Agenda and minutes

Proposed by: Cllr. Justin Warnock

Seconded by: Cathaoirleach Frank Dolan

Proposed by: Cllr. Justin Warnock

Seconded by: Cathaoirleach Frank Dolan

The two nominees from our SPC who will sit on the LECP Advisory Steering Group were proposed as follows;

Business Sector: Colm McGrath

Proposed by: Cllr. Enda McGloin

Seconded by: Cathaoirleach Frank Dolan

Environmental Pillar: Seán Ó Conláin

Proposed by : Cllr. Enda McGloin 

Seconded by: Cathaoirleach Frank Dolan   

Finbar Keaney, Staff Officer, informed the SPC that planning has advertised in the Leitrim Observer and on social media, including contacting existing traders of its pre-review submissions on the casual trading byelaws with a closing date of Wednesday 27th April. Two submissions were received for Drumshanbo to extinguish the casual trading area from the Mart link carpark road and move to the Mart Road beside the Water Treatment Plant. A counter submission received from an existing trader in Drumshanbo seeking to keep their trading area which is licenced until August.

Two written submissions in on Mohill and Ballinamore to keep the trading areas.

Request in from an area in Glencar carpark to seek to put casual trading area at that location.

Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services followed on stating submissions will be reviewed, a report compiled and then reconsider the byelaws and bring to the next SPC with feedback on submissions and suggestions around changes if any.

Cllr Enda McGloin and supported the proposals set out by Joseph. 

Discussions followed in relation to pop up shops on the Blueways/Greenways which under our current bye laws are not permissible.  Cllr. Finola Armstrong asked about the trading areas in Carrick on Shannon and raised the idea of providing facilities on our greenways/blueways needs to be addressed and encouraged.

Finbar responded by stating there are 2 designated trading areas in Carrick at the Fire Station which are currently available with no one seeking a licence.

Bernard Greene pointed out that casual trading only effects public property.  The Blueways are owned by Waterways Ireland and can only be facilitated by permissive access arrangement.

Cllr. Enda McGloin stressed the need to provide bays, once there is no one in competition with the rate payer nearby. It would be remissive of Leitrim County Council members to put in place areas of trading close to the rate payer’s base. There is a need to protect rate payers as much as possible.

Seán Ó Conláin – asked how casual trading areas incorporated in the design/planning stage taking the SLNCR as an example or can they be semi-permanent supports.

Bernard Greene stated no consideration is given to casual trading as part of the SLNCR or any other greenway.  Casual trading is one day p/w anything more is not considered and not in the definition of our byelaws.

Joseph asked the SPC to contact Finbar Keaney in Planning with proposed new opportunities or anywhere they see gaps, and these can be taken into account at review stage of the legislation and be brought back to the SPC with proposals.

Pio Byrnes, Senior Executive Planner, presented on the review of Development Contribution Scheme 2022-2025. The presentation outlined the current Development Contribution Scheme and the possible potential charges as follows;

•          Aligning charges on rural developments closer to the area of the dwelling

•          Expand the charges on Wind Turbines based on height as well as output

•          Introduce a charge on large scale agricultural developments

The guidelines for development contributions as given out by the Department do recommend that we charge extra for retention applications. The current scheme hasn’t this included.

The potential exemptions/reductions are outlined in the Planning & Development Act, and these can be used to incentivise developments in certain areas. 

The draft scheme will be placed on public display for 6-week period in which submissions may be made.  The draft scheme is also submitted to the Minister.  The Chief Executive prepares a report on submissions received and this will be presented to the Elected Members.  The Elected Members have 6 weeks to consider the report and draft Development Contribution Scheme.

Seán Ó Conláin queried the order of magnitude for wind turbines appears to be out of proportion compared to that of a house and Seán also pointed out that any help given to people to take over farms needs to be encouraged.

Joe Lowe, LEO, went through the Rates Incentive Scheme and outlined that a proactive marketing campaign is required to promote the scheme as businesses are operating in very challenging environments.  Joe asked that any suggestions from this SPC in relation to the scheme be emailed to him.

Joe Lowe, LEO, presented to the SPC an update on the Local Enterprise Supports available 2022. Cllr. Justin Warnock asked if the LEO would come to Kinlough to support the community 3-4 times a year.

Cllr. Fionnula Armstrong asked if it would be possible to get testimonies from, the businesses that have availed of the LEO supports.

Joe Lowe agreed with Cllr. Warnock and with Cllr. Armstrong.

Date for next SPC meeting scheduled for Monday 3rd October 2022.