Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Paddy Farrell

             SECONDED by Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the meeting of 16^th October 2023.

The following correspondence was noted by the members:

1.      Email from the Office of Minister O’Brien acknowledging receipt of Resolution passed by Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District to contact the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage to increase the grant funding available for upgrade works to private septic tanks”

Mr Kieran Brett informed the elected members this issue has now been addressed following the announcement by Minister O’Brien of increase in Septic Tank grants available to households from €5,000 to €12,000.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson noted the response stating the increase in grant funding is welcomed by all elected members.

Other items raised under Meeting Correspondence

Tree's on N4 Shannon Roundabout towards Attifinlay

Mr Darragh O’Boyle gave an update to members regarding the necessity to carry out works on the trees on the N4 between the Shannon Lodge roundabout and the Tesco roundabout.  He advised two reports have been carried out from qualified arboriculturists to ascertain the health of the Poplar trees between Shannon Lodge roundabout and Tesco roundabout.  Following the recommendations of the reports, a decision has been made to remove 24 no. trees and crown 74 no. trees at 3 metres and also to prune some large branches over the footpath which are deemed to be hazardous to vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. 

Councillor Enda Stenson queried the length of time it will take to complete the works.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire queried are there plans to replace the 24 no. trees that are been removed and would Leitrim County Council or the Tidy Towns committee be responsible for this.

Councillor Paddy Farrell asked if the dangerous tree at Breffni can be addressed while these works are taking place.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle informed the members the works will commence this week and it is anticipated they will take 3 weeks to complete. Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised he will discuss the tree removal with Carrick-on-Shannon Tidy Towns. Mr Darragh O’Boyle acknowledges the concerns regarding the tree at Breffni and he stated he will request the contractor carrying out the works on the Poplar trees to examine this tree also.

·       LIS Roadway at Sheafield, Leitrim Village, Carrick on Shannon

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson noted the report on the LIS Scheme at Sheafield. He informed the members as the projected cost of this scheme exceeds the current allowed limit of €65,000, the approval of the members must be sought to enable the works to proceed.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Paddy Farrell

             SECONDED by Councillor Sean McGowan

It was AGREED to give approval for LIS Roadway at Sheafield, Leitrim Village, Carrick on Shannon.

Mr Justin Fannon gave an update to members on the Hartley Sewerage Scheme.  The Environment & Rural Water Section have received the latest costing from the consultants, and a meeting has been held with residents committee and the figures have been presented to them.  He advised that the residents committee had not yet met with the group members to present the revised figures and so he was not able to discuss the exact figures further, however he noted the figures have not reduced on previous costings.  The revised costings were submitted to Minister O’Donnell for his consideration last week, however it was noted the Minister O Brien had previously indicated to the group that the previous costings did not represent value for money. 

Councillor Des Guckian queried who are the consultants and are they the representing the Department or the local committee?

Councillor Des Guckian highlighted there was no resolution to the issue presently and queried as to what can be done in this regard.

Mr Justing Fannon advised that Jenning’s O’Donovan are the consultants, and they are representing the local committee.

Mr Justin Fannon reiterated the revised costings were submitted to Minister O’Donnell for consideration and that funding may be secured to progress the scheme through his intervention.

Councillor Des Guckian expressed his disappointment stating the committee had followed every instruction from Leitrim County Council, therefore, it is time for Leitrim County Council to admit a gross miscalculation on costings for the scheme.

Councillor Enda Stenson expressed his hope that Minister O’Donnell will provide extra funding for the scheme.  He sympathised with the committee and acknowledged they have done all they can, however, he noted numerous schemes are in the same position.

Councillor Sean McGowan acknowledged the substantial amount of money required and highlighted the need for the government to intervene and provide the funding to progress this scheme. 

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire stated it’s an extraordinary case whilst acknowledging it’s a big decision to allocate funding. She expressed her happiness to see lines of communication open with the government and looks forward to seeing the issue resolved.

Councillor Paddy Farrell queried if residents in the area could apply for the increased septic tank upgrade grant.

Councillor Enda Stenson stated in some instance if septic tanks have failed, they are entitled to apply for an upgrade, however, only when the existing tank has been tested and failed.

Mr Justin Fannon highlighted if individual households successfully pursued the septic tank upgrade grant route the maximum grant funding available to the remaining members of the group scheme would reduce.

Councillor Des Guckian highlighted the committee are hugely in debt and reiterated the view Leitrim County Council have failed the households involved.

Councillor Enda Stenson highlighted Leitrim County Council do not have the funding to progress the scheme and must hope for positive response from Minister O’Donnell.

Mr Kieran Brett, Meetings Administrator advised the members that the December meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon MD is scheduled for Monday 11^th December 2023 at 10.00am. As the Plenary Council meeting in January is scheduled for Monday, 8^th January 2024 at 11.00am, it is proposed to hold the January meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon MD on Monday 15^th January 2024 at 10.00am in the Council Chamber.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Sean McGowan

              SECONDED by Cathaoirleach Cllr Enda Stenson

It was AGREED to hold the December monthly Meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon on Monday, 11th December 2023 at 10.00 am in the Council Chamber and the January monthly Meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon on Monday 15^th January 2024 at 10.00am in the Council Chamber.

In light of the ongoing difficulties for traffic on Hyde Street and the Dromod Road Mohill, which is part of the Regional Road No. R202, a solution, such as a link from the Dromod Road to Coolabaun must now be identified and funding sought from the Department.

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

"In light of the ongoing difficulties for traffic on Hyde Street and the Dromod Road Mohill, which is part of the Regional Road No. R202, a solution, such as a link from the Dromod Road to Coolabaun must now be identified and funding sought from the Department."

Report by Roads - General

"We are unaware of traffic issues approaching Mohill on the R202. It is unlikely that any funding from the Department will be given for inner bypasses of towns. The urban renewal works in Mohill will cater for urbanising the Mohill R202 Junction."

Councillor Thomas Mulligan gave background to his motion.  He highlighted the issue arising from traffic on the R202 Dromod to Ballinamore road, stating the time has come to resolve the traffic issue in the town, particularly in relation to large vehicles.  He queried what steps could be undertaken to initiate the project as this is a serious matter that needs addressing.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion. He agreed a ring road could help the town and is an option worth exploring.

Councillor Des Guckian said there may be some limitations on developing a proposal, but he will support the proposal if the people of Mohill support it.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle informed the members he was unaware of any traffic issues on the approach to Mohill on the R202. The Department of Transport are not spending money on inner by-passes of towns, and it is highly unlikely that any funding would be allocated by the Department for this proposal.  He stated it would be advisable to wait until the urban renewal works are completed before any application for funding is made to the Department in this regard.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan acknowledged and appreciated Mr Darragh O’Boyle’s comment, however, he reiterated there are difficulties with traffic in the area particularly on a Friday evening from 4.30pm to 6.00pm.  He queried could it be possible to take the first step to contact the Department to ascertain what options would be available to address this issue.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Thomas Mulligan

              SECONDED by Councillor Sean McGowan

It was AGREED to write to the Department of Transport to ascertain what solution and funding is available to address the difficulties with traffic at the junction of Hyde Street and the Dromod Road, Mohill which is part of the Regional Road R202. A solution, such as a link road from the Dromod Road to Coolabaun in Mohill must now be identified and funding sought from the Department.

I call on the Senior Engineer, Terry McGovern, to carry out a review, in conjunction with the Gardaí, of the speed limits on Local Road No. L-1001-0 at Aughnahunshin Rooskey with a view to reducing them to 50 Kmph, and also to look at the possibility of installing rumble strips along the road. Motorists tend to speed along this section of road, where there are three housing estates and a number of single houses and with young children & elderly people living along this road, they are concerned for their safety with the speed on this road.

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

"I call on the Senior Engineer, Terry McGovern, to carry out a review, in conjunction with the Gardaí, of the speed limits on Local Road No. L-1001-0 at Aughnahunshin Rooskey with a view to reducing them to 50 Kmph, and also to look at the possibility of installing rumble strips along the road. Motorists tend to speed along this section of road, where there are three housing estates and a number of single houses and with young children & elderly people living along this road, they are concerned for their safety with the speed on this road."

Report by Roads - General

"The national speed limit review is currently taking place. The outcome of which will dissipate to all Local Authorities. Leitrim County Council speed limit review will then be put forward to elected members for consideration and approval."

Councillor Des Guckian and Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle agreed with Councillor Sean McGowan view that reducing the speed limit on this stretch of road is advisable.  He highlighted there is a difficulty with speed limits nationally and advised Leitrim County Council must wait for the national speed limit review to happen before Leitrim County Council’s speed limit review can be put to the elected members for consideration and approval.

I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, District Engineer, to put in place a programme of works to carry out the cleaning of the footpath from the railway bridge to the Fairways Housing Estate in Dromod, as it is covered in moss and is extremely dangerous and slippery for pedestrians who use it daily. In addition, there are two public lights out of order along this footpath for the past number of months.

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

"I ask Mr Darragh O’Boyle, District Engineer, to put in place a programme of works to carry out the cleaning of the footpath from the railway bridge to the Fairways Housing Estate in Dromod, as it is covered in moss and is extremely dangerous and slippery for pedestrians who use it daily. In addition, there are two public lights out of order along this footpath for the past number of months."

Report by Roads - General

"The district office will repair the public lighting along this footpath. We will apply the sweeper to this section of public footway."

CathaoirleachCouncillor Enda Stenson supported the motion.

Councillor Des Guckian questioned will the sweeper be strong enough and narrow enough to carry out the job.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised power washing blacktop road surface is not recommended, therefore the sweeper is the best option to address the issue and will be used accordingly.

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

"That, under Active Travel, a footpath / cycleway be built to join the entrance to Cornee Lane to St Patrick’s Church, Mohill."

Report by Roads - General

"We note that there is already a footpath and a crossing that links the L-34498-1 to St Patrick’s Church in Mohill."

Councillor Des Guckian highlighted that Mr Darragh O’Boyle had previously stated at a municipal district meeting, that Active Travel money is allocated for the creation of new footpaths to create links from suburban to urban areas and queried would a footpath in this location fit the criteria. He advised the new path could go by the back road where it would serve about 140 houses in 3 estates.

CathaoirleachCouncillor Enda Stenson and Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle highlighted there is already a footpath in place that links the L-34498-1 to St. Patrick’s Church in Mohill.  He said he will put forward the proposal to the National Transport Authority, while advising the National Transport Authority will not invest in footpaths that already exist.

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

"That all the lay-bys along road L7471-0, Antfield to Drumcoora to Drumcree, be opened up again and a few more added."

Report by Roads - General

"All existing laybys along the L-7471-0 will be maintained."

Councillor Des Guckian gave background to his motion.  He acknowledged there are some lay-bys in existence along the road, however, he stated it would be helpful if the lay-bys were cleared up and stoned and additional lay-bys added on this road.

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

The pedestrian crossing at Tranemore Mohill on the R201 is still dangerous, as traffic approaching from the Carrick side, continuously fail to stop. Are there any measures we can take to ensure it is a safe crossing point for pedestrians?

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

"The pedestrian crossing at Treanmore Mohill on the R201 is still dangerous, as traffic approaching from the Carrick side continuously fails to stop. Are there any measures we can take to ensure it is a safe crossing point for pedestrians?"

Report by Roads - General

"The district office will review the signage at the Carrick approach to the crossing in Mohill."

CathaoirleachCouncillor Enda Stenson gave background to his motion.  He advised the pedestrian crossing is situated at a junction and turn which makes it difficult to see.  He acknowledged there is a speed limit in the area noting this is not always adhered to.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion and asked that the local authority look at solutions to address the issues.

All elected members supported the motion.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan queried if better public lighting at the location would help to raise awareness of the pedestrian crossing.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle informed the members a driver feedback sign is in operation at this location. He stated that rumble strips could be considered but highlighted that there may be an increase in noise levels for local residents, as traffic passes over them.  Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised he will liaise with the public lighting contractor to discuss the possibility of using LED lighting at this location.  Mr. Darragh O’Boyle also agreed to review the existing road signage on the approach to the crossing.

Is there a timescale in place for the commencement of the long awaited Carrick on Shannon bypass?

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

"Is there a timescale in place for the commencement of the long-awaited Carrick on Shannon bypass?"

Report by Roads - General

"The project is currently at Phase 3 (Design and Environmental evaluation). Phase 3 is expected to be concluded by the end of 2024. Phase 4 (Statutory Processes) will then commence where a planning application will be formally submitted to An Bord Pleanála in early 2025. If the application is successful, it is estimated that it will take 2 years for detailed design, advance works and tender documents preparation of the main construction contract. It will then proceed to construction, which may take a further 2 years. The above timeline is subject to annual funding approval."

CathaoirleachCouncillor Enda Stenson highlighted the need for the Carrick bypass which is important for the development of Carrick-on-Shannon and needs to be made a priority.

Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle read the response, as presented, into the record of the meeting.

I ask what is the delay in switching on public lighting in the new Local Authority housing estate of Pairceanna na Baile, Carrick-on-Shannon?

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

"I ask what the delay is in switching on public lighting in the new Local Authority housing estate of Pairceanna na Baile, Carrick-on-Shannon?"

Report by Economic Development

"The subcontractor responsible for the public lighting on the Pairceanna an Baile has to date not been able to register the connection on the online system for electricity connections. LCC Housing section has been constantly engaging with the subcontractor and our own Public Lighting Maintenance contractor to help the subcontractor get the issue resolved. It is hoped that issue will be resolved in the next two weeks."

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire thanked Mr Darragh O’Boyle for the reply and expressed her satisfaction with the reply. 

I ask that a report is requested from TII regarding the monitoring of traffic on the N4, out of Carrick towards Attyrory/Attyfinlay, specifically at the roundabout servicing Rosebank Retail Park.

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

"I ask that a report is requested from TII regarding the monitoring of traffic on the N4, out of Carrick towards Attyrory/Attyfinlay, specifically at the roundabout servicing Rosebank Retail Park."

Report by Roads - General

"We are in discussions with the Safety Section in the TII to procure consultants to carry out a study along the N4 at this location, most particularly in respect to crossing points for vulnerable road users."

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire stated the Attifinlay roundabout is going to get extremely busy due to the opening of McDonald’s and queried what measures could be taken to relieve traffic congestion.  She advised traffic going towards Dublin will be most impacted.

CathaoirleachCouncillor Enda Stenson and Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Councillor Des Guckian expressed amazement at how McDonalds were approved planning at this location.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised that traffic volumes be monitored and TII will be asked to investigate if they become an issue.   He further advised, the TII are considering the possibility of developing a road crossing for vulnerable road users, between the Tesco and Aldi roundabouts.

I call on District Engineer, Darragh O’Boyle, to look for funding to repair the other bridge on the L-7409-0 at Gowel as this old bridge causes severe flooding after heavy rain. There are two bridges on this road,  one of which was constructed recently, and a brilliant job done, by Leitrim County Council.

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

"I call on District Engineer, Darragh O’Boyle, to look for funding to repair the other bridge on the L-7409-0 at Gowel as this old bridge causes severe flooding after heavy rain. There are two bridges on this road, one of which was constructed recently, and a brilliant job done, by Leitrim County Council."

Report by Roads - General

"The district office carried out repair of the Finisklin Bridge on the public road L-7409-0 this year. We can place the Gowel Bridge on the bridge rehabilitation list for future funding."

Councillor Paddy Farrell welcomed the reply and acknowledged the excellent job done by Leitrim County Council on the bridge that was recently constructed.

CathaoirleachCouncillor Enda Stenson and Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion.

I am getting a lot of complaints about road markings on the R-280 at the Kiltoghert and Ballinamore turnoff, known locally as the Fingerboard. I call on Leitrim County Council to investigate and address the issue at this location.  

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

"I am getting a lot of complaints about road markings on the R-280 at the Kiltoghert and Ballinamore turnoff, known locally as the Fingerboard. I call on Leitrim County Council to investigate and address the issue at this location."

Report by Roads - General

"We are persuing our lining contractor to return and complete the lining at this junction."

Councillor Paddy Farrell noted the response.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson and Councillor Fionla Armstrong-McGuire supported the motion.