Minutes:
Mr. Terry McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, gave an update on the Annual Roads Programme, 2021 which had been previously presented to the members at the February 2021, Municipal District meeting.
Mr. Sean Rynn, A/Senior Executive Engineer, gave an update on the additional works that will be carried out under the Annual Area Road Programme 2021.
Mr. McGovern informed the members that the Restoration Maintenance Grant and Restoration Improvement Grant has increased by approximately 6% in comparison to the 2020 Grants. This represents an extra €34,000 under the Restoration Maintenance Grant and an extra €125,000 under the Restoration Improvement Grant for the Manorhamilton Municipal District.
Cllr. Mary Bohan welcomed the increased levels of funding and thanked Leitrim County Council staff for their efforts in securing funding under Climate Action Works and Active Travel Measures. Cllr. Bohan queried whether the funding for traffic management on the R280 at Lough Allen College will extend to Drumkeeran Village as there had been various complaints by residents in relation to speeding. Mr. Mc Govern, A/Senior Engineer, stated that the matter can be considered in the context of available funding.
Cllr. Bohan queried at what stage works at Annaghgerry Bridge are at, and what timescale is envisaged for project completion. Mr. McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, confirmed that the design work for the project has been completed and details of timescale can be checked and confirmed to Cllr. Bohan.
Cllr. Bohan queried funding in relation to footpath provision in Drumkeeran. Mr. McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, confirmed that funding would be used to extend the footpath out to the remaining two houses on that road.
Cllr. Justin Warnock welcomed the additional funding and asked what the expected timeframe for completion of the Lennox Bridge is. Mr. McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, stated that it is difficult to place a timeframe on the works as an environmental assessment may be required, and if so, the project will have to be forwarded to An Bord Pleanála for approval.
Cllr. Warnock queried as to what the funding received for Tullaghan will be used for. Mr. McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, stated that funding will be used to extend the footpath on the coast road that was previously funded under the Town and Village Scheme.
Cllr. Felim Gurn welcomed the funding and queried whether the proposed works on R280 refer to resurfacing. Mr. Sean Rynn, A/Senior Executive Engineer, confirmed that resurfacing work would take place at St Clares Hall.
Cllr. Gurn queried whether work on the road through Barr an Chaisleáin will be completed. Mr. Sean Rynn, A/Senior Executive Engineer, confirmed that it would, and the road number is L4137.
Cllr. Padraig Fallon welcomed the funding increases, and queried whether there was funding available to tackle the bend above the comprehensive school in Manorhamilton. Mr. McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, stated that the matter could be reviewed.
Cllr. Fallon queried whether there is a timeframe for the completion of the footpath works in Drumkeerin. Mr. McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, stated that the works will be a priority once the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
Cllr. Fallon queried what the plans were for temporary staff employed by Leitrim County Council. Mr. McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, confirmed that their contracts had been extended for this year’s programme.
Cllr. Frank Dolan welcomed the funding and reiterated that a solution for the bend at the comprehensive school in Manorhamilton is required.
Cllr. Sean McDermott agreed that the work is required to tackle the bend at the comprehensive school in Manorhamilton. Cllr. McDermott also welcomed the funding increases.
Cllr. Justin Warnock queried whether the community involvement scheme will be funded this year. Mr. McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, confirmed that it would be, and that €237,000 would be allocated to the Manorhamilton Municipal District.
On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Frank Dolan
SECONDED by Cllr Mary Bohan
It was AGREED to approve the allocation of funding under the Annual Area Road Programme 2021 as updated and circulated to the Members.
In relation to the N.16 and funding allocation for Drumahon, Cllr. Frank Dolan enquired as to whether there is another stage planned towards the county boundary. Mr. Terry McGovern, A/Senior Engineer, informed members that realignment work is continuing on the N.16 but will be taking place in smaller stages of 2km to 2.5km. He outlined that the design consultants are available to meet members in relation to Munakil re-alignment on either 23rd or 24th March. Members agreed to attend the consultation with the Design Consultants on Wednesday, 24th March 2021 at 10.00a.m. Cllr. Mary Bohan offered apologies in advance indicating she was unable to attend the meeting.