Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

             SECONDED by Councillor Thomas Mulligan

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of 12^th September 2022.

Councillor Des Guckian queried if correspondence has been received in response to a resolution passed on 12^th September 2022 at the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District  Meeting calling on the TII to develop toilet facilities on the N4 Dromod to Rooskey bypass and on the new extension of this bypass as far as Glas na hAbhainn.

Mr Kieran Brett confirmed that no correspondence has been received to date and he will follow up on this with the TII.

Councillor Enda Stenson queried if there had been any response from Irish Water in relation to the meeting request in regard to Hartley and Fawn Group Sewerage Schemes.

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

Mr Vincent Dwyer confirmed that he will update the Fawn Residents on their Group Sewerage Scheme application. Mr Dwyer said Hartley residents have been advised of the discussions with the Department in relation to their application and of the Department’s final decision to refuse their application. The rational for the decision has been confirmed by the Minister and on foot of this, the Council have recommended to the Hartley Residents group the need to wind up their application and seek grant payment towards their costs to date.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire asked that the Local Authority continue to engage with the Department on the Hartley scheme, and she insisted that every angle should be pursued to progress this scheme.

Councillor Enda Stenson said this should be pursued in the interests of the residents and a political route must now be taken to progress the situation.

Councillor Des Guckian asked when did the Council officials meet with the Hartley Residents and he said it is a big issue that 100% compensation of costs is not available to the committee.

Mr Vincent Dwyer said the group has been told to submit costs, and once received, the Local Authority will engage with the Department on the reimbursement of costs.

1. Memo to Cathaoirleach and Members of the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District dated 27^th September 2022 in regard to the Festival & Events Grants Scheme 2022 (Phase II).

Mr Lar Power, Chief Executive outlined the total GMA for County Leitrim for 2023 is proposed at €82,000. The GMA for Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District is €31,071 and this is based on a population basis.

The basis of allocation is identified alongside each category of spend as set out in the General Municipal District Allocation for the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District report attached as Appendix 1 to the minutes of this meeting.

Councillor Des Guckian said €31,071 is far too little and he queried the source of this funding and if it can be increased. Councillor Des Guckian questioned the need for a “Love Where You Live” programme. Cllr Guckian stated that the bigger funding amounts are going towards the larger towns, and this is unfair on smaller towns and villages; all towns should be helped equally.

Mr Lar Power, Chief Executive paid tribute to the “Love Where You Live” programme and noted that neighbouring counties are considering introducing this programme. Mr Power outlined that funding comes from Local Property Tax, receipts for goods and services provided, commercial rates and specific government funded grants which amounted to a budget of €44 million in total for 2022. He advised that the Local Authority is continually seeking additional funding from the Government. Mr Power outlined that members are obliged to adopt the budget, as the Minister has the ability to disband the Local Authority if the members fail to adopt a budget.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire paid tribute to the “Love Where You Live” programme and expressed the sentiments of recent visitors from the US who complimented Carrick on Shannon as an extremely clean town.

Councillor Armstrong McGuire proposed that Residents Associations of housing estates containing Local Authority owned houses, receive a contribution from the Local Authority in respect of resident’s association fees due on these houses.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer said he will revert to Housing Section in regard to contributions to Residents Associations.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the “Love Where You Live” programme.

It was agreed that Motion No 11 in the name of Councillor Thomas Mulligan be taken at this point.

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

"I propose that that work on the cleaning of the river in Mohill be carried out immediately."

Report by Roads - General

"The drainage grant provided by Leitrim County Council is being expended on the Lough Rynn drainage system. This was advised to the elected members at the start of the year. we have no additional funds available to clean and maintain any other drainage systems."

Councillor Thomas Mulligan asked if there was any scope within the “Love Where You Live” Programme to clean the river in Mohill, as it is very unsightly. Heavy machinery is required for these works and an annual sum should be left aside for this each year. Councillor Mulligan acknowledged the Public Realm works are commencing in Mohill in January, but he insisted that this work must be addressed.  Councillor Mulligan acknowledged that  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.127.22

Mr Joseph Gilhooly gave a report on the Leitrim Festival and Event Phase II Grant scheme applications for 2022 as set out in Appendix 2 to the Minutes of the meeting.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Enda Stenson

SECONDED by Cllr Finola Armstrong McGuire

It was AGREED to approve the Leitrim Festival and Event Phase II Grant scheme applications for 2022.

Councillor Des Guckian welcomed the funding for Carrick on Shannon Chamber - Fairy Festival and Gorvagh Neighbours meeting Neighbours Festival. He noted that many didn’t receive any funding and said others have to be funded and he noted that insurance has got very expensive to run events.

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

"That, in conjunction with Council officials, we draft by-laws to prevent camper-vans taking over and cluttering up space at Dromod Harbour to the detriment of locals and other users. These by-laws should also be used to prevent visitors camping on the green spaces and creating a very annoying din by turning on noisy generators."

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

"The preparation of by-laws for any purpose is a policy item of the County which would require consideration as a Countywide matter.  Should it be agreed as necessary the matter can be referred by the Municipal District to the Corporate Policy Group."

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion and said visitors are welcome, but people don’t want to see visitors coming into an area and taking over.  Councillor Guckian said he personally has nothing against camper van tourists, and he proposed draft by-laws to prevent camper-vans taking over and cluttering up space at Dromod Harbour to the detriment of locals and other users. Councillor Guckian said signage was taken down last December in regard to camper vans and he asked for this to be reinstated. Councillor Guckian said camper vans often stay for longer than one night and sometimes durations of up to a week.

Councillor Guckian accepted the reply received and asked that this is progressed quickly and that the wishes of Municipal District meeting, to put in place the necessary by-laws to accommodate the people of Dromod, are expressed to the CPG.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire queried if there are by-laws currently in place in this regard.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly confirmed that there are currently no bye laws in place, and he said preparation of by-laws, for any purpose, is a policy item of the County which would require consideration as a Countywide matter and if this is agreed by the members, the matter can be referred to the Corporate Policy Group and then to the relevant SPC for consideration.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan acknowledged that there is a process to be followed and he reiterated that this process should not be done lightly, as the needs of camper van tourists must also be considered.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire proposed that this be dealt with on a county wide basis and in a thoughtful way.

Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion and said that it would come back to the Municipal District after the consideration by the Corporate Policy Group and Strategic Policy Group.

Councillor Des Guckian agreed that it should not be dealt with lightly and that it goes through the process quickly.

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

"That we write to Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland seeking their help and advice in solving the misuse of small harbours along the Shannon, at places like Drumsna Harbour. A fleet of 25 boats travels around in convoy and pulls into places like Drumsna. They take over every available spot and literally clog the harbour. They are self-catering and their visits at weekends, twice annually, are of little economic benefit to the host harbour/village."

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

"Leitrim County Council is very supportive of the use of the navigational waterways as a tourist asset to the County. There is a long-standing tradition of certain groups of boat users visiting the area and to the Council's understanding have been welcomed by the locals and business community during this time.  These towns and villages have benefited economically from the vast array of boat owners through their spend.   There have been no complaints to date about the lack of births as boat owners as a community are happy to double up and assist all other boat users. 

Host harbours, towns and villages are delighted to welcome rallies, private and hired boats at any time throughout the year as they recognised the economic benefit to their area.   The cruising product is huge part of the tourism offering for County Leitrim and counties on the River Shannon."

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion and proposed that Leitrim County Council write to Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, to seek their help and advice to address this issue.

Councillor Enda Stenson said the Shannon brings tourism to villages in the county from Tarmonbarry right up to Dowra.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said she was perplexed about this motion, and she has seen the benefits of tourists from boats coming into shops, restaurants etc.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly referred to the long-standing tradition of certain groups of boat users visiting the area and to the Council's understanding they have been welcomed by the locals and business community during this time.

Councillor Enda Stenson expressed his disappointment that Drumsna doesn’t want this type of tourism.

Councillor Des Guckian said Drumsna are not opposed to genuine tourism, and he said this recent fleet of boats has nothing to do with the traditional tourist visitors. 

I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning & Infrastructure for an update on our application for funding from the National Transport Authority under the heading of “Active Travel Fund” for the Shannonside villages of Rooskey, Dromod, Drumsna & Jamestown. Works to include upgrade public lighting, the provision of new footpaths, provision of tabletops to slow the traffic down & other infrastructural works to enhance the villages.

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

"I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning & Infrastructure for an update on our application for funding from the National Transport Authority under the heading of “Active Travel Fund” for the Shannonside villages of Rooskey, Dromod, Drumsna & Jamestown. Works to include upgrade public lighting, the provision of new footpaths, provision of tabletops to slow the traffic down & other infrastructural works to enhance the villages."

Report by Roads - General

"There are a number of projects in these villages being planned / undertaken under Active Travel with funding from the NTA. They include;

• In Rooskey we are progressing a footpath and cycleway project linking three housing estates to the Village. In addition, we hope to progress to the design stage for a solution to pedestrian/cycle access across the bridge.

• In Dromod a footpath has been completed linking church and community centre to village centre with funding contribution from Active Travel.We are also applying for funding for another footpath works in the village.

• In Drumsna, we are seeking approval for funding in the 2023 for footpath widening to include cycleway.

In addition to this Rooskey to Killinacker Town and Village scheme will commence later this year. The Jamestown Town and Village scheme will be completed before year end."

Councillor Paddy Farrell moved Councillor Sean McGowan’s motion at his request. The motion was seconded by Councillor Thomas Mulligan.

I ask District Engineer, Darragh O’Boyle when it is planned to carry out drainage works, provide additional street gullies in front of Cranney’s house, Dromod Beg, Dromod to prevent surface water from lodging and pooling in front of their house.

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

"I ask District Engineer, Darragh O’Boyle when it is planned to carry out drainage works, provide additional street gullies in front of Cranney’s house, Dromod Beg, Dromod to prevent surface water from lodging and pooling in front of their house."

Report by Roads - General

"There is an active travel submission for the footpaths in Dromod Village. we will carry out this work as part of this contract."

Councillor Paddy Farrell moved Councillor Sean McGowan’s motion at his request. The motion was seconded by Councillor Thomas Mulligan.

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

"I ask for an update on the proposal made in previous meetings that a pedestrian crossing be created at the junction from Park Lane to Public Car Park / Leitrim Road connection."

Report by Roads - General

"There is no proposal to place a pedestrian crossing at this location. The urban renewal works have provided a table-top junction with uncontrolled crossing to cater for pedestrian movements at this location."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire accepted the reply received in this regard.

I ask that particular attention is given to replacement of native hedging and trees at the new footpath being constructed in Jamestown. While the footpath is an advantage to greener living, the removal of hedging and trees must be temporary arrangement.

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

"I ask that particular attention is given to replacement of native hedging and trees at the new footpath being constructed in Jamestown. While the footpath is an advantage to greener living, the removal of hedging and trees must be temporary arrangement."

Report by Roads - General

"The Part VIII planning for this town and village scheme has included for replanting of native hedging to replace the hedging removed under the contract."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire asked if native trees could be replaced at the new footpath in Jamestown.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised that if the landowner/community wants to put in native trees and the landowner gives permission, the Local Authority will do that.

I ask that a manhole cover on Lower Main Street, Mohill,  between the Carolan monument and St Mary’s church,  be stabilised as it is causing a noise nuisance,  particularly at night.

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

"I ask that a manhole cover on Lower Main Street, Mohill, between the Carolan monument and St Mary’s church, be stabilised as it is causing a noise nuisance,  particularly at night."

Report by Roads - General

"These issues will be addressed under the urban renewal contract."

Councillor Mulligan said a bit of tarmac is needed at this location.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said this will be investigated.

I call on Leitrim County Council to submit a proposal to Transport Infrastructure Ireland to install a cycleway from Leitrim Village to Carrick on Shannon along the R280. The cycleway should be wide enough to accommodate two bicycles,it would be a great boost to environment tourists students and locals.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to submit a proposal to Transport Infrastructure Ireland to install a cycleway from Leitrim Village to Carrick on Shannon along the R280. The cycleway should be wide enough to accommodate two bicycles, it would be a great boost to environment tourists students and locals."

Report by Roads - General

"The Carrick on Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway project will provide a cycleway from Carrick on Shannon to Leitrim Village. We have recently published the preferred route for this Blueway and are currently working on the planning documents for this project. We expect to go for planning approval in 2023. There is no need therefore for the cycleway suggested along the R280."

Councillor Paddy Farrell welcomed the reply received in this regard.

I call on District Engineer, Darragh O’Boyle, to explain who is responsible for the trimming and removal of vegetation along the new Sheemore Trail, as there is alot of new growth on it.

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

"I call on District Engineer, Darragh O’Boyle, to explain who is responsible for the trimming and removal of vegetation along the new Sheemore Trail, as there is alot of new growth on it."

Report by Roads - General

"The local authority own the walkway and are responsible for the maintenance of all public realm areas. Unfortunately, resources do not allow us to carry out maintenance on all the local authority assets. I will investigate whether the RSS scheme may be able to assist us on this matter."

Councillor Paddy Farrell said a lot of complaints have been received in the last month from people who have been out walking and cycling on this trail.

Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said the Local Authority has to maintain all public realm areas.  From a resource perspective, it is difficult to carry out the necessary maintenance on all local authority areas.  Mr O’Boyle said he will liaise with the Rural Social Scheme in Leitrim Village to see if they will be able to assist in this regard.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan paid tribute to farmers who have cut their hedges as it enables people to enjoy the scenery.  Councillor Enda Stenson also paid tribute to the great job done in rural areas.

Councillor Finola Armstrong asked if the “Adopt A Road” could apply to rural areas.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said this could be considered once the “Adopt A Road” scheme is reviewed.

The Members congratulations St Mary’s GAA Club on winning the Connacht Gold Senior Leitrim Football Championship and the Newtowngore Engineering Minor Leitrim Football Championship titles.

Councillor Paddy Farrell extended a vote of sympathy to Susan Barry on the death of her mother Hannah McAteer, RIP.

Mr Kieran Brett advised the members that the next meeting of the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District meeting will be held on Monday, 21^st November in the Council Chamber.

The members agreed to this.