Agenda and minutes

Matters arising from Minutes:

Councillor Guckian highlighted that the title to the Minutes was incorrect.  It read that they were “Minutes of Online Information Meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District” when it fact the meeting was held in the Council Chamber and not online.

Councillor Guckian asked that this be rectified.  Ms Shanley, Meetings Administrator, stated that this amendment would be reflected in the Minutes.

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 Monday 14th September 2020 be adopted”.

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Before the next item on the Agenda was taken Councillor Guckian raised concerns regarding the number of accidents which have taken place on the R299.  He informed the meeting that Councillor Farrell had a notice of motion down in relation to this at last month’s municipal district meeting (CMD 20/105 refers).  He wanted to give the members and executive an update in relation to this situation.  He said that he had been reliably informed by a person living in that area that over the last 3 weeks, 3 major accidents involving lorries had occurred on this stretch of road.  In the first instance a headstone fell from a truck, the second involved baled hay and the third involved pre-cast products.   He said that this is an extremely urgent case and the council have a big job to do.  He also wrote the Gardai in Carrick on Shannon informing them of these incidents.

Mr Gilhooly asked that this matter be deferred for a short period as Mr O’Boyle had not yet joined the meeting and he would be the best person to brief the meeting on this matter.  He added that it was imperative for all lorries to operate with safe loads.  He said it was the responsibility of road users to exercise caution.

Councillor Guckian commented that what he had said was fact.  The problem was with the camber of the road and cannot be ignored by the Council.

The Cathaoirleach agreed to defer the question or a short period adding that everyone was aware of the situation with this particular stretch of road.    

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On a separate issue regarding the previous Minutes of 14th September 2020, Councillor Mulligan made reference to notice of motion in the name of Councillor Guckian (CMD 20/097) referring to roadside wall at “Cut of Gort” along R202.

In the minutes it stated that Councillor Mulligan “enquired if it was possible to appeal to the landowners in question to do something”.

Councillor Mulligan clarified that he had “called on the Council”, not the landowners to do something.

This was noted by Ms Shanley, Meetings Administrator who informed Councillor Mulligan that this amendment would be made.

A copy of report from the Chief Executive was circulated to the Members in advance of the meeting (Appendix Minute Item 109 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book).

The Chief Executive, Mr Power addressed the meeting informing them of his requirement to talk to them today as part of the budgetary process.  The Budget is due to take place on 30th November,  he said that work on the budget is in progress, with the budget book set to issue to members on  17th November 2020.

Commenting on the financial fallout of Covid 19, Mr Power said that this has been a tough year for people and businesses.  There has been a lot of pain and the pandemic has also greatly impacted the local government sector financially.  He said that it was the objective of the local authority with the help of government to get as many businesses as possible through this difficult period. 

He said that the local authority is facing a reduced income stream as a result of the

waiver/reduction in commercial rates.

He advised that the local authority had to be prudent with its available resources.  The debit balance on the Revenue Account at the end of July was €265,000.  There is an overdraft facility available for short term borrowing for the purposes of cash flow, however this is not something he would favour.

He did concede however, that the local authority would have to keep its options open and this may have to include a moderate increase in its overdraft facility, if absolutely necessary.  He stated that all local authorities are very dependent on direct support from government. 

The extension of the commercial rates waiver is an important step in supporting businesses impacted by the pandemic and that there is reasonable expectation in the local government sector that the government will assist businesses and local authorities going forward.

He concluded by saying that the situation faced by all sectors and businesses was challenging and said that the local authority would be monitoring its financial situation very closely.

Mr Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance and Water Services then gave the members a detailed report of the budgetary process and where the General Municipal Allocation came in the process and outlined the details of the General Municipal Allocation per division as set out in the report circulated.

After Mr Dywer’s presentation the Cathaoirleach invited questions from the members.

Councillor Guckian commented that the overall allocation of €82,000 for the three municipal district areas were pittance.

Referring to allocations made under Amenities/Tidy Towns he called on the executive to stop using the “Settlement Hierarchy” as the basis for distributing funding.  This he felt was very unfair to more rural areas such as Dromod.   He said that towns like Carrick on Shannon ended up getting the lions share all the time.  There needed to be a better way to determine fairer distribution for smaller areas.

He also noted the lack of reference to funding for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.109.20

1.      Beal na Leica Housing Estate in the townland of Keshcarrigan Td. for a distance of 144meters

2.      River Meadow Housing Estate in the townland of Clooncolry Td. for a distance of 492meters

3.      The Village Housing Estate in the townland of Aghintass Td. for a distance of 106meters

4.      The Village Housing Estate in the townland of Aghintass Td. for a distance of 70meters

5.      Dun Carraig Ceibh Housing Estate in the townland of Tullylannan Td. for a distance of 815meters

6.      Shannon Haven Estate in the townland of Drumod More Td. for a distance of 659meters

Report from Mr Gilhooly, was circulated to the members in advance of today’s meeting.  (Appendix Minute Item 110 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book).

The following are the Estates to be considered:

1.      Beal na Leica Housing Estate in the townland of Keshcarrigan Td. for a distance of 144meters.

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

2.      River Meadow Housing Estate in the townland of Clooncolry Td. for a distance of 492meters.

Proposed by Councillor Des Guckian, Seconded by Councillor Sean McGowan AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED;

3.      The Village Housing Estate in the townland of Aghintass Td. for a distance of 106meters.

Proposed by Councillor Des Guckian, Seconded by Councillor Sean McGowan AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED;

4.      The Village Housing Estate in the townland of Aghintass Td. for a distance of 70meters.

Proposed by Councillor Des Guckian, Seconded by Councillor Sean McGowan AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED;

5.      Dun Carraig Ceibh Housing Estate in the townland of Tullylannan Td. for a distance of 815meters.

Proposed by Councillor Paddy Farrell, Seconded by Councillor Enda Stenson AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED;

6.      Shannon Haven Estate in the townland of Drumod More Td. for a distance of 659meters.

Proposed by Councillor Sean McGowan, Seconded by Councillor Des Guckian AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED;

Councillor Guckian commented that he was happy enough to see roads being taken in charge as a prelude to estates being taken in charge.  A lot of estates have been left unfinished as a result of developers disappearing.  He asked the council executive to explain where the money comes from to fund these taking in charge works, who is paying for the sins of these developers?

Mr Gilhooly responded that once an estate had been taken in charge the local authority would be responsible for the maintenance of the roads and public lighting while Irish Water would be responsible for the other services on site.

Councillor Guckian said that this was not answering the question, again he asked who is paying?

Mr Gilhooly said that up to the point of the estates being taken in charge the costs associated with these works mostly came from Bonds and Cash Deposits.  Sometimes the amount of the Bond/Cash Deposit is not sufficient to finish the works and the council has to use it owns resources.

Ms. Shanley informed the members that a quorum meeting would be held on Wednesday 4th November 2020 at 11.30 am in the Council Chamber, Aras an Chontae.

The purpose of this meeting was to formally approve the following items from today’s meeting:-

·         Adoption of Minutes from 14th September 2020.

·         Approval of General Municipal Allocation for the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District.

·         Approval of Taking in Charge of Roads in six housing estates.

She informed the members that the quorum should be comprised of the Cathaoirleach, one Independent Councillor and one Fianna Fail Councillor.

Mr Gilhooly explained to the Members that the government are currently implementing measures that would allow all statutory items adopted via zoom meetings to be given legal status, just the same as if these items were adopted at a physical meeting.   In the meantime items proposed and seconded in relation to the budget and statutory items must be signed in person, thus the need for a quorum meeting.

Councillor Guckian said that he had grave misgivings about a quorum meeting and stated that “all councillors are entitled to be there”.  He added that the felt very strongly on this issue and said that Councillors are “essential providers” and for them all not to be present would be undemocratic.

He said that the Council Chamber could easily accommodate the six municipal members.

Mr Gilhooly reminded the members of the need to adhere to the government guidelines in relation to Covid 19 and the need to reinforce the public health message.  With this in mind he said that a meeting of the Corporate Policy Group had taken place and they had decided that this was the most effective way to hold a meeting while observing Covid 19 protocols.

Councillor Guckian commented that the Corporate Policy Group cannot abolish democracy.

None of the other members raised any concerns regarding the numbers in attendance as they understood the need to work within the Covid 19 Guidelines.

Councillor Stenson said he was happy for Councillor Guckian to attend as the Independent nominee.

Councillor Mulligan nominated Councillor Armstrong McGuire to attend as the Fine Gael nominee.

The quorum to attend Carrick on Shannon Municipal District meeting on Wednesday 4th November 2020, as nominated, are:

·         Cathaoirleach – Councillor Paddy Farrell (Fianna Fail)

·         Councillor Des Guckian (Independent)

·         Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire (Fine Gael)

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Before the Notices of Motion were taken Mr Gilhooly reverted back to Councillor Guckian’s early comments with regard to the R299.

Mr O’Boyle was given a background to the matter raised.

Councillor Guckian said that he had emailed Mr O’Boyle and Mr McGovern in relation to this matter.  He asked them to take this matter up immediately otherwise there would be fatalities.

Mr O’Boyle responded that he will apply for a Low Cost Safety Grant for this location.  A Significant Improvement Grant could be sought but only if the incidents referred to have been recorded by the Gardai.  If such incidences have been recorded this helps applications gain traction with  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.111.20

"That Council Officials give us a full explanation of the unbelievably long delay in getting the Public Realm Urban Renewal work done on Main St, Carrick-on-Shannon. Can businesses affected by this delay hope to get some compensation from Leitrim Co Council?”

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

"This Council is disappointed and concerned by the Contractors unacceptable delays in the work to date on the upgrade of the streets as part of the Carrick on Shannon Public Realm works. We have been in constant discussion with the contractor regarding these delays. We have now reached agreement on a new completion programme for the works. The contractor has agreed to provide adequate resources to achieve this programme. The overall contract will be completed by July 2021. Works on all of Main Street will be completed by April 2021. Works on St Georges Terrace including the junction at the Clock will be completed by April 2021. The Dublin Road, Leitrim Road, Priests Lane area will be completed by July 2021."

Councillor Guckian said he was asked to put forward this motion on behalf of a number of businesses.  He expressed to the meeting the “vexation, annoyance and terror” felt by the businesses.  He said the people are “livid” and may “withdraw all co-operation”.  Noting the response to the motion he commented that it was the equivalent of telling him to “eff off”.  He said the council had published a false, evasive reply which the local media has taken up as fact.  An explanation is needed now.

Mr Gilhooly responded that the council is disappointed and concerned by the contractors unacceptable delays in the work to date on the upgrade of Main Street.  He informed the meeting that the council have been in constant discussion with the contractor regarding the delays.  He reminded the members, as stated at previous meetings, that the council have to work within a contract.  There is no provision in the contract for compensation for businesses.

Mr O’Connor explained to the meeting that the works to be carried were more difficult than expected and there was also an issue with the supply of materials.  The materials required for this job are specialised and with quarries closed during lock down there was a backlog with the supply.  He said all of these issues have now been rectified.  He commented that the number of men working on the project has now increased with four gangs of men working simultaneously.  He reiterated the disappointment of the council and called the delays disgraceful.  He said he had been in contact with local businesses and following consultations it has been decided to open Main Street to traffic at the end of November.  He added that the delays are behind us now and the contractor knows that if there are delays he will incur penalties.

Councillor Guckian said he would not buy into this.  He remarked that the council say they are “disappointed”, he asked what had they done  ...  view the full minutes text for item CMD.112.20

"That we the Councillors unequivocally condemn any development plan and or town planning policy and or other concept that would involve the demolition of Geraghty's shop and or the eviction of Mrs Geraghty and her family from Main Street, Carrick-on-Shannon.”

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

"This notice of motion is premature given that the progression of such a concept to approval requires statutory approval(s) through due process and related consideration at that appropriate time. Forward planning documents such as development plans or town plans etc are objective driven not usually site specific and therefore in this regard the subject matter of this notice of motion is irrelevant."

Councillor Guckian informed the meeting that he wished to withdraw this motion at the present time and would resubmit it at a later date.

This was accepted by the members present.

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Cathaoirleach Councillor Paddy Farrell resumed the role of Chairperson and Councillor Finola Armstrong Maguire rejoined the meeting.

I welcome the new procedures re application for Social Housing - Can a simple information guide be put together for those applying for housing so that they are more aware of what they need to do and what their options are.

"I welcome the new procedures re application for Social Housing - Can a simple information guide be put together for those applying for housing so that they are more aware of what they need to do and what their options are.”

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

"Choice Based Letting (CBL) is a method of allocating local authority properties to those on the housing waiting list.  Implementation of a CBL pilot scheme commenced for Leitrim County Council on 1st October 2020. Households on the housing waiting list were informed of CBL by letter dated 23rd September attaching a CBL leaflet explaining the process and advising to contact the housing department if they have any queries. 

Correspondence was also issued to all Elected Members on 30th September advising of CBL and attaching an explanatory leaflet.

Available properties to rent are advertised on Leitrim County Council’s website on the first working day of every month, the next advertised day being 2nd November.

As agreed at the Housing Community & Cultural SPC on 30th September, a copy of the available properties to let will be issued to Elected Members by email on the same day as they are advertised on Leitrim County Council’s website"

Councillor Stenson noted the contents of the reply adding that this new system does not apply to Carrick on Shannon.  He called on the media to highlight this new system.

Councillor Mulligan agreed with comments made by Councillor Stenson and Seconded the motion.  He said that he know of a few people who were on the housing list and had received this information but still were unclear as to how to proceed.

Councillor McGowan welcomed the new move, commenting that it was a positive way of doing business.

Councillor Guckian agreed with the motion and added that not everyone has access to the intranet to obtain such information.

Can works be carried out on the river in Mohill with regards to cleaning & lowering its level?

"Can works be carried out on the river in Mohill with regards to cleaning & lowering its level?”

Report by Roads – General

"The local authority carried out cleaning of the mall and the mall river at Coolabaun earlier this year. It is not in our power to lower the level of any river without full environmental impact being carried out and approval from the OPW for same. The Council is currently considering appropriate actions in relation to enhancing the appearance and the appeal of the river in the town.

It is intended to include these actions as part of an overall funding application for Mohill Public Realm Scheme to the Rural Regeneration Development Fund later this year. We will also engage with the Local Authority Water Programme (LAWPRO) to identify if a project could be developed under the Local Communities Water funding programme, in collaboration with the local community in Mohill since this is an issue that has been highlighted in recent public engagement".

Councillor Stenson said he had tabled this motion in the context of the proposed enhancement works for Mohill town.  He believes that one of the big issues in the town is the river area.

Councillor McGowan supported the motion.  He said that with such good works planned for the town the river is unsightly.  Cleaning it certainly would enhance the town.  He supported the motion and highlighted an issue with seepage from the old dump causing problems.

Councillor Mulligan also supported the motion, adding that he had already had discussions with the executive about this matter.  He informed the meeting that particularly in summer it causes problems as the river becomes more of a stream.  He said that works need to be carried out on the bed and banks of the river.  He said that the public realm works may be a bit premature, a case of putting the cart before the horse, in his opinion it would be better to carry out works on the river first.

Councillor’s Farrell and Guckian supported the motion with Coucillor Guckian that there is a huge catchment area behind the bridge under the road which needs to be kept clear.  He also agreed with Councillor McGowan’s comments on seepage.

Mr O’Boyle reiterated his response stressing that the money available is only for the cleaning of the river and no other works.  He also informed the meeting that a blockage in a culvert at this location was carried out 2 years ago.

Councillor Stenson remarked that when the town is being enhanced, proper consultation must take place with everyone involved regarding the issue of parking.  This is a matter that needs to be discussed out properly.

Mr Gilhooly commented that as members knew there was a Rural Regeneration Programme for Mohill going through the Part 8 process at the moment.  He said that this project was important for the enhancement of the town and would require the goodwill of all stakeholders.

I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly Director of Services, Economic Development Planning & Infrastructural Services, to seek a meeting with the OPW with a view to securing a funding package over the next 4 to 6 yrs. to clean and dredge all those rivers which feed into the main rivers and lakes within the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District.

"I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly Director of Services, Economic Development Planning & Infrastructural Services, to seek a meeting with the OPW with a view to securing a funding package over the next 4 to 6 years to clean and dredge all those rivers which feed into the main rivers and lakes within the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District.”

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council’s budget has allowed €10,000 to be expended on cleaning predetermined rivulets and streams that feed into the Eslin, Headford, Rynn and Blackwater river districts which feed into the Shannon River system. No funding is allowed for cleaning tributaries feeding directly into the Shannon River proper. As was discussed previously by the SPC the scale of maintenance budget to deal with river districts alone, whether Council or OPW, is very considerable and the OPW usually point to the Minor Flood Mitigation Scheme for individual acute issues. We could request a meeting from the OPW but the only mechanism that the OPW have for funding works for

us is through this scheme, and it is primarily for the protection of property under threat of flooding."

Councillor McGowan noted the reply.  He said that the council needs to meet with the OPW and put our case across strongly to them.  Impress on them the need to seek additional funding.  There is a need to lever extra funding to carry out these works.

Councillors Stenson and Farrell supported the motion.

Councillor Mulligan also supported the motion commenting that it was very timely and he was more than aware of the situation.  He also made an observation with regard to land being planted alongside rivers, remarking that it may prove very difficult to get machinery into these areas in future to clean the rivers.  He said a figure closer to €100,000 a year is needed for any progress to be seen.

Councillor Guckian also supported the motion.  He said since the abolition of River Drainage Boards a number of years ago a lot of good land has been flooded.  He informed the meeting that he had written to the Chief Executive and Mr Gilhooly requesting them to set aside a figure of €1 million to be set aside in the budget to deal with flooding problems.  He remarked that he did not see anything funny about this request adding that the money is badly needed to look after these situations.

Councillor McGowan concluded that the fact a number of councillors have motions tabled today in relation to rivers shows how widespread of a problem it is.

He was supported by all members in his call to seek a meeting with the OPW to discuss funding going forward.

I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Infrastructure, to provide an update to members with regards to the provision of a much needed footbridge alongside the Bridge over the river Shannon at Rooskey, what is the situation with Roscommon Co Council who are taking the lead role in the design and planning of the footbridge?

"I ask Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Infrastructure, to provide an update to members with regards to the provision of a much needed footbridge alongside the Bridge over the river Shannon at Rooskey, what is the situation with Roscommon Co Council who are taking the lead role in the design and planning of the footbridge?”

Report by Roads - General

"Roscommon County Council is in discussion with the Department of Transport regarding funding for such a project. They are hopeful to secure funding under the 2021 Roads Programme.”

Councillor McGowan noted the reply and said that this issue has been raised on a number of occasions over the last number of years, both by himself and other municipal members.   He hoped Roscommon County Council would be successful in getting funding in 2021.  He praised the positive work taking place around Rooskey to enhance the area on both sides of the bridge.  He said that this footbridge would much needed alongside the bridge over the River Shannon.

Councillor Guckian seconded the motion and questioned the need to have to keep coming back to this matter time and time again.  He said that the motions previously passed by members were not being heeded and it was showing contempt for the members and their meetings.

Mr Gilhooly reiterated that Roscommon County Council were the lead authority on this project and have had numerous meetings with the Department to try to secure funding for this project.

Councillor Armstrong Maguire said that it was necessary that we push for this work to be done especially on the grounds of Health & Safety.

All Councillors supported the Motion.

What plans are in place for the upgrade and reinvestment in housing and the general area at Rosebank Travellers halting site in Carrick? 

"What plans are in place for the upgrade and reinvestment in housing and the general area at Rosebank Travellers halting site in Carrick?"

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

"Funding has been approved for the upgrade of three service blocks and works should be completed in Q1 of 2021."

Councillor Armstrong McGuire informed the meeting that she had recently visited the Halting Site in question and was very disappointed with the poor condition some of the bays.  Something needs to be done.  She noted from the reply that works would be commenced in 2021 but she called on the Council for assistance to carry out works to help with the clean up in the next couple of weeks.

Councillor’s Farrell and McGowan supported the motion.

I ask that Executive to look at improving the playground area at Aura Leisure centre and particularly at examining the needs of children in the area for a safe, challenging, stimulating and safe set of features that should be part of this much used area. I also ask if an extension could be provided and / or an additional site proposed for added enjoyment. 

"I ask that Executive to look at improving the playground area at Aura Leisure centre and particularly at examining the needs of children in the area for a safe, challenging, stimulating and safe set of features that should be part of this much used area. I also ask if an extension could be provided and / or an additional site proposed for added enjoyment. "

Report by Roads - General

"The District Office has carried out the following works in Aura playground in the last 3 years:

General maintenance and upkeep,

New basket swing installed,

Resurfacing works along the internal fencing,

New boundary fence,

Removal of stone chippings,

New surface laid along the Aura side fence line.

This playground and all playgrounds in this jurisdiction are checked weekly and any faulty or unsafe devices are dealt with as budget allows. We can look at the possibility of capital expenditure subject to the availability of funding"

Councillor Armstrong McGuire noted the reply.   She welcomed the recent upgrades to some playgrounds and said she was delighted to witness first hand, that the standards have gone way up.   Some of the playgrounds now have dedicated baby spaces.  Playgrounds provide great release for both children and families particularly during the current climate with Covid 19.  She referenced Rooskey playground which has a soft surface area for babies and toddlers.  The surface in Carrick is tarmacadam.  She would like to see the upgrade which has taken place in Rooskey carried out in all playgrounds in the county. 

She said that would like to see another playground located in the town and asked the council to look at the possibility of another site in the town of Carrick.

Mr O’Boyle said that the maintenance of playgrounds places a serious demand on resources.  Capital Investment received is reinvested into existing playgrounds.  

Mr Gilhooly referred to the response given regarding capital expenditure and added that another alternative may be working in collaboration with a community group to secure funding. 

Is there any development on the sewerage system between Church Road Leitrim Village connecting out to Tirmactiernan. If not could Leitrim County Council seek funding to do so?

"Is there any development on the sewerage system between Church Road Leitrim Village connecting out to Tirmactiernan. If not could Leitrim County Council seek funding to do so?”

Report by Water Services

"The wastewater sewerage infrastructure including the treatment plant in Leitrim Village is owned by Irish Water and is operated under the Service Level Agreement by Leitrim County Council. Any extension of the networks is a matter for Irish Water and can only be undertaken by them. All applications must be sent to them for consideration.  Leitrim County Council can not undertake such works."

Mr Gilhooly read out the response from Water Services.  Councillor Farrell noted the response.  All members supported the motion.

I call on Leitrim County Council to seek funding to clean the river from Loughtown lake to Aghakilconnell lake - There is severe overgrowth which is having major impact on small landowners along this area.

"I call on Leitrim County Council to seek funding to clean the river from Loughtown Lake to Aghakilconnell Lake - There is severe overgrowth which is having major impact on small landowners along this area."

Report by Roads - General

"The district office is assigned €10K each year to clean a section of predetermined drainage districts. The section referred to in this motion is within the OPW Eslin river drainage district. The funding will allow us to clean Loughtown Lake to Laheen North (Section 29 to 45 of the Eslin River district)."

Councillor Farrell noted the reply and said that the land is some areas is saturated.

Councillor’s Stenson and McGowan supported the motion.  Councillor McGowan commented that a decent level of funding would be required.

Councillor Guckian supported the motion commenting that it was ridiculous that some areas were swamps.  Referring to his earlier request of €1 million euro for works on rivers he said that this would be badly needed over the next 5 to 6 years to carry out all the works.  He said that this matter needs to the firmed up and the extra funding needed should be demanded from the OPW.

Mr O’Boyle referred to this response adding that the council hope to invest the €10,000 allocation along this stretch next year.

Mr Gilhooly said it was an issue of resources.  The Strategic Policy Committee look at the scale of investment needed to concentrate on 6 drainage district systems.  There is limited capacity within the council’s own funding to carry out such works.  2021 will be a particularly difficult budget as a result of the implications of Covid 19.

Councillor Farrell said that previous to machinery going in to carry out the river clean-ups, flooding had not been too bad in these areas.

I call on the Engineering Executive to provide a mini roundabout on upper Main Street at the junction of Main St. and the road servicing the two schools, St Patrick’s church and Shannagh residential area.  This would improve sightlines and contribute to calming traffic approaching Main Street from the Carrick road.

"I call on the Engineering Executive to provide a mini roundabout on upper Main Street at the junction of Main Street and the road servicing the two schools, St Patrick’s Church and Shannagh residential area.  This would improve sightlines and contribute to calming traffic approaching Main Street from the Carrick road.”

Report by Roads - General

"Leitrim County Council Road Design Office will carry out a feasibility study for a roundabout at this location."

Councillor Mulligan said he had put a lot of thought into this proposal and firmly believes that a mini roundabout at this location would improve sightlines and contribute to calming the traffic on the approach from Main Street towards Carrick on Shannon.  He cited a similar roundabout situated on the Roscommon side of Carrick on Shannon at Glancy’s Bar.

He said he understood that there were time constraints regarding the progressing/approval of the Part 8 Proposal for the Mohill Public Realm works but felt that this proposal was something that warranted serious consideration.  He informed the meeting that when vehicles are coming down from St. Patrick’s Church it is very blind looking back towards the Carrick Road.  He believes that if the Public Realm Works are approved the location would prove unsafe for vehicles turning.

He again asked the Executive to give this proposal serious consideration.

Councillors Stenson, McGowan, Guckian and Farrell supported this motion.  Councillor Guckian enquired if there was adequate space at this location and the road narrowed on the Credit Union side.

Mr O’Boyle responded that this proposal does not form part of the Part 8 Public Realm Works and it would be unfair to go back to the consultants drawing up the Part 8 and ask them to amend their plans to include such a proposal.  He referred to his response and added that from an engineering point of view his biggest fear would be that the proposed mini roundabout would be used as a drop off point for children attending schools in the vicinity.   He said that there is a lot to think about with regard to this proposal.

Mr Gilhooly said that this proposal does not form part of the Public Realm Design and the priority at the moment is to stay focused on progressing the Part 8.  The Part 8 needs to be approved and in place before funding can be sought.  He reminded that the members that the November meeting will be held on Thursday 26th November 2020 in order to approve this Part 8.

Meetings between Elected Members and Chamber of Commerce

With reference to the Carrick on Shannon Public Realm Works Councillor Enda Stenson asked if the municipal district members could meet with the Chamber of Commerce in order to ensure that everyone is on the same hymn sheet.  He said that we have to create a positive image of the town.  He highlighted a recent meeting which was held on the street on 2nd October 2020 with some local businesses, the council and the contractor.  He said that the elected representatives had not been informed of this meeting and neither had a number of businesses who were affected by the ongoing works.

Councillor Guckian remarked that there have been too many meetings between officials and the chamber of commerce which did not include those businesses affected by the works.

Mr O’Connor responded that they felt it was best to hold the meeting on the street due to the current Covid 19 restrictions, he said during the course of the meeting it had become apparent that not all traders are represented by the Chamber of Commerce.

He said he would consider what Councillor Stenson had proposed, as it was his wish to get as much information out there as possible.  Any meeting held would have to be in accordance with Covid 19 guidelines.

Correspondence

Ms Shanley, Meeting Administrators informed the meeting that there was one item of correspondence for today’s meeting.

Letter dated 12th October 2020 from Andrew Bolas, Principal Dental Surgeon, Sligo/Leitrim/West

Cavan, HSE, Sligo regarding School Screening Programme for Primary School children

(Appendix Minute Item 123 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book).

Councillor McGowan noted the contents of the letter commenting that he was happy to see the HSE holding their hands up.  He said he accepted the issue with funding adding that the hoped the appointment of an additional dentist would help resolve this issue.

Date for November Meeting

November meeting to take place on Thursday 26th November 2020 at 10.00 am.