Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Thomas Mulligan

             SECONDED by Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

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

Councillor Des Guckian asked if the open drain has been completed and what has been the outcome on Bohey Lane as referred to in Motion No CMD 25.23a.  Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised that there has been no change to this so far.  Councillor Des Guckian asked how long does a review take?

Councillor Des Guckian asked if the naming of the streets as referred to in Motion No CMD 36.23 is included on today’s Agenda.

Councillor Sean McGowan said an online meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 13^th April 2023 at 12 noon in regard to Carrick-on-Shannon Master Plan and this can be addressed at this meeting with the consultants.

1.                  Letter dated 3^rd March 2023 from the Primary Care Administration Services in regard to the Manager from the new Primary and Mental Health Care Centre,  Carrick attending the Carrick MD Meeting to update members on services available.

2.                  Email of the 20^th March 2023 from Roscommon County Council in regard to Resolution passed by Carrick on Shannon Municipal District Members in regard to the Drumsna-Jamestown Greyway.

3.                  Letter of the 16^th March 2023 from the Primary Care Administration Services in regard to the Manager from the new Primary and Mental Health Care Centre, Carrick attending the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District Meeting on the 8^th May 2023 to update Members on the services available and to give them an opportunity to tour the Primary Care Centre on the same day.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire welcomed this response received from the HSE in this regard.

Mr Bernard Greene, A/Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning, and Infrastructural Services outlined to the Members the list of Festivals and Events Tourism Grant Scheme 2023 as set out below for Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District.

Councillor Des Guckian sought clarification on what the funding for the LAPWD is for and he said he did not think it was enough.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Enda Stenson said this funding will go towards a Fun Walk/Run that the LAPWD hold in May and refreshments are served afterwards for stewards and people who participate in the walk/run.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Des Guckian

             SECONDED by Cllr. Finola Armstrong McGuire

It was AGREED to Adopt the Festivals & Events Tourism Grant Scheme 2023 for Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District.

That Council officials accede to the wishes of the local people that the road along the new footpath from Annaduff NS to Antfield be widened by two feet, on the northern side, to allow two wide vehicles to meet with safety on the hill. Also, that the new high footpath there be cut back by a few feet to allow vehicles coming off the Finnelaughta road to turn left with safety and not to have to go way out onto the above-mentioned road, the L3470-0.

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

"That Council officials accede to the wishes of the local people that the road along the new footpath from Annaduff NS to Antfield be widened by two feet, on the northern side, to allow two wide vehicles to meet with safety on the hill. Also, that the new high footpath there be cut back by a few feet to allow vehicles coming off the Finnelaughta road to turn left with safety and not to have to go way out onto the above-mentioned road, the L3470-0."

Report by Roads - General

"The new footpath was constructed as an Active travel initiative to cater for people walking to the school or church. The existing road width was not interfered with. We can apply for a specific improvement grant to widen the existing road but this is subject to land owner approval. We cannot apply our normal grant process (RIG/RMG) to road widening as it does not cover land costs. We have a number of road widening schemes ahead of this project awaiting such specific improvement grants."

Councillor Des Guckian said that he mentioned this briefly at the last Carrick Municipal District meeting where Mr O’Boyle confirmed that the road has  not been narrowed and Councillor Guckian said this is technically correct but 2 ft of grass margin has been lost. Councillor Guckian proposed that the footpath from Annaduff NS to Antfield be widened by two feet, on the northern side, to allow two wide vehicles to meet with safety on the hill and  that the new high footpath there be cut back by a few feet to allow vehicles coming off the Finnelaughta road to turn left with safety. Councillor Des Guckian said he didn’t think the motion was unreasonable.

Cathaoirlech, Councillor Sean McGowan said this is a very busy stretch of road, the footpath is very welcome, and he said the kerb gives the impression the road is narrow. Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan said the benefit of a narrow road is that it slows down the traffic. 

Councillor Guckian expressed his concerns in regard to people coming out off the Finnelaughta road and he said if anything could be done it would be welcomed.

Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion.

Mr O’Boyle said this project was funded by Active Travel to encourage school and church goers to get out of their cars and walk and he confirmed Leitrim County Council can apply for a specific improvement grant to widen the existing road, but this is subject to land owner approval. Mr Boyle advised a Restoration Improvement Grant on the Finnelaughta road will happen this year.

Councillor Des Guckian paid tribute to the good work done on the footpath but he said it has impinged on the road. Councillor Guckian welcomed a  Specific Improvement Grant and he stressed that it is urgent and it should be got without delay and he would see no problem with landowner approval to same.  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.43.23

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

"That the new By-laws to control the parking of camper vans etc and the abuse of spaces near Dromod Harbour, be immediately published and clearly posted up for all users to see. This is to end the mayhem experienced by all good users, including locals, of this fine facility, over the past year."

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

"This matter was considered by this Municipal District at the October 2022 meeting where it was referred to the Corporate Policy Group (CPG) for further consideration. At the October CPG meeting, the introduction of byelaws in respect of parking camper vans was considered by the members. At that meeting it was agreed by the members that the introduction of byelaws in this regard would need to be considered in the context of their impact on the entire county and that their development and introduction were not warranted but will remain under review."

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion and he said this was very frustrating for locals and people who come here regularly. Councillor Guckian referred to the loud music, use of generators and he said it was ridiculous what was allowed to occur at this location.  Councillor Guckian asked if Bye Laws were going to be put in place?

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan said he visited the area over the weekend and spoke to the Chairperson of the Dromod Development Association and businesses and they said people come up and eat in the restaurants and shop in the local shops.  Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan said that the majority of campers tend to be older couples who come to the area frequently and he acknowledged some young come to the area and may play loud music.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said he recalled that this issue was raised previously, and it came before the Corporate Policy Group for consideration.  Councillor Mulligan said the feedback from the Corporate Policy Group was this was not causing obstruction or discomfort for people living there and it was felt it was not necessary to make Bye Laws for this situation and it was agreed to look at it again in the future if a problem persisted.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said she would welcome people in camper vans and she noted that there are official camper parking sites in the county and she advised campers for their safety and for toilet facilities, etc. for camper vans to use these sites. Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said it is very important that this matter is dealt with sensitivity in making rules as we, as Members, promote and welcome visitors to our county. Councillor Armstrong McGuire acknowledged that she would not want to see litter left behind and she highlighted that this needs to be kept on the Corporate Policy Group radar.

Councillor Enda Stenson said Leitrim is a tourism based county, we have to encourage people into  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.44.23

To ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly Director of Services, Economic Development Planning & Infrastructural Services, has there been any indication from the OPW that they will provide funding over the next number of years, to clean and dredge all the small rivers that Leitrim County Council have responsibility for which feed into the main rivers and lakes within the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District.

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

"To ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly Director of Services, Economic Development Planning & Infrastructural Services, has there been any indication from the OPW that they will provide funding over the next number of years, to clean and dredge all the small rivers that Leitrim County Council have responsibility for which feed into the main rivers and lakes within the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District."

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

"This council have had numerous discussions with the OPW about funding for cleaning the small rivers in the county. Their response to us on the 19th July 2021 still stands. Therefore the rivers that Leitrim Co Co have responsibility for are within the Drainage Districts and are the responsibility of Leitrim County Council and the financial allocation to same was increased in Budget 2023 within financial capacity of the organisation. They also mention that the OPW provide funding under their Minor Works Scheme to provide funding for projects that meet their cost benefit criteria."

Cathaoirelach, Councillor Sean McGowan welcomed the increased budget in 2023 for cleaning of the rivers in the county.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan welcomed the works on the river at the Library in Mohill and he asked if the short stretch downstream from the Library is on target for work to be done.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire welcomed the doubling of funds and she sought clarification on what extra work this would cover.

Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion and said there appears to be a hidden policy to hold back rivers and to allow agricultural land to be flooded and he expressed his disappointment that drainage boards were disbanded.

Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion and said a lot of money is needed and it will need to come from Central Government.

Cathaoirelach, Councillor Sean McGowan said a huge injection of money is needed and we need to continue to lobby for more money to clean and dredge all the small rivers that Leitrim County Council have responsibility for which feed into the main rivers and lakes.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said the allocation is €10,000 per Municipal as per the OPW prescribed list. Mr O’Boyle said the funding last year could do work on 10 kms per Municipal and he hoped with the 100% increase in funding this will cover 20 kms this year. 

To ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle District Engineer Carrick on Shannon to look at providing a short stretch of Footpath under Active Travel from Cuan Eislinne housing estate in Dromod to link up with the footpath serving the railway station and supermarket in Dromod. At present there is no safe way for people to walk from the village to the station & shop.

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

"To ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle District Engineer Carrick on Shannon to look at providing a short stretch of Footpath under Active Travel from Cuan Eislinne housing estate in Dromod to link up with the footpath serving the railway station and supermarket in Dromod. At present there is no safe way for people to walk from the village to the station & shop."

Report by Roads - General

"There is currently no footpath connecting the village of Dromod to the railway station or local shop. Active travel will include this scheme as a future proposed development and will submit to the department for funding."

Councillor Sean McGowan said it is difficult and extremely dangerous for older people who want to walk to the train or the shop from Cuan Eislinne Housing estate in Dromod as there is no safe way for people at present.  Councillor Sean McGowan welcomed the reply received in this regard.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan and Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

Councillor Des Guckian asked if a pedestrian bridge would be put over the river, similar as in Leitrim Village?

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said the village is not connected by footpaths to the village or train station.  Mr O’Boyle said Active Travel will include this scheme for a future proposed development and will submit to the department for funding and a Needs Study will be carried out and that the possibility of a pedestrian bridge will be considered.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan welcomed this and hoped it will come to fruition in the near future.

I call on Leitrim County Council to repair the large crater on the left hand side of the road as you travel in direction of Annaghearly crossroads at Kilclarebeg on the L-3403-0 L-3437-1 and also to give road siding some maintenance.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to repair the large crater on the left hand side of the road as you travel in direction of Annaghearly crossroads at Kilclarebeg on the L-3403-0 L-3437-1 and also to give road siding some maintenance."

Report by Roads - General

"We will dispatch out maintenance crew to this location."

Councillor Paddy Farrell welcomed the reply received in this regard and he said he was aware of an incident that occurred at this location and the sooner that it was done the better.

Councillor Enda Stenson and Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion.

As we approach another busy tourist season, I call on the Director of Services Joseph Gilhooly to outline what is the situation with funding for the development at Sheemore in relation to the provision of car parking and drainage.

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

"As we approach another busy tourist season, I call on the Director of Services Joseph Gilhooly to outline what is the situation with funding for the development at Sheemore in relation to the provision of car parking and drainage."

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

"The original funding for this project was used on the development of the walking route from Leitrim Village to Sheemore. We will need to submit a new application for funding for the completion of the car park. This can be arranged once all landowner issues have been resolved with regard to the location of the new car park."

Councillor Paddy Farrell expressed his disappointment that another summer season is about to commence and there is no car park in place.

Councillor Farrell hoped funded will be sourced soon and that drainage will be carried out.

Councillor Farrell said this is a narrow road and there is larger farm machinery on this road.

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

Mr Bernard Greene, A/Director of Services,Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructural Services advised that the Part 8 has been approved and that outdoor recreational funding will be applied for this year to complete the car park element of the overall project.

This issue has been raised in this chamber before, but a group has pleaded with me to again raise the issue of the junctions off the N4, that lead to both Jamestown, and Drumsna. In particular, the exit lane to Jamestown coming from Carrick is on a bend and is not lit and I believe this junction to be dangerous. We must insist on this junction being brought up to proper safety standards.

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

"This issue has been raised in this chamber before, but a group has pleaded with me to again raise the issue of the junctions off the N4, that lead to both Jamestown, and Drumsna. In particular, the exit lane to Jamestown coming from Carrick is on a bend and is not lit and I believe this junction to be dangerous. We must insist on this junction being brought up to proper safety standards."

Report by Roads - General

"As stated previously, current road standards do not permit lighting at these junctions. The provision of public lighting at these locations would only be considered if there is a history of traffic accidents at night at these junctions. Neither of these junctions have been identified as a high collision location."

Councillor Enda Stenson said the exit lane to Jamestown coming from Carrick is on a bend and it is not lit, there are no proper markings and he said this junction is dangerous. Councillor Stenson said he has seen an accident at this location which was not a life and death situation, and it was not reported.  Councillor Stenson highlighted that there is a bring bank centre at this location and it is dangerous for people getting in and out at this junction.

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

Councillor Enda Stenson expressed his disappointment with the reply received in this regard and said it is not good enough for this junction.

Mr O’Boyle said this is an asset of the TII and he will ask the Road Design Office to discuss this junction with the TII.

Is it the residents or the Local Authority that has to re-submit the area from Glas Na hAbhain to Attyrory for an Active Travel Grant, to link this housing development with the rest of Attyrory?

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

"Is it the residents or the Local Authority that has to re-submit the area from Glas Na hAbhain to Attyrory for an Active Travel Grant, to link this housing development with the rest of Attyrory?"

Report by Roads - General

"Glas na hAbhainn Active Travel (footpath with public lighting) did not receive funding from National Transport Authority in 2023. However, it remains on the list for potential future schemes. Leitrim County Council will resubmit the scheme for funding in 2024 but ultimately it is the NTA decision what schemes are funded & there is no guarantee of funding.

Please also note there is land take agreement required for this scheme to be constructed."

Councillor Enda Stenson expressed his disappointment that Glas na hAbhainn did not receive funding from the NTA and he asked that this be resubmitted for funding.  Councillor Stenson said this is an issue that needs to be addressed.  Planning permission was given for the development and a proper entrance must be put in place for people to get in and out and to link this housing development with the rest of Attyrory.

Councillor Paddy Farrell supported the motion.

Councillor Des Guckian said to keep in mind the Dromod Rooskey By Pass and that it should be accommodated for at that stage.

Councillor Enda Stenson said it needs to be done as soon as possible, sometime sooner rather than later.

Mr Bernard Greene, A/Director of Services,Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructural Services advised an application was submitted last year to the National Transport Authority, but it was unsuccessful.  It remains on the list for potential future schemes and the scheme will be resubmitted again for funding in 2024. A number of Recorded National Monuments have been identified along this section and a land take agreement is required for this scheme to be constructed. He also noted that planning permission had been granted for the construction of 3 no. dwellings to the north which was required to deliver this element of this footpath as part of the approved development.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan referred to a motion he submitted last month to the Meetings Administrator and he understood it would have been included on this Agenda.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said the Old Bank Building in Mohill has been empty for years, the building was built in 1901.  Councillor Mulligan asked the Local Authority to make contact with the owner of the property to discuss refurbishment grants that are available for such buildings in towns and villages with a view to getting it refurbished and ready for occupancy.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion and said it was imperative that works be carried out on this building as the Public Realms works are about to start in Mohill.

Councillor Des Guckian queried as to who the current owner is and that the owner of the property is approached on this matter?

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire referred to the Building Acquisition Measure.  The closing date for this is the 14^th April 2023, which she said is a very short window and she queried if this building would come into this category and what type of buildings do come under this measure.

Mr Bernard Greene, advised everyone has the duty of care to not let their buildings become dilapidated on main streetscapes. A review is currently being carried out by the Planning Authority on existing structures contained in the Derelict Sites Register.  Consideration to include the subject property on the Register would be given. Mr Greene said the Heritage Officer will make contact with the property owner in question and make them aware of funding under the Historic Structures Fund and Built Heritage Investment Scheme.  Mr Greene said the conversion of banks buildings are problematic.  Mr Greene said he will revert back to Cllr Armstrong McGuire in regard to what qualifies under the Building Acquisition Measure Scheme.

Councillor Enda Stenson paid tribute to the MS Teams facility whereby members can join meetings remotely and he appealed to all Members to speak down into their mic when speaking in the Council Chamber, to allow Members to hear what each member is saying when they are  joining remotely.