To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Des Guckian;

"That, as representatives of a very rural County, we discuss the very great disadvantages being suffered by our rural areas, put forward solutions and seek to have them implemented ASAP."

Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.

"The issues facing rural areas are being increasing documented and discussed nationally. Leitrim County Council is acutely aware of the impact such issues is having on the County, which outside of Carrick on Shannon is classified as rural, and as a consequence is actively pursuing the regeneration and revitalisation of the County. 

The Council has developed a forward-thinking capital investment programme consisting of projects of scale that have the potential to be impactful and transformational.  The Council has now secured and is in the process of implementation of five regeneration projects coupled with design processes for expansion of the Shannon Blueway and with the substantial design process of the SLNCR Greenway at tender stage. In addition, the Council continues to pursue additional tourism investment projects and other outdoor recreation initiatives etc. 

The Council is also actively involved in supporting digital hubs in the County along with the installation of Broadband Connection Points and Free Wifi all of which equips the county to avail of the potential of remote or blended working arrangements into the future.  In addition, the Council works with and supports both business and community organisations in their efforts to contribute to a sustainable county into the future.

The Council Executive will continue to work closely with all lead departments and agencies that has the potential to assist in the overall objective of the sustainable development of the County."

Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion and referred to the following issues – Our Rural Future – uninspiring and unclear, abandonment of rural areas by successive governments,  lack of  off-farm employment, lack of broadband, arterial drainage of waterways, CIS and LIS road schemes not adequate, wind farms being erected with larger turbines, Shass Landslide, EPA Code of Practice and sites deemed unsuitable for discharge of treated wastewater or effluent to ground, attempted closure of bogs. Cllr Guckian stated that planning has been denied to people from farming backgrounds, with planners hiding behind TCD schemes.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Bohan stated the motion was very broad and proposed that a list of proposals be submitted to the Council for consideration.  Cllr Guckian stated he was outlining all the problems which are being ignored.

Mr Joseph Gilhooly said the requirement to comply with the applicable Code of Practice is enshrined in the County Development Plan in accordance with the instruction of the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government by way of Circular PSSP 01/2010. Soil percolation tests failing to meet the acceptable percolation rates are required to comply with the EPA Code of Practice and the sites in Leitrim are deemed unsuitable for discharge of treated wastewater or effluent to ground.  He outlined that this is the position Leitrim is in and nobody is hiding behind policy as inferred  by Councillor Des Guckian.  Cllr Guckian stated his view that the Council has gone far beyond what is required for planning for one-off houses.   The Director of Services again clarified the position in relation to compliance with Government policy and regulation.