Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

             SECONDED by Councillor Thomas Mulligan

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of 8^th May 2023

Mr Kieran Brett advised that arising from a discussion on a motion submitted by Councillor Des Guckian at the 8^th May 2023 Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District meeting,  a number of items of correspondence had been received from interested parties in Mohill in relation to the renaming of Station Rd., Mohill in honour of Dr Muldoon, who was murdered on the street 100 years ago. 

In total 29 submissions have been received.

A total of 10 submissions were received in support of renaming of Station Rd to Dr. Muldoon Street.

Comments in favour were as follows:-

• There may be an important tourist boost to South Leitrim from the Muldoon story, and an appropriate street name might do no harm.
• The worthy Dr. Muldoon needs to be remembered.

Of the submission received in favour, 1 has identified as coming from a business on Station Road.

A total of 19 submissions were received opposed to renaming of Station Road to Dr. Muldoon Street.

A summary of comments in opposition were as follows:

• Station Rd has historical roots that will become even more evident as the original station is developed, a work that is currently in progress.
• Renaming may lead to confusion with the GeoDirectory Database and subsequently the Eircode Database.
• A statute or garden of remembrance would be a more appropriate means to remember Dr. Muldoon and his family.
• The proposal seeks to rename the section of road at the locus of Dr. Muldoon’s murder. This locus is not part of Station Road but is known as Bridge Street. The Motion therefore seeks to impinge on the current nomenclature of not one but two existing streets.
• This road in Mohill is of immense historical importance due to the old railway and all it entails being part of it. 
• Bridge Street and Station Road are of historical and cultural interest.

·         Plans are at an advanced stage and finance secured to redevelop the old station and bring it into use again as an important hub for the local community.

·         Families over several generations have grown up on these streets and although many no longer live in Mohill they would still maintain a strong affinity with these streets and the town.

Of the submissions received that are opposed to renaming, 4 have identified as residents of Station Rd.  – one of these has come from Ms Fiona Slevin, owner of Coolabaun House In addition, a number of submissions have been received from persons identifying as members of Mohill Historical Society.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said he has not yet experienced any great appetite to the renaming of these 2 streets.  It has not been raised at any committee meetings in Mohill.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan congratulated and complimented those involved with the recent commemorative event held in Mohill to mark the 100^th Anniversary of the murder of Dr. Patrick Muldoon and he said he would like to see this event continuing into the future. The event had a very positive impact on the family of Dr, Muldoon,  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.71.23

That the dam on the Shannon, that was created under Drumsna bridge by the falling down of parts of the bridge and the accumulation of sand and grit behind, it be removed immediately to allow the Shannon to flow more quickly and to help lower the level of flooding above it. That the appropriate agencies be contacted by Council officials to carry out the removal of the dam and the rebuilding of the parapet of the bridge with suitable matching stones.

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

"That the dam on the Shannon, that was created under Drumsna bridge by the falling down of parts of the bridge and the accumulation of sand and grit behind, it be removed immediately to allow the Shannon to flow more quickly and to help lower the level of flooding above it. That the appropriate agencies be contacted by Council officials to carry out the removal of the dam and the rebuilding of the parapet of the bridge with suitable matching stones."

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

"This bridge is under the charge of Roscommon County Council. We will advise Roscommon County Council of the situation. Please note that the following river Shannon bridges are in Leitrim County Councils charge; Battlebridge, Hartley Bridge, Carrick on Shannon Bridge and Rooskey Bridge."

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion and proposed the rebuilding of the parapet of the bridge with suitable matching stones and get rid of the raw ugly concrete and he said the removal of the big stones on the bed of the river will open it up for navigation.

Councilor Sean McGowan supported the motion and he agreed there are parts of the bridge that look ugly, and it could be restored to its original condition, and this would enhance the area.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire supported the motion.

Councillor Paddy Farrell said that there is a lot of funding available for restoring bridges and work should be carried out on this bridge.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle agreed that there is a National Framework for restoring bridges and he confirmed that this bridge is under the charge of Roscommon County Council. He will advise Roscommon County Council of this motion and in doing so will convey the views of the members.

Mr Shay O’Connor said he will discuss the navigation matter with Waterways Ireland.

Councillor Des Guckian said when a plaque was being put on the Rooskey Bridge a while ago, the community was informed that this bridge was under the charge of Roscommon County Council.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle confirmed that the recent Active Travel project on the bridge in Rooskey was carried out under the charge of Leitrim County Council, and the council now has responsibility for the bridge.

That Carrick-on-Shannon’s old Town Hall, Bridge St, be put to much better use by Leitrim County Council, for the benefit of the towns people. All available grants should be accessed to repair and refurbish this iconic building itself, and facilities be made available for meeting, for clubs and, possibly, part of it rented to organisations such as Waterways Ireland or Fáilte Ireland.

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

"That Carrick-on-Shannon’s old Town Hall, Bridge St, be put to much better use by Leitrim County Council, for the benefit of the towns people. All available grants should be accessed to repair and refurbish this iconic building itself, and facilities be made available for meeting, for clubs and, possibly, part of it rented to organisations such as Waterways Ireland or Fáilte Ireland."

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

"The Council notes the proposals for this building. However, the Council currently use this premises as part of its office accommodation for staff with no expected change in the medium term."

Councillor Des Guckian said he was pleased that the Section 83 proposal to dispose of the Town Hall at the 2^nd May 2023 Council meeting was refused by the members. Councillor Guckian said the Town Hall should be refurbished and rejuvenated for use by the people of the town.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire proposed that directions and advice must be given by Local Authority staff to community groups when it comes to filling out applications for community funding.

Councillor Des Guckian queried if Leitrim County Council can access such funding.

Mr Shay O’Connor, A/Director of Services advised that the Council currently use this premises as part of its office accommodation and there is no expected change in the medium term.  The terms and conditions of grants and funding opportunities depends on who can apply for them.

Councillor Enda Stenson acknowledged that community facilities in the town of Carrick-on-Shannon are very scarce, and noted there isn’t a suitable building in Carrick for community events.  He highlighted that Carrick-on-Shannon needs a community hub/centre but he considered the Town Hall would not be suitable for this.

I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, District Engineer, to investigate the drainage problem at the end of the Dromard Road No. L-1624-0 at the exit onto the L-1601-1 (old N4 at Rooskey). There appears to be a blockage or else the pipework has broken down.

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

"I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, District Engineer, to investigate the drainage problem at the end of the Dromard Road No. L-1624-0 at the exit onto the L-1601-1 (old N4 at Rooskey). There appears to be a blockage or else the pipework has broken down."

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

"As part of our works that are currently underway in Rooskey Village, we will construct a gully at this location and allow drainage into the existing urban drainage network."

Councillor Sean McGowan noted the reply and said this work needs to be prioritised as the road is flooded in periods of heavy rain.

Councillors Paddy Farrell, Des Guckian and Enda Stenson supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said work such as this will be carried out after the roadworks programme for 2023 has been completed.

I ask Mr. Darragh O’Boyle, District Engineer Carrick, to immediately put in place a programme of works to cut back the heavy vegetation/foliage at the junctions where local roads are exiting onto busy local & regional roads in the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District in the interest of public safety.

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

"I ask Mr. Darragh O’Boyle, District Engineer Carrick, to immediately put in place a programme of works to cut back the heavy vegetation/foliage at the junctions where local roads are exiting onto busy local & regional roads in the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District in the interest of public safety."

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

"The local authority will only carry out hedge/verge cutting at regional road junctions. We are hoping to carry out these works in July. The verge and hedges along the N4 will also be maintained during this period. Local road hedges and verges are the responsibility of the landowner and if elected members have issues at specific locations, on notification, the executive will write out and remind the landowners of their responsibilities under the Roads Act."

Councillor Paddy Farrell supported Councillor McGowan’s motion and he said he raised this issue last year and highlighted that cutting needs to be done a month earlier.

Councillor Des Guckian said it is very hard to get a view at junctions and he proposed that vegetation/foliage be cut back on each side of junctions.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised that the current budget allows cutting of roadside vegetation once a year, this is why it is left as late as possible. Mr O’Boyle said hedge/verge cutting will be carried out at regional road junctions in July. Mr. O’Boyle said If members have concerns about junctions on local roads to refer them to the District Engineer. Mr O’Boyle reminded members that hedges along all roads are the responsibility of landowners.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Enda Stenson noted that some farmers cut their hedges and carry out verge cutting along local roads.

I ask that we in Carrick Municipal District write to Inspector Carla Curley of Leitrim area gardaí, requesting that policing is directed towards the dangerous activities of ‘boy racers’ in the Carrick on Shannon area on weekend nights. Should the numbers of garda personnel available be deemed too few, we ask that specific garda resources for this purpose are allocated.

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

"I ask that we in Carrick Municipal District write to Inspector Carla Curley of Leitrim area gardaí, requesting that policing is directed towards the dangerous activities of ‘boy racers’ in the Carrick on Shannon area on weekend nights. Should the numbers of garda personnel available be deemed too few, we ask that specific garda resources for this purpose are allocated."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said extra Garda resources are needed at the weekends to police dangerous activities by ‘boy racers’ on weekend nights in Carrick.

Cathaoirelach, Councillor Enda Stenson and Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion and said this will to be brought to the next JPC meeting.

Councillor Des Guckian said the Garda Road Units are almost halved and he proposed that the members contact their respective party Ministers and ask the Minister for more Garda resources.

 On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

             SECONDED by Councillor Enda Stenson

It was AGREED that Members of Carrick Municipal District Municipal write to Inspector Carla Curley of Leitrim area gardaí, requesting that policing is directed towards the dangerous activities of ‘boy racers’ in the Carrick on Shannon area on weekend nights. Should the numbers of garda personnel available be deemed too few, we ask that specific garda resources for this purpose are allocated.

The bridge in Roosky village is in need of maintenance particularly the iron railings and general appearance. I ask that this Council addresses the unkept and unpainted appearance by allocating a maintenance crew to carry out the necessary works. It is an iconic piece and appears in our advertisements for the entire Upper Shannon / Hidden Heartlands region.

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

"The bridge in Roosky village is in need of maintenance particularly the iron railings and general appearance. I ask that this Council addresses the unkept and unpainted appearance by allocating a maintenance crew to carry out the necessary works. It is an iconic piece and appears in our advertisements for the entire Upper Shannon / Hidden Heartlands region."

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

"Leitrim County Council will inspect the bridge and depending on the condition of the bridge, will seek the relevant funding."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said the bridge in Rooskey needs maintenance and she confirmed she is satisfied with the reply received. Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said it is imperative that this bridge is in good appearance as it is an iconic piece and appears on National TV and in advertisements for the entire Upper Shannon / Hidden Heartlands region.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle confirmed the white railings on the bridge have been painted last week.

We have had an unacceptable level of anti social behaviour of late in Mohill. This is very unfair to 99% of residents. What can we the local authority, along with the local Gardaí, do to stamp out this behaviour?

It was agreed that Motion No 9 in the name of Councillor Enda Stenson and Motion No 12 in the name of Councillor Thomas Mulligan be taken concurrently as they relate to the same issue.           

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

"We have had an unacceptable level of anti-social behaviour of late in Mohill. This is very unfair to 99% of residents. What can we the local authority, along with the local Gardaí, do to stamp out this behaviour?"

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

"Leitrim County Council is fully aware of the recent rise in anti-social behaviour within some local authority estates in Mohill and the adverse effect on the quality of life of both the victims in question and the other residents of the area. It is the policy of Leitrim County Council that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and LCC is using its powers under the Housing Acts to have meetings with tenants and to issue tenancy notices and warnings as appropriate to bring about the required behavioural change. The Council is also adopting   a multi-agency approach where merited to deal with specific anti-social behaviour issues. In this regard the Council is working closely with An Garda Síochána and other relevant state agencies in seeking to prevent further incidents or an escalation of the current anti-social behaviour from occurring."

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

"As a direct result of many incidents of antisocial behaviour in Mohill, I am calling for a meeting of all interested parties to discuss and deal effectively with this situation."

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

"Leitrim County Council is fully aware of the recent rise in anti-social behaviour within some local authority estates in Mohill and the adverse effect on the quality of life of both the victims in question and the other residents of the area. It is the policy of Leitrim County Council that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and LCC is using its powers under the Housing Acts to have meetings with tenants and to issue tenancy notices and warnings as appropriate to bring about the required behavioural change. The Council is also adopting   a multi-agency approach where merited to deal with specific anti-social behaviour issues. In this regard the Council is working closely with An Garda Síochána and other relevant state agencies in seeking to prevent further incidents or an escalation of the current anti-social behaviour from occurring."

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Enda Stenson invited Councillor Thomas Mulligan to speak on his motion first.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said Mohill is quite a small town and anti-social behaviour has increased significantly recently. Councillor Mulligan acknowledged that significant efforts have been made by An Garda Siochana but they are not being completely successful. A small number of youngsters and adults are involved in, and the cause of this anti-social behaviour. Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.78.23

I call on Leitrim County Council to tidy up the green area where the sewerage tank is at Caldragh Crescent, Attirory, Carrick-on-Shannon. This area is very dangerous for small children. Residents suggest that scrub be cleared away and that a fence or cage be erected around sewerage tank.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to tidy up the green area where the sewerage tank is at Caldragh Crescent, Attirory, Carrick-on-Shannon. This area is very dangerous for small children. Residents suggest that scrub be cleared away and that a fence or cage be erected around sewerage tank."

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

"Caldragh Cresent has been taken charge by the local authority. Once the estate is taken in charge, the local authority take charge of the following assets; footpaths, public lighting, storm water drainage. Maintenance of the grassed areas, trees, and any other structure are not the responsibility of the local authority. Úisce Éireann (Irish Water) are responsible for water and sewerage infrastructure."

Councillor Paddy Farrell gave the background to his motion and said this is a very busy estate and he asked that contact be made with Irish Water, at it is dangerous for young children.

Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion and said some residents are prepared to put up a fence with the help from the Council.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said this estate was recently taken in charge by the Local Authority. Mr O’Boyle said the Public Partnership Network gives advice to registered community groups in relation to grants for maintenance of the grassed areas, trees, or any other such areas that are not the responsibility of the Local Authority.  Mr O’Boyle said if the pumping station is dangerous then Úisce Éireann should be contacted in this regard.

Mr O’Boyle agreed to visit the site and ascertain if it is dangerous, and he will contact Úisce Éireann to fence it off if so.

I call on the Council to contact the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, to provide a community psychology unit for adults and children, separate to the acute or community mental health team in our brilliant new Primary Centre in Carrick-on-Shannon.

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

"I call on the Council to contact the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, to provide a community psychology unit for adults and children, separate to the acute or community mental health team in our brilliant new Primary Centre in Carrick-on-Shannon."

Councillor Paddy Farrell said he brought this issue to the HSE Health Forum recently and was advised by the HSE that they cannot recruit these staff. He proposed that this issue should now be brought to the Minister for Health to provide a community psychology unit for adults and children, separate to the acute or community mental health team in the Primary Centre in Carrick-on-Shannon.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire, Councillor Enda Stenson, Councillor Des Guckian, and Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Paddy Farrell

             SECONDED by Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

It was AGREED that Members of Carrick Municipal District Municipal contact the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, to provide a community psychology unit for adults and children, separate to the acute or community mental health team in our brilliant new Primary Centre in Carrick-on-Shannon.

Due to a number of representations regarding very poor visibility at Moffitt's cross in Gortlettragh, particularly when approaching from Cornageeha, I ask the Area Engineer to do a report on this junction for the next meeting.

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

"Due to a number of representations regarding very poor visibility at Moffitt's cross in Gortlettragh, particularly when approaching from Cornageeha, I ask the Area Engineer to do a report on this junction for the next meeting."

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

"The junction on the local road L-1572 and the L-1571 has difficult sight lines due to adjoining property fence lines. We will erect "Concealed Junction Ahead" signage on the L-1571 to advise oncoming traffic of the hidden public road junction. If, and when, there are recorded incidents at this junction, we can apply for a low-cost safety grant and, with the landowners permission, widen the existing junction and increase the sight lines."

Councillor Thomas Mulligan stated that the reply received will not achieve the result needed at this location.

Councillor Mulligan said the view is blocked by 2 piers and hedge growth and he proposed that something needs to be done to address this. Councillor Mulligan said he didn’t think incidents should have to happen before anything is done to address the issue. Councillor Mulligan said motorists proceed with a lot of caution on this stretch of road to avoid incidents and, to date, that is why incidents have not occurred.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion and said an EIR pole is also impacting on the view which is an extremely busy road. Councillor Des Guckian also supported the motion.

AOB

Mr Shay O’Connor advised that a Public Consultation meeting, outlining the options available on the Carrick-on-Shannon Flood Relief Scheme will take place on 20^th July 2023. Prior to the public consultation meeting, a meeting will be held at 11 am with members, consultants and Boyle Municipal District members. Further notice of this meeting will issue to members in due course.