Agenda and minutes

The members extended a vote of sympathy to Cathaoirleach Councillor Justin Warnock and family on the death of his sister, Ms Mary Curneen 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 12^th February 2024.

Councillor Des Guckian referred to motion CMD15.24 reiterating his previous opinion that 10 vacant local authority houses in the Carrick-on-Shannon municipal district is not an accurate figure and asked Justin Fannon to review the number of vacant local authority houses again.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson responded to Cllr Guckian advising this has already been addressed by Mr Justin Fannon.

Councillor Des Guckian queried had correspondence been issued to An Post requesting their attendance at a Carrick municipal district meeting to discuss the future of An Post postal services in Carrick-on-Shannon.

Mr Kieran Brett informed Cllr Guckian a letter was issued to An Post on 23^rd February 2024, however, no response has been received.

Mr Kieran Brett, Meetings Administrator informed the members no correspondence had been received.

Other items raised under Meeting Correspondence

Updated Road Works Programme

Mr. Terry McGovern, Senior Engineer advised the members the allocations were received from the Department of Transport, and the TII and circulated an updated Road Works Program accordingly, which appears as Appendix 1 to the minutes of this meeting, however, due to the restoration allocation grant not been increased, it will not be possible to include any of the additional roads  for road improvement works that were discussed at the previous meeting of carrick municipal district.

Councillor Des Guckian raised the following points;

·       When will the old N4 Faulties to beyond Dromod road be completed?

·       The section of the road that was started at Faulties, needs to be resurfaced and how will this work be funded.

·       Can the Mullagh to Derrybrack road L74650 be placed as priority on the new 3 year road programme?

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised Cllr Guckian the following;

·       In regard to the proposed Roosky to Dromod scheme, it is hoped to complete the Dromod to Killinaker Bridge section this year.

·       Resurfacing works will take place on the Faulties road, The source of funding has to be clarified.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan queried if improvement works can be carried out on the section of road where you turn right for Mohill at Faughnnan’s house which is a private cul-de-sac.  He also queried if improvement works can be carried out on road L-10531 in Lisadadanan townland.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised it would be unusual to apply for a grant to a private cul-de-sac, adding, the residents could apply for a community grant scheme.  He advised a CIS scheme may be considered for L-10531 in Lisadadanan townland.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised all roads identified by elected members are considered in preparation of the new 3 year road programme which will be brought before the members in October/November 2024 for consideration and approval.

I call on Senior Engineer, Terry McGovern, and District Engineer, Darragh O’Boyle, to  put in place a programme of works to carry out the following engineering works in Dromod; provide up to four additional street gullies on the left side as you leave the village from old Garda Barracks up towards Crowes Garage at the Dromod Beg end of the village; and to consider the possibility of providing table top ramps at each entrance into Dromod and one in the middle near the entrance to the old Western Meats factory to slow the traffic going through the village.

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

"I call on Senior Engineer, Terry McGovern, and District Engineer, Darragh O’Boyle, to  put in place a programme of works to carry out the following engineering works in Dromod; provide up to four additional street gullies on the left side as you leave the village from old Garda Barracks up towards Crowes Garage at the Dromod Beg end of the village; and to consider the possibility of providing table top ramps at each entrance into Dromod and one in the middle near the entrance to the old Western Meats factory to slow the traffic going through the village."

Report by Roads - General

"We currently have received drainage grants to replace the existing Harbour Road drainage. We can apply next year to see if funds become available for additional drainage works on the old N4 at the Garda station. We will require a low-cost safety scheme to provide funding for table top junctions. If funding is available at the end of year, we can consider raising the existing pedestrian crossing on the old N4. There are currently 2 ramped pedestrian crossings on the Dromod Mohill road. The Active Travel section are currently looking at measures to improve pedestrian movements towards the railway station. The District Office will look at placing a raised crossing at the current pedestrian crossing in the village under funding from the TII for old national roads."

Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised tabletop ramps at junctions come under the scope of Active Travel adding he will inform them of this matter.  To put additional gullies in place, a survey would have to be carried out and resurfacing works will have to be carried out.  He stated he was unaware of any road in Dromod been closed due to flooding, adding the issue can be investigated.

I seek the support of the members in calling on the NTA and the Dept. of Transport to immediately provide funding for the provision of a cantilever bridge adjoined to the existing road bridge in Roosky.  

It was agreed that motion number 4 in the name of Councillor Sean McGowan and motion number 6 in the name of Councillor Des Guckian be taken concurrently as they relate to the same matter.

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

"I seek the support of the members in calling on the NTA and the Dept. of Transport to immediately provide funding for the provision of a cantilever bridge adjoined to the existing road bridge in Roosky."

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

"That the unsatisfactory traffic/ pedestrian situation at Rooskey Bridge be addressed by the building of a pedestrian cantilever bridge alongside the current bridge and to the southern side of it."

Report by Roads - General

"The Elected Members in the Carrick MD & Boyle MD were briefed on the Option Report, prepared by Fehily Timoney Consultants on 21st February 2024. The emerging preferred option of Traffic lights and a footpath on the existing bridge deck was presented and discussed.  A trial of this set up, will be planned and assessed later in 2024.

The views of the members both from Leitrim & Roscommon, who unanimously did not agree with the Emerging Preferred Option, was noted and the National Transport Authority were informed of their view."

Councillor Sean McGowan expressed his disappointment with the report stating it did not make good reading adding constructing a footpath on the bridge is a recipe for disaster as it will make the bridge too narrow. He proposed the best option is that a cantilever bridge be constructed on the Northern side of the existing bridge, and it is something the people of Rooskey want.

Councillor Des Guckian expressed his dissatisfaction with the proposal of the traffic lights option pilot programme been carried out stating that it would be a waste of time adding no-one can put a price on safety and human life.

All elected members supported the view that a cantilever bridge is the best option for Rooskey bridge.

Mr Terry McGovern confirmed the views of the members will be brought to the NTA for further consideration. For now, the proposed traffic light option will be trialled on a pilot basis. Before any permanent solution is considered, it will be brought before the elected members for consideration.

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

"That the flooding along the street in Dromod, opposite The Hollies, north of Dromod old Barracks, be investigated and alleviated."

Report by Roads - General

"We carried out gully cleaning in Dromod in December and are unaware of any road flooding that occurred. We can revisit the gully cleaning through the cleaning schedule."

Councillor Des Guckian noted the response and asked that the issue be addressed this year.

Referencing Cllr McGowan’s motion about Engineering Works in Dromod, Councillor Des Guckian raised the issue of traffic management and the need for additional parking in Dromod village. Cllr Guckian also referred to documentation he had circulated to residents in Dromod.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson informed Cllr Guckian that Cllr McGowan’s motion had been dealt with. The issue now raised by Cllr Guckian was not related to flooding and is a separate issue that is not listed on the agenda of this meeting. Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson added that if Cllr Guckian wants to discuss this separate issue, he should put it forward as a motion for the next municipal district meeting.

Councillor Des Guckian said the Cathaoirleach was denying him his rights.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson said this was not correct, stating Councillor Des Guckian had two motions on the agenda and both were considered.

I ask that the housing estate at Tir na Si, Lisnagat here in Carrick is visited and safety measures for children playing are implemented by LCC. There are a growing number of families now in that area and playing outside should be as safe as possible. I believe there are improvements that could be made for safety of all.

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

"I ask that the housing estate at Tir na Si, Lisnagat here in Carrick is visited and safety measures for children playing are implemented by LCC. There are a growing number of families now in that area and playing outside should be as safe as possible. I believe there are improvements that could be made for safety of all."

Report by Roads - General

"We carried out an audit on the Tir na Si estate (public cul de sac) and note that all public lights are working, 30Kph signs are up and visible along with warning "children at play" signs."

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire gave background to her motion and queried was there anything new on the market to say that “children are at play in an area”.

All elected members supported the motion.

Darragh O’Boyle stated the motion refers to a cul-de-sac estate and the only traffic that drives through the estate are its residents. He advised he can discuss the speeding concerns with the Gardai.  He advised that the erection of a driver feedback sign can be considered for the area.

I ask that the road surface at the top of Summerhill, turning to the Community school road and secondly, the point of turning for Ayrfield Manor from same road, is examined and repaired as part of the Easter holiday time improvements on Summerhill. Temporary fill has been used here and the action of vehicles turning is continuously loosening the chippings that have been used.

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

"I ask that the road surface at the top of Summerhill, turning to the Community school road and secondly, the point of turning for Ayrfield Manor from same road, is examined and repaired as part of the Easter holiday time improvements on Summerhill. Temporary fill has been used here and the action of vehicles turning is continuously loosening the chippings that have been used."

Report by Roads - General

"Irish Water have plans to resurface Summerhill from Main Street to the roundabout over the Easter holidays and have applied for a road closure to facilitate this scheme."

Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire noted the response.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson supported the motion.

I ask that the footpaths in Mohill, other than Main Street, receive power sweeping / power washing.

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

"I ask that the footpaths in Mohill, other than Main Street, receive power sweeping / power washing."

Report by Roads - General

"We do not have a budget to power wash all the footpaths in Mohill. If there is a particular area which is of concern, we can programme this particular area into our schedule of works. We are hoping to carry out repair to certain footpaths once the urban renewal works are completed."

Councillor Thomas Mulligan noted the response and acknowledged the council are not in a position to power wash all the footpaths in Mohill, however, he queried would the sweeper address this issue and requested that some cleaning is carried out preferably before summer.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson, Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised it would be possible to get a contractor in, however, the preferred option would be to wait until the urban renewal works move down beyond the junction adding a commitment can be given for the footpaths to be cleaned in Q3 of this year.

I ask that Local Road L-1572 in the townlands of Drumgrainne and Anskirt be included for a strengthening grant between Moffitt’s Cross and Gortlettragh GAA grounds.  There is a safety issue at Moffitt’s Cross regarding the view when moving onto the Gortlettragh / Farnaght road L-1571.

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

"I ask that Local Road L-1572 in the townlands of Drumgrainne and Anskirt be included for a strengthening grant between Moffitt’s Cross and Gortlettragh GAA grounds.  There is a safety issue at Moffitt’s Cross regarding the view when moving onto the Gortlettragh / Farnaght road L-1571."

Report by Roads - General

"The local road L-1572 is not included in the approved 3-year programme. (2024 being the last year of this programme). We can consider including this public road in the next 3-year plan for approval by the elected members. This new 3-year plan will be put forward to the elected members towards the end of 2024."

Councillor Thomas Mulligan gave background to his motion stating this issue has been raised twice and if it is not addressed there will be an accident if the road is left in its present condition.  He advised the area in general must receive serious attention and sight lines need to be improved for motorists.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson, Councillor Sean McGowan and Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle confirmed the road will be included in the next 3-year plan. He advised the council are limited in what action they can take regarding sight lines and visibility, due to the fence been privately owned.  He acknowledged the road is narrow, adding the only option is to erect signage and road markings coming to that junction.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised he will engage with the landowner to see if would be willing to give a piece of land to the council to enable the issue to be addressed.

I call on District Engineer Darragh O’Boyle to give an update on when work and improvements will be carried out on the road from Killnagross to Churchpark L3409.

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

"I call on District Engineer Darragh O’Boyle to give an update on when work and improvements will be carried out on the road from Killnagross to Churchpark L3409."

Report by Roads - General

"The district office has been in contact with the landowners regarding these works. Once agreement is reached, we can programme these works under the next 3 year roads plan."

Councillor Paddy Farrell noted the response, adding he would like to see the issue progressed as he is aware the landowner is in agreement with the council.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised he has liaised with the landowner with a view to purchasing a piece of land. If this happens, the road can be included for a road improvement grant under the next 3 year programme.  He stated he would like to get the issue resolved; however, he reiterated no agreement has been finalised with the landowner.

I ask Leitrim County Council to examine and remove, if necessary, the trees in Amber Court, along the Oaklands Estate in Summerhill, Carrick-on-Shannon, as they pose a danger to overhead wires if they are impacted by a storm.

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

"I ask Leitrim County Council to examine and remove, if necessary, the trees in Amber Court, along the Oaklands Estate in Summerhill, Carrick-on-Shannon, as they pose a danger to overhead wires if they are impacted by a storm."

Report by Roads - General

"Amber Court is an estate that has been taken in charge. There are a number of low cherry trees which we do not want to remove unless the trees are dead. We will review these trees during the summer months and make a decision regarding their removal. Regarding the overhead power lines, ESB carry out regular checks on these lines to avoid any difficulties with overhanging trees. These trees are at the rear of the estate not in the public realm and therefore we have no charge over them."

Councillor Paddy Farrell gave background to his motion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised they will wait and see if the cherry trees are dead before they remove them. He will write to the ESB to inform them the residents have concerns regarding the overhead power lines.

I call for a re-vamp of the housing block at Hyde Terrace Mohill. We need to ask for funding from the Department of Housing to complete this action.

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

"I call for a re-vamp of the housing block at Hyde Terrace Mohill. We need to ask for funding from the Department of Housing to complete this action."

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

"The housing scheme at Hyde Terrace, Mohill consists of 36 properties, 23 of which are in the ownership of the Council with the remaining 13 properties in private ownership.  The dwellings within the development have previously been upgraded under a Remedial Works Scheme which was carried out in 2001/2002 at a cost of €1.2 million. In recent years, 9 dwellings in Hyde Terrace were upgraded under the Energy Efficiency Programme. The Council has no plans to carry out a further Remedial Works Scheme in the estate as there is no funding available from the Department for these works."

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson noted the reply and acknowledged the council do not have the funding to carry out the works, however, he reiterated the council must request funding from the Department to carry out the works.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion whilst advising the heavy cast iron gutters are a danger and a new scheme needs to be put in place to upgrade the estate.

Councillor Paddy Farrell supported the motion.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan acknowledged the recent energy upgrade works have made a big improvement, however, the works that need to be addressed now are of a structural nature.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson acknowledged the money that has been spent on the estate to date, however, he asked could we revert to housing and express the concerns of the elected members.

Darragh O’Boyle advised there are plans to repair the footpaths in Hyde Terrace.

The date for the next meeting was agreed for 8^th April at 10.00am.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson read out an email received from the local Tidy Towns committee requesting Councillors to refrain from erecting posters at the upcoming Local Elections. He asked if the other elected members agreed not to erect posters in the towns the municipal district.

Councillor Sean McGowan supported the suggestion.

Mr Darragh O’Boyle advised he had also received correspondence from Tidy Towns groups in relation to the non erection of election posters, He stated under the Roads Act the council can’t ban posters, adding election candidates are entitled to put posters up under the Referendum Act.

Councillor Thoms Mulligan referred to the proposed Waterways Ireland by-laws and how they will impact boat owners on rivers. A group of boat owners has sought a meeting with the elected members this week to discuss the issue.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson asked Cllr Mulligan to liaise with the group and revert to the elected members accordingly.