Agenda and minutes

Proposed: Seán Ó Conláin

Seconded: Councillor Brendan Barry

Ms Emer Connolly informed the members that a new Burial Grounds Policy is currently being reviewed by the Roads Department. An update on this Policy will be brought to the Planning, Economic Development and Infrastructure SPC in 2024.  

Claire Colquhon and Anthony Ferri from Urban Foresight presented the results of the recent Economic Visioning Study conducted as part of the development of the proposed SLNCR Greenway. The study was completed across the four counties - Sligo Leitrim, Cavan and Fermanagh through an online survey, workshops and consultations with public bodies. The research findings included business priorities, opportunities for growth and key conclusions. The findings of this study highlighted the need for accessible inclusive family friendly wilderness, e-bike infrastructure, and the creation of Manorhamilton as a central hub. The recommendations will be integrated into the planning and development of the SLNCR Greenway, aiming to maximise its full potential.

Cllr Sean McDermott highlighted the importance of designating Manorhamilton as a hub along the new greenway with spurs into other surrounding villages, this will be beneficial for the retail and food sector.

Seán Ó Conláin highlighted the benefits the greenway will bring by creating opportunities for education for the local community. He questioned how the delivery of the greenway will be linked to these educational opportunities. He stated that there needs to be a holistic approach to the SLNCR greenway.

Cllr Finola Armstrong Maguire welcomed the report. She outlined that cycling paths are evolving and this greenway needs to do something more than a direct copy of what is being developed in Europe.

Ms Colquhon responded and agreed that the increase in visitors to the greenway should support local communities and ecosystems, the increase in footfall to the area needs to be balanced in a sustainable way.

Ms. Johanna Daly, Town Regeneration Officer, presented an update report on the Regeneration Office's work to date and highlighted their priorities for 2024. She explained that the office will continue to collaborate with Town Teams to capitalise on funding opportunities for town and village enhancement. The Regeneration Office will continue to process funding under the Vacant Properties Refurbishment Grant and advance the development of Town Centre First Plans for additional towns in Co. Leitrim.

Councillor Sean McDermott praised the Croí Conaithe scheme but expressed concern about its slow update and inquired about potential strategies to enhance the scheme's uptake.

Ms Johanna Daly stated that more work can be done through the Town Teams to promote the scheme.

Colm McGrath queried whether the An Post data used to record vacancies is accurate in determining if the house is a holiday home?

Ms Daly responded and confirmed that in the property surveys completed, approximately 20% of vacant properties are holiday homes. She acknowledged that the Vacant Home Officer is working with the Department of Housing on the data.

Colm highlighted that ESB data for vacant properties may be more accurate.

Cllr Brendan Barry questioned how many Croí Conaithe grants were paid out to date?

Ms Daly confirmed that over 100 applications have been received and 66 grants have been paid to date.

Cllr Barry asked if any of the properties recently purchased under the Building Acquisition Measure are being used for housing?

Ms Daly confirmed that under the Terms and Conditions of the Building Acquisition Measure, all properties purchased must be used to support community activities.

Cllr Barry further queried if the Croí Conaithe grants can be paid on a phased basis?

Seán Ó Conláin offered his congratulations to the Regeneration Team on their work to date. He questioned what information can be released into the public domain to highlight successful projects and inspire and encourage other people.

Ms Daly responded and confirmed that the Dept reserves the right to decide on what buildings are chosen under the Building Acquisition Measure. This information is currently not made available publicly. She stated she would review the promotion of this funding initiative through social media.

Cllr Sean McDermott suggested that before and after photos be promoted to highlight the potential of these vacant properties.

Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn thanked Ms Daly for her presentation and reiterated that the payment of Croí Conaithe funding on a phased basis would be a great step forward.

Ms Anne McTernan, NorthWest Programme Manager in the Regional Enterprise Office provided an update on the Northwest Regional Enterprise Plan 2021-2024. She provided an overview of the Six Strategic Objectives and the 14 actions developed for each objective. All Actions are overseen by a working group, chaired by a representative from the Steering Committee.

Ms McTernan outlined the key developments to date in Capital investment, Regional and Enterprise Promotion and Entrepreneurism. She also highlighted the funding opportunities available through the Enterprise Innovation Scheme – Smart Regions. €140 million in funding is available for the micro and SME client base.

Seán Ó Conláin noted that Ecological and nature did not feature in the plan. How do these key areas integrate with the plan?

Ms McTernan confirmed that an objective of the Northwest Regional Enterprise plan is to assist companies to transition to more sustainable green businesses and participate in the circular economy. There are initiatives for businesses at local level and for green tourism, through Failte Ireland funding, not covered in this plan.

Cllr Sean McDermott asked why tourism is not featured in the plan?

Ms McTernan outlined that discussions by the steering committee decided to not include tourism within the plan, but considerable efforts have been made to ensure tourism is indirectly supported through concentration on enterprise assets and support for entrepreneurism and small businesses.

Mr Justin Fannon, Acting Director of Services provided an overview of the existing Hedge Cutting Grant available from Leitrim County Council. In response to requests for emergency funding in certain scenarios from elected members he proposed that 5% of the annual hedge cutting fund budget be set aside for use in emergency situations, with strict eligibility criteria regarding the loss of essential services, which would be released for general usage if not utilised by the end of January each year. He outlined that Leitrim County Council will increase activity in pursuing landowners that do not act upon advisory hedge cutting notices. A revision of the Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme will be presented at the next SPC meeting.

Cllr Sean McDermott highlighted the importance of ensuring the emergency fund is controlled to avoid discouraging landowners from cutting hedges on their lands. He stated that he is happy to see a review of the policy and an increase in enforcement going forward.

Cllr Brendan Barry questioned whether the €25,000 hedge cutting funding new funding or is it contained within the Road Works programme? He also queried whether a person injured, or vehicles damaged by hedges/trees can sue for damages?

Mr Fannon confirmed the liability lies with the landowner. He outlined that the emergency budget will be used in rare cases. There is no intention of increasing the emergency budget above the 5%.

Cllr Brendan Barry highlighted an issue with the hedge cutting grant. Currently all landowners must sign the grant application form and this can be difficult to obtain. It can result in community groups avoid certain sections of road because the landowner is not available to sign.

Mr Fannon confirmed that he would take this comment on board and bring it back for review.

The Draft 2024 Work Programme was presented to members by Ms Emer Conolly, SEO Economic Development. All members agreed with the contents of the 2024 work programme and Ms Connolly outlined that amendments to the work programme may be made at a later stage. Seán Ó Conláin requested that an update on the Climate Action be included on the work programme.

All members agreed on the following dates for 2024.

•        Tues 20^th February - 10am

•        Tues 16th April - 10am

•        Tues 17th September – 10am

•        Tues 19^th November - 10am

The next Planning, Economic Development and Infrastructure Strategic Policy Committee meeting will take place on Tues 20th February 2024 at 10am.