I ask the Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning & Infrastructure Mr Joseph Gilhooly, to outline what his plans are or what steps can be put in place to start the roadworks programme in the event of an extension to the restrictions currently in place as a result of the coronavirus? We are already seven weeks behind as a result of the shutdown.
Minutes:
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Enda McGloin proposed that Motion No 7 in the name of Councillor Sean McGowan and Motion No16 in the name of Councillor Mary Bohan be taken concurrently as they relate to the road works programme. This was agreed by the Members.
Motion from Councillor Sean McGowan;
"I ask the Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning & Infrastructure Mr Joseph Gilhooly, to outline what his plans are or what steps can be put in place to start the roadworks programme in the event of an extension to the restrictions currently in place as a result of the coronavirus? We are already seven weeks behind as a result of the shutdown."
Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.
"The Council work programmes must be aligned with and carried out in accordance with the Government imposed restrictions. The current restrictions means that only works that are essential can be carried out. Therefore the roads programme cannot be undertaken until the restrictions are revised to facilitate such works. In the meantime the Council has completed a full assessment and action plan in regard to the adjustments required to work practices in order to facilitate a resumption of construction activity. As this process is about complete the Council is well positioned to be able to commence the roads programme very soon after it is allowable in accordance with Government restriction amendments."
Motion from Councillor Mary Bohan;
"What is the position regarding funding for projects that cannot be completed on time due to the current restrictions? Will it be possible to carry over this funding perhaps even until next year? Projects such as regeneration, bridge repairs and the various road projects."
Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.
"Leitrim County Council is party to numerous funding streams all of which have associated spend deadlines. The delivery of the vast majority of these projects have now been disrupted due to the current crisis and work restrictions. The Council is actively monitoring the deadlines and maintaining communications with the lead funders in regard to the position that relates to the individual projects. In a small number of cases extensions have been given while in most cases we are dependent on greater knowledge of the pace of adjustment to restrictions to be in a position to determine definite timescales. The Council will continue to liaise with the funding departments in order to secure as far as possible delivery of all projects on hand."
Councillor Sean McGowan acknowledged that safeguards have to be put in place for staff. He acknowledged that a lot of work has to be done on the road works programme, Public Realm works in Carrick-on-Shannon and work on the N4.
Councillor Mary Bohan paid tribute to the staff of Leitrim County Council, Chief Executive and Voluntary organisations in light of the work done during the current pandemic. Councillor Mary Bohan called on the Chief Executive to continue to liaise with the Government in order to secure, as far as possible, delivery of all projects on hand.
Mr Joseph Gilhooly said the delivery of the vast majority of these projects have now been disrupted due to the current crisis and work restrictions. The Council is actively monitoring the deadlines and maintaining communications with the lead funders in regard to the position that relates to the individual projects and is in contact with the Department weekly.
Councillor Mary Bohan thanked the Director for the reply in this regard.
Councillor Sean McGowan sought an update on the Local Improvement Scheme.
Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Deputy Chief Executive, Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructural Services confirmed €250,000 funding has been approved for the Local Improvement Scheme which is the same as last year. As soon as restrictions are lifted staff will progress the scheme.
Mr Gilhooly outlined that a lot of work is going on behind the scenes in relation to 3 contracts in the Carrick-on-Shannon area and he reported that Contractors are being very co-operative.