Minutes:
Ms Vivienne Egan, Senior Executive Planner provided the meeting with an overview of the proposed development of an Open Public Library in Dromahair. She advised 9 submissions have been received from the public, all submission had a positive element with some expressing concerns in relation to the indicative residential development shown in the drawings. Ms Egan advised the members that this was an indicative development only and is not being incorporated in the Part Approval now being sought. Ms Egan added that for any future residential development project on this site would be subject to public consultation and Part 8 Planning at a later date. Ms Egan advised the library is a positive development and much needed for the community.
Cllr Mary Bohan stated that this was a fantastic development for Dromahair and paid tribute to everyone involved to bring the project to this stage. She advised she had concerns in relation to the proposed residential development to the rear and thanked Ms Egan for her clarification on this issue. She welcomed the fact that a remote working hub is being accommodated in the development as this is a very important facility to have in the community. She enquired when this project would be completed.
Ms Mary Quinn, Director of Services, advised an application is being submitted for funding and the Council would hope to know the outcome of this application by Q2 2021. She added that the completion of the project is reliant on securing the necessary funding.
Cllr Padraig Fallon welcomed the proposed development and enquired if the bring bank will be relocated.
Ms Mary Quinn advised it will be relocated however a new site has not yet been identified. She advised the Environment Department and the Area Engineer will identify a suitable new location in due course.
Cllr Frank Dolan welcomed the investment in Dromahair. He stated that residents of Dromahair have concerns in relation to the indicative residential development and the requirement for traffic calming on road to the rear for the property.
Cllr Felim Gurn also welcomed the development for Dromahair and said it was great to see an iconic building being brought back to life. He enquired if there is a space within this building that could be used as a community centre.
Ms Quinn advised a function room is not included in this design.
Cllr Justin Warnock welcomed the development for Dromahair and stated it is very important to get this development completed as soon as possible especially as there is a demand for office space to allow people to work remotely.
Cllr Sean McDermott also welcomed the development for Dromahair and enquired if there is sufficient space within the current plans for remote working hubs.
Ms Mary Quinn advised there is adequate space provided for remote working within the current plan. She added the best possible use of the space was paramount at the design development stage and this will be a flexible adaptable space.
On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Frank Dolan
SECONDED by Cllr Mary Bohan
It was AGREED to approve the Chief Executive’ s Report and Recommendation on Part 8 Planning on the Proposed Open Public Library Development at Dromahair, Co. Leitrim.
The Report as circulated to the Members, appears as Minute Item 136 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book.