Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

             SECONDED by Councillor Des Guckian

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the meeting of 11^th December 2023.

The following correspondence was noted by the members:

1.           Copy of An Bord Pleanála approval for proposed development at Hartley Bridge, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim and Cleaheen, Co. Roscommon.

2.           Email from Minister of Justice acknowledging correspondence regarding increase in grant assistance for community led CCTV schemes.

Other items raised under Meeting Correspondence

The Cathaoirleach stated that all elected members of the Municipal District have received correspondence from residents in Drumhierney Manor housing estate in Leitrim Village, who are concerned that that their homes will be flooded due to temporary flood relief works at the nearby Cluain Oir estate. Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson invited Mr Shay O’Connor to give an update on the flood relief works in Leitrim village.

Mr Shay O’Connor advised that approval has been received from the Office of Public Works under the Minor Flood Relief Scheme to provide a temporary embankment and provide protection to the Cluain Óir housing estate until the full Leitrim Village Flood Relief Scheme is completed.

Mr Shay O’Connor stated the temporary embankment measures are at design stage. Once the design is complete the works will be advertised for public consultation and following a period of public consultation will be considered under Part 8 Planning by the elected members.  He highlighted that Leitrim County Council have been engaging with consultants to develop proposals for the works, however no decision has been reached yet on what the final proposal that will be brought to public consultation will be.  Before the public consultation is advertised, consultations will take place with residents in both Drumhierney Manor and Cluain Óir estates.

Mr Shay O’Connor acknowledged the concerns of the residents of Drumhierney Manor Estate and stated that Leitrim County Council would not do something to protect one housing estate that is going to cause flooding to another. He informed the members, that he has advised the residents of Drumhierney Manor Estate their houses will be protected from flooding but their gardens as has been the case heretofore may experience some flooding. A decision will have to be made on what level of protection is going to be given to the Cluain Óir housing estate.

The elected members raised the following points.

·       Drumhierney Manor residents are concerned as Machinery is on site and work is underway.

·       The last time flooding occurred at this location, the water went up to the resident’s back door, where will the water go when flood relief measures are in place.

·       When will Mr Shay O’Connor communicate with the residents, it would have been advisable if preliminary talks had taken place with the residents.

·       Residents should have been consulted before the machines went in on site and that would have eased concerns.

·       Planning was given to 20 houses in an area liable to flooding, and this is the main issue.

·       Has Drumheirney Manor Estate been taken in charge by Leitrim County Council?

Mr Martin Donnelly advised Drumhierney Manor Estate is one of the developments that the Council are seeking to take in charge.  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.2.24

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

"That politicians of all political persuasions be asked to join together in supporting the immediate provision of a much-needed new national school, on a single campus, for Scoil Mhuire, Carrick-on-Shannon, and that Council officials be asked to help provide the new green-field site, not far from Carrick centre."

Report by Economic Development

"The Joint Local Area Plan for Carrick on Shannon and Cortober which is currently being developed presents the opportunity for the elected members to have input into the appropriate location for any potential future primary school through the development of the relevant zoning maps. Should there be support from the Department of Education for a new single campus primary school in Carrick on Shannon then Leitrim County Council will engage positively with all the relevant stakeholders."

Councillor Des Guckian noted the response stating the reply given did not meet the wording of his motion. He highlighted the urgent need for a new school on a larger campus in Carrick-on-Shannon as extra space is needed.  Councillor Des Guckian suggested writing to TD’s and Senators urging them to put pressure on Minister Norma Foley to grant the much-needed new school.  He also suggested Leitrim County Council write to constituency TD’s adding it would be of great assistance if Leitrim County Council could provide a suitable site close to Carrick-on-Shannon.

All elected members supported the motion.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson stated there was no doubt every political person agrees with what must be done.

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire supported Councillor Des Guckian’s motion and she commended the teachers and staff who are working in difficult conditions as it is not ideal to be working between two campuses.  She offered assurance to the staff and the Board of Management that the elected members are supportive of their need for a new school and will continue to lobby for a new school campus in Carrick-on-Shannon. 

Councillor Paddy Farrell also supported the motion.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson highlighted the need for the Department of Education and Skills to act on this and asked , with Councillor Des Guckian’s agreement, that a letter be drafted from Carrick Municipal district and signed by all the members individually and sent to Minister for Education and Skills, Norma Foley TD, requesting the provision of a much needed new national school, on a single campus, for Scoil Mhuire, Carrick-on-Shannon.

Councillor Des Guckian agreed to this and thanked his fellow elected members for their support.

That our engineers be asked to contact TII and to request them to immediately provide the following, on the N4 road, at Moher townland, just south of Annaduff GAA grounds: Coming from Drumsna and heading for Dromod, past Annaduff GAA grounds, there is need to provide a-centre-of- the-road right turn lane opposite the entrances to the next two lanes on the right. The first is where the word Moher is on the map (Rowley Lane) and the next has a grid reference 035 934 (Carney Lane).

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

"That our engineers be asked to contact TII and to request them to immediately provide the following, on the N4 road, at Moher townland, just south of Annaduff GAA grounds: Coming from Drumsna and heading for Dromod, past Annaduff GAA grounds, there is need to provide a-centre-of- the-road right turn lane opposite the entrances to the next two lanes on the right. The first is where the word Moher is on the map (Rowley Lane) and the next has a grid reference 035 934 (Carney Lane)."

Report by Roads - General

"Both the lanes that you refer to in your motion are private lanes. The TII will not construct turning lanes on a national primary for private lanes."

Councillor Des Guckian expressed his disappointment with the reply.  He stated there is an issue with road safety at this location which Leitrim County Council or the TII cannot ignore.  Councillor Guckian advised what he is proposing is the creation of a safety island where a motorist turning right can pull in and wait safely until there is no oncoming traffic.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion stating the TII should be contacted and asked to review their decision as the work proposed would not be a major cost.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson stated he did not want the TII to come back and say the road is not fit for purpose and go back to their previous proposal of developing a road on the other side of Annaduff, making a two-by-two road the whole way to Carrick-on-Shannon. He asked Mr. Darragh O’Boyle to write to the TII and explain the views of the elected members.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle agreed to write to the TII outlining the elected members’ views.

I ask Mr, Darragh O’Boyle, District Engineer, Carrick on Shannon, when will the work commence to provide a few additional street gullies along the road No. L-1486-0 leading to Bofin Avenue & Dromod Harbour to prevent flooding and pooling of water in front of number of homes along the road, following periods of heavy rainfall.

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

"I ask Mr. Darragh O’Boyle, District Engineer, Carrick on Shannon, when will the work commence to provide a few additional street gullies along the road No. L-1486-0 leading to Bofin Avenue & Dromod Harbour to prevent flooding and pooling of water in front of number of homes along the road, following periods of heavy rainfall."

Report by Roads - General

"We are currently carrying out a survey of the existing drainage system on this public lane. We intend to carry out gully construction this year once we have all the required data available. Some of the existing gully connections are blocked or broken. We will repair these as part of the work."

Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

Councillor Sean McGowan noted the response and queried when will the works be completed.

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised work will not be carried out until the summer months.

I ask Mr. Darragh O’Boyle to provide some form of traffic calming along Castle Street in Mohill to slow down the traffic. With Lower Main Street being restricted to one way traffic while the collapsed building is being made safe there is a lot more traffic on Castle Street and people who are attending the Medical Clinic, the Library, the local school, or shops are concerned for their safety.

It was agreed that motion number 6 in the name of Councillor Sean McGowan, motion number 9 in the name of Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson and motion number 12 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 Sean McGowan;

"I ask Mr. Darragh O’Boyle to provide some form of traffic calming along Castle Street in Mohill to slow down the traffic. With Lower Main Street being restricted to one way traffic while the collapsed building is being made safe there is a lot more traffic on Castle Street and people who are attending the Medical Clinic, the Library, the local school, or shops are concerned for their safety."

Report by Economic Development

"While there is an increase in traffic volumes using the temporary diversion route via Glebe Street, Water Street and Castle Street that has resulted from the temporary one-way traffic restriction on Main Street, it is considered that, other than the increase in traffic volume, it has not introduced any increase in road hazard over and above that which was there beforehand.

The diversionary route is located wholly within a restricted speed limit zone of 50kmh. This is the maximum permissible speed and drivers are required to drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions. It is considered that the combination of road lengths (160m, 80m and 145m respectively), 90-degree bends and junction locations on the diversionary route, in and of themselves constitute traffic calming measures sufficient to restrict traffic speeds."

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

"I’m disappointed at the lack of urgency, shown in Mohill, in the week leading up to Christmas, to open Lower Main Street to two-way traffic. In the event of this happening again, I’m requesting that we, the Local Authority, put an engineer in place to monitor all works, to ensure work is carried out properly and speedily."

Report by Economic Development

"In the weeks leading up to Christmas Leitrim County Council was in constant discussions with the property owners consulting engineer endeavoring to ensure the works outlined in the dangerous structure improvement notice were satisfactorily completed so that Lower Main Street could be reopened to two-way traffic. The external structural engineer appointed by Leitrim County Council examined the works undertaken on Wednesday 20th December but was not satisfied that the remedial works undertaken at that time reduced the level of risk to the general public in order to allow Lower Main Street to open to two-way traffic. Local authority engineers will not assume responsibility for either the supervision or the sign off of improvement works undertaken on dangerous structures by the owners."

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

"Can I please get an update on the works taking place on the roadway and footpath at Lower Main St. Mohill and an indication of when the works will be completed."

Report  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.6.24

I ask Leitrim County Council and the engineers responsible for public realm works in St. Mary’s Close in Carrick when is it expected that this work will be completed and that every avenue is pursued to find funding to complete this estate and the main centre of our Town.

It was agreed that motion number 7 in the name of Councillor Paddy Farrell and motion number 10 in the name of Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson be taken concurrently as they relate to the same matter.

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

"I ask Leitrim County Council and the engineers responsible for public realm works in St. Mary’s Close in Carrick when is it expected that this work will be completed and that every avenue is pursued to find funding to complete this estate and the main centre of our Town."

Report by Roads - General

"St Mary’s Close was not included in the urban regeneration of Carrick on Shannon. I have met with the local community living there and advised them of the options and avenues which we can proceed.

The Active Travel Department were consulted, and they advised us that the funding scheme would not apply to these works.

If footpath grant aid becomes available, then I will be putting this scheme forward for funding.

I also advised the community that the roads department will be seeking RIG funding in the next 3-year plan (2025 to 2028). This will allow the road to be reconstructed but cannot be spent on footpath upgrades.

The ESB/Eircom and Public Lighting will all have to be undergrounded to allow proper development. The district office has carried out small footpath repairs to the area and introduced parking chocks to prevent cars parking on the footpath. We have also upgraded the public lighting to LED lighting."

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

"I ask what plans are in place to upgrade footpaths and roads in St. Mary’s Close, Carrick-on-Shannon. This area has become extremely busy and work needs to be carried out here. We urgently need to put a plan in place for future upgrades."

Report by Roads - General

"St Mary’s Close was not included in the urban regeneration of Carrick on Shannon. I have met with the local community living there and advised them of the options and avenues which we can proceed.

The Active Travel Department were consulted, and they advised us that the funding scheme would not apply to these works.

If footpath grant aid becomes available, then I will be putting this scheme forward for funding.

I also advised the community that the roads department will be seeking RIG funding in the next 3-year plan (2025 to 2028). This will allow the road to be reconstructed but cannot be spent on footpath upgrades.

The ESB/Eircom and Public Lighting will all have to be undergrounded to allow proper development. The district office has carried out small footpath repairs to the area and introduced parking chocks to prevent cars parking on the footpath. We have also upgraded the public lighting to LED lighting."

Councillor Paddy Farrell noted the response and asked could every avenue be explored to secure funding to complete this estate in the centre of the town.  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.7.24

I call on Leitrim County Council to make every effort in 2024 to contact the IDA and Enterprise Ireland with a view to bringing high tech industrial jobs to Mohill and Carrick-on-Shannon to keep our young people at home as both towns are ideally located to road and rail networks.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to make every effort in 2024 to contact the IDA and Enterprise Ireland with a view to bringing high tech industrial jobs to Mohill and Carrick-on-Shannon to keep our young people at home as both towns are ideally located to road and rail networks."

Report by Economic Development

"Leitrim County Council are very conscious of the need to attract sustainable jobs to both Carrick and Mohill to provide employment opportunities for all age cohorts in Co. Leitrim. Leitrim County Council is actively seeking a meeting with the IDA in early 2024 at which the existing lands and facilities within Co. Leitrim to attract and sustain an IDA investment will be discussed in conjunction with the wider benefits that Co. Leitrim has to offer. The Local Enterprise Office are in continuous discussions with Enterprise Ireland and are meeting the Enterprise Ireland Regional Manager in late January to discuss the work programme for 2024."

Councillor Paddy Farrell noted the response.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion and proposed that Leitrim County Council extend an invite to Mr. Michael Lohan, CEO IDA Ireland, to attend the May plenary council meeting of Leitrim County Council to discuss Leitrim’s potential as a place to attract investment, industry, and jobs.

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

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire supported Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson proposal to have Mr. Michael Lohan meet the council members as it will be a good opportunity to highlight to the IDA and its CEO what County Leitrim has to offer.

Mr. Justin Fannon informed the members he attended a Dublin-Leitrim Business Network meeting in Dublin before Christmas, which Mr. Lohan attended. He stated Mr. Joseph Gilhooly gave a presentation at the meeting on initiatives under way in the County, and on the facilities available in Leitrim.  Engagement has taken place with Mr. Lohan and will continue to do so.

Mr. Fannon outlined that the decision to send an invitation on behalf of the Council will be referred to the Corporate Policy Group for their consideration.

I ask that open drains along pathways and within the speed limits of Carrick-on-Shannon are inspected for safety of all. Particular attention needs to be given to open drains with broken fencings no longer adequate for safety of walkers. A prime example is on left as one walks from Rosebank Retail Park in towards Shannon roundabout.  The recent increase in drain waters is of serious concern. 

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

"I ask that open drains along pathways and within the speed limits of Carrick-on-Shannon are inspected for safety of all. Particular attention needs to be given to open drains, with broken fencing no longer adequate for the safety of walkers. A prime example is on the left, as one walks from Rosebank Retail Park in towards Shannon roundabout.  The recent increase in drain waters is of serious concern."

Report by Roads - General

"The repair to the low level "horse" fencing along the national road will be undertaken by the local authority on behalf of the TII."

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire noted the reply.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson and Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised the council will seek funding from the TII to upgrade the fencing along the road, however the fencing inside the drain is the landowner’s responsibility.