Agenda and minutes

CMD.98.23      Adoption of Minutes of Carrick Municipal District Meeting of 10^th July 2023

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Des Guckian

             SECONDED by Councillor Thomas Mulligan

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the meeting of the 10^th July 2023

The following correspondence was noted by the members:

1. Letter from Jim Meade Chief Executive of Iarnród Eireann regarding Carrick-on-Shannon car park.

Councillor Sean McGowan acknowledged the response from Iarnród Eireann and welcomed their willingness to engage with Roscommon County Council and the local community should a site become available.

2. Letter from Linda McClean of HSE regarding pertaining physiotherapy services in Mohill.

Councillor Des Guckian expressed his disappointment with the response received from the HSE.  He stated the reply received was no different to the reply has already received when he wrote to the HSE directly.  Councillor Des Guckian queried why was there such a delay in recruiting a physiotherapist and the HSE should have taken someone off the panel that is in place.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Des Guckian

             SECONDED by Cllr. Enda Stenson

It was AGREED to write to the HSE and call on them to appoint someone immediately from the panel.

3. Email from Minister Mary Butler regarding a resolution concerning community psychology unit for adults and children, separate to the acute or community mental health team in the Primary Care Centre in Carrick-on-Shannon.

Councillor Des Guckian acknowledged the response from Minister Mary Butler TD.  He stated the response was inadequate and it did not address the local situation.  He found the end of the reply very disturbing and queried why was there a division at the end of the correspondence.

Michelle Carney advised the original date for the October MD meeting was 9^th October, however, due to prescribed periods around the budgetary process the date for the MD meeting would have to be changed.  Michelle Carney proposed the date October 16^th for the meeting. 

All members agreed to this.

Councillor Des Guckian queried why was it required to change the date of the meeting.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly advised Councillor Des Guckian that this was a statutory requirement.

Michelle Carney informed the elected members the budget meeting will be held on the 13^th November 2023 and the MD meeting could be held the same day but at earlier time of 9.30am if this was agreeable.

All members agreed to this.

That our engineers be requested to create about six new lay-bys along Cornee Lane L34481. A turning place for lorries needs to be created at the inner end. This is a long, narrow, and now, a congested lane. It has 14 houses, most of them new, and a total of 26 cars. The Barna Waste lorry must back up one third of the way and householders above that have to bring their bins down to meet it.

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

"That our engineers be requested to create about six new lay-bys along Cornee Lane L34481. A turning place for lorries needs to be created at the inner end. This is a long, narrow, and now, a congested lane. It has 14 houses, most of them new, and a total of 26 cars. The Barna Waste lorry must back up one third of the way and householders above that have to bring their bins down to meet it."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council do not place restoration grants along public cul de sacs. The local road in question has numerous pull in areas at property entrances to allow cars pass. We would not create new turning bays for Barna Waste collections which occurs for 20 minutes every fortnight. The local community are welcome to apply for a community involvement scheme which can allow specific funding for road restoration of local estates and public cul de sacs."

Councillor Des Guckian acknowledged the response and indicated it wasn’t a great response especially the last part. He stated no obligation should be put on people to be involved in community involvement scheme.  He stated it reminded him of a third world situation bringing bins down to the end of the road.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised Leitrim County Council do not place restoration grants along public cul de sacs.  He stated no-one was obliged to get involved in community schemes.  Leitrim County Council will carry out general maintenance as it is a public road and under the charge of the district office.  He did not agree with Councillor Des Guckian’s reference to third world situation and highlighted that many people in rural areas bring their bins down to the end of their roads. It would be a waste of the council’s local resources if we were to provide laybys at the end of public cul de sacs for refuse collection.

Councillor Des Guckian stated Leitrim County Council were not meeting their obligations; the people have rights and the council should be obliged to meet them.

That Leitrim County Council writes to the Iarnród CEO, Jim Meade, requesting that a new mechanised lift system be provided at Dromod railway station, County Leitrim, to facilitate crossings of the line by elderly and disabled people and by goods / luggage too.

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

"That Leitrim County Council writes to the Iarnród CEO, Jim Meade, requesting that a new mechanised lift system be provided at Dromod railway station, County Leitrim, to facilitate crossings of the line by elderly and disabled people and by goods / luggage too."

Councillor Des Guckian gave background to this motion and stated Iarnród Eireann have built lifts in other railway station around the country and there is plenty of space to accommodate this at Dromod railway station also.

Councillor Sean McGowan advised Dromod is on the list to be done with planning scheduled for next year. 

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion.

Councillor Des Guckian advised this is a wait and see approach; Iarnród Éireann don’t care about Leitrim and they should be told to progress with the installation of the lift.

Councillor Sean McGowan stated he did not agree with Councillor Des Guckian’s assertion and as previously stated he has been advised Dromod is on the list and the lift will be installed in due course.

We have already discussed and agreed the need for proper lighting at the Jamestown junction of the N4. As winter approaches and darkness descends, the turn off lane is a dangerous place to be. In addition, there are brings banks, for bottles, cans, clothing, and other recyclables located here, which bring a lot of extra traffic to the location.
What progress has been made on the provision of lighting here?

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

"We have already discussed and agreed the need for proper lighting at the Jamestown junction of the N4. As winter approaches and darkness descends, the turn off lane is a dangerous place to be. In addition, there are brings banks, for bottles, cans, clothing, and other recyclables located here, which brings a lot of extra traffic to the location.

What progress has been made on the provision of lighting here?"

Report by Roads - General

"A request was issued by local authority to the TII (asset owner) previously and they do not consider this upgrade is required."

CathaoirleachCouncillor Enda Stenson expressed his disappointment at the response received and stated that he is not accepting the TII response. He thanked Leitrim County Council for putting in the request to the TII.  He stated there is a lot of activity at this junction and this issue needs to be addressed.

Councillor Sean McGowan, Councillor Thomas Mulligan and Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised this issue can be highlighted at the next public consultation meeting that will take place regarding Carrick by-pass.  Leitrim County Council can ask TII to review the Jamestown junction off the N4.

Councillor Des Guckian asked Mr. Darragh O’Boyle to keep the turn off for Drumsna in mind also.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire advised the timing was very important.  We are coming into winter and stated this issue must be kept highlighted.

I ask is there any further update on the upgrade of the road surface of Main Street, Drumsna?

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

"I ask is there any further update on the upgrade of the road surface of Main Street, Drumsna?"

Report by Roads - General

"There is no further update on the Main Street resurfacing works. We hope to get TII old national road funding in 2024, which will be applied to the section of road from the N4 ramp to the church in Drumsna. Once this is complete, we can seek similar funding for the remaining section of Main Street.  However, the junction will have to be redesigned to stop the ad hoc parking, which occurs currently, prior to any road resurfacing."

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson acknowledged the reply.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Councillor Des Guckian concurred and stated any surfacing work that needs to be done, must be completed.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle informed the members each year the council apply for additional funding. He believes urban renewal is needed for the village of Drumsna.  The district office is hoping to get funding in 2024 for the old N4 route and apply it to the section of the road from the N4 ramp to the church in Drumsna.

Councillor Sean McGowan agreed urban renewal was the right approach to take and it would enhance and benefit the village.

Councillor Des Guckian queried if it is the council’s intention to resurface all parts of road L1601.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that there were three sections on the road that needed resurfacing:

• Longford border to Rooskey
• Rooskey to Dromod
• Duignan Mills back to Dromod

He informed the members Leitrim County Council only receive enough funding to complete one scheme per year for old national roads.

Councillor Des Guckian insisted Mr. Darragh O’Boyle seek funding for all three sections in 2024.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised if funding is secured in 2024, the sections of the road can be looked at from an engineering point of view.

I ask District Engineer, Darragh O’Boyle, to look for funding to repair damaged roads and footpaths in the Breffni Crescent area of Carrick-on-Shannon.

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

"I ask District Engineer, Darragh O’Boyle, to look for funding to repair damaged roads and footpaths in the Breffni Crescent area of Carrick-on-Shannon."

Report by Roads - General

"We have carried out a survey of the road in Breffni Cresent and cannot find one pothole or road damage. If the location of the road damage can be identified, we can dispatch the maintenance crew to the location.

There is no funding for restoration of existing footpaths in the current budget, however, if there is a footpath that is causing a hazard, we can react."

Councillor Paddy Farrell said people living in the area would not agree with the reply and stated there is an issue with potholes and road damage in the area.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion and said the response was not a positive one.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle informed Cllr Paddy Farrell he inspected the road the previous week and could not see any pothole or road damage.  He stated there is no funding for restoration of existing footpaths in the current budget, however, if there is a footpath that is causing a hazard he will react.  He advised Councillor Paddy Farrell he will meet with him at the location and if there are potholes or road damage identified, he will dispatch the maintenance crew to the location and have the necessary repairs carried out.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire stated there is Active Travel funding available for such projects and footpaths should always be kept to the highest standard.

I call on Leitrim County Council to contact Roscommon County Council in relation to the proposed footpath between Jamestown and Drumsna to see how the planning for this project is progressing. This project needs to proceed as soon as possible for the safety of pedestrians and would be a huge benefit to the wider communities of Jamestown and Drumsna by connecting the two villages in this way.

It was agreed by the Members that Motion Number 10  in the name of Councillor Paddy and Motion Number 11  in the name of Councillor Sean McGowan be taken concurrently as they relate to the same issue.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to contact Roscommon County Council in relation to the proposed footpath between Jamestown and Drumsna to see how the planning for this project is progressing. This project needs to proceed as soon as possible for the safety of pedestrians and would be a huge benefit to the wider communities of Jamestown and Drumsna by connecting the two villages in this way."

Report by Roads - General

"Roscommon County Council confirmed that a Stage 1&2 Road Safety Audit has been carried out on the draft preliminary design of the Drumsna and Jamestown inter urban Greyway on the L1037. They are waiting on the final preliminary design drawings from the consultant."

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

"I seek an update on the prosed provision of a footpath between the villages of Drumsna and Jamestown. Has there been any further update received from Roscommon County Council following their application to the National Transport Authority earlier this year."

Report by Roads - General

"Roscommon County Council confirmed that a Stage 1&2 Road Safety Audit has been carried out on the draft preliminary design of the Drumsna and Jamestown inter urban Greyway on the L1037. They are waiting on the final preliminary design drawings from the consultant."

Councillor Paddy Farrell stated the project needs to be progressed as soon as possible.  He advised the road is very busy and a footpath between Jamestown and Drumsna would be a beneficial to both villages.

Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

Councillor Sean McGowan acknowledged Roscommon County Council has secured some funding for the project and it was very positive to hear that the project was at the design works stage. It will greatly enhance both villages once completed.

CathaoirleachCouncillor Enda Stenson informed the members he spoke to Mr. Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council and he has guaranteed Roscommon County Council is not relenting on the promise made; they are waiting on the consultant’s report and once received will progress the project to the next stage.

Mr. Joseph Gilhooly informed the members Roscommon County Council are waiting on the preliminary detailed design from the consultant.

I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, District Engineer Carrick on Shannon, to put in place a programme of works to remove the unsightly heavy growth of vegetation in the bed of the river at Lower Main Street Mohill and to consider what steps can be taken to prevent this growth reoccurring on an annual basis.

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

"I ask Mr. Darragh O’Boyle, District Engineer Carrick on Shannon, to put in place a programme of works to remove the unsightly heavy growth of vegetation in the bed of the river at Lower Main Street Mohill and to consider what steps can be taken to prevent this growth reoccurring on an annual basis."

Report by Roads - General

"We currently have a local authority budget to clean the existing OPW defined drainage network. This funding was spent on the river at lower main street last year and we will continue to carry out these works on a schedule that allows the other OPW schemes to be cleaned. It is anticipated that the Rynn catchment will be on next year’s programme subject to similar funding allocation.

I met with the Mohill Team (Tidy Towns) and explained that the environment section can assist them regarding LAWPRO programme and funding stream."

Councillor Sean McGowan stated the vegetation keeps growing back and is unsightly looking.  He queried if anything can be done to remove the unsightly growth in the river in conjunction with the Public Realm works that will be carried out in Mohill shortly.

All members supported the motion.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan advised he was aware that Mohill Community Network met with Mr. Darragh O’Boyle and it was the one area that concerned the group the most. Councillor Mulligan queried would there be a possibility of maintaining that section of the river annually.

Councillor Des Guckian stated it is a very unsightly part of the river and questioned why the vegetation is there, he questioned it is seeping from the Mohill dump up stream and it needed to be addressed.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised the members that he met with Mohill Community Network and explained that the environment section could assist them regarding LAWPRO programme and funding stream. The Council have funding in 2023 to provide cleaning works on the Eslin River.  Mr. Darragh O’Boyle informed the members that this section of the river was cleaned in 2022. Leitrim County Council cannot dredge any section of the river/stream as it is an environmental issue.  He advised if the OPW wanted to put a capital scheme on this, it would involve a lot of work Environmental Assessments, ecological reports, etc.  He advised the council will continue to maintain the river, subject to continued funding.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised it is the Office of Public Works who is responsible for major capitalworks, and it is a long process.  He advised Leitrim County Council are responsible for maintaining the old OPW drainage districts such as the Eslin, Headford and Rynn districts.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle clarified he was referring to the Office of Public Works maintenance work, whereby the OPW removes the heavy growth out of the river but any works outside of this scope would involve Environmental Appropriate Assessment, ecologists reports and impact statements.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan said it is necessary to  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.108.23

What is the update on the condition of trees on N4 Shannon Roundabout towards Attifinlay?

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

"What is the update on the condition of trees on N4 Shannon Roundabout towards Attifinlay?"

Report by Roads - General

"Due the response from concerned environmentalists, we are carrying out a further detailed survey of the trees along the N4 (between the roundabouts in Carrick on Shannon). We hope to have definitive answer regarding the possible removal of these trees. As district engineer, we do not remove trees unless there is a clear and present hazard to the road and footpath user."

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire expressed she was happy with the response she received to her motion.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised before trees are removed there must be a clear and present hazard to the community.  He stated the trees in question have a life expectancy of 15-20 and as they get older, they become particularly hazardous.  He informed the members there is a second environmental study being carried out and the report is expected at the end of September.  Once the report is completed, a decision will be made on the need to remove the trees.

Councillor Paddy Farrell highlighted that people in the community do not understand what the issue is surrounding the trees and if the issue was explained, this could be a help in the event the trees have to be removed.

What measures are in place to monitor the level of amplification of music from venues at times of day, evening and night? Does this council conduct any measuring of sound at any time in any town? 

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

"What measures are in place to monitor the level of amplification of music from venues at times of day, evening and night? Does this council conduct any measuring of sound at any time in any town?"

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

"Where relevant noise control measures and limits may be stipulated by specific conditions attached to grants of planning permission. Noise level limits may be imposed by condition at boundary positions and/or at noise sensitive locations such as dwelling houses. In addition, certain limits may be applied to specific sources of noise on-site. Typically, planning permission conditions also place restrictions on tonal and impulsive characteristics associated with noise emissions from licensed facilities. Where such a condition applies to a venue, it would be a matter for the Planning Department, where no such condition or permission applies, it would be a matter for the Environment Department. Where relevant then, the Planning Authority can request the operator to engage a competent noise consultant to carry out noise assessments to demonstrate compliance with their planning permission condition or notices may be served with respect to the noise from their premises causing annoyance and nuisance to adjoining residential properties.

The Environmental Protection Act 1992 allows any person or the Local Authority to complain to the District Court about a noise that is ‘so loud, so continuous, so repeated, of such duration or pitch or occurring at such times as to give reasonable cause for annoyance to a person in any premises in the neighbourhood or to a person lawfully using any public place’ and seek an order to deal with the noise nuisance. There is a small fee. The maintenance of a noise log sheet is considered of great importance in such matters. The Local Authority does not presently conduct routine monitoring of sound within urban centres in Co. Leitrim. If specific matters arise or circumstances warranted it, the Local Authority could procure the necessary expertise/specialist to monitor the amplification of noise from venues.

Furthermore, any person may object to the annual granting of a license to a pub or night club or a dance license on various grounds, including that the activity of the premises was not being conducted in a peaceable and orderly manner."

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire acknowledged the reply given and appreciated it did explain what the process is and set out answers to the questions she raised.  She stated vibrancy is needed in the town but there is a need to continue monitoring and checking the amplification of music from venues within the town. 

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

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

"That strengthening works be carried out on local road No. L15714 in the Gortlettragh/Farnaght area between Moffits' Cross and Gortlettragh National School."

Report by Roads - General

"This section of public road is not included in the approved current 3-year programme of works. It can be considered for the next 3-year plan which will be put in front the elected members at the end of 2024."

Councillor Thomas Mulligan gave background to his motion and stated the road is uneven and dangerous for farm machinery and such traffic.  

CathaoirleachCouncillor Enda Stenson supported the motion and concurred that the road is uneven.

Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle informed the members Farnaght Cross up to the church will be included for consideration in the next 3-year programme subject to funding. He also advised the members the road will be very suitable for a recycling grant.

Councillor Des Guckian welcomed Ms Michelle Carney to the meeting. Councillor Des Guckian stated he supported the members of the FORSA trade union in their current industrial action.