Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Councillor Sean McGowan

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of 11^th April 2022.

Councillor Des Guckian queried if correspondence had issued to Irish Water and the Department in relation to his motion No CMD 52.22 regarding the WWPT at Kilclare.

Mr Kieran Brett confirmed correspondence has issued as requested and no response has been received to date in this regard.

1.               Letter from Iarnrod Eireann on the 13^th April 2022 regarding Resolution passed by Carrick on-Shannon Municipal District regarding installation of lifts at Dromod Train Station.

Councillor Sean McGowan welcomed the positive news and said he looked forward to seeing this facility being put in place.

Councillor Des Guckian welcomed this development he paid tribute to Cllr Sean McGowan for putting the motion forward.

2.                Resolution from Longford County Council on the 26^th April 2022 regarding maintenance of Joint Arterial Drainage Districts shared with Longford and Leitrim.

On the proposal of Councillor Enda Stenson and seconded by Councillor Sean McGowan it was agreed to nominate a point of contact for Leitrim County Council for this process.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly advised a copy of this correspondence has also been circulated to the Ballinamore Municipal District members for consideration at their meeting today. Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer will be the point of contact from Leitrim County Council and this programme of works will be subject to funding. Mr Gilhooly confirmed Leitrim County Council will co-operate with Longford County Council and will relay this back to the members of the Granard Municipal District.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported this and noted that something needs to be done as problems are continuously arising on these water courses.

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

Shannonside Regional Recreation Campus

Location of the Development

The proposed site is located on an existing green field site to the south of Carrick-On-Shannon Town centre. The proposed site is located adjacent to two existing GAA pitches (Páirc Séan Mac Diarmada and St. Mary’s GAA). The site is comprised of two existing agricultural fields with the east side of the site bounded by the Castlecara Road. The site covers an area of 6.3 Ha.

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. Enda Stenson

            SECONDED by Cllr. Finola Armstrong McGuire

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

Councillor Enda Stenson commended present and former staff of Leitrim County Council for pursuing this project. He stated that this sports facility is a wonderful investment for the whole region, and it is one of the finest investments Leitrim County Council have put forward in a long time. Councillor Stenson paid tribute to former Director of Services, Mr Martin Dolan for his foresight for this project over 20 years ago and Mr Declan Boyle, Sports Co-Ordinator and Leitrim Sports Partnership for their work in helping to develop this proposal.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire congratulated all the people involved in this project from the very start and looked forward to seeing this project come to fruition.

Councillor Des Guckian supported the proposal and said he was 100% in favour of this Part 8 Report. Councillor Des Guckian said he got the ball rolling on this project when he submitted a Motion on this topic in December 2018 on foot of a request from the Carrick Athletics Club. Councillor Guckian paid tribute to work of Mr Joseph Gilhooly on this proposal and he welcomed that all aspects of the development have been covered in the report and that the Campus is located alongside Páirc Séan Mac Diarmada and St. Mary’s GAA grounds. Councillor Guckian said it may cost a bit to build and maintain but it will be money well spent.

Councillor Sean McGowan welcomed the positive news for Carrick-on-Shannon. Councillor Sean McGowan acknowledged that there is going to be a substantial cost involved, the location is perfect, and he hoped there will be an announcement of funding in the not to distance future.

Councillor Paddy Farrell welcomed and supported the proposal.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan said this is very much a Regional Development, and communities outside of the town of Carrick-on-Shannon would benefit from this development.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said many people have been involved in getting the project this  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.64.22

Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning, and Infrastructural Services   gave a report on the Tidy Town Allocation for Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District under General Municipal Allocation 2022.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Cllr. Sean McGowan

It was AGREED to approve the Tidy Town Allocations under the General Municipal Allocation 2022.

Councillor Enda Stenson wished all the Tidy Town Committees good luck in their endeavours going forward.

Councillor Sean McGowan complimented the Tidy Town and Community Committees and he said if we had more money to allocate, it would be made available to these groups.

Councillor Des Guckian welcomed the funding for Dromod, and he paid tribute to all the work that has been done in Dromod and the high standards that have achieved in the Tidy Town Awards over the years, and he hoped that Dromod will continue to achieve these high standards.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire also congratulated all the Tidy Towns volunteers for their efforts

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan and Councillor Paddy Farrell welcomed the funding and acknowledged it is a pity we cannot put in a figure 3 times this money as it would be money well spent.

Mr Kieran Brett advised Members of the following meetings which will take place on Monday, 13^th June 2022 in the Music Room of the Dock: -

• A briefing meeting on Unfinished Housing Estates for members will take place at 9.30 am.
• Annual Meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District will take place at 10.30 am.
• Monthly Meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District will take place at 11 am.

Mr Brett also advised that the Annual Meeting of the full Councill will take place on Friday, 24^th June 2022 at 2 pm to facilitate the visit of Minister Norma Foley to the primary school in Drumshanbo at 11:30 am on Friday 24^th June. This 2 hour deferral has been requested by the members to facilitate their attendance at the Minister’s visit to the school. Mr Brett said this meeting will most likely take place in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon and he will advise members of any change of venue.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Enda Stenson and SECONDED by Cllr Sean McGowan it was AGREED that the Annual Meeting of the Carrick On Shannon MD take place on Monday 13^th June 2022 at 10:30am with the monthly MD meeting following at 11 am on the same day.

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

"I ask that a check is conducted on the marking of all parking spaces for those who have less mobility and carry special parking discs. Please pay particular attention to the new Carrick Central Car Park as markings are not currently in line with Maps in discussion."

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

"Once the parking bye laws have been approved by this council all road markings will be checked to ensure compliance, which includes the 5 No Disabled parking spaces in Flynn’s field carpark."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire highlighted that there should be more disabled parking spaces provided and she said she wants to see all parking spaces clearly marked and parking spaces in the new Carrick Central Car Park are in line with the maps.

Councillor Enda Stenson and Councillor Sean McGowan supported this.

"Breffni area in Carrick has footpaths and roads that are in need of upgrading. What schemes are likely to be forthcoming that would be applicable to the community in this area. Residents are anxious that the safety of pedestrians is brought to highest levels and will work as a community group if funding can be identified in coming months."

Report by Roads - General

"There are a number of available schemes which may apply to upgrading of existing footpaths. The Community Involvement Schemes (CIS) which involves a small contribution from the community allows roads and footpaths to be upgraded. Clar schemes in 2023 may include footpaths and public lighting upgrade. Leitrim County Council will apply for mobility funding for this area and if successful, can carry out any repaired repair to footpaths in the public realm. The RIG grant system is also applicable to upgrading of roads, however, we would rarely apply these to cul de sac public roadways. These restoration grants (RIGs) are a 3-year programme, which has already been approved by elected members."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire welcomed that funding will be applied for.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle asked the Member in question what area does the motion refer to and Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire in reply said it refers to Breffni Crescent.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised that the Clár Scheme in 2023 may include footpaths and public lighting upgrading.

Councillor Enda Stenson sought clarification on what the Clár Scheme for 2022 includes.

Mr O’Boyle said Clár Funding guidelines are very descriptive and Pedestrian Crossings are not on the list this year.

Councillor Des Guckian said he was opposed to any community being asked to fund these schemes as it is the responsibility of the Council to provide this infrastructure.

Councillor Enda Stenson said if there is a group or community that want works carried out  and the members of the community are happy to make a contribution, it would be a pity to deviate from this model, as there is good work done by these groups and they take pride in their community

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said he will examine this footpath, with a view to putting down a screed.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said groups would be happy to raise some funds as a small percentage of the total costs and she asked that an open mind be kept on this.

Councillor Sean McGowan concurred with Councillor Enda Stenson’s comments in this regard and said a lot of community groups have come up with contributions and he said he would love if they had not to.

Councillor Enda Stenson asked what type of funding can be sought to enhance the wall at the GAA pitch in Mohill, as it is currently an eyesore coming into the Town of Mohill from the Dromod side.

Mr O’Boyle said Clár funding is not applicable for this wall, as the wall does not belong to Leitrim County Council.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan said the wall is not a GAA  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.68.22

That, in light of the proposed extension of same, we ask the officials to explain the workings of CCTV in Carrick Town. There is concern out there that more than just the flow of traffic and anti-social behaviour is being observed. There is concern that the feed into the Garda barracks is too open and that it should be kept under the control of a senior officer. Also, cameras should not be focused on private doorways.

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

"That, in light of the proposed extension of same, we ask the officials to explain the workings of CCTV in Carrick Town. There is concern out there that more than just the flow of traffic and anti-social behaviour is being observed. There is concern that the feed into the Garda barracks is too open and that it should be kept under the control of a senior officer. Also, cameras should not be focused on private doorways."

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

"The Carrick on Shannon Community CCTV Scheme operates 33 camera’s across 15 locations around the town of Carrick on Shannon. Leitrim County Council acts as Data Controller for the scheme and all recorded data is only stored on the premises of Leitrim County Council. Access to the CCTV system has been granted to a small number of authorised staff. A Joint Data Controller agreement has been signed with An Garda Siochána, who have a live ‘monitoring only’ feed in a locked room in the Garda Station in Carrick on Shannon, that is under the control of a Senior Officer. The purpose of the live feed is to allow local Gardaí to direct resources, as required, in the most efficient way possible as incidents arise.

The Scheme was approved by the Joint Policing Committee of Leitrim County Council in January 2017. A Public Consultation on the scheme took place in July 2017 and a Data Privacy Impact Assessment was also completed in advance of the scheme being implemented.

The scheme design, distribution and location of cameras was approved by the Garda Commissioner in 2018 in keeping with the provisions contained within Section 38 of the Garda Act 2005, which facilities the installation and operation of CCTV for the sole or primary purpose of securing public order and safety in public places by facilitating the deterrence, prevention, detection and prosecution of offences.

The aims of the Carrick CCTV Scheme are:

1. Providing assistance in the detection and prevention of crime.

2. Providing An Garda Siochána and Leitrim County Council with evidence to take criminal and civil actions in the courts.

3. Reducing the fear of crime and providing reassurance to the public.

4. Assistance with the maintenance of public order.

5. Improving the safety and security of residents, visitors and the business community.

6. Discouraging anti-social behaviour including alcohol and drug related incidents.

7. Assisting in aspects of Town Centre management. The CCTV Camera’s are used as a proportionate response to crime, public disorder and for community safety purposes.

Cameras are monitoring public areas only. Private areas of properties are not within the field of view or focus of the cameras.  None of the cameras are focused on private doorways at any of the locations.

The Scheme is operational since mid 2019 with excellent success. It has been used on numerous occasions by An Garda Siochána to investigate and prosecute crimes  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.69.22

That provision should be made on the County Leitrim side of the Shannon, at Rooskey, for the gathering and disposal of rubbish that can be seen scattered in the public areas. This is especially true of the area around the playground.

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

"That provision should be made on the County Leitrim side of the Shannon, at Rooskey, for the gathering and disposal of rubbish that can be seen scattered in the public areas. This is especially true of the area around the playground."

Report by Roads - General

"Firstly, littering is an offence. Any persons deciding to willfully leave litter in, or around the playground, can be fined. Parents and children alike should be made aware that littering is unacceptable. Rooskey, both in County Roscommon and County Leitrim, has no public litter bins as the confectionery stores, within the village, provide their own litter bins as required by legislation.

Leitrim County Council provide a seasonal "galley" bin for the boating community, however, this is sometimes abused by people who illegally dispose of their household rubbish."

Councillor Des Guckian said the local people have asked him to put this motion forward and he said bins could be supplied and collected for the locals and a social employment scheme could be put in place to keep the area tidy on the Leitrim side and “No Dumping Signs” should be erected.

Councillor Sean McGowan said Members don’t want to see litter, when bins are provided there is the danger that household rubbish will be put in them.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said it is an offence to litter and he said there are no bins on the Leitrim or Roscommon side as these bins would be abused. Mr O’Boyle said when the rubbish is collected by community groups or volunteers, it can be left out and the Councill will collect it.  Mr O’Boyle said users of the playground should not litter the playground and should bring their rubbish home and dispose of it properly.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said Leitrim Development Company have responsibility for the administration of the Social Employment Scheme and if such a scheme is required in the area, Leitrim Development Company should be contacted by the local community.

I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Area Engineer, Carrick-on-Shannon, when it is planned to carry out surface repairs on the road from Antfield leading onto Finnalaghta, Annaduff, Road No. L-7472-0. Major drainage work has been carried out along this road in the past year to solve the flooding problem that was there.

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

"I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Area Engineer, Carrick-on-Shannon, when it is planned to carry out surface repairs on the road from Antfield leading onto Finnalaghta, Annaduff, Road No. L-7472-0. Major drainage work has been carried out along this road in the past year to solve the flooding problem that was there."

Report by Roads - General

"we have programmed restoration of the L-7472 in 2023, subject to adjacent dwellings installing proper drainage catchment systems in accordance with their planning."

Councillor Sean McGowan welcomed the reply received.

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 of the 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 of the houses in the townland of Georgia in Rooskey. After heavy rainfall both areas tend to flood quite badly."

Report by Roads - General

"We will endeavor to carry out these works as part of the Active Travel scheme in Rooskey. This scheme will be submitted for part VIII planning and if and when approved, we would hope to carry out these works in the 4th quarter of 2022."

Councillor Sean McGowan proposed that a few more street gullies at this location need to be provided.

Councillor Des Guckian supported this motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer said major works are taking place in Rooskey under the Active Travel Scheme. This scheme will be up for Part 8 planning approval shortly and this issue will be rectified later in the year should the Active Travel scheme obtain the necessary planning approval.

Road users are continuing to question why the local road at Ohill crossroads, L3052-1, has not got a Restoration Maintenance Grant on it, as the surface is like a series of ramps on the road and is very dangerous, when meeting on coming traffic. I ask when can this stretch of road be re surfaced?

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

"Road users are continuing to question why the local road at Ohill crossroads, L3052-1, has not got a Restoration Maintenance Grant on it, as the surface is like a series of ramps on the road and is very dangerous, when meeting on coming traffic. I ask when can this stretch of road be re surfaced?"

Report by Roads - General

"The district Office carried out extensive widening of the narrow local primary road at Oghill Cross. The existing ground conditions at this location are mainly bog and soft clay, thus we need to allow the construction to settle before we apply a final macadam surface. This can take a couple of years before majority of settlement occurs. This final surface works are programmed for 2023. We will maintain the existing construction and we have advisory signs indicating uneven surface along this specific stretch of public road."

Councillor Enda Stenson said he has received representations that this section of road is dangerous and asked when can this stretch of road be resurfaced?

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said this road was widened under an  RIG, but due to the ground conditions at this location it has to be left to settle before the final macadam surface can be laid. The final surface works are programmed for 2023. This stretch of road will be maintained in the meantime.

We all received letters about conserving water, and rightly so, but it must be brought to the attention of Irish water, that what was know as the Corlea /Mohernamela Group Water Scheme is in a terrible state, and a new water mains needs to be laid as soon as possible, because maintenance crews could be repairing leaks/bursts on this line every day.

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

"We all received letters about conserving water, and rightly so, but it must be brought to the attention of Irish water, that what was know as the Corlea /Mohernamela Group Water Scheme is in a terrible state, and a new water mains needs to be laid as soon as possible, because maintenance crews could be repairing leaks/bursts on this line every day."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services

"Corlea / Mohermelia scheme is contained within the Kilnagross to Eslin district metered area (DMA).

Irish Water and its contractor Larsen have recently carried out DMA confirmation works and the output from this work was the requirement to repair 4 leaks and the need for the installation of a pressure reducing valve (PRV).

The repair of one leak has already taken place and the remaining 3 leaks will take place next week followed by the installation of the PRV if not next week, then definitely by the end of the following week.

This installation of the PRV will reduce the pressure in the line thus making the network more stable and ultimately reducing the number of leaks.

A leakage report sheet is prepared following the repair of each leak and LCC / IW will review the number of leak repairs within the DMA towards the end of the year with a view to include this section of pipeline for rehabilitation work in 2023 / 2024."

Councillor Enda Stenson said this GWS was put in place in 1973 the pipes that were installed back then are now all damaged and a decision is needed to put new water mains in place.  Councillor Stenson noted that repairing leaks/bursts damages road surfaces.

Councillor Stenson said if the water pressure is reduced it will leave homes at the end of the scheme out of water and he called for existing piping to be replaced with new piping sooner rather than later.

Councillor Stenson said there has been 17 leaks on this scheme over the last 3 years.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported this.

I propose that the taxi rank at the clock and various disabled parking spaces be put in place before the busy tourist season. I call on Senior Engineer Shay O’Connor to organise this work.

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

"I propose that the taxi rank at the clock and various disabled parking spaces be put in place before the busy tourist season. I call on Senior Engineer Shay O’Connor to organise this work."

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

"The Parking Bye Laws were advertised for public consultation recently with a closing date for submissions of the 2nd May. We have received a number of submissions. We are currently considering the submissions received and propose to bring the bye laws for adoption to the June MD meeting. Once approved by this MD the bye laws will be put in place."

Councillor Paddy Farrell said there is a lot of unrest about the loss of the taxi rank and disabled parking spaces, and he asked that this work be completed before the busy tourist season commences.

Councillor Enda Stenson supported this.

I call on Leitrim County Council to cut vegetation on the right hand side of the Drumsna round-about when coming from the Leitrim Village direction, as the view is restricted on traffic coming from the village of Drumsna.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to cut vegetation on the right-hand side of the Drumsna round-about when coming from the Leitrim Village direction, as the view is restricted on traffic coming from the village of Drumsna."

Report by Roads - General

"The district office will carry out regional road junctions and national road verge trimming in June this year."

Councillor Paddy Farrell said he has received a lot of representations in this regard and asked that the vegetation be cut on the right-hand side of the Drumsna round-about in the direction of Leitrim Village as vegetation is restricting the view.

Councillor Des Guckian, Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O Boyle advised that verge trimming will be carried out at Regional Road junctions and on the National Primary Road in June and it will not be attended to until then.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Mulligan asked if private operators when carrying out work in public areas needs to put up relevant signage under Health & Safety Legislation.  Mr Darragh O’Boyle said he would not comment on private contractors but in the case of Leitrim County Councill carrying out such works, in order to comply with Health & Safety legislation,  all relevant and appropriate signage must be in place.