Minutes:
Mr Vincent Dwyer gave a report on the Schedule of Municipal District Works.
Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire acknowledged that there was far too little money to spend in the schedule of Municipal District works.
Councillor Des Guckian made observations on the following items in the report:
• Burial ground undertakers
• Public water/public conveniences
• Maintenance of burial grounds
• Lands drainage costs in Carrick
• Veterinary service
• Administration of Rates
In response, Mr Vincent Dwyer advised that Burial Grounds caretakers receive an annual payment to administer the graveyard register and provide limited maintenance and support for the graveyard under their control.
The Irish Water costs are fully recouped from Irish Water. Public convenience relates to the operation and maintenance of small sewerage schemes still under the control of Leitrim County Council.
Leitrim County Council provides a countywide Veterinary Service on behalf of the Food Safety Authority. The Dog Warden service (Division G) is also provided on a countywide basis with Leitrim Animal Welfare currently providing the Dog Pound Service.
The Administration of Rates figure in the report includes a provision to cover the costs of the 75% write off in respect of vacant properties. Staffing costs are also included.
Mr Vincent Dwyer acknowledged that he would prefer if the amount of funding was higher for the Municipal District works.
Cllr Thomas Mulligan sought clarification in relation to commercial properties that are closed and vacant and benefiting from the existing 75% write. He queried if such properties are excluded from the 3-month rates waiver announced recently by the Government, or are they still liable for a full 25% of their annual commercial rates.
Mr Vincent Dwyer confirmed that there is no waiver for vacant properties.
Councillor Enda Stenson proposed that the public seating at the lay-by on the N4 at Duignan’s Mill be replaced.
Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer confirmed that when the restrictions are lifted two picnic seats will be replaced at this location.
Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructural Services advised that the Roadworks Programme allocation would normally be received from the Department of Transport at this stage. Mr Gilhooly said that the Department has advised verbally to commence the Roadworks Programme based on the same level of funding as last year. When the allocation is received an updated Roadworks Programme will be brought to the March Municipal District meeting.
Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer gave a report on the 2021 Roadworks Programme, including roads proposed for the Restoration Improvement Grant.
Mr O’Boyle sought the approval of the Members to move the funding from Foxborough to Lisnagot.
Proposed by Councillor Enda Stenson and Seconded by Councillor Sean McGowan that the funding for Foxborough would be moved to Lisnagot.
Councillor Des Guckian expressed his disappointment with the level of funding available for road improvements. Councillor Des Guckian said every road should be done every 10 years.
Councillor Guckian welcomed the funding for Derrycarne, Derrybrack, Old Rooskey Road and Cornagillagh and said the funding was only a drop in the ocean, the vast majority of roads have been neglected over the years and continue to be neglected.
Councillor Guckian sought clarification on the €1.5 million for the N4 Carrick on Shannon to Dromod Scheme.
Councillor Sean McGowan welcomed the Restoration Improvement Grants for Cornagillagh and the old N4 Rooskey.
Councillor Sean McGowan asked if Road No. 7472 at Antfield /Finnalaughta and Road No. 610 at Drumshanbo South to the Longford border could be included for Restoration Improvement Works.
Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire welcomed the funding for Lisnagot to the old cemetery and around the Medical Centre and she outlined that many residents live on this road and many walkers use this route.
Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire queried the continued use of the Extranet system that had been available to members which enabled them to highlight to the Local Authority any issue that needed attention in the community.
Mr Kieran Brett advised that an email can be sent to customerservices@leitrimcoco.ie and this will be directed through to the appropriate business unit for attention.
Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer advised Members that they can contact him by phone, text or email in regard to road issues in the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District.
Councillor Enda Stenson proposed that improvement works be carried out on the footpath from Mohill to Treanmore for wheelchair users.
Mr O’Boyle confirmed that a contractor will carry out work on this footpath when the current COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Councillor Paddy Farrell complimented Leitrim County Council on the upkeep of the roads in Leitrim.
Mr Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer said between 5% & 7% of the roads network is restored every year. Mr O’Boyle said the CIS is a valuable scheme towards the rural roads network and essential for the economy. To date the Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) has been proved to be a useful method of carrying out improvement to the road network. The Council has success in receiving a 15% contribution from forestry companies for road improvement under this scheme, which has been beneficial to both Leitrim County Council forestry companies.
Mr O’Boyle advised the area around the old medical centre is private property and no works will be taking place at this location.
Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructural Services acknowledged that there was a need for additional funding, but roads will be maintained as best as can be with the funding available. Mr Gilhooly advised that the €1.5 million is for the N4 Carrick on Shannon to Dromod Scheme, which includes design fees etc and this will be 100% reimbursed.
Mr Joseph Gilhooly advised that the Public Realm works in Carrick on Shannon are deemed essential construction works under the COVID-19 guidelines and works will commence shortly. This is a new update following information received since the reply to Councillor Farrell’s motion, as below, was prepared.
Mr Shay O’Connor, Senior Engineer confirmed that he has been in discussions with the contractors and activity will restart this week.
To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Paddy Farrell;
"I would like Leitrim County Council to explain to business people and residents why work in the town has stopped on the street of Carrick-on-Shannon. Some believe that similar works are ongoing in other areas despite current lockdown."
Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.
"This council is obliged to comply with the Government Plan for Living with COVID-19 and the current Level 5 restrictions. One of these is that construction is stopped except for essential works. For Local Authority works the Local Government Management Agency issues advice, following consultation with the relevant government Departments as to which works are essential during Level 5. The Urban Renewal Development Fund projects, of which Carrick on Shannon Public Realm Scheme is one, is deemed non-essential and therefore works had to stop."
Councillor Paddy Farrell welcomed the updated news regarding the restart of works.
Mr Shay O’Connor, Senior Engineer invited Members to an online workshop on Monday, 22nd February 2021 at 10 am to show proposals drawn up in relation to enhanced signage for Carrick-on-Shannon under the Destination Towns scheme funded by Bord Failte.
Councillor Des Guckian questioned the need for such a workshop to be held with Members.
Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire and Councillor Sean McGowan welcomed the workshop and said it is a great opportunity to see the proposals for Carrick-on-Shannon and ask the Consultants questions in this regard.
Councillor Des Guckian expressed his disappointment with a previous Part 8 application and queried the need for part 8 planning for this Destination Towns project. In reply, Mr Shay O’Connor, said that Leitrim County Council is obliged under legislation to carry out a Part 8 Planning application. Mr Gilhooly said the number of Part 8’s is reflective on the amount of funding Leitrim County Council is receiving. Mr Gilhooly outlined that the spend threshold is low at which a Part 8 Planning application is required. Once a project is expected to cross the threshold, the Local Authority is obliged to carry out a public consultation on any works they propose to carry out.
Mr O’Connor said the anticipated spend for this project is €800,000, which is well above the threshold at which Part 8 Planning is required.