Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Councillor Thomas Mulligan

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of 25^th May 2022.

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

Mr Kieran Brett confirmed no response has been received to date in this regard.

Councillor Des Guckian proposed that an amendment be made to Minute No CMD.64.22 of the 25^th May 2022 in relation to the Regional Recreation Campus location which should read to the south instead of the northeast.

Mr Kieran Brett agreed to amending the minutes to reflect this amendment.

Mr Kieran Brett, Meetings Administrator informed the members no correspondence had been received.

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, Extent and Location of Development

Leitrim County Council is proposing to construct a footpath north of the crossroads at the bridge over the River Shannon and extending west past the entrance of the Rosderra Meat Factory. The total length of the proposed footpath is approximately 460m. A 1.5m wide footpath is proposed from north of the crossroads and along the northern side of the road as far as the entrance to the factory at which point the footpath will be provided along the southern side of the road and will be 2m in width.

As part of the proposal an uncontrolled ramped pedestrian crossing will be located to the west of the Rosderra Meat factory entrance, linking the proposed footpaths on either side of the road. Also proposed is public lighting along the full extent of the footpath. Eastwards from the entrance to the factory stock proof fencing will be erected along the back of the footpath and a section of an existing drystone wall, also along this particular stretch of the footpath, a section of stone wall will be repaired along the back of the footpath, as necessary. Gullies will be installed for the entire length of the footpath and connected to the piped drain running underneath the footpath.

Councillor Des Guckian said he supported the project as it is necessary, and he referenced a submission received seeking the provision of a location to enable the safe passing of two vehicles.

Councillor Des Guckian said the map on page 2 translates as Baile Shéamais which is incorrect, and it should be amended to Cill Srianain, the same name as on the road signs near the village.

Councillor Enda Stenson welcomed the project as the most positive news for the area and he paid tribute to former Councillor Sinead Guckian and Cormac Kenny who were involved in this project from the start.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire welcomed the observations by the public that were received on this Part VIII application and welcomed that the observations were taken on board by the Planning Authority. Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire outlined the importance of the public making their observations known so that these can be considered in the overall context of projects as local people know their local areas best.

Councillor Paddy Farrell, Councillor Thomas Mulligan and Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan supported the proposal.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Des Guckian

            SECONDED by Cllr. Enda Stenson

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

Mr Bernard Greene, Senior Planner said the Irish translation will be corrected as requested and a qualified archaeologist will be employed to monitor all ground works associated with the development.

Mr Greene welcomed all the positive sentiments for the project.

Mr Shay O’Connor, Senior Engineer gave a report on the Draft Parking Bye-laws for Carrick-on-Shannon in accordance with Section 36 of the Roads Traffic Act 1994 as set out in Appendix 1 to the Minutes of this meeting.

Mr O’Connor said new parking charges will come into effect one month from the date the parking bye-laws are adopted.

Councillor Des Guckian said there are areas that effect visitors and shoppers and he asked what the parking charges will be and what penalties are to be applied.

Councillor Des Guckian referred to Submission No. 5 in which it requested Leitrim County Council to paint the designated disabled parking spaces in blue and he asked that the recommendation be fully explained.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire welcomed the 6 submissions received and said 10 minutes waiting time should be amended to 20 minutes grace. Councillor Armstrong McGuire proposed that bigger signs should be erected to publicise where the free carparks are located, as they are a significant asset to the town.

Mr O’Connor said paid parking will be €1 per hour on the Main Street for carparking and 50 cent for a half an hour. There is no grace period, traffic wardens have been advised to be reasonable in the enforcement of parking charges. Mr O’Connor confirmed that all carparks are free.

Concerning the painting of disabled parking spaces, Mr O’Connor advised that the designated disabled spaces located in paved areas will have the necessary disabled parking symbols marked in white paint and disabled symbol signage erected adjacent to the bays. Blue paint is not intended to be used at the moment due to the new natural stone paving that has been put in place. This will be kept under review and if the disabled parking bays are being abused by other motorists, the disabled parking areas will be painted. The statutory parking fine is in the region of €60.00.

Councillor Des Guckian said he could not agree with this.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said that there is no free parking on the Main Street as there is significant free carparking provided in the town. Mr Gilhooly confirmed that it is not a statutory requirement to paint the disabled parking areas. All disabled parking areas are in accordance with Section 36 of the Roads Traffic Act 1994.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire welcomed that the parking machines have been upgraded to receive cards and coins.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Paddy Farrell

             SECONDED by Cllr. Finola Armstrong McGuire

It was AGREED to adopt the Parking Bye-laws for Carrick-on- Shannon with recommendations as set out in the report.

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

"That signs be erected, by Leitrim Co Council, at the junction of L1055-3 with L 1627-2, and, also, at the junction of L1055-2 with L5641-1, in each case indicating the road to Fearglass RC Church."

Report by Roads - General

"Any community wishing to erect a directional sign on the public road requires a Section 254 licence. This is a simple application form issued by the planning office."

Councillor Des Guckian said he was not happy with the reply received in this regard.

Councillor Des Guckian said Fearglass Church is in a rural area which is located at a crossroads, and it is time to invest in 2 signs as requested by the people of the area to help visitors locate the church. Fearglass Church is in the centre of a community, and he outlined that it is not appropriate for the church or community to have to put these signs in place.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said directional signs on a public road require a Section 254 licence which is a simple application form to complete.

Councillor Sean McGowan said there are poles already located at this location. Councillor Enda Stenson queried if there are signs indicating every rural church and he proposed that Leitrim County Council write to the Diocesan Trust to erect signs for each church. Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan supported this.

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

"That at the townland of Aghintass, along the N4, the 100 km per hour sign be moved southwards, from its present location, opposite the Faughnan houses, a distance of 500m, to be beyond the Annaduff GAA grounds. The N4 is narrow here and there is little of a hard shoulder. Traffic travelling at 100 km/hr poses a huge threat to walkers and cyclists along this stretch."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim Co Design office will discuss this matter with the relevant staff of the TII as the TII must consent to the extension of a speed limit on a national road before any speed limit can be altered on a national road."

Cllr. Guckian referred to the residents at this location that are at a risk when walking/cycling due to the traffic travelling at 100km/per hour on this stretch of road and Councillor Guckian said  the hard shoulder is very narrow,  he asked that the 100 km/hr speed limit be reduced to 60km per hour, and this should be implemented as soon as possible by the TII before someone is killed or badly injured. 

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion and agreed this is a very busy stretch of road and he agreed that contact be made with the TII in this regard.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said there is a process of reviewing speed limits, which was completed a few years ago. Leitrim County Council Design Team will discuss this with the TII.

I seek the support of members in again calling on the Minister Helen McEntee and the Dept. of Justice to increase the grant assistance for community led CCTV schemes to 90% of the cost of the scheme or to a maximum of €100,000. At present the maximum grant available to communities is 60% up to a maximum of €40,000.

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

"I seek the support of members in again calling on the Minister Helen McEntee and the Dept. of Justice to increase the grant assistance for community led CCTV schemes to 90% of the cost of the scheme or to a maximum of €100,000. At present the maximum grant available to communities is 60% up to a maximum of €40,000."

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan called on Minister McEntee to increase the grant assistance for Community led CCTV as many of the smaller towns do not have the resources to fund schemes do this.

Councillor Enda Stenson and all Members supported this.

 On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Sean McGowan

             SECONDED by Cllr. Enda Stenson

It was AGREED that Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District call on Minister Helen McEntee and the Dept. of Justice to increase the grant assistance for community led CCTV schemes to 90% of the cost of the scheme or to a maximum of €100,000. At present the maximum grant available to communities is 60% up to a maximum of €40,000.

I ask District Engineer, Darragh O’Boyle, what is the up-to-date position with repairs being carried out on the damaged parapet wall on the bridge over the Rynn River on the Tooman- Mohill road at Tooman.

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

"I ask District Engineer, Darragh O’Boyle, what is the up-to-date position with repairs being carried out on the damaged parapet wall on the bridge over the Rynn River on the Tooman- Mohill road at Tooman."

Report by Roads - General

"This section of bridge parapet is on our current bridge rehabilitation works for 2022."

Mr Darragh O’Boyle confirmed it will be December before the work is completed.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said work is starting on Lurga Bridge and he asked what works are scheduled for this bridge.

Mr O’Boyle said he will find out what works are scheduled and revert to Councillor Mulligan in this regard.

A number of elected members had a successful and productive meeting with the HSE and parents of children with special needs about the immediate need for a residential house and a respite house in the South Leitrim area. A suitable site close to the rear of St. Patrick’s Hospital has been earmarked and is agreeable to all parties present at the recent meeting.
I ask is the Council aware of this, and what can be done, re planning etc. to get this project moving as soon as possible.

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

"A number of elected members had a successful and productive meeting with the HSE and parents of children with special needs about the immediate need for a residential house and a respite house in the South Leitrim area. A suitable site close to the rear of St. Patrick’s Hospital has been earmarked and is agreeable to all parties present at the recent meeting.

I ask is the Council aware of this, and what can be done, re planning etc. to get this project moving as soon as possible."

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

"The HSE should be encouraged to engage in a pre application consultation with the Planning Authority as the Authority has had no discussions on this matter to date and is unaware of the proposed development at this location."

Councillor Enda Stenson said an in-depth meeting took place with Minister Rabbitte, 4 Elected Members, officials from HSE, parents of adult children with special needs regarding the immediate need for a residential house and respite house in the South of Leitrim. Councillor Stenson said the HSE have a site at the back of St Patrick’s Hospital earmarked and he asked if the Planning Authority of Leitrim County Council have been approached about this site.

Councillor Paddy Farrell, Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire, and Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

Councillor Des Guckian said the parents of adult children with special needs are worried that there will be no proper residential homes to accommodate and care for their children when they are dead. Councillor Guckian said these people have been ignored by the HSE. 3 bed units may be built at St Patricks, and this will take a long time to get up and running. Councillor Guckian said a generous provision should be given to Leitrim and make it a priority. Councillor Guckian asked Councillor Stenson to include in his motion to the HSE to have a Liaison Committee set up with the HSE.

Councillor Enda Stenson said Minister Rabbitee confirmed that funding would not be an issue. The HSE will be meeting the Council in regard to preplanning and a Liaison Group will be setup.  Councillor Stenson said he requested that an Elected Member of the Council be on this group.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan welcomed that funding will not be a problem in this regard, and he referred to a house the HSE had in Rooskey 10 years ago for respite which did serve a purpose.

Mr Bernard Greene, Senior Planner said the Planning Authority have not been approached by the HSE in this regard and as soon as the Planning Authority are approached, they will be delighted to engage with them in regard to pre-planning.

Councillor Des Guckian said there was no liaison group formed. Councillor Enda Stenson said he has no issue with this and proposed that Leitrim County Council write to the HSE confirming the Planning Authority  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.89.22

I ask, is there any further update on the resurfacing works scheduled for Main St. Drumsna.

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

"I ask, is there any further update on the resurfacing works scheduled for Main St. Drumsna."

Report by Roads - General

"Main Street Drumsna is not on our current road restoration programme. We sought funding from the TII for old national road surfacing for 2022 and we will continue to seek funding for 2023 from the TII for restoration works on Main Street Drumsna."

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said there is no extra funding available at the moment. Leitrim County Council apply every year for funding for the upkeep of the old N4. The District Engineer’s office will continue to pursue funding for this work.

Councillor Stenson welcomed this.

I call on district engineer Darragh O’Boyle to look at junction off L7391-0 at Tullylannon on to R-280 going in the direction of Leitrim Village as the view is dangerously restricted due to trees and vegetation.

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

"I call on district engineer Darragh O’Boyle to look at junction off L7391-0 at Tullylannon on to R-280 going in the direction of Leitrim Village as the view is dangerously restricted due to trees and vegetation."

Report by Roads - General

"We will issue hedge cutting notice to the landowner regarding their trees. Regional road junctions’ verges will be cut in July by the Local Authority."

Councillor Paddy Farrell acknowledged that he was not happy with the reply received. This is an issue for the Council. The view of the road for motorists at this junction is dangerously restricted with the vegetation, and he said he cannot understand that a member of staff cannot deal with this.

Councillor Enda Stenson, Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

Mr O’Boyle said the trees referred to in the motion are on private property, the landowner has been approached and told of his civic duties.

I call on Leitrim County Council to give a complete update on development at Sheemore i.e., car park and trail etc. as the public are anxious to know how the project is progressing.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to give a complete update on development at Sheemore i.e., car park and trail etc. as the public are anxious to know how the project is progressing."

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

"The Sheemore Trail is 90% complete. We are currently completing accommodation works for adjoining landowners and will erect trail signs and driver feedback signs when these works are complete. Due to escalating costs currently on this project additional funding will be required to complete the car park, discussions are ongoing in this regard."

Councillor Paddy Farrell said the public wish to know what is happening on this project.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle confirmed that further funding is required for the completion of the car park.

Councillor Enda Stenson welcomed the works to the area and paid tribute to the people along the route that have co-operated with the Local Authority.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Following on a previous motion with regard to a flooding problem at a home on the Mohill / Clone road R201, will the Council be in a position to carry out drainage works in this area in the near future?

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

"Following on a previous motion with regard to a flooding problem at a home on the Mohill / Clone Road R201, will the Council be in a position to carry out drainage works in this area in the near future."

Report by Roads - General

"The District Office have prescribed areas in which we can carry out drainage works. These areas are historically defined by the old OPW drainage schemes. We do not carry out works within private property and it is the responsibility of the landowner to deal with drainage within their site. We will carry out minor drainage works where a grant is appropriated to the public road. Maintenance of drainage systems with surrounding fields are the responsibility of the landowner. We have assisted private citizens in times of flooding by providing materials such as sandbags etc."

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said this is the second time he has raised this issue in regard to flooding going directly into the front door of this home.

Councillor Enda Stenson, Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion. Councillor Guckian sought clarification what the legal situation is for the Local Authority when water flows down a hill into a person’s driveway.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said Leitrim County Council have a legal obligation in prescribed areas.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan proposed that Councillor Thomas Mulligan liaise directly with Mr O’Boyle in relation to this specific issue.

I ask that a flooding issue is investigated at the following address: (The Red Lane) Beihy.  EirCode N39H6X9 .

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

"I ask that a flooding issue is investigated at the following address: (The Red Lane) Beihy. EirCode N39H6X9 ."

Report by Roads - General

"After investigation, the extent of the public road ends prior to this dwelling's location, however, the road drainage is curtailed by a damaged pipe which was constructed by Leitrim Count Council in the 80's at this location. We will seek funding under a specific drainage scheme next year."

Mr O’Boyle, said he met the landowner in question, and he confirmed this Eircode is in the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District and Specific Drainage Funding will be sought in this regard.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Councillor Paddy Farrell proposed a vote of congratulations to Ricki Wynne on his great achievement of completing a 115 km run up and down Croagh Patrick within 24 hours and breaking a World Record in the process.