Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Councillor Sean McGowan

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of 14^th March 2022.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan outlined Councillor Des Guckian was unable to attend the meeting in person due to exceptional circumstances and he sought approval from the members for Councillor Des Guckian to join the meeting by phone.

On the Proposal of Councillor Thomas Mulligan

            Seconded by Councillor Enda Stenson

It was UNAMIOUSLY AGREED that Councillor Des Guckian attend the meeting by phone.

1.               Email from the HSE on the 29^th March 2022 in regard to Resolution passed by Carrick on-Shannon Municipal District in regard to community defibrillators.

Councillor Des Guckian noted the reply received in this regard and said the Government should get involved in this regard.

All Members supported this.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer outlined that further to the approval of the Annual Road Works program at the February meeting of the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District, the revised program following the notification of all allocations is set-out in Appendix 1 to the minutes of this meeting.

Councillor Enda Stenson sought an update in relation to the LIS funding and sought clarification on the policy in regard to wayleaves, and right of ways and asked if wayleaves & rights of way are considered when accessing LIS’s.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said the funding received for the LIS scheme to date is what was expected, and the funding will be appropriately apportioned to schemes on the list in chronological order.  Mr O’Boyle said there are a number of significant LIS’s in North Leitrim which will absorb a lot of the funding received this year. There is a possibility that an extra tranche of funding may come available later in the year.  Mr O’Boyle said Leitrim County Council implement the policy for the Local Improvement Scheme as adopted by the members of Leitrim County Council.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said issues in regard to wayleaves/right of ways on these private roads are a private civil matter between landowners.

Councillor Sean McGowan said another tranche of €1million or a large injection of funding is needed to clear the current LIS list.

Mr Gilhooly said there is 80 approximately still remaining on the list and the number of schemes to be completed with the funding allocation depends on the work required and associated costs for each individual scheme.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan said hopefully Leitrim County Council will get a large tranche of funding for this scheme.

On the Proposal of Councillor Sean McGowan

              Seconded by Councillor Enda Stenson

“That the Roadworks Programme for Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District be adopted”.

Mr Kieran Brett advised the members refurbishment works will commence on the Council Chamber at the end of May or early June and the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District Meeting will take place on Monday, 16^th May 2022 in the Council Chamber.

The following meetings will take place on Monday, 13^th June 2022

• Workshop on Unfinished Housing Estates with Carrick MD Members at 9.30 am
• Annual Meeting of Carrick -on-Shannon MD Meeting at 10.30 am.
• Carrick-on-Shannon Monthly Meeting at 11 am

That the junction of the L1601 (old road to Dromod) and the N4 at Faulties townland be cleaned up and tidied. There are a lot of weeds and dirt there and the “triangles” could be brightened up by luminous paint to make them more visible.

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

"That the junction of the L1601 (old road to Dromod) and the N4 at Faulties townland be cleaned up and tidied. There are a lot of weeds and dirt there and the “triangles” could be brightened up by luminous paint to make them more visible."

Report by Roads - General

"We can arrange for a road sweeper to remove any debris that has accumulated at the turning island on the local road to Dromod at this location. We will advise the contractor who maintains the 2 by 2 section of the national road of your concerns."

Councillor Des Guckian said there is a lot of weeds, dirt, and grit at the junction and the triangles could be brightened up with luminous paint or signage to improve safety at this point.

That this Council investigates the possibility of installing a WWTP at Kilclare, as there are many houses in that part along the Carrick & Ballinamore boundary which need such a service.

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

"That this Council investigates the possibility of installing a WWTP at Kilclare, as there are many houses in that part along the Carrick & Ballinamore boundary which need such a service."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"The provision of a WWTP to serve a small cluster of houses in a rural setting like Kilclare is not provided for in the Departments Multi Annual Rural Water Program on the basis that it is not sustainable to do so on this scale. The Department only provide grant funding to rural communities to come together as a group to construct extensions to existing Public Sewer Networks under their "Community Wastewater Connections" measure. The nearest foul sewer network to Kilclare is in Leitrim Village. This is too far and would be too costly for consideration under this measure. It is clear that the maximum grants available to communities is not sufficient to make any but a very short connection affordable for communities.

Irish Water who are now the statutory body for the provision of Water Services in the state has similar policies and do not consider the provision of Sewerage treatment services in rural settings such as this.

Planning Permissions granted in rural settings generally are conditional on the provision of a proper certified single house onsite waste water treatment systems and its continued operation and maintenance to provide adequate treatment to avoid pollution.

Domestic Wastewater Treatment (Septic Tank) grants are available if upgrades are required up to 85% of the costs subject to a maximum of €5,000. Householders may apply to the Environment Department of Leitrim County Council for this grant support."

Councillor Des Guckian acknowledged the very comprehensive report received.  Councillor Des Guckian said the community should be given access to a sewerage scheme and funding should be given to community groups to facilitate access to sewerage schemes and it should be done in the interests of public health.

Councillor Enda Stenson said if this was possible this would revive every rural community across the country, and it would be great if there was funding available.

Councillor Sean McGowan asked Councillor Enda Stenson to seek EU funding for this type of scheme through his connections to the European Committee of the Regions.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said Hartley Sewerage scheme is seeking to join the Carrick sewerage scheme and this is an issue in urban areas as well as rural areas.

Councillor Paddy Farrell and Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan said this is an issue that will have to be dealt with.

Councillor Des Guckian proposed that a letter issue to Irish Water and the Department in this regard.

Councillor Des Guckian asked that Leitrim County Council circulate an update on the current position to Elected Members in regard to Ukrainians coming into the county.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly agreed to this request.

At this point in the meeting Councillor Des Guckian excused himself from the meeting and terminated the telephone  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.52.22

I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services Infrastructure to include the provision of a walkway / cycleway from Killinaker Bridge as far as Dromod as the final link between the two villages of Rooskey & Dromod, for funding under the Active Travel programme 2022.

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

"I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services Infrastructure to include the provision of a walkway / cycleway from Killinaker Bridge as far as Dromod as the final link between the two villages of Rooskey & Dromod, for funding under the Active Travel programme 2022."

Report by Roads - General

"It is unlikely that a cycleway/Walkway from Killinaker Bridge to Dromod would qualify for funding from the National Transport Authority under Active Travel Scheme, as this scheme is an urban based initiative. The section from Rooskey to Killinaker Bridge is funded under the Town & Village scheme. Currently this section is going through the statutory processes, and if approved, and constructed, an application can then be considered for a further section to Dromod under Town & Village or Possibly Outdoor Recreation initiatives."

Councillor Sean McGowan said sufficient land is available in the roadside verge to accommodate a footpath. He queried if this development would qualify under other schemes if it would not qualify under the Active Travel Scheme.  Councillor McGowan highlighted it as the final link between the two villages of Rooskey and Dromod.

Councillor Enda Stenson, Councillor Paddy Farrell, Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire and Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported this.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said the section from Rooskey to Killinaher Bridge is funded under the Towns and Villages Scheme.  Approval from the Planning Authority is awaited on this section and if planning is approved funding will be sought for this further section under either the Towns and Villages Scheme or the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services Infrastructure to look at the possibility of Leitrim taking a lead in a “Vision for Cycling in Rural Ireland”. This initiative, which was launched in 2020, is spearheaded by a Leitrim woman, and one of its aims is to create an environment where “Cyclists are Expected and Respected”. I believe that there is huge potential to make this work here in Leitrim.

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

"I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services Infrastructure to look at the possibility of Leitrim taking a lead in a “Vision for Cycling in Rural Ireland”. This initiative, which was launched in 2020, is spearheaded by a Leitrim woman, and one of its aims is to create an environment where “Cyclists are Expected and Respected”. I believe that there is huge potential to make this work here in Leitrim."

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

"County Cycle Network plans are currently in development by the NTA and Leitrim County council has been assisting the NTA in this process.   The NTA are hoping to publish all county cycle maps for public consultation in Autumn 2022. These maps will include 6 types of cycle route (Urban primary and secondary, feeder, tourist/leisure routes, greenways, and interurban routes linking together).

In terms of Leitrim taking a lead in rural cycling, any comments would be welcome on any initiatives that are proposed. As there are numerous greenways running through the county in both the northern and southern side of the county, along with interurban cycle routes linking these together, Leitrim may be better placed than other counties to trial infrastructure and initiatives that would allow a safe and comfortable environment for cyclists in rural Leitrim and Ireland."

Councillor Sean McGowan said local roads in the county could be utilised more for cycling, as there is an enormous potential for this initiative in County Leitrim.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said Leitrim County Council are currently working on County Cycle Network Plans with the NTA and it is hoped that these county cycle maps will be published for public consultation in Autumn 2022.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said we need to support more cycling and she paid tribute to a presentation she received recently in relation to greenways.

May I ask for a progress report on Stage 2, Carrick-on-Shannon Town Centre Development. What progress has been made regarding developments in the area near the bus stop, at the Linear Park and from Cryan’s Hotel to Carrick Café.

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

"May I ask for a progress report on Stage 2, Carrick-on-Shannon Town Centre Development. What progress has been made regarding developments in the area near the bus stop, at the Linear Park and from Cryan’s Hotel to Carrick Café."

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

"The contractor for the Destination Towns project will commence work at the end of April. The project which includes a new bus stop shelter on the N4 and new footpaths from Cryan's Hotel to the new medical centre will take 4 months"

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire welcomed the news that the project is happening. She expressed disappointment that it is happening over the summer months and the implications this will have for the tourist trade over this period and said this is poor planning.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said the works will be less invasive than the works on Main Street and the project must be kept moving.  Mr Gilhooly outlined the project will be from Cryan’s to the new medical centre and he said he hoped it will not cause much inconvenience.

May I ask that advice is given to business owners who take care of footpaths in front of their premises in Carrick-on-Shannon.
The new streetscape is lovely, however the stains from food or spillages are unsightly. I am concerned that the wrong abrasives may be used and damage the surface. I would appreciate if maintenance advice could be shared with the general public.

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

"May I ask that advice is given to business owners who take care of footpaths in front of their premises in Carrick-on-Shannon.

The new streetscape is lovely, however the stains from food or spillages are unsightly. I am concerned that the wrong abrasives may be used and damage the surface. I would appreciate if maintenance advice could be shared with the general public."

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

"Now that the works on the street are completed Leitrim County Council will be commencing a cleaning programme for the new paving. For business owners who wish to remove unsightly stains outside their premises we appreciate this and these can usually be removed by using a strong detergent and hot water."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire paid tribute to the fabulous works that have been carried out on Main Street and she said the stains from food or spillages are unsightly and she expressed her concerns that the wrong abrasives or cleaning products may be used, which may strain or erode the new surface.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said he would contact the Capital Office and see what the supplier of the stonework would recommend for removing such stains.  Mr O’Boyle also informed the members he is seeking funding for a new road sweeper which will be used to clean the paving in Carrick.

I call on the Council to secure funding under Active Travel Scheme for the provision of public lighting and footpath connecting Glas na hAabhainn, Carrick-on-Shannon to the crossroads at Attirory, with a view to essentially making this route safe for pedestrians. Apart from 26 fully occupied detached houses in Glas na hAbhainn estate, this route is very popular with pedestrians from the densely populated area in Attirory, using this road for daily exercise. Developing lighting and the footpath in this area will entice those who choose to pursue a more active means of transport due to the safety provided by this enhanced infrastructure.

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

"I call on the Council to secure funding under Active Travel Scheme for the provision of public lighting and footpath connecting Glas na hAabhainn, Carrick-on-Shannon to the crossroads at Attirory, with a view to essentially making this route safe for pedestrians. Apart from 26 fully occupied detached houses in Glas na hAbhainn estate, this route is very popular with pedestrians from the densely populated area in Attirory, using this road for daily exercise. Developing lighting and the footpath in this area will entice those who choose to pursue a more active means of transport due to the safety provided by this enhanced infrastructure."

Report by Roads - General

"The Council acknowledges the merit of this proposal. This project will be submitted next year as part of the 2023 funding application to the NTA as a potential project under Active Travel scheme. If approved by the NTA it will then be progressed subject to successful land take and statutory requirements."

Councillor Enda Stenson welcomed the reply and said this project cannot be forgotten about as the road is very narrow and dangerous for pedestrians.

Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire supported the motion.

I wish to thank our engineers for securing funds to repair and rebuild the roadway to Lough McHugh, Eslin Bridge, and appreciate the continued commitment of Waterways Ireland to the upkeep of this wonderful amenity. I ask when will this work commence on this road.

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

"I wish to thank our engineers for securing funds to repair and rebuild the roadway to Lough McHugh, Eslin Bridge, and appreciate the continued commitment of Waterways Ireland to the upkeep of this wonderful amenity. I ask when will this work commence on this road."

Report by Roads - General

"Work on this road will commence at the end of the areas road works programme later on in the year. Just to note the works are not fully funded by the grant secured and the balance will be funded by Leitrim County Council and Inland Fisheries Ireland and not Waterways Ireland as noted in the motion."

Councillor Enda Stenson welcomed the reply and thanked Mr Shay O’Connor and Mr O’Boyle for all their work in this regard. Cllr Stenson asked if this work could be completed earlier in the year than suggested in the reply, so that the amenity will be accessible for persons to enjoy this summer rather than leaving it for another year.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said the road works programme is progressing well and may be completed by June at which point works such as this will then be carried out.

I call on Leitrim County Council to examine ways of calming/slowing traffic at the Homeland Kiltoghert Store, as residents on opposite sides of the road have great difficulty getting out on the road with the current speed of traffic coming from the Leitrim Village direction.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to examine ways of calming/slowing traffic at the Homeland Kiltoghert Store, as residents on opposite sides of the road have great difficulty getting out on the road with the current speed of traffic coming from the Leitrim Village direction."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council recently installed a "Concealed Entrance Ahead" sign for traffic coming from the Leitrim Village direction at this location. if this does not have the required impact, we can request the An Garda Siochana to monitor the speed at this location."

Councillor Paddy Farrell proposed that Leitrim County Council look at ways of traffic calming at the Homeland Kiltoghert Store as it is proving difficult for residents in the area to access the road with the current speed of traffic coming from Leitrim Village.

Mr O’Boyle said the entrance into Homeland is quite safe and if there is a speeding issue at this location it should be brought to the attention of the Gardai. Safety signage has already been erected on this road.

Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion and said this was always dangerous.

Mr O’Boyle said if an application was made to the Department under the Specific Improvement Grant for works at this area details of specific accidents at this location would need to be submitted to support the application and he said none have been recorded to date.

I call on Leitrim County Council to erect more speed and safety signage on the L-3409 and L-3410 local roads - the road from Church Park to Kilnagross – to ensure the safety of road users.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to erect more speed and safety signage on the L-3409 and L-3410 local roads - the road from Church Park to Kilnagross – to ensure the safety of road users."

Report by Roads - General

"These local roads connect Kilnagross to the Carrick towards the regional road R199. We have erected low cost safety signage from the R199 to Kiltoghert community center. We can erect safety signage further along this road to indicate "church ahead". If continued speeding occurs on these narrow roads, the Garda should be informed."

Councillor Paddy Farrell said this is a very busy road and he called for more speed and safety signage to be put in place.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer said all regulatory signs are in place and additional signage further along this road to indicate "church ahead" can be erected. If continued speeding occurs on these narrow roads, the Garda should be informed.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan sought an update on the works on the Main Street, Mohill.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer advised works will be carried in the coming weeks by Irish Water to replace the public water main on Main St. Mohill. The Capital Project Office of Leitrim County Council are currently working on the detailed design of the project. Ground investigation works, which includes the CCTV examination of existing underground services are currently being carried out. Once this survey work is complete, the project will then progress to the construction stage.