Agenda and minutes

Carrick on Shannon Municipal District meetings held on:

·        9th March 2020

·        2^nd June 2020

·        26^th June 2020

·        13^th July 2020 (to follow)

9th March 2020                                 2nd June 2020

26th June 2020                                   13th July 2020

Proposed by Councillor Enda Stenson, Seconded by Councillor Sean McGowan AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED;

“That the Minutes of the Meetings of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District held on 9th March, 2nd June, 26th June and 13th July 2020 be adopted”.

With regard to the Minutes of the 13th July 2020 Councillor Guckian commented that his connection had been cut off during a discussion with Mr O’Connor regarding proposed works on Main Street in Carrick on Shannon.  He queried why this happened and added that the contents of the Minutes around this discussion were totally inadequate.  They did not address issues he had raised.  He questioned what the council were trying to hide.

He asked Mr Gilhooly for an update on this matter, who had he been in discussions with since that meeting and what the outcome has been.

Mr Gilhooly said that this matter had been discussed at length at the plenary meeting last week.

Councillor Guckian stated that Mr Gilhooly had not addressed the issue adequately.

·        11^th May 2020

·        8^th June 2020

11th May 2020                                   8th June 2020

Proposed by Councillor Sean McGowan, Seconded by Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED;

“That the Minutes of the Meetings of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District held on 11th May and 8th June 2020 be adopted”.

Item No 1

Letter dated 29th July 2020 from Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport regarding funding for Regional and Local Roads in Co Leitrim.  (Appendix 1 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book).

Councillor Guckian stated that he did not have a copy of this document.  He was advised that it was sent electronically to all members along with other documentation for today’s meeting.  He said he had not agreed to sign up to get meeting documentation electronically, furthermore he wanted to receive it in hard copy and in advance of the meeting, not on the morning of the meeting when he did not have time to go through it.

Item No 2 - Change to Date of Upcoming Municipal District Meetings

Mr Gilhooly informed the members that it would be necessary to change the dates for the forthcoming  October and November meetings.

October Meeting

The October meeting is now proposed to be held on Monday 19th October 2020, the reason for this is to consider the General Municipal Allocations.  Meetings to consider the GMA’s have to be held within a specific timeframe as set out as part of the local authority’s budgetary process.

November Meeting

The November meeting is now proposed to be held on Thursday 26th November 2020.  Mr Gilhooly informed the members that Leitrim County Council are working with Mohill Town Team to put forward plans to transform the town under Rural Regeneration next year.

The council said that their architects are now ready to present the new ideas for the town this week to elected representatives in an online workshop.  It is proposed to do this on Friday 18th September 2020 at 10.00 am.  It will only take about 30 minutes.  Details will be confirmed with members in the next day or so.

The project needs to be finalised for a Part 8 planning application to be completed and approved before the end of the year. It is hoped the project will be ready to secure funding from the national competition next year. This is the reason the November dates needs to be amended to take into account the time frame set out for the Part 8 process.

Members agreed to these amended dates.

Item No 3 - N4 Bypass Constraints Study

Mr Gilhooly informed the meeting that N4 Carrick to Dromod Bypass has passed Phase 1 of the development of a route selection.   He said it was proposed to hold a web based briefing for the members next week either 21st September or 24th September 2020.   A date and time would be confirmed to the members.  He explained that the entire process was very broad and would require a lot of consultations as the project developed. At the moment the geographical/environmental & heritage constraints are being examined – route selection and public consultation will follow.

Councillor Guckian commented the current design of the bypass from Dromod to Rooskey is danger and ridiculous.  People who live on one side of the road and  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.95.20

"I propose that we look at the junction of Glebe Street and Water Street in Mohill with a view to carry out works towards improving safety. Despite the presence of signage which indicates that there is one way traffic on Glebe Street, it has become almost a daily occurrence where vehicles enter Glebe Street in the wrong direction and proceed to the main junction in the centre of the town. This situation results in chaos and danger for vehicles rightly turning into Glebe Street from Main Street and particularly for pedestrians negotiating the Corner."

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council is currently working on an urban renewal strategy for the town of Mohill and the District Engineers office advised the consultants of your concerns. They have agreed to include measures in the design to address these safety concerns."

Councillor Mulligan noted the reply and said that this is an ongoing issue causing mayhem on an almost daily basis.   Signage in the area is being ignored by some drivers.  Something needs to be done.  A member of the public recently had a incident where they came in contact with a car.

Councillor Stenson supported the motion and informed the meeting that he had witnessed such a incident in the last number of weeks.

Councillor McGowan supported the motion and said that something needs to be done.

This motion was supported by all members.

That the breach in the roadside wall, at the “Cut of Gort”, along the R202, Dromod to Mohill road, be built up and repaired. This is in the townland of Gortnalamph and not far from the Kilkenny family home.

"That the breach in the roadside wall, at the “Cut of Gort”, along the R202, Dromod to Mohill road, be built up and repaired. This is in the townland of Gortnalamph and not far from the Kilkenny family home."

Report by Roads - General

"The Gort Cut is in private ownership and belongs to the adjacent land-owners. Before any works could be carried out here, a conservation architect and possibly an archaeologist would have to be employed so that the works would be undertaken in accordance with best conservation practice. A Specific Improvement Grant would be required at this location as our normal grant systems will not cover these works. I will advise our road design office to include this scheme in our Specific Improvement Grant Applications"

Councillor Guckian commented he was surprised with early part of reply stating the wall is not in private ownership.  He said he was glad to see Restoration Improvement Grant being sought.

Councillors Mulligan, Stenson, and McGowan supported the motion. 

Councillor Mulligan enquired if it was possible to appeal to Leitrim County Council to do something.  The road is too narrow for the today’s traffic.  He asked that it would be given priority.

Councillor Guckian said he had put in a motion about 18 months asking for this road to be widened and commented that this motion had gained no traction.  He also highlighted that another aspect in this area is when there is frosty weather, driving conditions can be very dangerous for about 400/500 metres and could easily lead to accidents.

That a public toilet be provided beside the new playground area, along the Shannon, at Rooskey Village. This is much needed as children using the swings etc have no place to go in case of a toilet emergency.

"That a public toilet be provided beside the new playground area, along the Shannon, at Rooskey Village. This is much needed as children using the swings etc have no place to go in case of a toilet emergency."

Report by Roads - General

"The Council does not have a policy of providing public toilets at playgrounds nor is there financial provision to do so.  There are also significant running costs associated with such facilities. However, given the location the Council will contact Waterways Ireland to look at options, if any."

Councillor Guckian noted response to reply, gave background to need for such facilities.  Commenting on the local authority’s provision of playgrounds and equipment he said that this only went 75% of the way.  The other 25% needed to be facilities such as toilets.   Councillor Guckian noted the contacting of Waterways Ireland to see if such facilities could be provided.  He said that this is urgent.

Councillor Armstrong McGuire informed the meeting that to the best of her recollection there were public toilets on the Roscommon side of Rooskey.  These were maintained by Roscommon County Council.

Councillor Stenson supported the motion and commented that all Shannonside villages should have public toilet facilities.  He cited previous motions he had raised about such facilities in Drumsna.

Councillor McGowan stated that he supported the thrust of the motion and suggested that maybe a Portaloo should be something the Council could look at to address this problem.

Councillor Guckian commented that there was good merit in Councillor McGowan’s proposal.

Mr Gilhooly stated that there is no capacity in the budget to fund any type of toilet facilities.  The council have over 20 playgrounds to inspect and maintain and this is very costly.   He said however, that if an opportunity arose to work with other agencies to provide such facilities, this would be looked at.

I ask the Area Engineer to look at the possibility of providing additional traffic calming measures in the village of Dromod, as it is the motorists driving through the village tend to ignore the large signs at either end of the village with the result that traffic passes through the village at excessive speed.

"I ask the Area Engineer to look at the possibility of providing additional traffic calming measures in the village of Dromod, as it is the motorists driving through the village tend to ignore the large signs at either end of the village with the result that traffic passes through the village at excessive speed."

Report by Roads - General

"When funding becomes available we can raise the existing pedestrian crossing to table-top crossings, within the village. Excessive speeding within the village should be brought to the attention of the JPC."

Councillor McGowan highlighted the issue of cars speeding through the village.  He said that this was unfair on residents and the local community in general.  He noted the reply and asked Mr O’Boyle to reconsider looking at table top ramps, he understood that there were more expensive but he felt they would be more effective.

Councillor Guckian commented that he had a motion in about a year ago requesting a pedestrian crossing in the village.  He said that this was ignored and commented that you cannot equate a ramp to the loss of a life.

Mr O’Boyle responded that there were already 3 existing pedestrian crossings in the village.  He said he was in the process of looking for a grant to narrow the road coming in from the Carrick side by widening the footpath.

Councillor Mulligan supported the motion.  Councillor McGowan welcomed the application for funding and enquired about the possibility of a ramp near “The Brandywell”.

Councillor Guckian said he was not in agreement with Mr O’Boyle’s proposal to narrow the road in this location as he felt that it was not the solution.

I seek the support of members in calling on the HSE to provide early Dental Services to all primary school children in South Leitrim, as was the case in the past.

"I seek the support of members in calling on the HSE to provide early Dental Services to all primary school children in South Leitrim, as was the case in the past."

Councillor McGowan gave a background to the motion.  Children in primary school were assessed in 2nd, 4th and 6th Class up to 2018.  Funding cuts see them only assessed when they are in 6th Class, if they require any work they are almost out of the primary school cycle when this needs to be done. 

This can lead to additional costs for parents later on in the child’s life.

Councillor Guckian supported the motion and commented that the checks should be done bi-annually.

The motion was supported by all the members.

I am calling on the Roads Dept. to immediately look at traffic calming measures at Attirory Carrick-on-Shannon. Locals are requesting those measures from the top of the hill to the N4 exit, and complete traffic calming with pedestrian crossing across the N4.
This area is a particularly dangerous junction with the amount of young people crossing on foot and bicycle to schools and shops.

Item No 9 in the name of Councillor Stenson and Item No. 11 in the name of Councillor Armstrong Maguire are similar in content and it was decided to take them together.

Councillor Stenson allowed Councillor Armstrong Maguire to take her motion first

Motion from Councillor Finola Armstrong Maguire:

"In Attyrory, Carrick on Shannon residents of Ard na Si, Caldragh Crescent and Dun Ri are particularly concerned at the current traffic flow through the main road from which each estate mentioned is accessed. While within speed limits car drivers do not appear to be sufficiently aware of all the young children in the area any of whom may run towards the road at any time. On behalf of Concerned parents I am asking for speed ramps, rumble strips or road pillows to be placed on the main through road for everyone’s safety. Near accidents have occurred and parents have

serious concerns for the safety of all residents."

Motion from Councillor Enda Stenson:

"I am calling on the Roads Dept. to immediately look at traffic calming measures at Attirory Carrick-on-Shannon.  Locals are requesting those measures from the top of the hill to the N4 exit, and complete traffic calming with pedestrian crossing across the N4.  This area is a particularly dangerous junction with the amount of young people crossing on foot and bicycle to

schools and shops."

Report by Roads - General

"The District Engineers office can meet with the representatives and the local communities to discuss possibilities of a CLAR or Town and Village funding application on this issue. In recent years, funding for similar traffic calming measures have been applied for by local communities and have been successful. These schemes will be reopened earlier next year and will be advertised on other local papers and on the Leitrim County Council website."

Councillor Armstrong Maguire said she is at a loss to know why a road in a built up area like Attirory is not given priority.  There needs to be a restriction of traffic, there are a number of children playing outdoors in this area.  She said no one would want to hear of an accident in this area.  She commented that we need to take it upon ourselves to slow traffic on this road.  She called on the council to look at decreasing the speed on this road, stating that the number of people currently living along this road far exceed the numbers living there when the road was originally built.

Councillor Stenson supported the motion.

In relation to his motion he highlighted the dangers, especially for children who would be coming down from Attirory and try to cross the busy road to get to Kennedys or even the Gael Scoil.  He said there is nowhere safe for them to do so and cars coming along the N4 at speed.   He said something needs to be done here as a matter of urgency.

Mr O’Boyle said that there is a crossing further down for children to  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.101.20

A petition has been received from the users of local road L7461-0 from Drumoghty to where this road meets the R202 at Cornagresha. This road is in poor repair due to extraction of forestry.  Is it expected that repairs can be carried out here? Have the forestry company contributed to funding rebuilding of this road?

"A petition has been received from the users of local road L7461-0 from Drumoghty to where this road meets the R202 at Cornagresha. This road is in poor repair due to extraction of forestry. Is it expected that repairs can be carried out here? Have the forestry company contributed to funding rebuilding of this road?"

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council are currently in discussions with the forestry company and we are pursuing them for a contribution for a possible CIS scheme."

Councillor Stenson noted the reply. 

Mr O’Boyle informed the meeting that they are following up with private forestry companies with regard to contributions to CIS and at the moment things are looking favourable.  In the event however that such funding does not happen the alternative would be to look for a Restoration Improvement Grant for this section of road and put it on the next 3 year plan.

Councillors Mulligan, Farrell and McGowan supported the motion.

Councillor Mulligan made reference to a section of road out of Mohill which had works recently carried out by Irish Water.  He said that the road was left in a very poor state and that local residents have been complaining about it.  He enquired if the council could contact Irish Water to see when they are going to reinstate this road property.

Councillor McGowan said he was glad to see that forestry companies were looking favourably towards making contributions.  He suggested a meeting between the council and Irish Water to speed up funding from them for this section of road.

Councillor Guckian supported the motion.  He enquired if the burden of contribution for CIS would be placed on locals.  He commented that this was unfair as they did not create the problem.

Mr O’Boyle responded that the burden will not fall on the public and said he was hopeful that the forestry companies would make a full contribution.

In Attyrory, Carrick on Shannon residents of Ard na Si, Caldragh Crescent and. Dun Ri are particularly concerned at the current traffic flow through the main road from which each estate mentioned is accessed. While within speed limits car drivers do not appear to be sufficiently aware of all the young children in the area any of whom may run towards the road at any time. On behalf of Concerned parents I am asking for speed ramps, rumble strips or road pillows to be placed on the main through road for everyones safety. Near accidents have occurred and parents have serious concerns for the safety of all residents.

"Pedestrian road crossing with the current traffic flow, in from the Leitrim Road, out Park Lane and from Park Lane in to town gives no safe access to pedestrians. A safe crossing is needed and I am asking that this is progressed ASAP.  Safety of pedestrians is paramount and no regard is being shown for the walkers using footpaths and seeking to cross the road safely in this area of town. Crossing safely as evenings become darker is very difficult and pedestrians and motorists both need to be kept safe."

Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.

"This area of the town is included in the Carrick on Shannon Public Realm scheme. Part of the design is to provide tabletop areas at junctions which will provide priority to pedestrians. In the interim period until these are constructed we will look at the current situation to see if extra signage can be provided to help pedestrian crossings."

Councillor Armstrong Maguire referred to the new one way system and stated at no location is it safe for a pedestrian to cross.  Pedestrians need to be given priority, we want to get people walking but it is not safe for them to do so.    She said signage at these junctions was inadequate and driver tiredness and unawareness of the new system were leading to problems.   Some drivers are still driving down the wrong way.

Councillor Farrell supported the motion.

Mr O’Connor informed the meeting that in the long-term the Public Realm Scheme would address priority for pedestrian within this area.  He said in the interim he would be reluctant to chase the contractor and change the work programme, however, he will look again at these junctions and look at the possibility of signage to make drivers aware.

Councillor Armstrong Maguire said that if there were pedestrian crossings marked out on the road at these junctions it would highlight to the driver that people could possibly be crossing at this location instead of drivers going straight through and not having consideration for pedestrians.

Councillor McGowan supported this suggestion.

Councillor Armstrong Maguire asked Mr O’Connor when the Flynn’s Field Car Park would be ready for use.  She had received a number of enquiries in relation to it.

Mr O’Connor responded that most of the surfacing work had been done in the car park.  They are currently working on access from the car park to Main Street.  Currently they are in discussions with the medical centre people, that area is still a building site.  He informed the members when discussions have concluded and he had a more definitive deadline he will get back to the members.

The R299 needs immediate attention between Tonnagh and Lismakeega. Better signage and barriers are required as there is a very large volume of traffic on this road in the last few weeks.  There was also a serious accident on one bend in the last few weeks.

"The R299 needs immediate attention between Tonnagh and Lismakeegan. Better signage and barriers are required as there is a very large volume of traffic on this road in the last few weeks. There was also a serious accident on one bend in the last few weeks."

Report by Roads - General

"The District Engineers Office have erected appropriate regulatory signage and chevrons at this location. Crash barriers are not an option here due to the ground conditions. We will apply for a low cost safety at this location and if the incident was recorded by the Gardai, this application will gain traction with the department."

Councillor Farrell informed the meeting that people are living in fear of driving on this stretch of road.  A bad accident occurred a few weeks ago at this location.

Councillor Stenson supported the motion. 

Councillor  Guckian said he had a motion in roughly a year ago regarding the same stretch of road.  A serious accident occurred here about a year ago.  There is increased usage and increased speed on this road.

Mr O’Boyle said that the particular stretch of road in question had a serious of horseshoe bends.  Last year he priced safety barriers for this location, on foot of a previous notice of motion.  They were too costly.  He reiterated that the council will seek Low Cost Safety funding at this location, given the fact that there has been a serious accident here it should strengthen the case for funding.

I call on Leitrim County Council to remove the tall trees along the crash barriers on the N4 at Tully Jamestown as you come off the L7415 or L7426 heading in the direction towards Dublin.

"I call on Leitrim County Council to remove the tall trees along the crash barriers on the N4 at Tully Jamestown as you come off the L7415 or L7426 heading in the direction towards Dublin."

Report by Roads - General

"The removal of trees along this stretch of the N4 was carried out 4 years ago to allow sunlight to penetrate to the road surface. The current situation does not deem any further removal of trees under road safety as there is adequate sight distance. The removal of trees to allow views of the Shannon amenity for private residences will not gain access to TII funding streams."

Councillor Farrell commented that after the last storm a couple of trees at this location fell down.  He said that they were also a barrier to a view of the Shannon for the houses in this location.

Mr O’Boyle said he had look at this junction and the trees are not impeding on sight distances.  He said he would bring this matter to the TII but he could see no justification for the trees to be cut down as they were not posing a road safety risk.

Councillor Guckian agreed with the motion and enquired if it were not the responsibility of the local authority to cut back trees overlying on roads.  Was this a new policy?

Mr O’Boyle responded that this provision was contained under the Roads Act, and was not a policy of Leitrim County Council.

Councillor Guckian wanted to know the title of the Act, Mr O’Boyle responded – The Roads Act, 1993.

Councillor McGowan supported the motion and urged Mr O’Boyle to make contact with the

That we close the boundry ditch between Cappagh Estate / Mohill Mart and erect a proper fence / wall as this area is impossible to maintain in its present state.

"That we close the boundary ditch between Cappagh Estate / Mohill Mart and erect a proper fence/wall as this area is impossible to maintain in its present state."

Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.

"Leitrim County Council have contacted Leitrim Development Company through their different programmes about maintenance of this hedge. LDC advised that this hedge was trimmed this year and will be trimmed and shaped again before the end of September 2020.

In recognition of the LDC contribution to communities and estates, Leitrim County Council have increased their annual contribution by 30% this year to this scheme."

Councillor Mulligan noted the reply, he commented that there are bigger trees at one point along the avenue, leaves are on the ground and they are leaving the steps very dangerous.  He said that all that is required is to level the ditch and put in piping and erect a proper fence.

He suggested the possibility of using the walkway from the Mart up to the Community College as a Greenway.  He believed that this would be a huge asset to the schools as well as being a tremendous shortcut home for pupils.   He hoped it might be something to be considered by the council.

Councillor Stenson supported the motion.

Councillor McGowan supported the motion adding that the location at the moment is dirty and dangerous.  He agreed with the suggestion of a walkway and said it would be a great facility to have in the town and maybe it could be something that could be included in the upcoming Mohill Public Realm.

The Cathaoirleach said that all members would be in support of this proposal.

Delays on Public Realm Works – Main Street, Carrick on Shannon

Councillor Des Guckian asked Mr Gilhooly to explain to the members why there were delays in commencing works on Main Street.

He had been told by one of the business people on Main Street that there been only 3 days good work done since 3rd July 2020. 

He asked for the name of the Contractor.

Mr Gilhooly stated that Shareridge was the name of the Contractor.  He said that this matter was already discussed at the plenary meeting held last week in Manorhamilton.  He added that the local authority is disappointed at the slow pace of works, however the local authority and contractor are in meetings with regard to getting works back on track.  Details discussions are currently taking place and when the details have been finalised he will update the members on the outcome and proposed timescale.

Councillor Guckian again asked Mr Gilhooly for the specific reason for the delay in works.  Mr Gilhooly reiterated that this matter has been dealt with and he would not be discussing it further explaining that the council is in a contract with Shareridge works and information pertaining to meetings held between both parties could not be discussed in a public forum.

Councillor Guckian concluded that Mr Gilhooly’s response was not satisfactory.

Substitution of job on Current Road Works Programme

Mr O’Boyle informed the members that he was seeking approval from them to substitute a job on the current Road Works Programme.

He informed them that a CIS was assessed a while ago for Rinacurreen, however it was felt unfair to put the cost of CIS to locals.  He was now proposing to apply a Restoration Improvement Grant to this area in the next 3 year Road Works Programme.  He now wanted to substitute this job for one in Kilclarebeg. 

Proposed by Councillor Enda Stenson and Seconded by Councillor Sean McGowan

Proposal to amend Carrick on Shannon Public Realm

Councillor Sean McGowan wished to bring forward a proposal, as  had been suggested to him by a party colleague.

The proposal would be to make the area from St Mary’s Close down to the Town Clock completely pedestrianised.  He said that this proposal would need a lot of discussion.

Confirmation of Rescheduled Municipal Meeting Dates

•          October meeting         -           Monday 19th October 2020                           

•          November meeting     -           Thursday 26th November 2020