Agenda and minutes

The Members extended a vote of sympathy to Mr. Vincent Dwyer and family on the death of his father, Mr Colm Dwyer R.I.P.   

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Finola Armstrong

             SECONDED by Councillor Sean McGowan

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the meeting of 15^th January 2024

Councillor Des Guckian objected to the adoption of these minutes stating that they did not give an accurate reflection of the update provided at the January meeting by Senior Engineer, Mr Shay O’Connor in relation to the flood mitigation works in Leitrim Village and in the Drumhierney Manor Housing Estate.

Councillor Des Guckian’s objection did not receive the support of any of the other members. As the minutes were proposed and seconded a resolution was passed to adopt the minutes of the meeting of 15^th January 2024, while noting Councillor Des Guckian’s objection.

The following correspondence was noted by the members:

1.           Email from Minister of Justice, Helen McEntee TD, regarding increase in grant assistance for community led CCTV schemes.

Councillor Sean McGowan expressed his disappointment with the response stating the answer is not sufficient and not addressing the needs of the community. He suggested Leitrim County Council revert to the Department of Justice and Equality again and ask that they reconsider the level of grant funding available for community led CCTV schemes.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson supported Cllr McGowan’s comments.

Councillor Des Guckian expressed his dissatisfaction with the reply stating it was a poor answer from Minister Helen McEntee

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire and Councillor Paddy Farrell both acknowledged the success of CCTV in Carrick-on-Shannon and highlighted the importance of the scheme to the Gardai and the community.

2.           Email from Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, regarding a provision of a new school for Carrick-on-Shannon.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson expressed his disappointment with the reply adding the current school is not fit for purpose.

Councillor Des Guckian said the reply was evasive and dismissive and did not address the need for a new school in Carrick-on-Shannon adding continued pressure needs to be put on the Minister for Education and the Department of Education to address the issue.

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire informed the members continued pressure will be exerted on the Department of Education in this regard.

Local residents in Breffni Crescent are concerned at the speed of cars entering the area, especially at the Breffni Family Resource Childcare Centre, Breffni Crescent. Can Leitrim County Council review signage and erect suitable speed bumps in the area. Also, signage required at Corryeolus area at entrance from factory to Breffni Crescent.

Local residents in Breffni Crescent are concerned at the speed of cars entering the area, especially at the Breffni Family Resource Childcare Centre, Breffni Crescent.  Can Leitrim County Council review signage and erect suitable speed bumps in the area.  Also, signage required at Corryeolus area at entrance from factory to Breffni Crescent.

Senior Engineer, Mr Terry McGovern informed the members speed bumps will not be erected in the area, however, signage will be reviewed.  He advised the speed limit in the area is 30km and there is no through traffic in the area.

Mr. Justin Fannon gave a report on the Schedule of Municipal District Works for 2024, as circulated to the Members, and appears as Appendix 1 to the minutes of this meeting.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson acknowledged the allocation for Litter Management whilst highlighting this is not improving despite the ongoing work in that area.

Councillor Des Guckian raised the following points:

·       Where are the results regarding Housing Maintenance?

·       The allocation of €18,500 for Traveller Accommodation seems low.

·       Is it intended to reinstate the buildings in Rosebank Traveller Accommodation site?

·       What is been spent on the old landfill dumps in Carrick and Mohill?

·       Where is the money going to be spent on in unfinished housing estates?

·       What will the Land Drainage allocation be spent on?

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson advised the drainage allocation has been approved previously at budget meeting and has been discussed already.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson advised in regard to Draft Traveller Accommodation Programme 2025 to 2029, submissions have been sought from various relevant bodies, neighbouring local authorities and the traveller community.  Consideration is being given to the future of the existing Rosebank development in Carrick-on-Shannon with a view towards meeting the housing needs of the local traveller community over the next five years.

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire stated the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee (LTACC) is vitally important in working with the traveller community.  She praised the excellent engagement between the council and the committee.

Mr Justin Fannon informed the members the following:

·       Rosebank Traveller Site will be examined, there are 3 different potential outcomes which are as follows:

Ø  Upgrading/refurbishment of the site

Ø  Closing down the site

Ø  Demolish the existing site and rebuild new traveller accommodation units.

·       Clarification on the approved budgetary expenditure on remediation of the old dump in Carrick and Mohill will be provided to Councillor Guckian.

·       A workshop will be held after this meeting regarding unfinished housing estates and the members will be informed of the breakdown of figures accordingly.

·       Land drainage will be addressed through the roads programme, however, the figure has previously been agreed at the annual budget meeting by plenary council in November 2023.

Mr Terry McGovern said €60,000 for the Drainage District Grant was approved at the annual budget meeting and is limited to OPW drainage schemes adding this is an increase of 33% from last year.

Mr. Terry McGovern, Senior Engineer gave a report on the Annual Area Programme 2024, as circulated to the members, and appears as Appendix 2 to the minutes of this meeting.

Mr. McGovern informed the members that once the allocations are received from the Department of Transport, and the TII, an updated Road Works Program will be prepared and circulated.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson acknowledged a lot of work has been carried out in the county especially around the area of Active Travel, however, he expressed his disappointment that the Department of Transport do not have the allocations issued in January as this would clarify the amount of money that local  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.14.24

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

"That the empty and seemingly deserted Council-owned houses in Council estates, be closely examined to see if they can be brought back into use as residences. This would improve the problem of shortages of houses in each. Central government money should be sought for this purpose."

Report by Director of Services, Housing and Community, Corporate Services, Cultural and Emergency Services

"When the Housing Department receive a property back for re-letting it is firstly assessed for any necessary works required prior to re-allocation e.g. energy efficiency, general maintenance etc.  There are a number of vacant properties undergoing works at present and once completed these will be allocated in accordance with our Housing Allocation Scheme.   We are not aware of any deserted Council houses at present but there may be cases, from time to time, where properties have been abandoned that the Housing Department may not be aware of.  However, if these are brought to our attention we will investigate and, if appropriate, seek possession under Section 15 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 – Repossession of Abandoned Dwellings."

Councillor Des Guckian gave background to his motion stating central government funding should be sought to bring vacant homes into use.

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

Councillor Thomas Mulligan stated there are a small number of people living in estates who are not maintaining their dwelling, which leads to the deterioration of the estate and questioned can some scheme be introduced to address this issue.

Councillor Paddy Farrell queried the uptake of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.

Mr Justin Fannon informed the members there are currently 24 houses vacant Local Authority properties in the County, which represents less than 2% of the overall housing stock of Leitrim County Council.  The breakdown is 10 vacant Local Authority houses in Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District, 10 vacant Local Authority houses in Manorhamilton Municipal District and 4 vacant Local Authority houses in Ballinamore Municipal District.  The turnaround time for re-letting a house is 24 weeks; this is due to substantial upgrades that are carried out on vacant houses to bring them to a very high energy rating. 

Councillor Paddy Farrell stated 10 seemed a low number of vacant properties in the Carrick area.

Councillor Des Guckian concurred with Councillor Paddy Farrell’s remark regarding 10 properties being a low number for vacant properties in the Carrick area. He stated a survey should be undertaken to accurately assess the number of vacant houses in the area, as he believed it to be greatly understated.

Mr Justin Fannon advised the elected members if they are aware of Local Authority houses that are vacant, they should inform the Housing Department, who will investigate the matter.

That the members of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District call on An Post to issue details of their plans, for the next five years for An Post’s parcel, ordinary mail and shop facilities at Carrick-on-Shannon Town Post Office and answer the question “Is it proposed to sell off the building and its surrounding site?” and that a letter to this effect be sent to An Post.

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

"That the members of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District call on An Post to issue details of their plans, for the next five years for An Post’s parcel, ordinary mail and shop facilities at Carrick-on-Shannon Town Post Office and answer the question “Is it proposed to sell off the building and its surrounding site?” and that a letter to this effect be sent to An Post."

Councillor Des Guckian gave background to his motion stating a member of the post office workers union contacted him to get this issue addressed.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson advised he was not aware of this issue and was surprised An Post would not have notified elected members if there was an issue regarding the future of Carrick-on-Shannon post office.  He proposed that An Post attend a meeting of the Municipal District and give a presentation detailing their plans for the next five years for An Post’s parcel, ordinary mail and shop facilities at Carrick-on-Shannon Post Office.

Councillor Paddy Farrell, Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire & Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson asked Councillor Des Guckian to include the invitation to An Post to attend a meeting of Carrick on Shannon MD, in his motion

On the PROPOSAL of Cathaoirleach Councillor Des Guckian

             SECONDED by Councillor Enda Stenson

It was AGREED to write to An Post inviting them to attend the next meeting of Carrick Municipal District to discuss the future plans for An Post’s parcel, ordinary mail and shop facilities at Carrick-on-Shannon Town Post Office.

Councillor Des Guckian thanked his fellow members for their support.

I ask that Leitrim County Council give full consideration to making public spaces as well as footpaths as safe as possible for pedestrians.

"Pedestrians get Priority" should be the understanding for cyclists and vehicle drivers. Areas outside schools, creches, pre-schools, health centres, playgrounds, quay sides and more must be made safer for all. This would establish a call to courtesy that many but not all could adhere to. This could be a national call led by our municipal area and County Leitrim.

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

"I ask that Leitrim County Council give full consideration to making public spaces as well as footpaths as safe as possible for pedestrians.

"Pedestrians get Priority" should be the understanding for cyclists and vehicle drivers. Areas outside schools, creches, pre-schools, health centres, playgrounds, quay sides and more must be made safer for all. This would establish a call to courtesy that many but not all could adhere to. This could be a national call led by our municipal area and County Leitrim."

Report by Economic Development

"Leitrim County Council currently endeavour to make all public areas it has responsibility for as pedestrian friendly as possible. The basic rules of the road considers all pedestrians to be vulnerable. Leitrim County Council delineate the public areas outside schools, creches, hospitals etc to reflect this principle. An awareness campaign that ''Pedestrians Get Priority'' could be raised as a potential initiative at the next JPC meeting. A live project that is consistent with the above is the Safe Route to School Scheme (SRTS) for Scoil Mhuire, Carrick on Shannon which the Active Travel team is developing. This scheme will improve infrastructure outside of and on routes to school with the aim of increasing the number of children who walk and cycle to school.  The underlying design principles of this scheme have the pedestrian and cyclist at its core."

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire gave background to her motion adding it would be very positive to see this initiative county wide in Leitrim.  She highlighted bicycles, scooters and mopeds are taking over footpaths in areas and frightening older people.

Councillor Sean McGowan & Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

Mr Justin Fannon informed the members that pedestrianization of the Quayside area in Carrick is being considered as part of Town Centre First Plan, subject to funding.

I ask for the support of the members to call on Mr Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, to provide a time frame for the installation of the new footbridge & passenger lift at Dromod train station. These improvements to the station’s facilities have been committed to by Iarnród Éireann for the past 18 months, but to date there has been no planning application submitted or a timeline of when the works will commence.

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

"I ask for the support of the members to call on Mr Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, to provide a time frame for the installation of the new footbridge & passenger lift at Dromod train station. These improvements to the station’s facilities have been committed to by Iarnród Éireann for the past 18 months, but to date there has been no planning application submitted or a timeline of when the works will commence."

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Sean McGowan

             SECONDED by Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson

It was AGREED to write to Mr Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, requesting a time frame for the installation of the new footbridge & passenger lift at Dromod train station.

I ask Acting Director of Services, Justin Fannon, to examine what streams of funding are available to fully complete the public lighting from Mohill, to link up with the new footpath & lighting that was developed recently and serves the extremely busy Caravan Park at Lough Rynn. A part of this road from Mohill currently has no public lighting and it is dangerous for the many pedestrians using the footpath at nighttime.

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

"I ask Acting Director of Services, Justin Fannon, to examine what streams of funding are available to fully complete the public lighting from Mohill, to link up with the new footpath & lighting that was developed recently and serves the extremely busy Caravan Park at Lough Rynn. A part of this road from Mohill currently has no public lighting and it is dangerous for the many pedestrians using the footpath at night time."

Report by Economic Development

"Leitrim County Council do not have the resources to provide public lighting outside the urban speed limits unless funding assistance has been secured under specific safety or community grants. Potential funding streams to enable public lighting on the stretch of footpath currently not lit up outside Mohill can be examined. This ability to access potential funding streams for this lighting project must be seen in the context of both the Governments and Leitrim County Councils requirement to achieve overall energy reduction targets by 2030 and the need to be consistent with the overall aims and objectives of both the national the impending Leitrim Climate Action Plan."

Councillor Sean McGowan noted the response adding some form of funding needs to be identified to carry out the project.

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

Councillor Thomas Mulligan supported the motion and highlighted the need for further investment in the footpath.

I raise again the question of broadband in our rural area. At a presentation 2 years to the full Council Meeting, I was told that houses (e.g. Eircode N41EE77) on a particular line would be connected to broadband by 2024. It’s my understanding this timescale is now 2026. In places the cable is within meters of houses, but cannot be connected, because somebody has not mapped the area. Can we obtain an update for households concerned about this.

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

"I raise again the question of broadband in our rural area. At a presentation 2 years to the full Council Meeting, I was told that houses (e.g. Eircode N41EE77) on a particular line would be connected to broadband by 2024. It’s my understanding this timescale is now 2026. In places the cable is within meters of houses, but cannot be connected, because somebody has not mapped the area. Can we obtain an update for households concerned about this."

Report by Economic Development

"The property at Drumrahan, Eslinbridge, Leitrim (N41EE77) is part of the intervention area of the NBI fibre rollout, the current timeline indicated on the NBI website for this location is now between January and December 2026. The overall timeframe to complete the countywide rollout of fibre by NBI is now 2027. The earlier completion dates given for this location were given at the earlier stages of the project but there have been delays in the project rollout.

The NBI website indicates that survey stage has been completed with the next stage being the move to the build stage and after which the high-speed connection will become available.

Unfortunately, these dates are the expected completion dates given by NBI and Leitrim County Council have no influence on speeding up delivery.  NBI will be attending the plenary council meeting on March 4th to give an update on progress around the County and LCC will request NBI to engage directly with elected members that have specific questions post that meeting."

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson noted the response and expressed disappointment that the timescale for NBI fibre rollout for households has now been extended to 2026.  He highlighted the frustration experienced by householders in getting connected to high-speed broadband.

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

Councillor Des Guckian stated NBI promises a lot but delivers very little.

Mr Justin Fannon advised the members Leitrim County Council has no influence on speeding up delivery of broadband, while informing the members a representative from NBI will be attending the plenary council meeting in March to give an update on broadband delivery in Leitrim. Leitrim County Council will request NBI to engage directly with elected members that have specific questions following that meeting.

Councillor Des Guckin asked that a preliminary written statement be sent by the NBI to the elected members so they can be aware of all of the issues and put forward the relevant questions at the plenary council meeting.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson supported this proposal.

The road at Annaduff Glebe, just down from Drumcree cross, is in a very dangerous state of repair now. I understand, it’s very boggy here and impossible to get a firm base. This road was fine when traffic volumes and transport loads were lighter, but now the sides are falling away. A barrier is needed along this road to prevent cars slipping down the embankment, as has happened already.

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

"The road at Annaduff Glebe, just down from Drumcree cross, is in a very dangerous state of repair now. I understand, it’s very boggy here and impossible to get a firm base. This road was fine when traffic volumes and transport loads were lighter, but now the sides are falling away. A barrier is needed along this road to prevent cars slipping down the embankment, as has happened already."

Report by Roads - General

"A 1km section of the L-7430 at Annaduff Glebe received a CIS grant in 2023. We have included an 800m section within our RIG grants in 2024. The road is on a bog rampart and will require strengthening under this grant. The introduction of a barrier system is very expensive and will only be used if the settlement reoccurs."

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson noted the response whilst querying is there anything that can be done now to address the dangerous state of the road.

Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

Mr Terry McGovern acknowledged it is a boggy area and stated a section of the road is included in the road restoration works while the other section will be reviewed.

I call on Leitrim County Council to put reflector markings on the old time stone bunkers as they are very close to roadside. There is one on left hand side of the road as you travel from Kilnagross in the direction of Keshcarrigan, and also on the Keshcarrigan to Mohill road in the townland of Breandrum.

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

"I call on District Engineer, Darragh O'Boyle, to review the dangerous pedestrian crossing on Castlecara road at junction leading up to hospital, as I have witnessed and got several representations of incidents there."

Report by Roads - General

"The positioning and location of this pedestrian crossing in 2014 was restricted due to the unavailability of land. If and when this adjoining land is developed, we will seek a new location which will move the pedestrian crossing 20m toward the town of Carrick on Shannon."

Councillor Paddy Farrell noted the response, adding something must be done urgently to address this as the crossing is a danger.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion and suggested flashing signs be installed.

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire supported the motion adding the crossing could be improved and lit up more as it is widely used by pedestrians.

Mr Terry McGovern informed the members when the pedestrian crossing was installed there was an issue with land acquisition, however, if the adjoining land becomes available the council will seek a new position for the crossing.

I call on District Engineer, Darragh O’Boyle, to review the dangerous pedestrian crossing on Castlecara road at the junction leading up to hospital, as I have witnessed and got several representations of incidents there.

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

"I call on Leitrim County Council to put reflector markings on the old time stone bunkers as they are very close to roadsides. There is one on left hand side of the road as you travel from Kilnagross in the direction of Keshcarrigan, and also on the Keshcarrigan to Mohill road in the townland of Breandrum."

Report by Roads - General

"Reflective delineators will be placed on these bunkers/pillboxes once their locations are identified and confirmed."

All elected members supported the motion.

Mr Joseph Banks will revert to Councillor Paddy Farrell on his motion.

When is it intended to carry out dredging or cleaning works on the river within Mohill town as provided for in the Annual Budget.

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

"When is it intended to carry out dredging or cleaning works on the river within Mohill town as provided for in the Annual Budget?"

Report by Economic Development

"An increase in the overall drainage budget was approved by the elected members last November to allow for cleaning of the river in Mohill. It is envisaged, that once the urban renewal works are complete, cleaning of the Lough Rynn tributary which goes through the town of Mohill will be undertaken. Leitrim County Council do not undertake dredging of the water courses."

Councillor Thomas Mulligan noted the response and asked for the work to be completed without further delay.

All elected members supported the motion.

Mr Terry McGovern advised that as funding is available to carry out the work, the timing of the work will be considered.

Following on from the announcement of funding for the old vocational school in Mohill by Minister Simon Harris, that  this Municipal District call on the Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education Training Board to outline what progress has been made on this project and when may it come fruition.

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

"Following on from the announcement of funding for the old vocational school in Mohill by Minister Simon Harris, that this Municipal District call on the Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education Training Board to outline what progress has been made on this project and when may it come fruition."

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson advised the members that following the ETB meeting on 1^st March 2024, an update on this matter will be issued to the elected members.  He assured the members the project has not stalled but there are now more enhanced plans for the building.