Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Sean McGowan

             SECONDED by Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

Cllr Des Guckian highlighted that the time of the January plenary meeting in item CMD134.23 was incorrect. He also highlighted a typing error in CMD145.23.

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the meeting of 13^th November 2023 with the amendments as proposed by Councillor Des Guckian.

The following correspondence was noted by the members:

1.         Email from ABP Foods regarding former industrial facility in Dromod, Co. Leitrim

A discussion took place following the correspondence received from the ABP group regarding the industrial facility in Dromod, Co. Leitrim. Councillor Sean McGowan asked that further discussion take place with ABP Food Group in relation to the site.

Mr Justin Fannon informed the members the site in question has 2 elements, the northern section of the site is within the flood zone and is Enterprise and Employment constrained use, the southern section of the site is primarily zoned residential.  Leitrim County Council had discussions the Goodman Groups representatives regarding the entire site and expressed an interest in purchasing the southern section of the site. The Goodman Group were not interested in selling the southern section of the site to Leitrim County Council.  Subsequently the Goodman Group’s representatives have placed the entire site for sale on the open market. 

Mr Justin Fannon indicated Leitrim County Council are still interested in purchasing zoned residential land in the Dromod area.

Mr Bernard Greene advised that development on the southern section of the site, zoned residential, could be laid out in such a manner that may enable the possibility of developing housing units and eliminate flood risk. This would not restrict the site’s potential. 

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Sean McGowan

             SECONDED by Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson

It was AGREED to review and consider Leitrim County Councils continued interest in in the site. 

2.         Email from Minister O’Brien regarding the increase in grant funding for upgrade works to private septic tanks

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

3.         Email from Minister O’Donovan regarding Rinn and Blackwater & Eslin Headford rivers

Councillor Des Guickan expressed his disappointment with the reply stating the Office of Public Works is evading the responsibility around catchment drainage schemes.

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

"That safety conditions be improved at Kingston Terrace, Carrick-on-Shannon by piping away the pools of water that gather along the street boundary wall and that the three very tall trees that are growing on the slope between that boundary wall and the road below (towards Lisnagot) be cut down as they threaten to fall onto houses in Kingston Terrace and bring down ESB and other cables."

Report by Roads - General

"We resurfaced this road a few years ago. We will seek funding to carry out footpath repairs. We will investigate the healthiness of the trees in question and act accordingly."

Councillor Des Guckian expressed his satisfaction with the reply provided it is accurate.

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire welcomed the reply and expressed her desire that following the investigation of the trees in question, she hopes people will accept the outcome.

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

"That through road L 7386-0 from Aughriman towards Drumshanbo town has the green grass in the middle removed, that the road be resurfaced, and lay-bys be provided at suitable intervals."

Report by Roads - General

"We do not remove the central grassed area or provide additional lay byes unless the road is receiving an approved RIG or RMG or drainage grant. Removing the grassed central area will weaken the road surface. This road is currently not on the 3-year programme. The next 3-year roads programme will be put forward to elected members for approval next October."

Councillor Des Guckian expressed his disappointment with the reply advising that the L7368-0 road is quite narrow and badly lacks lay-byes.  He stated in the interest of safety lay-bye’s need to be provided.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle informed the elected members the road L 7386-0 received a grant in 2005. He advised this road can be reviewed and may be considered for an RIG in the next 3-year road programme. Furthermore, he advised Leitrim County Council do not remove central grass merging on local roads unless the road is approved for RIG, RMG or drainage grant.

Councillor Des Guckian advised the council to ignore the fact the road is neglected. He highlighted a RIG needs to be put on the road now, not next year.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle reiterated a RIG can’t be put on the road now, advising it can be put forward on the next 3-year roads programme which will be brought before the elected members for approval next October.

I call on Leitrim County Council to give urgent attention to the road L3433-0 that leads from Proughlish up to Kilnagross school. There is forestry on left hand side as you travel in the direction of the school and foliage and trees are over hanging the road, leaving this section very dangerous for traffic.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to give urgent attention to the road L3433-0 that leads from Proughlish up to Kilnagross school. There is forestry on left hand side as you travel in the direction of the school and foliage and trees are over hanging the road, leaving this section very dangerous for traffic."

Report by Roads - General

"We will write out to the landowner along the public road L-3433-0 in the townland Corderry (Peyton) and advise them of their civic duty to maintain the hedges and trees."

Councillor Paddy Farrell expressed his dissatisfaction with the response stating vegetation is growing on the carriageway and works need to be carried out immediately to address this.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised there is a process in place which we as a local authority must adhere to. He stated the landowner has 14 days to act from the date they receive the written hedge cutting notice. If the landowner does not comply with the notice, the Road Act allows the Local Authority to cut the hedges and trees, and then invoice the landowner.

I call on Leitrim County Council to review the disabled parking bay across from the AIB Bank and to remove some of the bollards causing difficulty for users.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to review the disabled parking bay across from the AIB Bank and to remove some of the bollards causing difficulty for users."

Report by Capital Projects Office

"We have reviewed the situation here and we will remove one of the bollards to give extra space for users."

Councillor Paddy Farrell expressed his satisfaction with the reply.

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire stated there was another bollard at the flower shop opposite BR bistro which is causing difficulty for people parking and queried could the position of the bollard be reviewed.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised along with Mr Shay O’Connor they reviewed the position of the bollards and Mr Shay O’Connor made the decision to have the bollard removed, however he advised bollards are not going to be removed just because people have difficulty parking.

I ask Mr Justin Fannon, Acting Director of Services Infrastructure, what progress has been made to include provision for funding for a walkway/cycleway, from where the new footpath finishes at Killinaker as far as Dromod, in next year’s programme of works under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) or Active Travel schemes. This walkway/cycleway will be the final link between the two Villages of Rooskey & Dromod.

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

"I ask Mr Justin Fannon, Acting Director of Services Infrastructure, what progress has been made to include provision for funding for a walkway-cycleway, from where the new footpath finishes at Killinaker as far as Dromod, in next year’s programme of works under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) or Active Travel schemes. This walkway-cycleway will be the final link between the two Villages of Rooskey & Dromod."

Report by Economic Development

"The Capital Projects team are currently working on producing design drawings for two options for a proposed footpath/cycleway between the villages of Dromod and Rooskey. The design options will include for varying levels of land take requirements at the Rooskey end. The preferred project will require Part 8 Planning in order to be delivered. Once developed the preferred project will likely be submitted for consideration under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme(ORIS)."

Councillor Sean McGowan expressed his satisfaction that the Capital Projects team are working on design drawings, stating the walkway-cycleway will be extremely beneficial for both villages.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson, Councillor Thomas Mulligan and Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire supported the motion.

Councillor Des Guckian queried if a pedestrian bridge is going to be erected on the outside of the existing bridge.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle stated all options are being examined.

I seek the support of members in again calling on the Minister Helen McEntee and the Department of Justice to increase the grant assistance for community led CCTV schemes to 90% of the cost of the scheme or to a maximum of €100,000. At present the maximum grant available to communities is 60% up to a maximum of €40,000.

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

"I seek the support of members in again calling on the Minister Helen McEntee and the Department of Justice to increase the grant assistance for community led CCTV schemes to 90% of the cost of the scheme or to a maximum of €100,000. At present the maximum grant available to communities is 60% up to a maximum of €40,000."

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson advised this issue was discussed at the Joint Policy Committee meeting and supported Councillor Sean McGowan’s motion that the grant must be increased.

Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

I ask what stage the proposed new site for St Patricks Hospital is at?

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

"I ask what stage the proposed new site for St Patricks Hospital is at?"

Report by Economic Development

"Planning permission was granted to the H.S.E. North West pursuant to planning register ref. no. P20/130 for a development consisting of the construction of a 2-storey split level 90 bed Community Nursing Unit comprising 50 long stay beds, 20 Short stay beds and 20 Dementia beds. The proposed building includes associated recreational living spaces, dining spaces and ancillary service spaces on all habitable levels, together with the construction of a designated Rehabilitation Facility on Level 2. This permission was subject to 18 no. conditions and was granted on 12th November 2020.

There has been no correspondence between the applicants (H.S.E. North West) or their agents with the Planning Authority since this permission was granted. There are a number of conditions attached which require agreement with the Planning Authority; no such compliance submission has been received to date.

A Fire Certificate was granted on 11th November 2020. A revised Fire Certificate application was submitted to the Local Authority on 22nd November 2023 and a decision is due on same by 18th January 2024.

The Planning Authority understands that work may commence in Q3 2024 subject to the necessary consents having been obtained and the necessary planning permission compliance matters dealt with."

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire acknowledged the response stating she understood when 18 planning conditions were attached to the planning permission each of these has to be addressed. She welcomed the reply stating it would be very positive news for the community.

Councillor Des Guckian questioned had the location of the site been decided.

Mr Bernard Greene advised the site is on the Leitrim Road on the left-hand side as you exit  Carrick-on-Shannon, just past Liscerra.

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

"Can I have an update on the proposals for new road layout at Aughamore, Carrick on Shannon."

Report by Roads - General

"As discussed at the LCC Plenary meeting on the 3rd of July 2023 - Extension of the Dromod/Rooskey Bypass

The 2023 Grant Allocations to Local Authorities for National Roads, Active Travel and Greenways are made by Transport Infrastructure (TII) having regard to the priorities set out in the National Development Plan 2021-2030, the objectives of the Climate Action Plan 2023, other national policies, and the terms and conditions set by the Minister for Transport pursuant to the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015. It is important to note that the appendix to this document clearly states in relation to the N4 Carrick to Dromod Road Project that ‘’The Minister wishes to see prioritisation afforded to the provision of the bypass and the provision of a concurrent traffic management plan for the Town Centre”. Considering the Ministers wishes and taking other considerations into account such as the uncertainty surrounding the European TENT-T regulations, the bypass element of the N4 Carrick to Dromod Road Project is being prioritized for the Design and Environmental evaluation stage of the project which will include a new urban street, a demand management component, an active travel component and a public transport component."

Therefore, the Dromod to Carrick-on- Shannon section of the road including Aughamore is not being prioritised for further work at this time."

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire noted the response.

Councillor Des Guckian expressed his opposition to the proposal to have the ring road go around the back of the church and school.

Councillor Sean McGowan welcomed the reply stating a ring road around Carrick-on-Shannon is what is wanted.

Has any progress been made in obtaining funds to link all housing developments in the Attyrory area with footpaths, so as to ensure and encourage safe walking routes.

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

"Has any progress been made in obtaining funds to link all housing developments in the Attyrory area with footpaths, so as to ensure and encourage safe walking routes."

Report by Economic Development

"The overwhelming majority of the housing developments in the Attyrory area are satisfactorily serviced by footpaths ensuring safe walking routes. An application for funding under the Active Travel 2024 Programme will be sought to construct a section of footpath between the Glas na hAbhainn estate and the marina road crossroads as it is currently an outlier and not served by a footpath."

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson noted the response.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised he has engaged with the landowner regarding the acquisition of the land necessary to allow the project to proceed.

Councillor Paddy Farrell supported the motion.

Councillor Des Guckian advised an old graveyard was discovered at this location previously and need to be considered when future proposals are being developed. 

Mr Darragh O’Boyle informed the members he was aware of this and will consult with archaeologists before any design works take place.

Could there be two signposts for Eslin Bridge erected, one at Funshinagh cross, the other at Ohill Cross, both on the Mohill to Keshcarrigan road.

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

"Could there be two signposts for Eslin Bridge erected, one at Funshinagh cross, the other at Ohill Cross, both on the Mohill to Keshcarrigan road."

Report by Roads - General

"The local authority can erect one finger board signage at Funshinagh cross as it is the most viable route of the two to Eslin Bridge. The regional road signage has more than adequately covered Eslin Bridge as a destination."

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson thanked Mr Darragh O’Boyle for erecting the signage at Funshinagh cross.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan queried could a signpost be considered for Gorvagh?

Mr Darragh O’Boyle stated the signage is not a single post and he is reluctant to direct non local traffic onto a local territory road.

Councillor Des Guckian stated when he enquired at a previous meeting about erecting a signpost on the Drumlish to Mohill road, he was advised a license would have to be sourced and asked what is the difference with this proposal.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle referred to a previous motion on this issue and re-advised the signpost sought at that time was for Fearglass Church. An application for such a signpost would have go through Section 254 process.

When is it expected that the roadway and footpath at Lower Main St. Mohill will reopen as normal?

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

"When is it expected that the roadway and footpath at Lower Main St. Mohill will reopen as normal?"

Report by Economic Development

"Leitrim County Council Planning Department has issued the property owner with a Dangerous Structure Notice under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1964 which includes seven no. improvement actions which have to be completed in order to make the remaining structure on Lower Main Street safe. An appropriate timeframe for completing the work is included in the Notice. The Planning Department are in constant engagement with the owners Consulting Engineer in relation to progressing the repair works which must be undertaken by a reputable building contractor. It is expected that works will commence the week beginning 11th December 2023 and be completed within a number of days. Whilst acknowledging the disruption currently being caused in Mohill, the footpath and roadway will have to remain under the current arrangement until such time as the building is rendered safe by the completion of the required remedial works."

Councillor Thomas Mulligan queried if the building owners safety plan has been received and queried if it will be signed off by the Local Authority this week.

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

Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion stating this issue needs to be addressed urgently. He proposed the commercial rates on all of the businesses on lower main street be halved due to loss of business.

Mr Justin Fannon informed the members that Local Authority staff responded immediately when the building collapsed.  The Planning Department have served a dangerous building notice. It is anticipated that the works to secure and make the building safe will commence tomorrow morning, if the remainder of the safety documentation is submitted to the Local Authority this evening.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan welcomed the response, but queried if the documentation required is not submitted today, then building works cannot commence.

Mr Justin Fannon advised in the current climate it would be ambitious to have a contractor ready to commence these works in a week or two weeks, if the information is not received this lunchtime, it will be the following day before the agreement is signed, however, once this happens the works can commence.

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire stated this is an incident and appealed to people to go into Mohill and support the local businesses. She asked if nothing happens on this, in the interest of safety can the site in question be boarded up and the street made safe.

Councillor Des Guckian stated it was a disaster and queried why weren’t the Council aware of the works that were taking place on this building and not proactively dealing with the issue before it got to this stage.  He questioned also is there a safety office in Leitrim.

Mr Justin Fannon advised the Council were not aware that internal works were been undertaken. Since the event happened, Leitrim County Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.158.23

Has there been a planning application with regard to the former factory in the townland of Corriscoffey?

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

"Has there been a planning application with regard to the former factory in the townland of Corriscoffey?"

Report by Economic Development

"There has been no recent planning application lodged in respect of the former rendering plant at Corriscoffey Td. The Planning Authority was recently informed of works being undertaken at the property and an inspection has been undertaken. The inspection revealed that the work consisted of a general cleaning up of the property and the securing of the property against trespass, including re-hanging of gates. The works that have been undertaken are of a type that does not require planning permission. The Planning Authority has also had discussions with the Owner of the property and advised that any works associated with the refurbishment and/or bringing the property into use would first require a grant of planning permission."

Councillor Thomas Mulligan welcomed that a cleanup had been undertaken. He stated it is still unsightly despite the tidy up and would like to see something more positive happen with the former factory.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson concurred with Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire’s and Councillor Paddy Farrell’s remark regarding supporting local businesses and wished everyone a happy, healthy, and enjoyable Christmas.