I ask Leitrim County Council to provide two Street lights adjacent to the Carraig na Breac Estate from outside Drumshanbo Vocational School to the end of Furness Hill on the Mahanagh side. A large number of walkers use this area and a lack of lighting is dangerous.
Minutes:
To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Enda McGloin;
"I ask Leitrim County Council to provide two streetlights adjacent to the Carraig na Breac Estate from outside Drumshanbo Vocational School to the end of Furness Hill on the Mahanagh side. A large number of walkers use this area and a lack of lighting is dangerous."
Report by Roads
"There is no funding provision in the Roadworks Programme for additional public lighting. There are no roadside ESB poles on this public road and therefore a new footpath with lighting would be required along the L-33784. This can be considered for future funding under the Active Travel Schemes."
Councillor Enda McGloin outlined that the area is popular with walkers and that if funding becomes available under an Active Travel Scheme that the location would be enhanced from the provision of public lighting.
Councillor Gerry Dolan and Councillor Brendan Barry supported the Notice of Motion.
Councillor Paddy O’Rourke supported the Notice of Motion. He also expressed his concern that works required to the Cloone River committed to by the Council in November, 2020 cannot now proceed due to the current Level 5 restrictions in place.
Mr. Vincent Dwyer provided an update to the members in relation to the Government Policy with regard what are classified as ‘essential works’. Mr. Dwyer referred to the broad implications of the Level 5 restrictions across society including the closure of all primary and second level schools having regard to the current incidents of the disease in the country. He advised that the Council are obliged to comply with Government Policy and that drainage works could not be classified as essential works.
Councillor O’Rourke welcomed the clarification provided by Mr. Dwyer.
Councillor Brendan Barry again outlined that he considered the maintenance of potholes as essential works. Councillor Barry stated that some construction works are permitted to continue under the current restrictions. He further stated that it is unfair to compare a school and school staff to staff working in the Patching Unit and that there must be a safe way for outdoor Roads Staff to return to work given that the restrictions may be in place for a further two months.
Mr. Darragh O’Boyle again referred to the restrictions in place due to COVID-19 and that the Council cannot breach the restrictions. He advised that he will arrange to have the pothole on the regional road examined.
Mr. Vincent Dwyer concluded the discussion on essential works by providing an over-view of what works continue to be carried out by the Council under Level 5 Restrictions. Mr. Dwyer reiterated that the Council must comply with Government policy for the safety of staff and the broader public.
Councillor Enda McGloin sought clarification on the number of employees that are currently working in the Local Authority with the Level 5 restrictions in place.
Mr. Dwyer advised that the information is easier to quantify by functional area rather than estimating the number of staff involved. Mr. Dwyer provided an overview of the services areas that are deemed essential and currently operational under the current restrictions.