Agenda and minutes

This meeting was scheduled on zoom where all members were in attendance.  However, due to clashing with another meeting at the same time members were bumped out.  This meeting was then set up on MS Teams which led to Cllr. Frank Dolan (Chairperson) and Cllr. Justin Warnock not being able to join in the meeting via MS Teams.

Cllr. Brendan Barry requested amendments to be made to minutes. 

Mr. Bernard Greene, Senior Planner gave his presentation on the County Development Plan 2022-2028.  A long discussion took place.

SeánÓ Conláin asked what was the role of the SPC in the planning process of the Development Plan? And requested more clarity is needed. In relation to population growth where are ‘new’ people coming from, and how does employment strategy fit into work centres?

Bernard Greene stated there is no defined role for the SPC in the Development Plan.  It was a decision taken by LCC at the beginning of the process.  The Economic Strategy was carried out by Pat O’Coughlan and based on the 2016 census.  We have information that will develop different niches for different towns. And we can identify different strengths of different centres and capitalise on that.

SeánÓ Conláin stated the importance of encouraging all these strategies (Housing/Retail/Economic) are lined up or else the plan makes no sense.

Cllr. Enda McGloin complemented Bernard and his team on a comprehensive report.  The number of unfinished housing estates that are currently being developed in Drumshanbo will lead to a situation where price will increase.  The challenge in the next 5 years is meeting supply. 

Bernard Green stated this is not something the County Development plan can alleviate

Cllr. Brendan Barry asked if Bernard had an opportunity to check the figures on Keshcarrigan Village.  It was considered not a key village with the population below 220.  Bernard Greene stated the population of Keshcarrigan in 2016 was 155.

Broad Band is a huge issue – who in the Council is linking up with the people rolling out the Broad Band Plan.  And what is the update for Leitrim.  Johanna Daly addressed the issue and is hopeful to have update in Quarter 1. 

What is the process for a Community Group considering the establishment of a hub how do they go about it on the National Broad Band Plan.  Johanna Daly stated there are grants available.  The Atlantic Economic Corridor Officer is detailing projects at the moment for all new hubs in the County.  Johanna would need more information and offered to speak with Cllr. Barry after the meeting if need be.

Cllr. Barry stated that Pre-Planning Meetings should happen on site make it easier and cheaper for the applicant and in a shorter time frame. Bernard Greene stated that the Planning Authority’s role is to advise on the process and policies against which a house will be assessed.  No on-site pre-planning meetings at moment due to Covid.   Minutes of meetings need to be signed by the applicant /agent and documents printed and this cant’ be done while on site.

Cllr. Finola Armstrong McGuire & Cllr. Ita Reynolds urged the need to look at schools if the population growth is to increase.

Bernard Greene stated that until the Housing and Core Strategy are finalised no decision will be made on schools.  The Department of Education has an input at the beginning of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

No date was set for the next SPC Meeting.  A new SPC Work Programme for 2021 will be drawn up.

SeánÓ Conláin asked if any correspondence from the Department had issued on Forestry.  Bernard Greene stated a letter had issued along with a report to Colm Hayes in the Department of Agriculture.  Bernard will follow up for a reply and will circulate to all members of the SPC once received.

Cllr. Brendan Barry raised the issue of flooding on Lough Allen and asked and if Leitrim County Council could push for Roscommon County Council to carry out the works at Jamestown which might help with rising water levels.