That we ask Leitrim Co Council officials and TII to immediately publish their intentions about the detailed design and the actual route to be taken by the N4 extension of The Dromod /Rooskey By-pass, from Faulties to the new bridge over the Shannon, close to Glas na hAbhainn Estate, Carrick-on-Shannon. There is great concern among the farming community who fear difficulty of access to lands and, also, residents of homes whose houses may be demolished or end up too close to the new roadway. It is grossly unfair that such concerned citizens should be left in a cruel limbo situation.
Minutes:
To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Des Guckian;
"That we ask Leitrim Co Council officials and TII to immediately publish their intentions about the detailed design and the actual route to be taken by the N4 extension of The Dromod /Rooskey By-pass, from Faulties to the new bridge over the Shannon, close to Glas na hAbhainn Estate, Carrick-on-Shannon. There is great concern among the farming community who fear difficulty of access to lands and, also, residents of homes whose houses may be demolished or end up too close to the new roadway. It is grossly unfair that such concerned citizens should be left in a cruel limbo situation."
Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.
"Leitrim County Council has a Project Liaison Officer in place who is available to meet in-person with concerned residents, farmers and property owners to discuss their concerns and to explain the process to them, and indeed, many one to one meetings have taken place. The design team are closing out the final part of Phase 2 Options Selection following on from the recent public display and subject to approval by TII will progress to Phase 3 Design and Environmental Assessment later this year. During the next phase, the proposed design will be discussed with the affected property owners so that it can best fit into the receiving environment. Access to property, both residents and farms, is a key part of this design and mitigation and will take cognisance of the engagement and information received from the property owners."
Councillor Des Guckian gave the background to his motion, and he stated there are many fears expressed by farmers who fear difficulty in accessing their lands and residents of homes whose houses may be demolished or end up too close to the new roadway. Councillor Des Guckian referred to an online meeting held on the 17th May last with representatives from the Council and where Marian Harkin TD called for the Council to be honest and truthful to those most effected and he said this is a renewal of her appeal.
Councillor Brendan Barry said nobody should have the fear of their house being demolished. He said the Council have given some guidance on the route corridor, which is 300 metres, however only approximately 40 metres of this corridor will actually be used for the roadway.
Mr Joseph Gilhooly said the design is quite complicated and the design is going to be appropriate.
Mr Terry McGovern outlined that there is a Project Liaison Officer in place who is available to meet in-person or via online with residents, farmers, and property owners to discuss their concerns and to explain the process to them. He said 650 people attended the public consultation, 38 people attended one to one meetings, there had been 27 phone calls and 30 emails from concerned locals. The width of the corridor is 300 metres and there is no intention of demolishing 10-12 houses. The design team are closing out the final part of Phase 2 - Options Selection - following on from the recent public display, and subject to approval by TII will progress to Phase 3 - Design and Environmental Assessment - later this year. During the next phase, the proposed design will be discussed with the affected property owners so that it can best fit into the receiving environment.
Mr McGovern said all concerns are taken into consideration and the main objective is safety. There are currently 150 direct access points onto to the road but there will be no direct access onto the new proposed roadway. Access will be facilitated but they will be grouped together.
Councillor Des Guckian said the letter of the law was being followed and not the spirit of the people.
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn sought a seconder for the proposal and as the motion was not seconded, she proceeded to the next item of business.