Minutes:
Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance, Water, Environment, Climate Action and Emergency Services presented a report on the Programme of Capital Projects for the forthcoming 3 years.
The following matters were raised by members:
Councillor Caillian Ellis noted that there was no funding in place over the period of the Capital Works Programme for the Courthouse in Ballinamore.
Councillor Frank Dolan sought an update on the timeframe for the construction for the fire station in Manorhamilton.
Councillor Des Guckian raised the following:-
· What input or contributions will developers make towards completing unfinished housing developments?
· The provision of turnkey unit social housing units in Dromod
· CFRAM flood relief works – slow progress
· Overall project cost of the N4 Carrick-on-Shannon to Dromod Bypass included in the report given that no design for project has been developed yet.
· Resurfacing requirements for old road into Dromod
· Multi million euro projects are planned for greenways and blueways, however more money is required to be spent on laneways.
· Remediation of the old Mohill Dump and funding provision
Councillor Enda McGloin paid tribute to the very significant capital works programme in place and sought confirmation that the LPT and commercial rates increases, that the majority of members have supported, is to be used to fund this programme.
In reply to the issues raised, Mr Vincent Dwyer responded as follows
· As was agreed by the Members in 2019, and at subsequent Budget meetings, the LPT and rates increases are ring fenced exclusively for the capital programme.
· The contribution towards unfinished housing estates is to complete some estates that remain unfinished and that are not covered by developer bonds.
· It is impossible to determine what the overall cost of the N4 Carrick-on-Shannon to Dromod road project will be at this stage. The figure in the Capital plan is an estimate only and may vary once the design for the road is determined.
· The resurfacing of the old road into Dromod is a matter for consideration at the Carrick-on-Shannon at Municipal District meeting.
· Both landfills in Mohill and Manorhamilton are subject to EPA licences. Mohill landfill is assessed and monitored by consultants on behalf of Leitrim County Council and reports are furnished to the EPA who subsequently issue the license.
· Tenders for the construction of Manorhamilton Fire station will be sought in 2022 and substantial construction will be underway by mid-2023.
· No reply has been received from The Court Service following the most recent correspondence issued following a meeting of Ballinamore MD. A reminder will be issued to the Court Service on this matter. Leitrim County Council have no bespoke funding to purchase or fund refurbishment of the Ballinamore Courthouse.
In reply to queries raised by members Ms Mary Quinn replied as follows:
· The capital works programme before the members can have new projects added as necessary. If an opportunity arises for a turnkey housing scheme in Dromod, it will be considered.
In reply to the queries raised, Mr Joseph Gilhooly responded as follows:
· All funding applications made to Government Departments for Greenways and Blueways aim to maximise the funding available to Leitrim and thereby develop and improve the economic outlook of the county. Funding applied for and received is ring fenced specifically for the greenway programme. The funding cannot be diverted to other programmes such as the roads programme.
· Significant work has been completed on the CFRAMS project - The design process is well advanced and it is anticipated that the project will be brought to the Planning stage in the current year.
Councillor Des Guckian noted €1 million is being spent on unfinished housing estates and he queried what contribution is being paid by the developers of these estates.
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said the developers who initiated some of these projects are no longer in operation and it would not be financially viable to pursue them through legal proceedings.
Councillor Des Guckian re-iterated that Mohill landfill needs attention.
Mr Vincent Dwyer said he is not aware of any issue with the former landfill in Mohill. He re-iterated that monitoring is done by Leitrim County Council in accordance with the license agreement with the EPA. Copies of the monitoring reports have been furnished to Cllr Guckian. Mr Dwyer asked Mr Francis Gaffney, Senior Engineer to update the members on the Mohill landfill.
Mr Francis Gaffney advised Members that the former landfill in Mohill is fully licensed by the EPA. The manner of remediation carried out on Mohill landfill was specified by the EPA. Mohill landfill, as with all the old landfills, is not lined underneath and cannot be, and this is recognised and accepted by the EPA. Mr Gaffney said the monitoring that is carried, is not showing and heavy metals or other significant pollutants being emitted from Mohill landfill.
Councillor Justin Warnock welcomed the following capital works - new bridge at Lennox, traffic calming on the N15, redevelopment of Fowley Falls and future housing in Tullaghan.
Councillor Sean McGowan sought an update on the CFRAMS projects for Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim Village, Mohill and Dromod and the footpath at Rooskey.
Councillor Sean McGowan concurred with Councillor Des Guckian that a turnkey social housing project should sought for Dromod.
Councillor Stenson queried if this plan was a definite list of Greenway and Blueway projects or should additional projects come to light can they be considered.
Councillor Brendan Barry sought clarification on the allocation for office refurbishment in the programme.
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke queried if there will be funding for the following: Three provinces amenity project, development of ancient monuments and provision of a footpath from Newtowngore to Lake Garadice.
Councillor Padraig Fallon sought an update on the Council offices in Manorhamilton.
Mr Vincent Dwyer said that figure of €8.4 million is included in the plan to cover any future projects or developments that are not foreseen right now.
Ms Mary Quinn confirmed that the office project in Manorhamilton is currently being progressed and the allocation for office refurbishment relates to the refurbishment of the Council Chamber and the Customer Services Desk.
Mr Joseph Gilhooly said that there are annual funding calls every year and the projects referred to by Cllr O’Rourke referred to will be considered in the context of funding calls announced.
Mr Terry McGovern advised members that there is a pavement strengthening taking place on the N4, N15 & N16, pavement realignment on the N16, Road Safety improvement works on the N16. A feasibility study on a new pedestrian bridge in Rooskey is being considered.
Mr Shay O’Connor said the CFRAM projects for Carrick-on-Shannon and Leitrim Village will be referred for planning approval in Q3 2022. No decisions have been made on flood defence locations or their extent. All the types of flood defence systems are currently under consideration. Public Consultations will take place before final schemes are agreed.
He further outlined that Mohill Flood Relief scheme is currently being considered by the OPW and Dromod has not yet been approved by the OPW. When the Carrick-on-Shannon and Leitrim Villages schemes are referred for planning approval, the Council will then engage with OPW regarding the Dromod scheme.
The Capital Works Programme was noted by the members.