Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Councillor Thomas Mulligan

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of 17^th October 2022.

Councillor Des Guckian queried if a 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 had been received

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

Councillor Des Guckian asked for a copy of the 2^nd letter that issued to the TII, on foot of his request at the 17^th October 2022 Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District meeting. Kieran Brett agreed to this request.

Councillor Des Guckian referred to the wind-up of the Hartley Residents application for a Group Sewerage Scheme and asked that 100% compensation costs are refunded to the Committee.

Councillor Enda Stenson acknowledged that an online meeting with Irish Water is taking place on Tue 22^nd November at 11 am. All elected members of Leitrim County Council have been invited to attend and Cllr Stenson said this issue along with other issues relating to Irish Water will be discussed at this meeting.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said this issue has been discussed at length at two previous MD meetings. 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. Mr Gilhooly advised  Hartley Residents to correspond with the Local Authority regarding winding up their application.

Councillor Des Guckian sought an update on his proposal for bye laws concerning camper van parking which he proposed at the 19^th October 2022 Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District meeting.

Mr Kieran Brett, Meetings Administrator confirmed that this was discussed at the 26^th October 2022 Corporate Policy Group meeting, where it was decided not to refer the matter to the SPC. It was further agreed by the Corporate Policy Group to keep this matter under review .

Councillor Des Guckian asked that this be reviewed in early 2023.

1. Email received 4^th November 2022 from Irish Water in relation to Resolution passed by Leitrim County Council regarding Carrick-on-Shannon Sewerage Scheme.

Councillor Guckian proposed that Kilclare Group Sewerage Scheme is at the top of the list projects for the new funding scheme targeting the wastewater collection and treatment needs of villages and settlements without access to public wastewater services. Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan appealed to all Members to attend the online meeting with Irish Water on the 22^nd November 2022 as various issues in relation to Irish Water would be discussed.

Mr Kieran Brett, Meetings Administrator advised the members that the Plenary Council meeting in January is scheduled for Monday, 9^th January 2023 at 11.00 am. 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Sean McGowan

             SECONDED by Cllr. Enda Stenson

It was AGREED to hold the January monthly Meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon on Monday, 16th January 2023 at 10.00 am in the Council Chamber.

Mr Shay O’Connor gave an update on the Carrick-on-Shannon and Leitrim Village Flood Relief  Scheme as set out in Appendix 1 to the minutes of this meeting.

The members expressed their disappointment that the Flood Relief schemes were not further advanced at this stage.

The Members raised the following issues

• Who is going to make the decisions to improve the flow of the water on the Shannon and alleviate flooding
• The works considered for Jamestown to improve the river flow where the canal and weir are located were welcomed
• Is one agency responsible for the whole of the River Shannon
• A huge flood took place in Carrick-on-Shannon 13 years ago, and still no works have been done to mitigate against future floods
• The current flood on the River Shannon is rising daily.
• Flow reduction (Flood storage) this is not fair on landowners, keep the river flowing
• Is Lough Rynn part of this scheme?
• Flooding of fields and farmlands results in them being unavailable for use.
• Too many bodies managing the River Shannon, there needs to be a co-ordinated approach from Limerick all the way up the Shannon. When the forecasts predict heavy rains, flood gates should be opened down along the Shannon
• Are all Local Authorities impacted by the Shannon working together on this
• Where will Carrick sewerage go if flooding occurs and lasts for a few weeks

In reply to the above, Mr O’Connor acknowledged the disappointment of the members with the progress of the Flood Relief Schemes at Carrick-on-Shannon and Leitrim Village. CFRAMS Previous CFRAMS modelling of the flood areas on which the funding from the OPW was granted was very general in nature. In the design of the schemes, the steering group consisting of Leitrim County Council, OPW and Ryan Hanley Consulting Engineers have had to prepare much more detailed modelling and analysis, this along with the impact of COVID, has delayed the progress of the schemes.

Mr O’Connor responded to members queries as follows:

• The final designs made by the Steering Group will go before An Bord Pleanála for decision.
• He is not aware currently if one particular body will be established to look after the Shannon, it is currently manged by a number of bodies.
• Cllr Des Guckian’s comment on moving the river along is acknowledged, but in doing so, it must be determined, who else will be affected downstream.
• The OPW are involved in the process and are co-ordinating activities and proposals with all local authorities, the ESB and other stakeholders. Leitrim County Council have attended meetings and shared their findings and proposals with ESB
• The sewerage network is the responsibility of Irish Water. Any concerns regarding how sewage networks may be impacted should be addressed to Irish Water.
• Mr O’Connor confirmed Lough Rynn basin is not part of this scheme. He outlined that the aim of the flood defence scheme is to protect properties.

Councillor Des Guckian said the whole thing appears to be a model and there is no joined up thinking.  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.143.22

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

"That Council engineers and officials be asked to explain why high edges have been left, in places, along newly surfaced roads. This can be a danger to an unsuspecting driver who may put a wheel just over the edge and end up with a damaged floor in the car, or worse. This is particularly true of the L1622-0 from Clooncarren to Annaveagh Bridge (near Tooman)."

Report by Roads - General

"As part of the restoration improvement grant program, the district office construct 50mm, (2"), of new structural surface to the regional and local roads. The roads are then surface dressed. We do not fill in the verge in rural areas as the additional chippings and material from road use will allow verge to recover and regrow. In some areas where the risk to pedestrians is higher, we will provide deliniators until verge has recovered."

Councillor Des Guckian gave a background to his motion, and he said he was perplexed with the reply received. Councillor Guckian said 9 inches of a drop along the roadside is dangerous and should be addressed.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said as part of the restoration improvement grant programme, 50 mm or 2 inches of black top is put on all regional and local roads. Roads are then resurfaced and the additional chippings that do not bind with the binder will allow the verge to restore.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle agreed to visit L1622 to inspect the road referenced by Cllr Guckian.

Councillor Des Guckian acknowledged that this is not a very simple thing to solve, and he referred to Crowe Hill and other locations where high verges have been left.

That the Council engineers be asked to complete the surfacing of the L1601 from Rooskey, through Dromod, to Faulties. There are parts of this where the present road surface is badly worn and rutted and, therefore, dangerous.

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

"That the Council engineers be asked to complete the surfacing of the L1601 from Rooskey, through Dromod, to Faulties. There are parts of this where the present road surface is badly worn and rutted and, therefore, dangerous."

Report by Roads - General

"The district engineer has applied to the TII for funding under the "Former National Road Grant Scheme" for funding in 2023 to complete the upgrade of the former National roads. This includes the section of the old N4 from Dromod to Faulties Td."

Councillor Des Guckian said this work was agreed to be done a year ago and it should have been done during the summer.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle confirmed that funding was received, and 1 km of work was carried out on the old N4, and he is confident that Leitrim County Council will receive more funding, that will enable further works to be carried out on this road. Mr O’Boyle said the reason why works were not complete, was due to funding constraints.

I seek the support of members in again calling on the HSE Manager for Donegal Sligo & Leitrim to attend the December meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District to explain the rationale about the withdrawal of day care services in Mohill Community Hospital & how the NowDoc service operates in Leitrim.

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

"I seek the support of members in again calling on the HSE Manager for Donegal Sligo & Leitrim to attend the December meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District to explain the rationale about the withdrawal of day care services in Mohill Community Hospital & how the NowDoc service operates in Leitrim."

Councillor Sean McGowan gave the background to his motion, and he said he finds it very wrong of the HSE which is a state body, that they would not come to meet the Elected Members of Leitrim County Council which is another state body. Councillor McGowan said the Ballinamore Community Hospital is under severe pressure trying to provide services to people in that locality and the people in the south of the county are missing out on services.

Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion and said he has raised this issue with a Minister. Councillor Stenson said he believes both the Mohill, and Carrick HSE day care centres are closed, and he does not see any indications of them re-opening.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion, and he expressed his disappointment that representations from Elected Members are not being addressed by the HSE. Councillor Mulligan proposed that a meeting with a senior member of staff from the HSE  is sought. Cllr Mulligan paid tribute to the work that is currently underway at Arus O’Carolan in Mohill.

Councillor Paddy Farrell said this matter is listed as an item on the agenda of the Regional Health Forum meeting, which is due to take place tomorrow, 22^nd Nov 2022.

Councillor Des Guckian supported the part of the motion regarding the withdrawal of day care services, but he was not as strongly committed to part of the motion regarding the NowDoc Service. Councillor Guckian acknowledged that the service is not perfect, but he was happy with the response he recently recently from NowDoc.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan said he would like to see the restoration of the area Health Boards that were in existence before the HSE were put in place.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Sean McGowan

             SECONDED by Cllr. Enda Stenson

It was AGREED that the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District members call again on the HSE Manager for Donegal Sligo & Leitrim to attend the December meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District to explain the rationale about the withdrawal of day care services in Mohill Community Hospital & how the NowDoc service operates in Leitrim.

I seek the support of the members in calling on Bus Eireann School Transport Section and the Department of Education to look at providing a school transport service within the estates and urban areas of Carrick on Shannon that will serve Scoil Mhuire national school.

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

"I seek the support of the members in calling on Bus Éireann School Transport Section and the Department of Education to look at providing a school transport service within the estates and urban areas of Carrick on Shannon that will serve Scoil Mhuire national school."

Councillor McGowan said the provision of this service could take up to 50 cars off the road in the mornings and afternoons, particularly on the busy road at Scoil Mhuire National School.

Councillor Enda Stenson said discussions could take place with Rural Link in this matter, but he does not see if this is the right thing to do and he questioned why people must drive right up to the door of the school. Councillor Stenson said he would encourage more parents and children to walk to school which would be a healthy initiative.

Councillor Paddy Farrell and Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said the Active Travel Department are currently working with the schools to encourage children to walk and cycle to school. The Active Travel department are looking at upgrading footpaths which will provide safer routes and will facilitate walking and cycling to school. Mr O’Boyle said the footpaths are being upgraded from Liscara into Carrick-on-Shannon but this will take a period of time to complete.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Sean McGowan

             SECONDED by Cllr. Paddy Farrell

It was AGREED that the members of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District call on Bus Éireann School Transport Section and the Department of Education to look at providing a school transport service within the estates and urban areas of Carrick on Shannon that will serve Scoil Mhuire national school.

I ask the Senior Engineer, Mr Darragh O’Boyle, to please examine a stretch of public road L-7442-0 at Dereen and decide if this road is fit for all traffic. In my opinion, and in the opinion of local people, this road should be realigned as it’s no longer safe to travel on.

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

"I ask the Senior Engineer, Mr Darragh O’Boyle, to please examine a stretch of public road L-7442-0 at Dereen and decide if this road is fit for all traffic. In my opinion, and in the opinion of local people, this road should be realigned as it’s no longer safe to travel on."

Report by Roads - General

"The local road L-7442 has experienced major settlement from heavy agricultural activity. We are currently repairing the verges and embankments to allow us to temporarily repair the section of road that has settled. There are forestry plantations along this section of road but have yet to be processed. When this activity takes place, we will seek a contribution from Coillte to allow us to apply for a community involvement scheme. We will also look at alternative forestry routes that will not involve trafficking on this section of the boggy road."

Councillor Enda Stenson thanked the Area Engineer for the works carried out on this stretch of road in the past and he said it was very dangerous road due to its location through a bog. Cllr Stenson said it is the opinion of local people, this road should be realigned as it is no longer safe to travel on.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Councillor Des Guckian said he has been advised that this road is breaking up. This road must be reinforced and make it safe for all.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said the road has been damaged by heavy agricultural activity. A specific improvement grant will have to be applied for at this location and in the meantime, it will be maintained. Mr O’Boyle said weight restrictions may have to be considered on this road and this will curtail heavy agricultural activity.

I call on Leitrim County Council to provide more clear markings and signage on the R280-5 at the turn for Ballinamore, as this is a very dangerous junction.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to provide more clear markings and signage on the R280-5 at the turn for Ballinamore, as this is a very dangerous junction."

Report by Roads - General

"The district office has a restoration grant for this section of the R280 and will carry out relining road studs and surfacing in 2023 road works programme".

Councillor Paddy Farrell welcomed the reply received and he asked if signage could be cleaned at this junction.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said a Restoration Improvement Grant will be put on this section of road in 2023. Signage was cleaned on this road last year and he advised that signage on 2 or 3 regional roads are cleaned every year, which is policy of Leitrim County Council.

Councillor Des Guckian welcomed the new signage that is in place on the Mohill to Carrigallen road.

I call on district engineer Darragh O’Boyle to seek funding to carry out a full Restoration Improvement Grant scheme on the L3410 from Gowel to Kilnagross next year, when water works are complete.

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

"I call on district engineer Darragh O’Boyle to seek funding to carry out a full Restoration Improvement Grant scheme on the L3410 from Gowel to Kilnagross next year, when water works are complete."

Report by Roads - General

"Irish Water have applied for a road opening licence on this public local road. Any excavations by Irish water on the public road will have to have full carriageway restoration."

Councillor Paddy Farrell welcomed the reply received in this regard.

Councillor Des Guckian sought clarification as to who pays for the road restoration works when the water works are complete.

Mr O’Boyle advised the road opening licence is issued to Irish Water and the Local Authority will seek money from Irish Water for full restorations costs for damages caused to the road.

I ask the area engineer to meet with parents at Farnaght, Gortlettragh cross, beside the old Post Office, to hear their concerns with regard to the safety of their children while waiting to board school buses.

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

"I ask the area engineer to meet with parents at Farnaght, Gortlettragh cross, beside the old Post Office, to hear their concerns with regard to the safety of their children while waiting to board school buses."

Report by Roads - General

"The district Office can and has met concerned parents regarding school safety issues. The bus provider should also attend as it not the responsibility of the local authority to provide bus stops for school. However, we can provide advice and assistance on these issues."

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said this local road has a high volume of traffic and there is a hair pin bend at the old Farnaght Post Office. As 11 secondary students are designated to get the school bus at this location, parents ae very concerned and want to make this location a safer place for the collection of their children.

Councillor Enda Stenson and Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said he would facilitate a meeting with the parents, and he asked Councillor Thomas Mulligan to organise such a meeting and revert to him with a date and time that is amenable to all concerned. Mr O’Boyle advised Leitrim County Council do not provide Bus Service shelters.

I ask that local road number L34702 in Culmore Annaduff be considered for surface dressing / strengthening in 2023.

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

"I ask that local road number L34702 in Culmore Annaduff be considered for surface dressing / strengthening in 2023."

Report by Roads - General

"The district Office has examined this stretch of road which used by farm machinery, local traffic and pedestrians. The increasing rainfall and climate change has affected the road structure and we have applied for a Climate Action grant for restoring this road to allow continued use by pedestrians and cyclists during the winter months. It is unlikely that a full RIG will be applied to this road on a need’s basis. If the climate action grant is unsuccessful, then a CIS can be applied for by the local community who use it."

Councillor Thomas Mulligan acknowledged that this road would not qualify for a Local Improvement Scheme, and he asked that improvement works be carried out on this road in 2023.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Councillor Des Guckian expressed his disappointment that an CIS would be considered for this road, and he said he did not think this was fair putting the onus back on the local community.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said he has met the residents on this road, and he acknowledged the road floods when heavy rain falls. Mr O’Boyle said he has applied for Climate Action funding for this road and if this is not successful then a CIS is the only viable option.