the Annual Area Programme 2022 as circulated to the members which appears as Appendix 3 to the minutes of this meeting.

Mr McGovern said the grant allocations have not been received from the Department of Transport to date. The Restoration Improvement Grant and the Restoration Maintenance Grant amounts are based on a similar figure to what was received in 2021. It is anticipated that a similar amount will be received in 2022 to that received in 2021 for Discretionary Maintenance, Road Drainage Works, CIS, LIS, Bridge Rehabilitation Works and Low-Cost Safety Schemes.

The allocations in the programme that have been received to date are from the Council’s own resources and an allocation from the TII for National Roads and the NTA for Active Travel Programme. Projects approved in mid-2021 under Town & Village, Recreational trails and Clár Funding schemes are included in the programme where the completion date is during 2022.

When the allocations are received from the Department, an updated programme will be issued to the Members.

Mr McGovern outlined that the Local Roads upkeep for the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District is €218,649. The Local Roads grant approved at the Budget meeting for 2022 is €780,899, an increase of 7% from last year.

The Amenity grants approved at the annual budget meeting show an increase of 7%  last year.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer gave a report on roads proposed for Restoration Maintenance Grants of which there are 14 listed, and the roads proposed for Restoration Improvement Grants of which there are 22 roads listed. Mr O’Boyle said he has gone over the motions submitted by members in relation to road issues at Carrick MD meetings over the last 2 year and has included these roads in the 2022 programme.

Mr O’Boyle said €10,000 for the Drainage Grant was approved at the Annual Budget meeting and this is limited to OPW drainage schemes. In 2022 this money will be spent on work on the Rinn and Blackwater River drainage area

Councillor Des Guckian thanked Terry McGovern for his report. Councillor Guckian said that the Derrybrack to Mullagh road should be considered for a Low Cost Safety Grant. Councillor Des Guckian welcomed the following: -

·       Recent works on the Gortinee Road.

·       The new signage at Faulties on the Dromod/Rooskey Bypass which replaced the damaged signage

·       Active travel funding for footpath to Annaduff National School

Councillor Des Guckian sought funding for the following

·       Derrybrack/Mullagh road needs strengthening, and improvement works

·       Lisduff turn to be done as a priority

·       Old N4 road into Dromod needs attention

Councillor Sean McGowan welcomed the funding for the Road Restoration Grants, and he hoped more funding could be sought in order to get a few more roads included in this scheme

·       Road No L547 at Drumbeera outside  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.18.22

1.           Letter dated 17^th January 2022 from the Office of Public Works regarding drainage works at the Rinn, Blackwater, Eslin and Headford rivers.   

Councillor Sean McGowan proposed that a meeting be sought with Minister Patrick O’Donovan in this regard, and he said unless we get a serious injection of funding and try and get the drains and tributaries cleaned.

Mr Kieran Brett said correspondence has been issued recently to Minister O’Donovan  on this matter and a response is awaited.

Councillor Sean McGowan agreed to wait and see the response in this regard.

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

"That, in the light of many defibrillators that have been stolen, damaged or not been properly serviced, we agree to contact The Community First Responders and ask them to reinstate the many defibrillators that are no longer working in this Municipal area."

Councillor Des Guckian said many defibrillators are broken or stolen and they are a vital device in our communities. Back 20 years ago defibrillators were put into every small district. In the case of Gortletteragh each house was charged €5, 9 defibrillators were put up and 2 are only working now. The Community First Responders should reinstate the many defibrillators that are no longer working. Defibrillators   cost up to €1,500 and the Government must provide this device as it is a vital societal importance to our communities. Community First Responders can assure that the device is alive, dry, and working when required.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported this and said this is something that we need to speak out on where defibrillators are damaged.

Councillor Sean McGowan paid tribute to everyone and to communities who were involved in this, and he acknowledged that defibrillators do need to be serviced on a regular basis and they are costly and have saved lives in the past.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Des Guckian

             SECONDED by Councillor Thomas Mulligan

“It was AGREED Leitrim County Council would contact the Community First Responders and ask them to reinstate the many defibrillators that are no longer working in this Municipal area, in the light of many defibrillators that have been stolen, damaged or not been properly serviced.”

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

"That we ask Housing to outline the protocols they have in place to deal with the increasing number of mothers and families, in the Carrick Municipal area, that have been forced to leave their homes because of domestic violence."

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

"Persons presenting as homeless to Leitrim County Council are assessed in accordance with the criteria for emergency accommodation which is a holistic assessment.

As per the Housing Act 1998, a person shall be regarded by a housing authority as being homeless if—

a)         there is no accommodation available which, in the opinion of the authority, he, together with any other person who normally resides with him or who might reasonably be expected to reside with him, can reasonably occupy or remain in occupation of, or

b)         he is living in a hospital, county home, night shelter or other such institution, and is so living because he has no accommodation of the kind referred to in paragraph (a), and he is, in the opinion of the authority, unable to provide accommodation from his own resources.

When a person contacts Leitrim County Council presenting as homeless, their contact details are taken and forwarded to the Homeless Liaison Officer. The Homeless Liaison Officer carries out a Homeless Assessment on the person presenting as homeless.  Each homeless presentation will be considered on its own merit following a full and thorough homeless assessment. If it is discovered that the person is suffering from Domestic Violence, LCC would work sensitively and swiftly to ensure the safety and security of the person and their family. LCC would always encourage the person involved to link in with the relevant agencies and in particular with DVAS (Domestic Violence Advocacy Service). LCC have a longstanding working relationship with DVAS and can make the contacts required on behalf of the person involved to support them once permission is granted. LCC will support the family through providing emergency accommodation and will work with DVAS in sourcing suitable emergency accommodation."

Councillor Des Guckian queried if Leitrim County Council is up to the task of caring for mothers and families in the Carrick Municipal area that have been forced to leave their homes because of domestic violence. Councillor Guckian expressed concern that he has not received any numbers in the reply, and he said it is a priority to take care of the most vulnerable and who are in danger or have been in danger. Councillor Guckian proposed that the Executive explore all possible funding for people who are in such circumstances.

I seek the support of the members in calling on Iarnród Éireann to again look at providing a lift or other suitable means of access to platform No. 2 at Dromod Station that will cater for the needs of older or people with disabilities.   Trains meet at Dromod Station on a regular basis, and it is difficult for older or people with disabilities to use the footbridge that is currently there.

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

"I seek the support of the members in calling on Iarnród Éireann to again look at providing a lift or other suitable means of access to platform No. 2 at Dromod Station that will cater for the needs of older or people with disabilities. Trains meet at Dromod Station on a regular basis, and it is difficult for older or people with disabilities to use the footbridge that is currently there."

Councillor Sean McGowan said it is difficult for older people or people with disabilities to access the footbridge in Dromod train station. Councillor McGowan noted that a new lift has been provided at Edgeworthstown train station. Councillor McGowan said Dromod Train Station is a very busy station and he is calling on Iarnrod Eireann to provide a lift or a ramp.

Councillor Paddy Farrell supported the motion and said something needs to be done as soon as possible in this regard.

Councillor Des Guckian, Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire and Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Sean McGowan

             SECONDED by Councillor Paddy Farrell

“It was AGREED to call on Iarnród Éireann to again look at providing a lift or other suitable means of access to platform No. 2 at Dromod Station that will cater for the needs of older or people with disabilities. Trains meet at Dromod Station on a regular basis, and it is difficult for older or people with disabilities to use the footbridge that is currently there."

I ask Mr. Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services Infrastructure, what further steps Leitrim County Council can take to try and halt the ever-growing problem of illegal dumping of household waste and other materials along our County Roads. This is a terrible blight on our countryside & we need to come with some new ideas to tackle this ongoing issue.

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

"I ask Mr. Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services Infrastructure, what further steps Leitrim County Council can take to try and halt the ever-growing problem of illegal dumping of household waste and other materials along our County Roads. This is a terrible blight on our countryside & we need to come with some new ideas to tackle this ongoing issue."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"It is acknowledged that there is an issue with illegal dumping throughout the country including Leitrim. Where and when we are made aware of dumping our Environment Department and community wardens investigate to gather evidence to advance fines and prosecutions but this is not always successful due to lack of evidence.

We believe that a major awareness campaign is now needed. With the support of the WERLA office and ""anti-dumping funding we intend to appoint a PR company to run a media campaign in Leitrim this year. This will be advertised on all outlets such as, Local Press, Local Radio, posters and electronic billboards, social media, Facebook, Website, Twitter, Electronic signage at hot spots etc. Galway County Council ran a campaign "We are watching you" in 2021 that was considered very successful. This type of campaign should encourage the public to manage waste properly and to inform us on illegal dumping activities which will hopefully lead to more successful prosecutions in the courts and reports in Local press.

This year Leitrim County Council also intend to increase enforcement activity in relation to our waste presentation by-laws. It is planned to carry out door to door surveys and spot checks on how household waste is being managed and check for active accounts. Again this initiative will be advertised to heighten awareness of our by-laws.

Tackling illegal waste handling and dumping is a national priority for 2022 to 2024, and Leitrim County Council will be working, within our region, with the WERLA office to identify inter county illegal activity and progress enforcement."

Councillor Sean McGowan referred to a townland in his area where approximately 50 bags of rubbish were dumped recently and he said council staff have to go out and sift through this rubbish to get some evidence as to who dumped it. Councillor Sean McGowan appealed to the public to show respect for the countryside by not dumping and he noted there is a good refuse collection service operating within the county and he said if anyone sees any illegal dumping taking place to report it to the Local Authority.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion and said that all agree it is a problem and it is not going away, and it is a huge blight on rural areas.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire noted that some people are not putting out their bins and when the council are informed of this, they call out to these people to get the waste disposed of and this waste disappears overnight.  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.23.22

I call on district engineer Darragh O’Boyle to carry out road improvements works at the Sheemore Ambush Monument, as traffic meets there and leaves this area in a very dirty state.

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

"I call on District Engineer Darragh O’Boyle to carry out road improvements works at the Sheemore Ambush Monument, as traffic meets there and leaves this area in a very dirty state."

Report by Roads - General

"It is proposed to carry out minor drainage works at this location as part of the Sheemore Trail Scheme later this year."

Councillor Paddy Farrell welcomed the reply received in this regard.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Mr O’Boyle said the trail is currently being worked on and once this is completed drainage works will be started.

I call on Leitrim County Council to explain how, as we all believed the works were near complete, there are several outstanding issues to be redone on the public realm project in Carrick. This is very frustrating and annoying for business people and everyone who uses the town. People have put up with enough the last two years.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to explain how, as we all believed the works were near complete, there are several outstanding issues to be redone on the public realm project in Carrick. This is very frustrating and annoying for business people and everyone who uses the town. People have put up with enough the last two years."

Report by Capital Projects Office

"The works in Carrick on Shannon are nearing completion. At the moment the contractor is carrying out repairs to work deemed unsatisfactory and is bringing the works up to the standard required. We continue to manage the contract to ensure all works are carried out to the terms and conditions of the contract."

Councillor Paddy Farrell said the town of Carrick-on-Shannon looks great with the new public realm works. however business people have expressed their concerns regarding several outstanding issues that have yet to be completed. Cllr Farrell said the reply received in this regard is very vague and he said business people are very frustrated, annoyed and a more detailed explanation should be made available in this regard.

Councillor Farrell asked if the contractor that was awarded this contract had previous experience in this type of work. He said he visits Carrick-on-Shannon regularly and every day he is challenged about the outstanding roadwork issues in the town. Councillor Farrell said he hoped taxpayers’ money is not paying for the repair works that was deemed unsatisfactory and is now being brought up to the required standard.

Councillor Farrell referred to a public realm works project in Enniskillen that is taking place which is bigger than the project in Carrick-on-Shannon and it is to be completed ahead of schedule.

Councillor Farrell said people in Mohill and Drumshanbo have expressed their concerns regarding upcoming works in these towns. Councillor Farrell said people deserve to be given a more detailed explanation as to why this project is taking so long.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion and he acknowledged that this project is going on two years and the covid pandemic has had an impact on it. If the surface is unsatisfactory it has to be taken up and contractors has to pay the cost for this work. When the trees begin to bloom, Carrick-on-Shannon will look great.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire supported the motion, and said she too hears the negativity in relation to the works. Councillor Armstrong McGuire welcomed the works that have had to be redone outside her door. Councillor Armstrong McGuire said 10-12 bollards have been hit by traffic and she said they look unsightly, and she proposed that some works are carried out to put them right. Councillor Armstrong McGuire noted that wheelchair accessible parking areas are very poorly outlined.

Mr Shay O’Connor said snags are now taking place and the contractor is to be off site in the next 2-3 weeks. Mr O’Connor acknowledged that it is frustrating for people, and he  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.25.22

May I have an outline of the progress, by our Council, on the proposed Carrick-on-Shannon Town Area Development plan. I understand it is being done in conjunction with plans by Roscommon County Council in relation to Cortober. Can I have outline of the process in both timeline and overall intended presentation to our Municipal members.

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

"May I have an outline of the progress, by our Council, on the proposed Carrick-on-Shannon Town Area Development plan. I understand it is being done in conjunction with plans by Roscommon County Council in relation to Cortober. Can I have outline of the process in both timeline and overall intended presentation to our Municipal members."

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

"No work has yet commenced on the preparation of the joint Local Area Plan for Carrick on Shannon / Cortober with Roscommon County Council. The draft County Development Plan 2023-2029 was placed on public display on Friday last until April 27th. Roscommon County Council are nearing the end of completing their County Development Plan for the period 2022-2028. As both County Development Plans contain the higher level framework in which the joint Local Area Plan must be consistent with (household projections which determine the extent of residentially zoned lands, ambition for significant employment lands to the east of Carrick-on-Shannon, Record of Protected Structures, etc.) until our County Development Plan is nearing completion towards the end of this year, the formal process to commence the preparation of the draft Local Area Plan cannot commence. The Forward Planning Team will be commencing preparatory work on the Local Area Plan whilst the draft County Development Plan is on display for the next 10 weeks.

Discussions will be held with Roscommon County Council and a meeting arranged to develop the process and timescale. A report outlining a timeline will be submitted to the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District when available."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said she would like an outline of the timeline and overall intended presentation to Carrick Municipal members. Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said Cortober residents don’t want this matter fall between two local authorities.

Councillor Armstrong McGuire said her experience to date is that it has been difficult to work with Roscommon County Council as an elected representative from Leitrim.

Mr Bernard Greene said Leitrim Planning Authority are happy to take the lead on a plan for the Cortober area as part of the overall Carrick Plan. When such time as a meeting is scheduled with Roscommon County Council, it will be proposed to prepare a plan for the area with the co-operation of Roscommon County Council. He pointed out that it is unlikely that Roscommon County Council will facilitate this as Cortober is part of the administrative area of Roscommon County Council.

May I have an outline of the current number and type of unoccupied units owned by Leitrim County Council in the Carrick Municipal Area. How many individuals and families are seeking council properties in preference to properties owned by private landlords and what is the average "turnaround time" for Council units vacated by other tenants?

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

"May I have an outline of the current number and type of unoccupied units owned by Leitrim County Council in the Carrick Municipal Area. How many individuals and families are seeking council properties in preference to properties owned by private landlords and what is the average "turnaround time" for Council units vacated by other tenants?"

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

"There are currently 13 No. unoccupied units owned by Leitrim County Council in the Carrick Municipal District.

The breakdown of the unoccupied units is as follows

1 bedroom-1 No.

2 bedroom -4 No.

3 bedroom- 6 No.

4 bedroom -1 No.

5 bedroom -1 No.

The most recent assessment indicated that there are 97 Households on the Housing List excluding Transfers and HAP recipients that expressed the Carrick Municipal District as their first choice. There are 190 Households including Transfers and HAP recipients that expressed the Carrick Municipal District as their first choice.

The average turnaround time for vacant properties in the Carrick Municipal District during Q4 2021 was 17.8 weeks."

Councillor Armstrong McGuire welcomed the breakdown of the unoccupied units in the reply received to her motion. Councillor Armstrong McGuire questioned the turnaround times for vacant properties and acknowledged the difficulty in relation to housing nationally. Councillor Armstrong McGuire noted the Housing list is as high as it is, and she appealed to people with empty houses to sell them or move them on to help people seeking to buy their own home.

When do we expect a decision on the proposed Carrick on Shannon bypass? At the moment, a lot of work is being done on the N4 and I’d find it strange if the TII would do this amount of work on it here, and then decide to bypass this road.

We must again stress the wishes of all people in this area. The present N4 is fine, but we must find a way around Carrick for the good of the town and its people who live around it.

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

"When do we expect a decision on the proposed Carrick on Shannon bypass? At the moment, a lot of work is being done on the N4 and I’d find it strange if the TII would do this amount of work on it here, and then decide to bypass this road.

We must again stress the wishes of all people in this area. The present N4 is fine, but we must find a way around Carrick for the good of the town and its people who live around it."

Report by Roads - General

"The Design Team are finalising the Draft Options Selection Report in compliance with the Project Management Guidelines for Major projects. This is a very detailed process, as it has to be ensured that all options and alternatives are examined in detail before a final Transportation Solution Option is arrived at. Extensive work has been undertaken to fully understand the transport issues, including safety issues, so that a robust sustainable transport solution can be advanced through the planning process.

It should be noted that the development of the transport solution reflects a hierarchical approach to mode and intervention, with Active Travel and public transport modes tested before private car, from a mode perspective and in terms of intervention, commencing with maximising the use of the existing assets before considering new infrastructure.

The Draft Options Selection Report has then to be reviewed by the TII (Peer Review), and following this process the Options Selection Report will then go on Public Display. It is anticipated that this Public Consultation will be in Quarter 2 of 2022, hopefully in April / May.

As previously advised, this scheme is to develop a Transport Solution for the N4 corridor study area, (i.e. from the western end of the Dromod Rooskey bypass to west of Cortober), as detailed in the Project Brochure. Whilst the study area is extensive, this does not infer that the resultant transport solution must extend over the full area.

Leitrim County Council are continuing to maintain the existing N4 network, with Pavement works, fencing and barrier works to ensure that the road is kept to a high standard for all road users."

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan moved this motion as Councillor Enda Stenson was not in attendance at the meeting.

Have we finally got the go ahead for stage one in the upgrade of Mohill’s streets and footpaths, and if so when can we expect a start date for the works?

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

"Have we finally got the go ahead for stage one in the upgrade of Mohill’s streets and footpaths, and if so when can we expect a start date for the works?"

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

"We have commenced detailed design work on the Rural Regeneration Scheme at Mohill. Once complete we will be procuring a contractor to carry out the work. The contractor should be starting towards the end of Quarter 3 this year."

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan moved this motion as Councillor Enda Stenson was not in attendance at the meeting.

That we consider public lighting for the local road which connects R202 with R201 via Treanmore which forms part of a very popular looped walk.

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

"That we consider public lighting for the local road which connects R202 with R201 via Treanmore which forms part of a very popular looped walk."

Report by Roads - General

"There is no funding available in the road works program for the provision of new public lighting. Furthermore, it is not the Council's policy to erect public lighting on a rural road, especially with no footpath."

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan said a number of people have asked him about the provision of low-level public lighting on the local road in the townland of Treanmore which is a very popular walkway which connects the R202 and the R201. 

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion and praised the pathway and lighting that is currently in place on the Dromod road out of Mohill. Councillor McGowan said this is a short link road and he hoped that funding would be sourced for this.

Councillor Paddy Farrell also supported the motion.

Mr Terry McGovern said is it not Leitrim County Council’s policy to erect public lighting on a rural road that has no safe footpath for pedestrians.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan proposed that further consideration be given to this item by the executive.

I ask the District Engineer, that a number of fallen trees are removed from the Rinn and Blackwater River.

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

"I ask the District Engineer, that a number of fallen trees are removed from the Rinn and Blackwater River."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Councils budget has allocated 10K to cleaning defined OPW drainage districts within each Municipal District. The budget allocated for 2022 will be expended on some sections of the Rinn and Blackwater in the vicinity of Lough Rinn. If there are any fallen trees in these specific areas then they will be removed. (Areas cleaned will be subject to land owners permission)."

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan said trees have fallen at different locations on the Rinn and Blackwater River – one at the North end of Lough Rinn and one in at Tooman.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said these locations are not included in the drainage district of the Rinn and Blackwater River on which drainage works are scheduled to take place in 2022. It would not make sense to move an digger from one end of Lough Rinn to the other to remove trees as this would cost money and time. The removal of these trees will be looked at in the next tranche of funding.

Councillor Sean McGowan extended a vote of congratulations to Shane Mallon, Clooncarreen, Bornacoola on receiving his second cap for Ireland in the U20 Six Nations Rugby Championship.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan extended a vote of congratulations to Aine Tighe, Annadale, Drumcong for her great achievement inthe Women’s Australian Rules Football League. Councillor Mulligan said Ms Tighe has endured two injury-ravaged seasons in Australia, but her persistence and self-belief paid off as she played very well in her recent matches.