Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of 13^th February 2023

Councillor Des Guckian asked if the open drain has been reviewed on Bohey Lane as referred to in Motion No CMD 17.23.  Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised that this is still under review.  Councillor Des Guckian said he hoped this work will be done to the satisfaction to those who live on the lane and use it.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of Special Meeting of the 27^th February 2023.

Councillor Des Guckian referred to the works at the Masonite Junction and sought clarity on this and he said he was not contesting that the funding may be transferred to deal with an issue at Liscarra Estate.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said any issues that arise at the Masonite Junction will be addressed.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire welcomed the funding for Liscarra as these flood related works need to be carried out.

Councillor Paddy Farrell and Councillor Sean McGowan welcomed this.

1. Email from the TII of the 13^th February 2023 in regard to the Resolution passed by the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District in regard to toilets being provided at each of the lay-bys on the present Dromod Rooseky By pass.

Councillor Des Guckian expressed his disappointment with the reply received and he said the reply was very vague.  Councillor Guckian acknowledged that the TII are updating their motorway service and rest area policy, and he said it is hard to see where dedicated service areas can be put on the Dromod Rooskey by pass.

2. Email from the Office of Minister Hackett acknowledging receipt of Resolution passed by Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District regarding Gresham House Forestry Investment.

Other issues raised under Meeting Correspondence

Signage/Bicycles in Carrick

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said the removal of the 3 bicycles with flower arrangements at the Riverside Park was unnecessary.  Councillor Armstrong McGuire understood that the Councill asked the Tidy Towns Committee to remove signage.

Councillor Enda Stenson referred to  derogatory remarks made against the Council on social media over the weekend on this matter.  Councillor Stenson said he thought the bicycles were nice and he acknowledged that the signage policy is accepted by all.

Councillors Sean McGowan and Paddy Farrell concurred with the previous remarks.

Councillor Des Guckian said it should be left up to the Tidy Towns Committee as to what they think appropriate.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said a meeting took place last Thursday, with the Tidy Towns Committee and they were asked to remove signage but were not asked to remove the bicycles.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said continuous collaboration takes place with the Tidy Towns Committee and the policy on signage must be applied fairly to avoid a proliferation of ad-hoc signage and to treat all groups and businesses fairly.  Mr Gilhooly said he spoke to the Chairperson of the Tidy Towns Committee on this matter earlier this morning. He confirmed that Leitrim County Council is very supportive of all initiatives around the town, but that Leitrim County Council had not sought the removal of the bicycles with the flower arrangements.

Councillor Stenson paid tribute to the support the Local Authority gives to Carrick Tidy Towns.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire thanked the Executive for the clarity on this matter.

Town Hall

Mr Joseph Gilhooly informed members that an advertisement has been placed in local   newspapers this week to test the market for expressions of interest from interested parties in acquiring the Town Hall building.  He advised that the building requires access and energy upgrade works to allow its continued used as office accommodation. Mr Gilhooly advised if this building is considered for sale it will come before the members for approval under a Section 183 Notice. 

Councillor Enda Stenson said this is an iconic listed building, it has great potential and he said it would be ideal as museum or other such tourist attraction.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said she would like to see the building put to the best possible use once  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.26.23

Some students at Carrick-on-Shannon Community School have reported that when they are going to and coming back from TESCO, a number of students have tripped on the uneven footpath near the roundabout. They request that this be fixed quite soon.

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

"Some students at Carrick-on-Shannon Community School have reported that when they are going to and coming back from TESCO, a number of students have tripped on the uneven footpath near the roundabout. They request that this be fixed quite soon."

Report by Roads - General

"We note that the larger tree roots are causing issues with the footpath surface. We will repair these sections on the public section of the footpath."

Councillor Des Guckian said he was happy with the reply received. 

I ask that six extra lay-bys be created along the L3468-1 road from Faulties Bridge to the entrance to Derrycarne Forest Park, two of them to be in the woodland / boggy area. This is to cater for an ever increasing traffic flow along this stretch of road.

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

"I ask that six extra lay-bys be created along the L3468-1 road from Faulties Bridge to the entrance to Derrycarne Forest Park, two of them to be in the woodland / boggy area. This is to cater for an ever-increasing traffic flow along this stretch of road."

Report by Roads - General

"We will clean and stone the existing lay byes on this local road towards Derrycarne amenity."

Councillor Des Guckian said he travels on this route regularly and there is a lot of traffic on this road and some of it travels fast and he proposed that an extra six lay-bys be created along this route.

Councillors Sean McGowan, Enda Stenson, Thomas Mulligan and Finola Armstrong McGuire supported the motion.

I ask will Drumherney Manor development be on the list for taking in charge this year. In a reply to a motion here before COVID, I was informed it was one that was ready to be taken in charge, back then.

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

"I ask will Drumherney Manor development be on the list for taking in charge this year. In a reply to a motion here before COVID, I was informed it was one that was ready to be taken in charge, back then."

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

"While the Council is giving consideration to the taking in charge of Drumhierney Manor, it cannot give any commitment on whether it, or any other estate, will be included for taking in charge this year. The taking in charge process requires the Council to engage with and obtain the agreement of Uisce Éireann to the taking in charge of the water services prior to the formal taking in charge of any estate. The Council will not be progressing any estate to final taking in charge until such time as it has obtained the agreement of Uisce Éireann to do so."

Councillor Enda Stenson said it was his understanding that this estate was ready to be taken in charge before the Covid pandemic.  Councillor Stenson sought an update in this regard.

Councillor Paddy Farrell supported the motion and said he would like to see more progress in this regard. Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion and queried if Uisce Eireann have more of a say than Leitrim County Council in a situation like this.

I ask who is responsible, the Local Authority or Irish Water, for the damage done to a boundary wall and caused by continuous bursts of the main water line, over a long number of years, along the road between Gowel Church and Annaghearly cross.

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

"I ask who is responsible, the Local Authority or Irish Water, for the damage done to a boundary wall and caused by continuous bursts of the main water line, over a long number of years, along the road between Gowel Church and Annaghearly cross."

Report by Roads - General

"Uisce Eireann are carrying out Capital works along this road and thus are responsible for any damage caused during these works. There is a process whereby members can submit queries directly to Uisce Éireann. We understand there is a live work order received from UÉ currently in the system which was received from a landowner, and we understand the Water Operations Dept are liaising with the landowner to resolve this query."

Councillor Enda Stenson sought clarification on who is responsible for damage done to a boundary wall caused by continuous bursts of a main water line over a number of years along the road between Gowel and Annaghearly Cross. 

Councillor Paddy Farrell supported the motion, and the issue is being progressed as an insurance matter with Irish Water.

Mr O’Boyle advised that a road opening license was granted to Irish Water/Úisce Éireann for these works and any damage done to private property is a matter between the owner of the property and utility provider. Mr. O’Boyle said this is a matter for Irish Water.

The Members requested that the Local Authority correspond with Irish Water/Úisce Éireann on this matter and Mr.  Joseph Gilhooly agreed to this request.

I ask the Director of Services, Joseph Gilhooly, to contact Roscommon County Council to find out what progress they have made with regard the provision of the footpath between the villages of Drumsna & Jamestown.

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

"I ask the Director of Services, Joseph Gilhooly, to contact Roscommon County Council to find out what progress they have made with regard the provision of the footpath between the villages of Drumsna & Jamestown."

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

"Roscommon County Council have engaged consultants with a view to developing an Inter Urban Greyway Pilot connection between Drumsna and Jamestown Villages on the L1037. Funding of €25,000 was received in the 2023 allocations to progress the scheme. The project is currently at Stage I: Scheme Assessment, Concept Development, Options Selection and Preliminary Design. Roscommon County Council hope to have the Options Selection and Preliminary Design report completed by the end of March 2023 for submission to the NTA for approval."

Councillor Sean McGowan proposed that Carrick on Shannon Municipal District contact Roscommon County Council to get un update on the provision of this footpath.

Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

It was AGREED that contact be made with Roscommon County Council to find out what progress they have made with regard the provision of the footpath between the villages of Drumsna & Jamestown.

I ask District Engineer, Darragh O’Boyle, to look at the possibility of taking in charge the short section of road from Lough Rynn Avenue linking onto Local Road No. LT-10531-0 at Lisdadanan in Mohill. This section of road had to be used again when the road into Lisdadanan was flooded for a couple of weeks in early January.

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

"I ask District Engineer, Darragh O’Boyle, to look at the possibility of taking in charge the short section of road from Lough Rynn Avenue linking onto Local Road No. LT-10531-0 at Lisdadanan in Mohill. This section of road had to be used again when the road into Lisdadanan was flooded for a couple of weeks in early January."

Report by Roads - General

"When considering an application to declare a road a public road, the local authority must, among other stipulations, consider the financial implications for the authority of the proposed declaration. The council’s policy at the moment is that we are not expanding the road network, giving the resources and the demands arising from the upkeep of our existing road network."

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan proposed that the taking in charge the short section of road from Lough Rynn Avenue linking onto Local Road No LT10531-0 at Lisdadanan in Mohill be considered. Councillor Sean McGowan said the landowner who owns the short section of road carries out repairs to it at his own expense. When flooding occurs and affects the nearby public road, local homeowners use this private road. The landowner has no issue with the public using this short section of road.

Councillor Enda Stenson and Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan sought clarification on the status of this section of road.

Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion and said it is a reasonable request. He queried if anything can be done to resolve the flooding issue on the nearby public road.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle confirmed the section of road referred to is a private road. Mr. O’Boyle said the taking in charge of this road will not be considered at this time, due to the financial and maintenance implications.  The public road at this location has had some works carried out last year under OPW funded schemes.

Councillor Mulligan said the taking in charge of this private road should be considered on humanitarian grounds, as it is widely used by 2 families to access their property when flooding occurs on the public road. There is a need for the Local Authority to take some action on the matter.

Councillor Des Guckian proposed that the existing public road is raised to overcome the flooding issue.

I was contacted by a group of driving testers to ask Leitrim County Council to contact the TII to reline the roads at several locations in Carrick. It would be helpful if Leitrim County Council engineers made contact with testers to make sure correct lines and arrows are made as poor markings has resulted in some drivers failing their driving test.

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

"I was contacted by a group of driving testers to ask Leitrim County Council to contact the TII to reline the roads at several locations in Carrick. It would be helpful if Leitrim County Council engineers made contact with testers to make sure correct lines and arrows are made as poor markings has resulted in some drivers failing their driving test."

Report by Roads - General

"This issue has now been resolved."

Councillor Paddy Farrell said he is not sure if all the issues raised have been resolved.

Mr O’Boyle said if any member of the public has an issue with any road markings, they should contact his office.

I call on senior engineers in Leitrim County Council to look at all avenues of funding for old footpaths. There seems to be no end to funding for new footpaths and walkways which are very welcome, but surely work done over fifty years ago, such as St. Mary’s Close, needs to be redone. I understand money has been paid to ESB to move overhead wires which cannot happen because no funding has come for ground works.

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

"I call on senior engineers in Leitrim County Council to look at all avenues of funding for old footpaths. There seems to be no end to funding for new footpaths and walkways which are very welcome, but surely work done over fifty years ago, such as St. Mary’s Close, needs to be redone. I understand money has been paid to ESB to move overhead wires which cannot happen because no funding has come for ground works."

Report by Roads - General

"Once resources are available to the Roads Division regarding footpaths a programme of works can be established to priorise works required across the County in line with available resources. Efforts are ongoing to identify funding for such a programme."

Councillor Paddy Farrell said residents of St Mary’s Close were disappointed the footpaths at St Mary’s Close were not considered in the public realm works.

Councillor Enda Stenson and Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire supported the motion.

Mr O’Boyle said he has met with the residents of St. Mary’s Close on this matter. The Council have applied for an Active Travel funded scheme in this area, but on inspection, the  NTA have deemed it not suitable for funding under the Active Travel Scheme.

Mr O’Boyle said if and when funding is received for footpaths a small amount of footpath repair will be carried out this year.  The roadway in St. Mary’s Close will be included on the next 3-year Restoration Improvement Grant Scheme with works being carried out in 2025.

I ask for an audit/ examination of the safety of crossing from Main Street, Presentation House side to Kelly’s foodstore and Summerhill. A crossing was painted on the road with some bollards, yet there is no safety signs for pedestrians or motorists. Difficulties have been experienced there with sightlines. The matter needs to be addressed and I wish to have a written report for constituents regarding same.

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

"I ask for an audit/ examination of the safety of crossing from Main Street, Presentation House side to Kelly’s foodstore and Summerhill. A crossing was painted on the road with some bollards, yet there is no safety signs for pedestrians or motorists. Difficulties have been experienced there with sightlines. The matter needs to be addressed and I wish to have a written report for constituents regarding same."

Report by Roads - General

"During the design of the Public Realm Project the provision of a controlled pedestrian crossing at this location was considered. However, to do so, parking would have to be removed on either side of the crossing, and this could have had a detrimental effect on the local businesses. A decision was taken to install an uncontrolled crossing point as part of the scheme. A Stage 4 Road Safety Audit was undertaken on the public realm scheme following its completion. No issues were raised at this uncontrolled crossing location."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire asked if there is anything else that can be done for pedestrians at this junction.  Councillor Armstrong McGuire acknowledged that motorists are courteous and allow people to use the crossing, but something more needs to be done to improve the crossing.

Mr O’Boyle said flashing beacons can be put in place, but this will result in losing car parking spaces.

Councillor Armstrong McGuire said she is seeking improvements to the crossing without losing parking spaces and she said there has been a lot of calls from the public for change at this crossing.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said as part of the Public Realm works, a comprehensive design process was carried out, considering a myriad of issues. As part of that process, this crossing was designed in keeping with predestination prioritization in an urban context.

Mr O’Boyle said he will consider what minor non invasive works can be implemented, that are in keeping with the urban design and without the need to impact parking spaces.

Councillor Paddy Farrell and Councillor Enda Stenson supported this.

Many places in Carrick town have vague addresses. Giving directions to some offices can prove challenging. An example is The Court House, The Driving License Renewal Office, and the new Car Park. I ask again, that attention is given to smaller streets being named. A proposal was made some months ago that streets / alleys / roadways off the N4 should be named. In fact, it was suggested that a competition should be held asking for ideas in names relevant to the area. I ask that this is done immediately.

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

"Many places in Carrick town have vague addresses. Giving directions to some offices can prove challenging. An example is The Court House, The Driving License Renewal Office, and the new Car Park. I ask again, that attention is given to smaller streets being named. A proposal was made some months ago that streets / alleys / roadways off the N4 should be named. In fact, it was suggested that a competition should be held asking for ideas in names relevant to the area. I ask that this is done immediately."

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

"This would be a worthwhile project and it is suggested that it should be progressed in conjunction with the Town Team. The matter can be brought to the next meeting."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire welcomed the reply.

All Members supported the motion.

Due to the high number of vehicles travelling from Dromod towards Ballinamore which fail to stop at the junction in the centre of Mohill, I am calling for significant improvements in signage, road markings and lighting at this junction.

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

"Due to the high number of vehicles travelling from Dromod towards Ballinamore which fail to stop at the junction in the centre of Mohill, I am calling for significant improvements in signage, road markings and lighting at this junction."

Report by Roads - General

"This junction will be upgraded as part of the urban renewal works along with associated signage"

Councillor Mulligan expressed his concerns about this junction. Councillor Thomas Mulligan said if the Public Realm Works is not due to start shortly, significant improvements in signage, road markings and lighting should be carried out at this junction in the interest of safety and to prevent an accident.

Councillor Mulligan said he understood that there where changes to the Mohill Public Realm design, which may mean that proposed raised crossings may not be developed. These raised crossings would slow down the traffic in the town. 

Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion, and he acknowledged that there is not enough room for a roundabout at this location, but the issue will have to be addressed. He said he was not aware of changes to the Public Realm works.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan thanked the Local Authority for the works carried out at Glebe Street and he said similarly effective works needs to be carried out at Hyde Street.

Councillor Sean McGowan asked that when the road marking contractor is in Mohill, that the markings at the American Bar on Water Street are also updated.

Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion and proposed that a sign on the Dromod side of the junction be erected to alert traffic that there is a dangerous junction ahead.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire and Councillor Paddy Farrell supported the motion.

Mr O’Boyle said he will discuss the works with the Capital Projects Office and if the Public Realm works are not beginning shortly, he will address the problems with this junction.

Councillor Mulligan asked if a start date for the Public Realm works has been agreed upon.

Mr O’Boyle said he will contact the Capital Projects Office and revert to Councillor Mulligan.

Are there any proposals for the provision of parking in Mohill for the duration of the Public Realm Works.

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

"Are there any proposals for the provision of parking in Mohill for the duration of the Public Realm Works."

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

"The Scheme will be split into work areas where the contractor will be restricted to complete works in these areas before opening up other areas in the town. This will minimise the disruption to parking in the town as construction works progresses. As part of the works requirements the Contractor will be providing a full time Liaison Office who will communicate on a daily basis with stakeholders in the vicinity of ongoing works giving information on progress, programme, access, services etc"

Councillor Thomas Mulligan asked if there are any proposals for the provision of car parking in Mohill when the public realm works are taking place.

Councillor Sean McGowan said minimal disruption should occur and he proposed that the business people in the town be kept informed.

The members noted the reply to the motion.

Councillor Des Guckian referred to the provision of a footpath at Annaduff National School and he proposed that the road is widened on Notley’s side in order for vehicles to pass one another on the road.  Councillor Guckian said vehicles coming from Finnalaughta must turn out wide onto the road to exit their road and people are not happy with this.  Councillor Guckian asked if road widening can happen at this location.  Councillor Enda Stenson said this is a narrow road, the footpath works being undertaken is fabulous and eye catching. 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said the road has not been narrowed and he said the traffic will have to slow down.  Mr O’Boyle said the works underway are for the provision of a footpath only and not road widening.

Councillor Des Guckian said extra width is needed on this road, so as not to have long queues of traffic building up.  Councillor Guckian said it cannot be left like this and he expressed his concern as to what happens when a bus and a lorry meet at this location.