Agenda and minutes

Proposed by: Cllr. Enda McGloin

Seconded by: Cllr. Finola Armstrong McGuire

·         Policy Development:

o   Review of Leitrim Local Economic and Community Plan

o   Updates on Review of Leitrim County Development Plan - Draft County Development Plan 2023 – 2029 and related strategies

o   Carrick LAP

o   Review of the Development Contribution Scheme

o   Parking bye laws

o   Tourism Strategy

o   County Recreational Strategy Review

o   Casual Trading Bye Laws

·         Economic and Enterprise Development:

o   Town Centre Policy and Masterplans

o   Carrick on Shannon Masterplan

o   Rates incentive Scheme

o   Presentation of Drumshanbo (Leitrim Village) Development Plan

o   Presentation of Kinlough Development Plan

o    Brexit Supports to SMEs 

o   Regional Enterprise Plan 2021-2023– North West Progress

o   National Broadband Plan – Leitrim Rollout Updates

o   Update on Atlantic Economic Corridor

o    Peace Plus Updates

·         Infrastructure Development:

o   Preparation of new Active Travel Network/Cycling Policy

o   National Roads Updates

o   LIS Policy

·         Operation Management:

o   Rural Transport Update

o   Interface with Irish Water

Proposed Meeting Dates:

o   Feb

o   April

o   September

o   November

Cllr. Justin Warnock raised concern in relation to the Casual Trading Laws and how they can be progressed. Cllr. Warnock added that a consultant, Laurence Lord, has been appointed to the Social Economic Plan being developed for Kinlough and its environs.

Cllr. Brendan Barry asked if the rates incentive scheme is currently open and will a possible review happen.

Joseph Gilhooly stated the scheme is open and valid and available through the Local Enterprise Office.  Joseph added that it will be reviewed as businesses are trying to restart and to know what is available within the scheme.

Johanna Daly, A/SEO, Economic Development presented and outlined the proposed composition of the Advisory Steering Group to the membersand sought approval:

The proposal is:

o   That 2 nominees be invited from the SPC – one to represent the Business sector and one to represent the Environmental sector.  

o   That 2 nominees be invited from the LCDC – one to represent the Community & Voluntary sector and one to represent the Statutory/Public sector.

o   We also ask that gender balance be considered when making these nominations.

Based on this proposal, it would result in an Advisory Steering Group comprising of 6 members – there would be an equal balance of public sector to private sector membership. Membership would include the DOS, Chief Officer, LCDC public sector rep, a Community and Voluntary rep, an Environmental rep and a business sector rep.

Proposed by: Cllr. Enda McGloin

                Seconded by: Cllr. Justin Warnock

Joseph Gilhooly outlined to the SPC that the Draft County Development Plan had been drafted by the Executive and issued to the Councillors who had a period of time to consider the draft at a special meeting held on the 24^th January 2022. Over 40 items for consideration put forward by the members. Amendments were agreed and the draft plan is now on public display available for public to read and consider and get submissions in by the 27^th April.  The plan is also circulated to array of prescribed bodies who will be making submissions on the draft plan.  There will be a period of time to assess the submissions then further correspondence will issue to the Councillors in relation to propose or not the amendments arising from the submissions.  This process is due in July and then another period of time for the councillors to consider and conclude in October. If any material changes it must go back on public display.  Hope to have the plan adopted by February 2023.  The draft is currently available online and in hard copy in the Council Office, Ballinamore Library and Manorhamilton Library

Padraic MacShera, Senior Executive Engineer presented to the members the proposed draft parking byelaws for Carrick on Shannon. The Carrick on Shannon Public Realm Scheme has altered parking arrangements along Main Street and St Georges Terrace, plus the new public car park at Flynn’s Field. The proposed parking bye laws for the town are as follows:

·         Parking on street will remain as previous bye laws with 20c for the first half hour and 80c per thereafter

·         The car parks at Flynn’s Field and the two car parks at the Quays will be free for the first half hour and 80c per hour thereafter

·         Bye laws will be in operation from 08:30 to 18:30 from Monday to Saturday

·         Maximum permitted stay on the street will be 2 hours

·         Maximum permitted stay in the car park will be 4 hours

The bye laws will be put on public display for one month to allow the public to make representations on their content. Following the public consultations, the bye laws are brought before the council for adoption. If there is a change in the parking policy as a result of the public consultation the parking bye laws will be brought before this committee again for recommendation. If there is no change proposed in the policy the bye laws will go directly to the council for adoption.

Cllr. Fionola Armstrong raised a point on residents permits and disabled parking bays need to be given priority, with easy access and use.  Cllr. Armstrong requested that the disabled parking bay outside Luna is not marked and that the pole needs to be moved out to the bollard line so it’s visible to all.

Padraic MacShera suggested the pole could be moved out.

Cllr. Brendan Barry asked if the maps and plans of the Draft Parking Bye-Laws could be circulated.

It was agreed by the SPC to hold a special meeting to on the proposed new byelaws thus giving members more time to consider the proposal.  This meeting will take place on Thursday 10^th March.

Director of Services, Joseph Gilhooly, outlined that the SPC needs to make a decision on whether or not the Casual Trading Byelaws need reviewing and if there are new areas to be added.  It was agreed that the current maps would be circulated and an addendum showing spaces and licences and feedback sought.  It is now on the work programme and will be considered further. For new areas might do a pre-consult call for expressions of interests and give the public a chance to comment.

Eileen McGloin and Ethna Murphy presented to the members the findings from this consultation on the new economic and tourism plan for Drumshanbo and its environs. They discussed the outcome of their research and discovery over a period of time from November – December 2021.  They looked at the gaps and the needs in the market.  The emerging themes were discussed

o   An Award-Winning Food & Drink Hub

o   An outstanding Visitor Destination

o   A connected place and thriving community

o   Basic building blocks/Critical success factors to support development

Cathaoirleach Frank Dolan and the Committee thanked Eileen and Ethna.

Seán O’Cónláin highlighted the need to promote Drumshanbo as a sustainable tourism destination promoting the local community along with food, education and health which are key attractors for people who want to live healthy and sustainably with links to sustainable travel and remote working. Drumshanbo could be promoted as a healthy place to live and link in with being able to work remotely once NBI get to the county.  He mentioned access to trains and active travel and providing infrastructure to allow children to cycle to school. He also mentioned Drumshanbo as an educational hub and link in with ‘Good Energies Alliance Group’ with the focus on the environment and broaden this concept to include the arts, sustainable living/food.  Seán mentioned The National Organic Training Skills Net as another contact.

Cllr. Warnock stated that while working on the social economic plan for Kinlough it has highlighted that the locals are not always aware of their surrounding areas, but Drumshanbo has this awareness already.

Cllr. Enda McGloin added that the housing market in Drumshanbo is a challenge.  There is a need for more affordable housing, and this has to be looked at in terms of the County Development Plan.  Cllr. McGloin also highlighted that there are no plans to open the hotel and stressed that the community needs to work with the stakeholders involved.  Cllr. McGloin also stated that Drumshanbo does not have a forecourt facility where people can buy petrol/diesel.  Cllr. McGloin added that should the hotel in Drumshanbo reopen to look at mooring facilities similar to Glasson Hotel and Wineport Lodge.

Cllr. Brendan Barry raised a point for easier access to the Shannon from Lough Allen.

Ethna addressed the feedback from the Committee stating Leitrim is a County that is a leader with initiatives associated with sustainable living. There is a need to rethink the idea that Drumshanbo could become an activity/education/business start-up hub with providers who want to engage with water/land-based activity. Look to building a link with the institute of Athlone or Atlantic university building an outreach initiative with them.  

With regard to communities knowing their area this is considered under an action under Connected Place and Thriving Community. There are challenges with the housing market and lack of accommodation however, this is the wider agenda that needs looking at it.

The next step with the plan is to finalise research and benchmarking and develop actions associated with the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Date for next SPC meeting scheduled for Thursday 7^th April at 2.30pm