Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Thomas Mulligan

             SECONDED by Councillor Sean McGowan

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of Annual Meeting of the 12^th June 2023

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

             SECONDED by Councillor Paddy Farrell

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of 12^th June 2023.

Councillor Des Guckian queried if there was any feedback received from his motion regarding Drumsna Bridge.

Mr Kieran Brett informed Councillor Des Guckian that no response has been received from Roscommon County Council.

1. Email from Mary Butler TD Minister for Health and Older People concerning community psychology unit for adults and children.
2. Letter from Inspector Curry of An Garda Síochána in relation to Anti-Social Behaviour in Mohill.

Councillor Des Guckian sought an update on the meeting with Gardaí concerning the anti-social behaviour in Mohill, what had been agreed and whether there were any minutes from the meeting.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson asked Councillor Mulligan to provide an update on what was agreed at the meeting on 28^th June that he attended with representatives from Leitrim County Council Housing Department and An Garda Síochána.

Councillor Mulligan informed the members that the Gardai gave a commitment to increase their presence in Mohill from their existing pool of Garda cars but not to place Gardai in the station in Mohill.  Councillor Mulligan also stated the presence of extra Gardai can be seen already, and it is welcomed by the local community. He said the Gardai also advised that there are a number of people listed to attend court due to anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Mulligan also requested that a greater degree of screening of applicants from outside of the county seeking social housing in Leitrim towns and villages would take place and any previous history of anti-social behaviour should be considered in the assessment process.  He also queried the presence of other persons in houses who were not legal tenants and their entitlement to do so.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson agreed Councillor Mulligan’s update and thanked the Gardai and Council staff that attended the meeting.  He also acknowledged the improvement and hoped that the commitments given by both the Gardaí and Leitrim County Council will remain in place.

Councillor Des Guckian stated that it was regrettable that there were no extra Gardaí provided in Mohill and that Garda cars driving around Mohill won’t deter people from this type of behaviour. He asked that all elected members bring the lack of Garda resources issue to the attention of the Minister and Government T.D.s. Councillor Guckian also expressed the view that the Housing Department of Leitrim County Council aren’t doing enough to address the issue.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson thanked the housing staff for all their work to date on this and other issues.

Councillors Finola Armstrong McGuire and Sean McGowan both thanked Councillor Mulligan for raising the matter and thanked the housing staff for doing their best in circumstances that are often difficult.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan appealed to parents to take more responsibility for their young children and teenagers, and to know where they are and what they are up to, as failure to do so could result in an increase in instances of anti-social behaviour.

Mr Kieran Brett informed the members that arising from the plenary Council Meeting on July 3^rd this matter has been deferred to Carrick on-Shannon Municipal District for consideration.  He informed the members that it is proposed to hold a recognition event on Tuesday 18^th July at 7pm in Áras an Chontae, Carrick on Shannon.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson said it was an incredible achievement for Carrick-on-Shannon to be selected as the Best Kept Town in Ireland, and it is right for the achievement to be recognised by Leitrim County Council.

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire also acknowledged the achievement of Carrick-on-Shannon winning Best Kept Town in the island of Ireland.  She stated people are coming to see the town as an attractive place to visit and winning this award was all down to the work of volunteers and the work of the council. Councillor Armstrong-McGuire also supported the proposal for the recognition event.

Councillors Sean McGowan, Des Guckian, Paddy Farrell and Thomas Mulligan also acknowledged that the achievement should be recognised.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson asked that Tidy Towns volunteers, The Chamber of Commerce and the Local Authority Staff working in the Carrick-on-Shannon area district be invited to the Recognition Event.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Enda Stenson welcomed Mr David McGlinchy, KPMG to the meeting via MS Teams.  Mr McGlinchy gave a presentation to the members on Leitrim’s draft Local Economic & Community Plan’s high level goals, objective and desired outcomes as set out in Appendix 1 to the minutes of the meeting.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson thanked Mr David McGlinchy for the presentation. He stated it was one of the most informative, ambitious proposals he has seen for Leitrim.  He queried the possibility of bringing the objectives to action and queried how the objectives and actions will be funded.

Mr David McGlinchy stated the Leitrim Economic & Community Plan is as a high level document and is designed to be ambitious.  He stated the objectives are very much achievable over the 6-year time frame, however where there is a delay in achieving the actions, the timelines can be revised.  Funding will be critical to make these actions a reality. He stated every effort was made to make the plan concise as the previous plan had 100 actions. This draft plan in comparison has 44 actions.

Mr David McGlinchy said the objectives need to be stated in the plan to enable access to various Government funding calls as the come online, which will in turn initiate actions.

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire thanked Mr David McGlinchy for the presentation.  She welcomed the evidence of public participation and the evidence of participation from elected members.  She was delighted to see a Leitrim College of Further Education been mentioned.  Councillor Armstrong McGuire expressed the view that strands of funding will come forward and the objectives are achievable.

Councillor Sean McGowan thanked Mr David McGlinchy for the presentation.  He welcomed the fact education was included.  He saw it as a positive step.  He welcomed the 44 objectives which can be achieved and welcomed the 2-year review of the plan.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan recognised and welcomed the thorough efforts made in the public consultation phase of devising the objectives.  He said he is confident that the Leitrim County Council executive will be able to deliver on the objectives. 

Councillor Des Guckian queried why the plan was not internally produced by Leitrim County Council staff. He questioned was this a copy and paste exercise from a national blueprint.  He said there was no reference made to the flawed County Development Plan in the document nor was there any mention of local communities such as Annaduff, Carrick-on-Shannon or Mohill.  A number of other comments were made in reference to the capacity of the Carrick on Shannon water treatment plant, the impact of Town Centre First policy which is pulling the hearts out of towns, agriculture in steep decline, vulture firms buying up land for forestry and attempts to take over places such as Lough Rynn. Cllr Guckian said he strongly opposed the proposed LECP objectives, and he had no intention of rubber stamping this document.

Councillor Paddy Farrell thanked Mr David McGlinchy for the presentation, he said it  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.85.23

That we urge the engineers and Council officials to take very seriously the excessive speeding and noise pollution and the general misery being visited on residents living along the Drumsna to Kiltoghert road, R299-2 R299-3. This is going on day and night, and it is getting worse and worse. I am asking that Council officials come up with a number of realistic solutions and immediately implement them.

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

"That we urge the engineers and Council officials to take very seriously the excessive speeding and noise pollution and the general misery being visited on residents living along the Drumsna to Kiltoghert road, R299-2 R299-3. This is going on day and night, and it is getting worse and worse. I am asking that Council officials come up with a number of realistic solutions and immediately implement them."

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

"The district office has invested heavily on the R299 from Drumsna to the Kiltoghert junction with the introduction of new signage, pavement and road studs. The issue of noise generated by the vehicles is outside the realm of the local authority and should be picked up at the NCT stage of any vehicle. The issue of speeding is a roads traffic act issue which is the charge of the Gardai. There have been recorded incidents along this public regional road due to HGVs leaving the carriageway and we have repaired and improved the verges at these locations. At the last MD meeting there was a request to remove the series of turns. it was pointed out that this would require a specific improvement grant and would ultimately increase the speeds on this section of road."

Councillor Des Guckian did not agree with the response.  He said residents can’t sleep at night and are not comfortable during the day in their homes.  He said the Council are not sensitive to what is going on.  He asked the Council to talk to residents and to monitor the flow of traffic on the road at different stages.  He said that if action is not taken or the matter not taken more seriously by the Council, he will lead a group in protest.

Councillor Paddy Farrell and Councillor Sean McGowan said lots of heavy vehicles are on the road and they understand the concerns of the residents but are unsure what can be done to reduce the impact of traffic on a regional road.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson said he has never seen an accident on the road.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised that a lot of money has been spent on the road in the last 4 years.  The Council have inserted cat eyes, resurfaced the road, undertaken work to the verges, etc.  He said the Council have no responsibility as regard speeding which is a matter for the Gardai.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle acknowledged it is a busy road, and once the Carrick by-pass is completed, the noise pollution may decrease which is a matter for the E.P.A. rather than the Council.  This issue of speeding should be raised at a Joint Policing Committee meeting.

Councillor Des Guckian said the residents are suffering daily because of this issue. He questioned what the Gardaí and EPA are going to do. He said ramps or speed traps should be considered as possible solutions. Cllr. Guckian  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.86.23

That the following be attended to along the L3470-0, from Annaduff NS to Curragha Crossroads. That the road be widened by about two feet on the side across from the new footpath below the National School. That at the end of that footpath, at Antfield, the steel bollard at the junction be placed back a few feet towards the NS, so that it is not an obstacle in the way of turning buses etc. That the stretch of that road at the Fedaro-Curragha Crossroads end be levelled up and resurfaced as it is in a very dangerous state.

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

"That the following be attended to along the L3470-0, from Annaduff NS to Curragha Crossroads. That the road be widened by about two feet on the side across from the new footpath below the National School. That at the end of that footpath, at Antfield, the steel bollard at the junction be placed back a few feet towards the NS, so that it is not an obstacle in the way of turning buses etc. That the stretch of that road at the Fedaro-CurraghaCrossroads end be levelled up and resurfaced as it is in a very dangerous state."

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

"We will seek a specific improvement grant to widen this road, however, this will depend on the landowner providing us with the adjoining land to cater for any road widening. The bollard remains in place to stop vehicles mounting the kerb and hitting pedestrians. The fact that the bollard is hit by reversing vehicles means, that a school going child was not. we have a RIG on the L-7472 at Antfield to Finnaloughta which will be carried out this summer."

Councillor Des Guckian welcomed the first part of the reply in regard to seeking a grant to widen the road.  He asked the Council to talk to the landowner and to progress this as soon as possible. He asked could the position of the steel bollard be reviewed.  This bollard is affecting vehicles coming out of the junction and has been hit by vehicles quite a bit.  He queried if orange plastic bollards could be used instead.

He said the response regarding the L7472 was not a response to his motion at all.  He said the section of the road at Fedaro-Curragha crossroads needs to be levelled up and resurfaced as it is extremely bumpy and uneven to drive over particularly with a tractor.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported call for works at Fedaro-Curragha crossroads. He acknowledged the application for a Specific Improvement Grant and said the road needs attention.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised he will seek a Specific Improvement Grant for the L-7472, however access to Specific Improvement Grant funding for road widening has not been available for some years. He outlined that a Restoration Improvement Grant would not be sufficient to do the work required.  

Referring to the L3470-0, Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised that the Council don’t commence discussions with landowners until funding for the road project is approved and received.

He said the bollards on the footpath are there to stop cars or buses and to protect children and pedestrians. Plastic bollards are unsuitable as they become trip hazards if damaged. The L-7472 is not on the current 3-year road programme. It can be considered for inclusion next year on the 3-year plan.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said he will write out to landowner requesting him to cut his hedges at this location and remind him  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.87.23

I ask Mr. Darragh O’Boyle what funding packages are available to provide a footpath & public lighting from the Village Estate in Aghamore, Annaduff as far as the top of the Hill. It is a relatively short distance from the entrance to the estate to the top of the Hill and there are a number of young children who have to walk along the very busy Gortinee road and up to the top of the Hill.

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

"I ask Mr. Darragh O’Boyle what funding packages are available to provide a footpath & public lighting from the Village Estate in Aghamore, Annaduff as far as the top of the Hill. It is a relatively short distance from the entrance to the estate to the top of the Hill and there are a number of young children who have to walk along the very busy Gortinee road and up to the top of the Hill."

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

 "The district Office will request the active travel team to look at this as a possible scheme going forward. These schemes are to encourage people to walk rather than use their car for short daily journeys."

Councillor Sean McGowan gave the background to his motion and said he hopes the Council can source an active travel grant to carry out the works as stated in the reply.

The motion was supported by all members.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised we have an Active Travel Team in place.  He advised this issue will be included on the programme of works for 2024.

Councillor Sean McGowan queried if a Part 8 Planning approval was required, could the planning process start now, so that works can commence if and when funding is approved.  

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised we would seek funding first. Mr. Bernard Greene advised that the new footpath the subject of Cllr. Guckian’s earlier motion did not require a Part 8 approval as Aghamore is not considered to be an urban area. As a result, the proposal footpath the subject of this motion would not be required. Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that Part 8 design is only considered once the funding is approved.

I ask Mr. Darragh O’Boyle, District Engineer Carrick-on-Shannon, what steps can be taken to prevent the parking of cars along the L-1600 in front of Reynolds & Faughnan’s houses on the left-hand side as you approach Dromod Railway Station from the roundabout.

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

"I ask Mr. Darragh O’Boyle, District Engineer Carrick-on-Shannon, what steps can be taken to prevent the parking of cars along the L-1600 in front of Reynolds & Faughnan’s houses on the left-hand side as you approach Dromod Railway Station from the roundabout."

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

"Currently, cars are allowed park on the side of a public road if 1. they are not obstructing the road user 2. they are not obstructing private entrances 3. there are no bye laws in place. We have asked the active travel department to seek funding to create a footpath along this stretch of local road and this is currently being looked at as part of a bigger plan to link the railway and shop to the village. Once the footpath is in place, it is illegal to park on a footpath within the public realm."

Councillor Sean McGowan gave the background to his motion. He said he the reason people park here is because they won’t pay €3.50 to park at the train station and local residents have put cones out to try and stop people parking outside their homes which is blocking their entrances and making it dangerous for them to exit from their properties.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion.

Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.  He advised Iarnród Éireann are grossly overcharging for parking.  Cllr. McGowan outlined that it is €3.50 online and €4.50 if you pay in person.

Councillors Thomas Mulligan and Finola Armstrong-McGuire also supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised that an Active Travel Scheme is being considered for this location which will involve the creation of a footpath. He advised that traffic lights may be necessary on the bridge as part of the Active Travel Scheme solution. Where there is a footpath, it is illegal to park on it.

Councillor Sean McGowan is heartened by the response and the desire to create a footpath, except for the possible introduction of traffic lights.

Councillor Des Guckian queried that if a footpath is created to Hunt’s shop whether there be an allowance for parking outside the shop.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised that the shop has car parking spaces available and if a footpath is developed then parking adjacent to the footpath will be an obstruction on the road.

Can a safety assessment be carried out on the road R280 nearby point off Road 7363. There is no barrier on left as you travel past fishing stands. Some of the area has hedging and markers but much is without any safety barrier or similar.

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

"Can a safety assessment be carried out on the road R280 nearby point off Road 7363. There is no barrier on left as you travel past fishing stands. Some of the area has hedging and markers but much is without any safety barrier or similar."

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

"This fishing area is located on the R207 at Drumgorman lough. Containment systems were looked at before at this location, however, the verge and land adjoining did not have sufficient height/mass for a safety barrier. Leitrim County Council installed a number of delineators and signage as part of a low-cost safety a number of years ago. If the landowner wishes to transfer some of the land, we can reconsider mounding the area in question. This will allow us to submit for funding under the low-cost safety schemes."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire queried if more can be done on the road R280 nearby Road 7363 without the purchase of land been involved. 

Councillor Paddy Farrell supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said safety fences and barriers have been considered at this location before, but these were not feasible.  Earth mounds in the area in question would be another possible solution but this would be depended on the landowner transferring some land to the Council. He advised safety measures have been put on the road and it has been resurfaced. He advised he has not heard of any accidents there.  He advised this road can be put on a list of roads for consideration for Low-Cost Safety funding.

Illegal Parking is an ongoing problem in Carrick town. Two areas of note are (i) the avenue at Marymount towards Leitrim Road being blocked at school drop off and pick up times. Cars are parked up on footpaths, obstructing others leaving their homes, often for 20/30 minutes and (ii) buses are not aware of the set down area at the Medical Centre or at the Bush Hotel private parking. Bus drop-offs are happening on double yellow lines which for all the right reasons are marked. Can the legitimate parking areas and provision of spaces free of charges in the town be highlighted.

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

"Illegal Parking is an ongoing problem in Carrick town. Two areas of note are (i) the avenue at Marymount towards Dublin Road being blocked at school drop off and pick up times. Cars are parked up on footpaths, obstructing others leaving their homes, often for 20/30 minutes and (ii) buses are not aware of the set down area at the Medical Centre or at the Bush Hotel private parking. Bus drop-offs are happening on double yellow lines which for all the right reasons are marked. Can the legitimate parking areas and provision of spaces free of charges in the town be highlighted."

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

"The traffic wardens will monitor this area once the school has returned. It is illegal to park on any public footpath and tickets can be issued accordingly. It is illegal for buses or any other vehicle to stop on double yellow lines. We have a number of dedicated drop off areas for buses in the new town car park and along the N4. We are continuing with free parking at the quay area in the town."

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire highlighted the issue of illegal parking. She asked could parking be monitored and the parking area for buses needs to be highlighted.

Councillor Paddy Farrell and Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion. Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson said the current location of the primary school caused much of the problem.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised children should walk or cycle to school, they should be encouraged to walk or cycle to school rather than being dropped to the gate.  He suggested putting double yellow lines on Convent Avenue down to the Dublin Road as a solution and enforcement of parking by Traffic Wardens would follow.  Traffic Warden resources are currently an issue, there should be 3 wardens carrying out parking duties but currently there is just 1 traffic warden. He advised the free parking will continue and be ongoing in the Quay’s area.

Councillor Paddy Farrell queried how many days a week is parking monitored by traffic warden.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised there is no defined day presently.

I ask why we are allowing the People’s Park to become overgrown. From the Tesco roundabout to school roundabout, the park has become totally overgrown. Are there any plans to manage this ground?

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

"I ask why we are allowing the People’s Park to become overgrown. From the Tesco roundabout to school roundabout, the park has become totally overgrown. Are there any plans to manage this ground?"

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

"The old MBNA park (yet to be renamed) is being maintained as part of the Carrick Tidy Towns grass cutting contract and has been carried out regularly."

Mr Darragh O’Boyle said the section of park in question is owned by a 3^rd party. He advised for the Council to contact them to take action to tidy the site up, it must be either interfering with a road or causing a drainage issue.  Presently, it is doing neither.

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire concurred with Councillor Enda Stenson and advised the park is not as people would keep their own lands.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised he will write to the owner on behalf of Tidy Towns and ask the owners to tidy up the park. Mr. Bernard Greene advised that consideration under the Derelict Sites Act would also be given and that the use of this land would be the subject of discussion in the forthcoming joint Local Area Plan for Carrick-on-Shannon.

I ask is the policy of putting in place a 3 year road surfacing plan a good idea going forward. I know there are roads that we have on the plan, that are in pretty good condition, and other roads that have deteriorated, cannot be surfaced for a further 3 years.

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

"I ask is the policy of putting in place a 3-year road surfacing plan a good idea going forward. I know there are roads that we have on the plan, that are in pretty good condition, and other roads that have deteriorated, cannot be surfaced for a further 3 years”.

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

"The 3-year programme is dictated by the department, and we submit these 3-year programmes once approved by the elected members. In some cases, we may get additional funding which we are obliged to incorporate the following years schedule. I.E. if we get increased RIG funding in 2023, then we must seek additional roads from the 2024 agreed programme. There are certain exemptions where a road has completely failed or a road has been closed due to hazards, then we can seek to move grants from one road to another. This would have to be approved by the funding authority and then by the elected members but is unusual."

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson queried how feasible is a 3-year plan as it is virtually impossible to predict what the roads will be like over that period of time due to the impact of weather, etc.  He queried if there is a means where roads could be included on the 3-year programme after it has been adopted.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion and asked was there any degree of discretion.

Councill Thomas Mulligan also supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised discretion was gone out of our programme in the last decade.  He advised the plan is not set in stone, however if the 3-year programme is to be amended it must be brought before the elected members for their consideration and adoption.  He advised if a road has a PSCI rating of 9-10, it can’t be put on the programme.  He advised that correspondence can be issued to the Department if roads need improving or have deteriorated.  When assessing roads for inclusion in the programme, it is done on a geographical, political and engineering basis. The road works programme is adopted by the members each year in February or March once the Department funding has been allocated.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson advised that it is up to every elected member to talk to the Roads overseer in their area and put on all roads at the beginning of the selection process on the programme.

Now that the water works are complete, I call on Leitrim County Council to seek funding to tar the road from Kilnagross School to Churchpark and create laybys where necessary.

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

 "Now that the water works are complete, I call on Leitrim County Council to seek funding to tar the road from Kilnagross School to Churchpark and create laybys where necessary."

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

"The district office has secured funding from Irish Water to repave and resurface the local road from Kilnagross School towards Gowel Church. we will endeavour to complete the remaining section under a separate restoration grant."

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised that funding has been secured from Irish Water for repaving from Kilnagross School to approximately 200 metres short of Gowel Church and the road will be surface dressed this year.  He advised the remaining section of road will probably need a restoration grant and this could be included in the next 3-year plan.

Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion and advised that laybys be created where necessary as this also formed part of Cllr. Farrell’s Notice of Motion.

I call on the District Engineer to explain why the very dangerous road at Ohill Cross was not completed at the start of works programme. We were told last year it was first on list which we relayed to the public. Could we get a date now for work on this road to be complete?

CMD94.23 & CMD95.23          Motion from Councillor Paddy Farrell and Motion from Councillor Thomas Mulligan – Ohill Cross

It was agreed that motion number 14 in the name of Councillor Paddy Farrell and motion number 15 in the name of Councillor Thomas Mulligan be taken concurrently as they relate to the same matter.

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

"I call on the District Engineer to explain why the very dangerous road at Ohill Cross was not completed at the start of works programme. We were told last year it was first on list which we relayed to the public. Could we get a date now for work on this road to be complete?"

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

"At last year’s MD meeting, we would commence these works as a priority with our recycling contract. this is still the case. we are awaiting tender returns from specialist contractors, and we will programme the Ohill public local road to be carried out as our first recycling grant. It is expected that this road will be completed by September."

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Thomas Mulligan; "When is it expected that restoration of settlement works at Ohill Cross on the Mohill to Kesh Road will be carried out?"

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

"We envisage the works to be completed by September.

Councillor Paddy Farrell asked when this road will be completed?

Councillor Thomas Mulligan concurred with Councillor Farrell. He appreciated the road need time to settle but asked can we get a finished surface this year?

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised the Council are looking at reducing our carbon footprint.  He advised we are awaiting tenders from specialist contractors, and he is hoping these will be back in 3 weeks’ time.  He advised the road works should be completed by September. Mr O’Boyle advised that if the road material that is already there is recycled, we are reducing our carbon footprint.  He highlighted the Ohill Cross is ideal for recycling.  He advised this road may have to be revisited in 3 or 4 years’ time due to the nature of the underlying conditions.

Councillor Paddy Farrell stated he was happy to hear the Council is going down the route of recycling roads.  He advised that the material can’t be given to farmers for environmental reasons.

As part of programme of works on bridge restoration would it be possible that the names of the bridges be incorporated into the stonework.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Thomas Mulligan; "As part of programme of works on bridge restoration would it be possible that the names of the bridges be incorporated into the stonework."

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

"After discussions with the road design office, the RMO will not provide funding for this feature. The bridges are currently classified and named on the RMO system."

Councillor Thomas Mulligan gave brief background to his motion. He advised that on the 1800 maps, the bridge was known as either ‘Berry’ or ‘Barry’s’ bridge. He asked could the name be incorporated onto the bridge? 

Councillor’s Enda Stenson, Paddy Farrell & Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised that the Council source funding through the Department of Transport and the Roads Management Office.  He advised that the Council can’t use bridge restoration grant for plaques for bridges.  He advised that the Council can buy the plaque through our own funding.  He advised that the condition of the bridge would be considered in the first instance.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson asked rather than a plaque could we engrave the name into the stone of the bridge.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised it is possible, but it would depend on price.  He advised once works are complete on the bridge, we can look at naming the bridge.

The Cathaoirleach asked the members for their approval for Councillor Des Guckian to put through an emergency motion as Councilor Guckian had outlined it would be too late to leave until the next meeting of the Carrick Municipal District in September.

CathaoirleachCouncillor Enda Stenson said the motion was late for the agenda but that it could be allowed to be put forward without discussion.

The members agreed to allow the motion to be put forward.

Councillor Des Guckian outlined how doctors in Mohill had received a letter from the HSE advising the physiotherapy services were ending at Mohill Primary Care Centre and that the doctors should refer their patients needing physiotherapy to either Carrick on-Shannon or Ballinamore. He asked that the County Council write to HSE Northwest to reconsider this.

CathaoirleachCouncillor Enda Stenson advised the members of the HSE Forum to raise this issue at their next meeting.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire and Councillor Paddy Farrell agreed to this.

Councillor Des Guckian expressed his dissatisfaction with the manner in which the Cathaoirleach had handled this request to have this motion put forward.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire highlighted the Home International rowing competition is taking place in Lough Rinn on 22^nd July 2023. She said this is a big achievement for County Leitrim and asked that it is publicised widely.

Councillor Enda Stenson asked Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire to liaise with local media so they can publicise this event.

Councillor Paddy Farrell highlighted that Sheemore Trial is becoming overgrown and there have been a number of complaints about this. He was told at a previous meeting that a Community Employment Scheme might maintain the trail. Mr. Darragh O’Boyle agreed to contact Councillor Farrell on this matter after the meeting.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle highlighted there was a report carried out on the Poplar trees between Shannon Lodge roundabout and Tesco roundabout. There was a concern regarding the health of the trees and following an examination of the trees approximately 40 no. trees needed to be taken out. This will be done in October/November. The trees will be replaced with semi-mature trees. Funding has already been received from TII for this.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised the members that it would be appropriate to rename the park formerly known as MBNA Park kas it is now in Local Authority ownership. The other parks in the town are known as ‘The People’s Park’ and ‘Riverside Park’ and these should be reconsidered. He queried what was the process for the renaming of the MBNA park. Mr. Kieran Brett advised that it was his understanding that a plebiscite was only required for naming a roadway.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle outlined that an additional €144,00 has been received towards Restoration Improvement Grants (RIG). As all RIG’s have been completed in the Carrick-on-Shannon area to date and no RIG’s have been completed in Mohill, it was agreed that the original road lengths specified for grant funding be restored for some of the Mohill RIG’s as these  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.97.23