Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of  Annual Meeting 13^th June 2022.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of 13^th June 2022.

Councillor Des Guckian asked for the following amendment to be included in his Motion No 86.22 “hard shoulder very narrow”.

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

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 and two-way cycleway with public lighting on the R371 and L1001 at Aghamore, Rooskey. The proposed 2 metre wide footpath is located either side of the road for a length of 498 metres on the eastern side and 642 metres on the western side. The proposed 3.5 metre wide two-way cycle lane is 498 metres in length and is located between the footpath and the grass verge on the western side of the road.

The proposed development will directly serve residents and visitors by providing safer walking and cycling infrastructure to link three housing developments to the village centre increasing active travel and discouraging the use of motor vehicles.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Enda Stenson

            SECONDED by Cllr. Paddy Farrell

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

Councillor Des Guckian said he was very much opposed to the development as it has annoyed many people in the area.

Councillor Des Guckian expressed his disappointment that he was not referred to as a Councillor when he made a submission, he said this was very bad form, as he is acting in the public interest. Cllr Guckian outlined his objections to the proposal as per his submission and also referred to other submissions made by members of the public. He said there are alternatives to this proposal and the plan should be withdrawn and abandoned.  Councillor Guckian said this matter is far from finished.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan asked for a counter proposal.  There was no counter proposal.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said a number of submissions were received and were considered as part of the Part VIII planning process. All submission received are included in the CE’s report which is before the members for consideration. A number of conditions are attached to the Part VIII planning, one of which is that a Road Safety Audit shall be carried out by an Approved Road Safety Auditor to highlight and address any road safety issues. The recommendations of the Road Safety Audit shall be implemented in full as part of the detailed design of the footpath and cycleway.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire queried if consideration was given to constructing the footpath on the opposite side of the road, where there are no houses.

Mr Gilhooly advised that the proposed development will directly serve residents and visitors by providing safer walking and cycling infrastructure to link three housing developments to the village centre, increasing active travel and discouraging the use of motor vehicles. The development is proposed on the same side of the road as the housing developments in the interests of public safety.

Councillor Des Guckian said the design is not appropriate, he  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.97.22

1.               Letter of acknowledgement received on 27^th June 2022 from the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois regarding Resolution passed by Leitrim County Council in regard to directional signs for churches.

Councillor Des Guckian said Fearglass Church could not take this on, and he proposed that directional signs be put in place for Fearglass Church by the District Engineer without the need for a Section 254 licence.

2.               Letter from Irish Water dated 1^st July 2022 regarding Resolution passed by Leitrim County Council in regard to the installation of WWTP at Kilclare.

Cllr. Des Guckian said it seems clear that Leitrim County Council has a decision to make in regard to the provision of such a scheme and he asked if funding will be available.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said the queries raised at the July plenary meeting concerning unsewered towns and villages has been forwarded to Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance, Water, Environment, Climate Action & Emergency Services, and Francis Gaffney, Senior Engineer and a reply will issue to the Councillor in due course.

I am requesting Leitrim County Council to submit a design/plan to the Department of Transport for the improvement of road safety at the junction on Regional Road 201 in the townland of Killdoo, Mohill. This junction is particularly dangerous for traffic travelling from Mohill who wish to exit the R202 and continue to Drumdoo and Eslin.

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

"I am requesting Leitrim County Council to submit a design/plan to the Department of Transport for the improvement of road safety at the junction on Regional Road 201 in the townland of Killdoo, Mohill. This junction is particularly dangerous for traffic travelling from Mohill who wish to exit the R202 and continue to Drumdoo and Eslin."

Report by Roads - General

"We will apply for a low cost safety for narrowing down the existing junction which may slow traffic exiting the R201 towards Eslin. There are currently a number of signs along this section of road to advise motorists of children at play. The success of the application to the department will depend on the number of reported incidences at this location."

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said he was glad to see that a grant is being sought for this junction. Councillor Mulligan said all members are receiving an increasing number of representations about this junction. He said this is a precarious situation for people coming up and down this road and he hoped that minor improvements will be carried out and that a defined turning lane will be an absolute minimum requirement for safety. Councillor Mulligan said it has been suggested that a roundabout be put in place at this location.

Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion and noted how this area has been built up and how scenic a part of Leitrim it is. Councillor Stenson said a turning lane should be put in place and he acknowledged that space is confined at this location.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said a low-cost safety grant will be sought for this location which will slow the traffic at the junction. A roundabout will not be put in place. A specific improvement grant would have to be sought for a right turning lane as this cannot be done under a standard grant. Mr O’Boyle noted that there are no recorded traffic incidents at this location.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said there are near miss incidents at this location daily which could be serious.

That in light of the success of Páirceanna an Bhaile Social Housing Scheme, in Carrick, Leitrim Co Council now extends new Social Housing Schemes to all of our towns and villages, such as Dromod, Drumsna, Mohill, Rooskey, Jamestown and Leitrim Village. The Council might also apply for help to NAMA and other providers, as houses for all is becoming a major need.

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

"That in light of the success of Páirceanna an Bhaile Social Housing Scheme, in Carrick, Leitrim Co Council now extends new Social Housing Schemes to all of our towns and villages, such as Dromod, Drumsna, Mohill, Rooskey, Jamestown and Leitrim Village. The Council might also apply for help to NAMA and other providers, as houses for all is becoming a major need."

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

"Leitrim County Council is committed to meeting its delivery targets set by the DHLGH under Housing for All and this includes 139 Build Units throughout Co. Leitrim from 2022-2026. The Housing Delivery Action Plan recently prepared by the Housing section and noted by the elected members at Municipal District Meetings in December 2021 included for the delivery of new social housing units in Dromod and Drumsna villages. Leitrim County Council regularly seeks expressions of interest from the owners of residentially zoned land in areas where there is a Housing need, and it is hoped that additional opportunities to develop housing projects will present themselves for the areas highlighted in the future. Leitrim County Council is also working in partnership with the Approved Housing Body (AHB) sector to secure additional housing units for Co. Leitrim and this relationship has been formalised by the creation of the Housing Forum on which the AHB sector and Leitrim County Council sit. NAMA has had a very limited number of sites/schemes in Co. Leitrim and there have been no opportunities for engagement over recent years."

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion, and he sought clarification on how many social units are to be provided. Councillor Des Guckian said Leitrim must guard against the spectaculars who may buy up zoned land and sell it back to the Council at higher prices. Councillor Guckian queried who are the Approved Housing Bodies. Councillor Guckian said he had access to information on the number of houses built by NAMA and Leitrim had none and he noted this was not referred to in the reply received. Councillor Des Guckian proposed that the Council apply to NAMA and other providers for help, as houses for all is becoming a major need.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said Leitrim County Council is committed to meeting its delivery targets under “Housing for All” and this includes 139 Build Units throughout County Leitrim from 2022-2026 as part of the National Plan for housing. There are a range of Approved Housing Bodies such as RESPOND, and Cluainn Housing Association in Manorhamilton who operate and manage some housing with assistance from the Local Authority. Mr Gilhooly said there are ongoing discussions taking place with Approved Housing Bodies and he will furnish further information in this regard to Councillor Guckian.

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

"That we condemn the frequent cuts of ESB power supplies in the Drumsna / Annaduff area. These unexpected cuts are very annoying and expensive for households and businesses whose fridges / freezers etc are being outed. We need to write to the ESB demanding explanations and, also, get guarantees that these unexpected outages cease."

Councillor Des Guckian referred to the recent unexpected ESB outages that has taken place in areas recently and he said the cost of ESB is enormously high and if ESB are going to charge, they need to back this up with a good ESB service.

Councillor Paddy Farrell and Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

 On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Des Guckian

            SECONDED by Cllr. Paddy Farrell

It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council write to the ESB demanding explanations and, also, get guarantees that these unexpected outages cease.  The Members condemn the frequent cuts of ESB power supplies in the Drumsna / Annaduff area. These unexpected cuts are very annoying and expensive for households and businesses whose fridges / freezers etc are being outed.

I will seek the support of members in calling on the Local Link office in Longford to look at the possibility of providing a service from Beihy, Fearglass, Farnaught, Bornacoola, into Newtownforbes & Longford two days per week to facilitate the local community in that area who tend to do their business in Longford.

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

"I will seek the support of members in calling on the Local Link office in Longford to look at the possibility of providing a service from Beihy, Fearglass, Farnaught, Bornacoola, into Newtownforbes & Longford two days per week to facilitate the local community in that area who tend to do their business in Longford."

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan said he has received a number of queries from residents in the area regarding Local Link providing a service 2 days per week to facilitate travel into Longford to do their business. Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan commended Local Link for the fabulous service they already provide.

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

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Sean McGowan

            SECONDED by Cllr. Thomas Mulligan

 It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council call on the Local Link office in Longford to look at the possibility of providing a service from Beihy, Fearglass, Farnaught, Bornacoola, into Newtownforbes & Longford two days per week to facilitate the local community in that area who tend to do their business in Longford.

I ask the Director of Services Housing & the Housing Department when a family wishes to downsize from a 3 / 4-bedroom type house to a 2 bed LAD type dwelling, that preference be given to a family member who is on the Housing waiting list.

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

"I ask the Director of Services Housing & the Housing Department when a family wishes to downsize from a 3 / 4-bedroom type house to a 2 bed LAD type dwelling, that preference be given to a family member who is on the Housing waiting list."

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

"Currently when a family in a Local Authority Home wish to downsize they have to submit an application and secure approval for inclusion on the transfer list. Should an appropriate alternative property become available, and the family accept the offer of that property there is currently no mechanism under the existing Allocations scheme for other family members who are on the Housing List but not named on the tenancy to be given preference to the vacated property."

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan proposed that where a family wishes to downsize their home that preference be given to a family member that lives with them and is on the housing waiting list is given first preference due to the fact it was their parents house.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion but said it should only apply to family members who are already living in the property

 Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion and said interested family members should become a joint tenant.

Cllr Enda Stenson expressed reservations about allocating property in this manner.

Has the Council any proposals to improve upon traffic delays on the N4 while we await a bypass? Carrick-on-Shannon bridge, roundabouts and pedestrian crossings must have a solution worthy of a trial.

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

"Has the Council any proposals to improve upon traffic delays on the N4 while we await a bypass? Carrick-on-Shannon bridge, roundabouts and pedestrian crossings must have a solution worthy of a trial."

Report by Roads - General

"The only practical solution to the periodic delays that occur on the N4 in Carrick on Shannon is via the construction of another bridge across the Shannon, and as you are aware this forms part of the transportation solution that is proposed for the Carrick – Dromod Project. The main issue is that the bridge and adjacent roundabout do not have adequate capacity at certain peak times, and thus can be a pinch-point on the N4 route. While local traffic forms the majority of crossings, when this is mixed with through traffic at certain Peak times, the bridge and the roundabout have not the capability to deal with these flows in a timely manner. One solution to this is maybe to increase the size of the roundabout, to incorporate two lanes of traffic, but this is not possible. The only realistic solution is to provide another crossing point on the Shannon. It should also be noted that that consideration must be given to vulnerable road users, and to this end, works have been carried out in the past such as the construction of the pedestrian / cyclist footbridge, and the alterations of the controlled crossing on the N4 from a traffic light-controlled crossing to a Zebra crossing. These measures did prove to have some positive impacts. It is not an option to remove the pedestrian crossings, as vulnerable road users have to be catered for."

Councillor Finola Armstrong proposed that a sign be erected for the Riverside Amenity at the corner of Bridge Street. This sign will route pedestrian traffic away from crossing the N4 and will route them through the Quay Car Park. This will reduce crossings over the N4 , reduce traffic delays and will be safer for pedestrians.

Councillor Paddy Farrell supported the motion.

Mr Shay O’Connor said he will look at signage at this location.

Councillor Enda Stenson queried as to what is holding up the traffic at this location and proposed that an overhead footbridge bridge at this location be considered.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly advised that the roundabout at Coffey’s tends to slow down the traffic.

Mr Gilhooly said it would not be possible to accommodate an overhead footbridge at this location.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan queried if there is scope to consider a two-lane roundabout.

Mr Shay O’Connor said in order to accommodate the proposals mentioned, a few buildings would have to be knocked.

Councillor Des Guckian said traffic at this location is due to legacy issues and traffic lights should be put in place at this location.

Mr Shay O’Connor said that traffic lights would be counterproductive.

Councillor Des Guckian proposed that at the next JPC meeting that a proposal be put forward to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.104.22

The exit and entry from the N4 into the Medical Centre and Car Park is calling out for a better system. Have the Road Design team sought solutions for any traffic management ideas to be put forward for this location?

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

"The exit and entry from the N4 into the Medical Centre and Car Park is calling out for a better system. Have the Road Design team sought solutions for any traffic management ideas to be put forward for this location?"

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

"The junction onto the N4 from the new medical centre/car park is a two way junction with traffic allowed to turn left or right exiting onto the N4. We have considered restricting the exit to just left turning only. This will reduce delays at the junction. However, at the moment queues are not excessive at this junction so it is not necessary to change the junction layout. This will be kept under review."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said the exit and entry from the N4 into the Medical Centre car park is difficult and she asked if it could be considered to exit on one exit.

Mr Shay O’Connor said that it has been considered restricting the exit to just left turning only. Delays are not excessive at the moment and if they become excessive it would warrant a left turning only.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan asked that this is kept under review.

I call on Leitrim County Council to arrange in future to trim verges and junctions, a month earlier, if possible, due to the high demand and massive growth in late May and June.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to arrange in future to trim verges and junctions, a month earlier, if possible, due to the high demand and massive growth in late May and June."

Report by Roads - General

"We carry out verge trimming at Regional Road Junctions in July at a cost of €64K. Our current budget does not allow for frequent hedge cutting at these locations."

Councillor Paddy Farrell said all Elected Members are getting representations on this issue. Councillor Farrell proposed that all trimming of verges and junctions is carried out a month earlier and he referred to a fund that is available in other counties for this type of work.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said trimming at verges and junctions are only carried once a year due to budget constraints and it is carried out in July as this is in the middle of the growing season and is carried out in consideration with the Tidy Towns Committees. Trimming could be carried out in June if more funding is available as a second trimming will be required later in the summer.

Mr O’Boyle said they can try and cut in June next year, but it can only be cut once.

Councillor Enda Stenson highlighted that June is too early as most of the growth takes place in July.

I call on Senior Engineers in Leitrim County Council to make sure that when the Restoration Improvement Grants come on stream for 2023, that road L-3052-2 at Oghill cross is first on list to be restored to a safe condition.

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

"I call on Senior Engineers in Leitrim County Council to make sure that when the Restoration Improvement Grants come on stream for 2023, that road L-3052-2 at Oghill cross is first on list to be restored to a safe condition."

Report by Roads - General

"We can programme the Oghill RIG to be carried out first in the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District 2023 programme."

Councillor Farrell welcomed that the road will be restored under a Restoration Improvement Grant in 2023.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion, and he said the patching unit needs to do some work on this road in the current year.

Mr O’Boyle said he will get the patching unit out to this road.