I call on Leitrim County Council, when preparing the Winter Maintenance Plan for the future, to include the Drumshanbo to Ballinamore Rd via Aughacashel and Aughnasheelin.
Minutes:
To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Gerry Dolan;
"I call on Leitrim County Council, when preparing the Winter Maintenance Plan for the future, to include the Drumshanbo to Ballinamore Road via Aughacashel and Aughnasheelin."
Report by Roads
"If extra resources are made available for future plans, additional routes can be considered. However, it should be noted that in such a case, the treatment of additional Regional roads would be a priority."
Councillor Gerry Dolan stated that several front-line workers live in this locality and that if the Council were to include this route in the Winter Maintenance Plan, that, it would assist in enabling such workers safe access to their places of employment.
Councillor Enda McGloin and Councillor Brendan Barry supported this Notice of Motion.
Councillor Barry re-iterated that the Council would appear to have additional capacity to grit additional routes in the county under the Winter Maintenance Plan. He stated that the Council submit a detailed plan to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) on an annual basis that forms the basis of the funding allocated under the Winter Maintenance Plan. Councillor Barry outlined that the Winter Maintenance Plan presented to the members at the Council meeting is for noting only and that he has sought more detailed information on the Plan to be provided. Councillor Barry stated that his request has not been facilitated and he also referred to the publication of detailed reports on the Winter Maintenance Plan published on the websites of other Local Authorities.
Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that the Winter Maintenance Plan had been discussed at length at two Council meetings and that Councillor Dolan’s Notice of Motion has been answered and does not require an additional debate. He also advised that the members will have an opportunity to discuss the plan when it is again presented to the Members in 2021.
Councillor Enda McGloin noted Mr. Dwyer’s comments and proposed that the members be facilitated with a consultation process in the preparation of the next Winter Maintenance Plan.
Mr. Dwyer advised that the preparation of the Winter Maintenance Plan is an Executive function. Mr. Dwyer referred to Councillor Barry’s research into the plan, however, he stated that there are several factors that must be taken into consideration in the preparation of the Plan as outlined by Mr. Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services at a recent Council meeting when the item was discussed in detail.
Mr. Darragh O’Boyle advised that the Council also have a duty of care to staff operating the Winter Maintenance Plan and due regard must be given to complying with the Working Time Regulations Act to ensure that staff have adequate rest time between gritting times etc.
Ms. Sinead Flynn, Meetings Administrator referred the members of the Standing Orders governing the Ballinamore Municipal District Meetings. She cautioned that the meeting is not being conducted in accordance with the agenda circulated for the meeting. Ms. Flynn advised that multiple non-related items are being raised when the Notices of Motion are being discussed which is not in keeping with the Standing Orders. She advised that the members must adhere to the order of debate as per the Notice of Motions included on the agenda only. Ms. Flynn advised that she will circulate a copy of the Standing Orders to the members and requested that the remainder of the meeting be conducted in accordance with the Standing Orders.