Minutes of Meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District Held in Council Chamber, Aras an Chontae, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Le

Minutes of Meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District Held in Council Chamber, Aras an Chontae, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim On Monday 9th July 2018 at 3.30 pm

Members Present: Councillor Des Guckian Councillor Enda Stenson Councillor Sinead Guckian Councillor Séadhna Logan Councillor Sean McGowan Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

Officials Present: Mr. Gerry Doyle, A/Meetings Administrator Mr. Shay O’Connor, A/Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning, Environment & Transportation

Mr. Darragh O’Boyle, District Engineer South Leitrim

Mr. Bernard Greene, Senior Planner

Ms. Pamela Moran, Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation

CMD 18/99 Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District 09/07/18 held on Monday 11th June 2018

Proposed by Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire, Seconded by Councillor Sinead Guckian AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED; “That the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal meeting held in Aras an Chontae, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim on Monday 11th June 2018 be adopted.” Matters arising from the Minutes:- Mr. Shay O’Connor, A/Director of Services responded to two items previously raised at the Annual meeting under “Any other Business” (AOB).

(1) Availability of Minutes of Council and Municipal District Meetings on the Council Website: Councillor Séadhna Logan stated that he had raised the matter of making the Minutes of previous Council and Municipal District Meetings available online at the Annual Meeting held on 11th June. Mr. O’Connor A/Director of Services informed the Members that the Executive was fully supportive of making the minutes available online and it was intended to make them available as soon as possible. (2) Circulation of Meeting Correspondence to the Press: Councillor Sean McGowan stated that at the Annual Meeting he had raised the matter of allowing meeting correspondence to be circulated to the local Media in advance of Municipal District Meetings. Mr. O’Connor A/Director of Services stated that Meeting Correspondence is not currently circulated to the Media at any of the Council Meetings at present and that it is not proposed at present to change this procedure.

CMD 18/100 Minutes of Meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District 09/07/18 held on Monday 11th June 2018

Proposed by Councillor Des Guckian, Seconded by Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED; “That the Minutes of the meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal meeting held in Aras an Chontae, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim on Monday 11th June 2018 be adopted.” Matters arising from the Minutes:- L1601 – Junction onto the N4 Councillor Des Guckian stated that he had requested a update at the Annual Meeting held on 11th June 2018 under “Any Other Business” in relation to a matter he had previously raised at the September 2017 Municipal District Meeting (CMD17/129 – 11/09/17) regarding the Junction on the L1601 onto the N4 at the start of the Dromod Roosky By Pass. Councillor Guckian requested an update in relation to this issue. Councillor Des Guckian requested confirmation as to whether or not the matter has been raised with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). Mr. Shay O Connor Acting Director of Services stated that he would endeavour to confirm the position in this regard as soon as possible to Cllr. Guckian.

CMD 18/101 Proposed Works and Allocation of Funding - Upgrade of Bring Banks 09/07/18 Report from Mr Terry McGovern, A/Senior Executive Officer, Economic Development, Planning, Environment & Transportation was circulated to members in advance of the meeting (Appendix 1 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book).

Proposal to spend €3,500 on the following works in the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District:-

 Bornacoola Bring Bank - Removal of two rogue clothing banks  Eslin Bring Bank - Fencing

In addition, under the WERLA Anti-Dumping Initiative, it is proposed to run a CCTV monitoring campaign over a number of weeks at 8 different bring banks throughout the county. Four of these bring banks are located in the Carrick on Shannon Municipal District at:

 Park Lane (Carrick on Shannon)  Tesco (Carrick on Shannon)  Jamestown  Mohill

Councillor Des Guckian sought clarification on what the term “rogue clothes banks” at Bornacoola meant. Mr. O’Connor Acting Director of Services responded that at the bring centres the vast majority of collection bins were authorised but however there were a couple at Bornacoola Bring Centre that were not and it was proposed to remove them. Councillor Enda Stenson Cathaoirleach stated that he welcomed the funding proposed and enquired as the type of fencing that would be erected at Eslin Bring Bank. Mr. O’Boyle District Engineer responded that it would be up to the Environment Department to determine the exact type of boundary fence used, but that it would likely have to be of a such a construction so as to prevent litter being deposited over it. Councillor Sinead Guckian stated that she also welcomed the funding for the works. She informed the meeting that in a number of areas Tidy Towns groups had taken it upon themselves and at their own expense to carry out works at bring centres. She highlighted works completed in Drumsna where the Tidy Towns Committee provided flowers and put in place concrete plinths at their own expense. She asked that consideration would be given to such groups when future funding would become available, given that the works they have carried out to date were at a cost to them and not as a result of funding from outside agencies. Proposed by Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire, Seconded by Councillor Des Guckian AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED; “To approve proposed works and allocation of funding for the Upgrade of Bring Banks in 2018”

CMD 18/102 Correspondence 09/07/18

Item No. 1

Letter dated 11th June 2018 from the Office of the Minister, Department of Health in relation to Versatis pain relief patches (Appendix 2 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book).

Councillor Des Guckian stated that some valuable information had been provided in the reply received from the Department of Health. He asked that the Department be written to again and clarification sought on how the Medicines Management Programme (MMP) for reimbursement approval operated and in particular whether there could be any way that persons approved under the Scheme who were on low incomes would not have to pay the cost up front and then have to wait for recoupment as this was likely in his opinion to cause them undue hardship. .

It was agreed to write to the Department of Health again to seek clarification on the operation of this Scheme.

Item No. 2

Letter dated 22nd June 2018 from the Office of Public Works re: funding for flooding and drainage issues in County Leitrim (Appendix 3 to the Minutes of this meeting in the Minute Book).

Part 1 – Notices of Motion

CMD 18/103 Relocation of Pedestrian Crossing on the Castlecarra Road 09/07/18

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Séadhna Logan;

"Having previously raised this Motion, I am again calling on Leitrim County Council to move the Pedestrian Crossing on the Castlecarra Road on the outskirts of Carrick on Shannon. Walkers descending the Hill from the Aughameeney side are completely hidden from motorists on the Castlecarra road. The crossing at the bottom of the hill is very sudden and walkers are entitled to walk straight out. This is dangerous and needs to be changed."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads;

“This pedestrian crossing was constructed over 5 years ago, to date we have had no incidences at this location. The crossing is located in a 50kph zone and allows walkers to cross the Castlecarra road on this popular walk route. The position of the pedestrian crossing at this location was determined by the availability of land at the time. This has not changed.”

Councillor Séadhna Logan noted the reply and that the pedestrian crossing was constructed over 5 years ago. He said that there had been a considerable increase in traffic over the last 5 years and additionally the new Gaelscoil is due to open shortly and a new Nursing Home on the Castlecarra Road was proposed. He said pedestrians coming from Aughameeney are coming straight out onto the road. He also stated that he had experienced this first hand recently and he raised concerns regarding the apparent lack of an appropriate step back at this junction.

Mr. O’Boyle, District Engineer said that this query had come up before and stated that there were no recorded incidents at this location. He also said that the choice of the location of the pedestrian crossing at the time was dependant on the availability of land and the location where it was put was the best available location at that time. He advised that those using the new Gaelscoil and the proposed Nursing Home would use the new pedestrian crossing outside the Gaelscoil.

Councillor Séadhna Logan again reiterated that there was an increased volume of traffic on this road and stated that the very high hedgerows in the vicinity were making it dangerous for pedestrians. Mr. O’Boyle District Engineer said that as a temporary measure bushes could be trimmed back.

Councillor Séadhna Logan said that in the short term something will have to be done at this junction. Mr. O’Connor, Acting Director of Services said that land was not available at the time this crossing was put in place but this was something that could be reviewed into the future.

CMD 18/104 Funding for painting of Housing Stock and Local Capital Assets 09/07/18

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Séadhna Logan;

"Over the last few months Mohill Town and Environs has seen much benefit from the visual impact of painting residential and commercial premises in the town. Could Carrick on Shannon Municipal District follow the towns lead and make an effort to locate funding, to paint up its housing stock and local capital assets. Such a move would contribute greatly to the further visual enhancement of our town and community, and would greatly enhance the attractiveness of Council estates and properties."

Report by Director of Services, Housing, Corporate, Culture and Emergency Services;

“The painting scheme delivered in Mohill was supported through a town and village grant in conjunction with the local residents. There are limited resources within the housing planned maintenance budget for painting of local authority dwellings. Priorities to date under this programme have included fascia and soffit, energy works, heating systems etc. However, should a small number of key priority areas of Council responsibility be identified arrangements will be made to assess same and identify works which could contribute to overall local effort.”

Councillor Séadhna Logan congratulated the community in Mohill for their initiative in painting a large number of buildings in the town. He said it has made a huge difference to the attractiveness of the town. He added that the Council should follow the lead given by the local community in 5

respect of assets it owns in the town. He made reference to the old Area Office and the front of the library. He also commented on the boundary wall at O’Carolan Court and the wall along the estate at Treanmore. He said all it would take to clean them up would be a powerhose and some paint. He said that he had seen fire fighters painting the wall at the Fire Station and that the Council needed to take ownership of all its assets in a similar manner.

All Councillors supported Councillor Séadhna Logan in his congratulations of the community effort.in Mohill.

Mr. O’Connor Acting Director of Services said that he would go back to the Housing Department and highlight the matters raised at today’s meeting. Darragh O Boyle District Engineer stated that he had been working closely with local community representatives in Mohill in developing a number of initiatives to improve the town and its environs and funding applications are being prepared arising from same.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson enquired if there was any follow up on a matter raised at the June meeting regarding the wall at the Church of Ireland in Mohill. Mr. O’Boyle District Engineer informed the meeting that the Council was looking at potential ways to fund the rebuilding of the wall at the Church of Ireland.

CMD 18/105 Correish to Headford Road, Drumsna – Road No. L7430 – Speed 09/07/18 Reducing Measures

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

"At the July Meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District, I will ask the District Engineer to consider appropriate signage and/or a reduced speed limit, in conjunction with discussions with the Gardai, to address the increase in traffic and speeding on the Correish to Headford Road, Drumsna - Road No. L7430."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads;

“The L7430 is a beautifully maintained local road which provides a scenic aspect to walker and driver alike. The increased volume of traffic is directly related to the water mains works on the R299 which has caused several locals to use this road as a "rat run" to the N4. We will endeavour to remove the "straight through" run at the L3431 junction with added chevron signs and possible lining.”

Councillor Sinead Guckian noted the reply and commented that this road was a model of how rural roads should be maintained. She welcomed the proposed introduction of chevron signs at this junction.

This was supported by Councillor Sean McGowan and Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson.

CMD 18/106 Eir – Number of new Domestic Broadband Connections 09/07/18

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

"At the July Meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District, I will ask the Director of Services to contact Eir with a view to establishing how many new domestic broadband connections have been applied for in the county in the past 12 months and how many of these new applications are now connected.”

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

“The request will issue as set out.”

Councillor Sinead Guckian informed the meeting that back in December the Council were advised that under the National Broadband Plan 1,000 households in County Leitrim would be connected. She added that over the past number of week’s people are experiencing delays in getting connections. She said she wants to find out from EIR the reason for the delay in connections and how quickly applications for connections are being processed.

This motion was supported by all Members.

*************

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson informed the meeting that there were two Notices of Motion in the name of Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire and one Notice of Motion from Councillor Des Guckian relating to the proposed Battery Storage Facility in Flagford. He proposed taking the three motions in succession.

CMD 18/107 Battery Storage Facility, Flagford – Appeal to An Bord Pleanala 09/07/18

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire;

"At the July Municipal District Meeting, I will ask the Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning, Environment & Transportation, if An Bord Pleanala have requested information or comment from this County Council regarding the proposed Battery Storage facility at Flagford, Carrick on Shannon. "

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

“As the Council has not been party to the Planning Process to date contact will not be made by An Bord Pleanala. However, the Council is very aware of the concerns regarding this development and will review any appeals that are lodged to the Bord through their website. The Council will then consider exercising the right of everybody to lodge an observation on the appeals with the Bord.”

Mr. Bernard Greene, Senior Planner informed the meeting that it is not a legal requirement for An Bord Pleanala to contact Leitrim County Council in relation to this Planning Application. He informed the meeting that a total of 4 Third Party Appeals had been lodged as of 28th June 2018, which can be viewed on the Roscommon County Council website.

He said that Leitrim County Council was still in a position where they can make an observation on the appeals made.

CMD 18/108 Batter Storage Facility, Flagford – Study of Submissions 09/07/18

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire;

"On the date of our July Municipal District Meeting, we will be at day 11 of the 28 days for Submission or Observations in relation to the proposed Battery Facility at Flagford. I will call on Leitrim County Council to commit to studying the submissions made by the people of Drumlion and writing clear observations showing the strength of unity and interdependence between those in this Municipal District and the community of Drumlion. "

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

“The Council is very aware of the concerns regarding this development and will review any appeals that are lodged to the Bord through their website. The Council will then consider exercising the right of everybody to lodge an observation on the appeals with the Bord.”

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said that she was asking for more than consideration on this matter. She said she wanted a commitment from Leitrim County Council that they would clearly detail the effects of such a facility on County Leitrim.

CMD 18/109 Battery Storage Facility at Flagford 09/07/18

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

"That we stand very much opposed to the very large and potentially extremely dangerous battery units station that is to be built at Flagford, two miles into County Roscommon and that we urge the 8

Planning Department of Leitrim County Council to make a robust complaint and submission of opinion to Roscommon County Council, who did not notify us of this at the application stage."

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

Councillor Des Guckian said that he believed it was not of strategic national importance to have a major battery storage facility at Flagford. He highlighted an incident in Drogenbos near Brussels where a similar large battery storage facility went on fire one month after it opened. He stated that people had to be evacuated for a number of miles radius from this facility and he said the proposed development at Flagford was considerable larger than that in Drogenbos. He commented that a total of 76 local objections had been received by Roscommon County Council and said that the comments of Finian Joyce, Chief Fire Officer for Leitrim should also be included in any appeal submission. Councillor Des Guckian also said that the potential pollution of Killukin River has to be of major concern. He concluded by requesting all leading politicians of all parties and none to make a submission in relation to this proposed development.

Mr. Greene Senior Planner said that the Director of Services, Mr Joseph Gilhooly has previously given a commitment to review all the appeals lodged in relation to Roscommon County Council’s planning decision on this facility. He stated that a Fire Safety Certificate would be required for this development as required under the Building Control Act(s). He added that this process can have an effect on the planning process and vice versa.

He said it was the intention of Leitrim County Council to make a full submission and amongst the following matters it would take account of were:

 The concerns of the Chief Fire Officer in relation to Fire Safety etc.  Notices of Motions raised at today’s meeting;  Nature of submissions already made and  The proper Planning and Sustainable Development of the area.

CMD 18/110 Electric Ireland – Replacement of Public Lights in Leitrim Village 09/07/18

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Sean McGowan;

"At the July Meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District I will ask the Senior Engineer to contact Electric Ireland requesting them to replace the public Lights in Leitrim Village from the present old fashioned yellow lamps to the modern LED Lights."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads;

“As with all other motions requesting public lighting upgrades, Leitrim County Council replace damaged heads with the new low energy headsets. We do not have a budget to replace village or 9

town lights to LED lighting. At present there is a proposal to replace all lights in the country with LED lights in order to meet our obligations for energy reduction. This is being considered by Government and if approved the project will start later this year.”

Councillor Sean McGowan said that he was not satisfied with the reply and said it was a very general reply. He enquired about the time frames involved for such a project to replace all public lights in the county with LED’s.

Mr. O’Connor Acting Director of Services stated that the Council does not have the funding available to it from its own resources to replace all village or town lights with LED lighting and that the Council will be dependent on central funding for any major public lighting upgrades. He added that it would cost approximately €1.9m to upgrade all public lights in the county to LED and that a Government decision to approve funding for this could result in major savings in the longer term. He stated that it is hoped that the Government will make a decision on this matter shortly. He added that Electric Ireland no longer has responsibility for public lighting and that it is now managed by local authorities.

Councillor Sean McGowan commented that the standard lighting currently provided in Leitrim Village still left the village quite dark and enquired as to why there was 3 LED lights used around the bridge area and none anywhere else. Mr. O’Boyle District Engineer informed him that the backlight of the standard street lights was in conflict with the traffic lights at the bridge and he was advised to change to LED lighting for this particular location.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson said that the road leading from the Church into the village needed a couple of extra lights. Councillor Séadhna Logan stated that he fully supported this motion and also stated that a couple of the public lights at the Bridge were staying on constantly day and night.

Mr. O’Connor Acting Director of Services stated that he would have the above matters investigated.

CMD 18/111 Roosky Bridge – Proposed Traffic Lights and Footpath 09/07/18

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Sean McGowan;

"Following on from our Joint Meeting with the Boyle Municipal District, where officials from Roscommon County Council stated that they were considering putting traffic lights on the Bridge at Roosky and providing a footpath on the bridge thus reducing the width to one lane. This would be a disaster for the many motorists who cross the bridge on a daily basis and it would lead to tailbacks on both sides of the Shannon. We should object to such a plan. A footpath similar to the one provided in Carrick-on-Shannon would be ideal for Roosky."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads;

“Roscommon County Council are currently considering all options with regard to pedestrians on Roosky Bridge and no decision has been made to date. We will keep in contact with Roscommon in regard to this matter.” 10

Councillor Sean McGowan said that following the recent joint meeting of Carrick on Shannon and Boyle Municipal Districts he got the sense that Roscommon County Council were proposing to put traffic lights on the bridge in Roosky with vehicular traffic travelling across the bridge one way only with additional provision for pedestrian traffic. He said Leitrim County Council should be clear in its opposition to this idea. He stated that the people of Roosky are seeking to have a pedestrian bridge erected similar to that in Carrick On-Shannon which would not impact on the existing two way flow of traffic at the bridge for vehicular traffic

Councillor Des Guckian stated that he supported the Motion. He enquired as to the cost of the pedestrian bridge in Carrick On Shannon. He did not think a pedestrian crossing at Roosky would cost as much as it did in Carrick On Shannon as it has a much smaller span than the span of the bridge in Carrick on Shannon.

Mr. O’Connor informed the meeting that the bridge in Carrick on Shannon cost approximately €750,000 in circa 2010. He said that he has been in discussions with representatives from Roscommon County Council and that works at the bridge at Roosky is one of the matters that Roscommon County Council are currently considering. He explained that the Department of Transport is the funding agency for any proposed works and when Roscommon County Council seek funding they will need to show that they have considered all possible options. In this regard he stated that Roscommon County Council will be shortly undertaking a pedestrian and vehicle count.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stension stated that it was critical that both the Carrick-On- Shannon and Boyle Municipal Districts continue to meet regularly to discuss matters of mutual concern.

CMD 18/112 Pedestrian Crossing – Carrick on Shannon Road out of Mohill 09/07/18

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

"That Leitrim County Council complete the pedestrian crossing on the Carrick on Shannon Road out of Mohill, not far from Dr. Dolan's and Gordon's. “

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads:

“This lining was upgraded at this crossing recently. We have given a commitment to provide a ramp at this crossing and that will happen when our macadam contractors are next in the area.”

Councillor Des Guckian stated that he was happy with the reply and that he was glad to see a commitment given to provide a ramp at this crossing. He said that as far as he understands people are simply refusing to stop when they see pedestrians. .Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson welcomed the response and said he had spoken to Mr. O’Boyle District Engineer about this matter previously. Councillor Sean McGowan stated that all pedestrian crossings in every town should be raised and Councillor Séadhna Logan asked for clarification in relation to the policy agreed at Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) level that all pedestrian crossings would be raised. 11

Mr. O’Connor Acting Director of Services informed the Meeting that the particular pedestrian crossing the subject of this Notice of Motion was in place before the policy was passed by the Environmental, Transportation, and Infrastructural SPC.

Councillor Des Guckian made reference to a pedestrian crossing at Ballygar Co.Galway which he said was a perfect example of how a pedestrian crossing should be constructed.

CMD 18/113 Littering at Lough McHugh Amenity Area 09/07/18

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Enda Stenson;

"We have a number of local beauty spots around the county, particularly at lakes and rivers. With the wonderful weather of late rubbish has been thrown at those places. I speak particularly about Lough McHugh. Could I ask the Environment Department to have a look at this amenity with a view to tidying it up."

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

“The Community Wardens will inspect these areas and illegal dumping will be investigated and resolved in these areas.”

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson informed the meeting that he had been approached by a person who owns land adjacent to a small section of land the Council owns beside Lough McHugh who states he has had rubbish dumped regularly onto his private land by persons who had accessed the Council owned lands at this location. He enquired as to who was responsible for the removal of litter from this persons land. Mr. Darragh O Boyle District Engineer stated that if rubbish is dumped on private lands this is the responsibility of the landowner.

Cathaoirleach Enda Stenson said that he did not think it was fair for the landowner to have to dispose of rubbish dumped by people availing of facilities owned by the Council. He asked that this matter be investigated. Councillor Séadhna Logan stated that similar littering was happening on lands owned by Coillte.

Mr. Shay O Connor Acting Director of Services stated that the matter would be referred to the Council’s Environment Department for investigation.

CMD 18/114 Removal of certain promotional signs from roads 09/07/18

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Enda Stenson;

"Can it be explained as to the reason that promotional signs were removed along some roads while others were not removed."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads;

“All promotional signage is illegal signage and viewed as litter unless they have applied for, and obtained, a section 254 licence for the planning authority. We are currently removing all temporary signage on the approaches into Carrick on Shannon and encouraging promoters to use social media, press, licenced billboards, VMS and other forms of acceptable advertising. This approach has cleaned up the town and is welcomed by the local community, tidy towns and tourists to our beautiful county town. The placing of road side signage is unsafe and illegal under both the roads act and the litter act and we will continue to uphold these laws. We will endeavour to continue this practise to other picturesque towns and villages within the county.”

Cathaoirleach Councillor Enda Stenson said that a number of people had complained about signs being removed around Carrick-On-Shannon. He stated that this was not happening in other towns and that the Council needed to be act consistently in this regard. Mr. O’Boyle District Engineer responded that the signs that were removed were unsafe and unsightly and were contrary to the requirements of the Planning and Roads Acts. He informed the meeting that it is his intention to commence to remove all illegal signage around Carrick-On-Shannon. He said that there were other alternatives to erecting signage on roads such as Facebook and other Social Media Platforms.

Councillor Sinead Guckian said that for many years the Council been spent a lot of time considering how best to deal with signage around Carrick-On-Shannon. She stated that there should be a consolidated town sign for Carrick on Shannon but however agreement could not be reached with local businesses in this regard. She explained that in rural areas there has always been a good working relationship between local Community Groups and the Council. She added that signs regarding festivals; fundraising etc. are being removed by local community groups from roadsides as soon as an event was over. She said it was important for Community Groups to know the acceptable size of signs which can be erected and that there is a consensus that there cannot be a situation where everyone is putting up signs all around an area. She remarked that she would not like to see community groups suffer as a result of the Council removing signs and she said that there needed to be a bit of leniency in circumstances where this was warranted. .

Councillor Sean McGowan reiterated the comments made by Councillor Sinead Guckian in relation to Community Groups and said he hoped that there would be the same good working relationship going forward.

Councillor Des Guckian stated that he considered that the Council’s approach to removing signs was a bit strict and enquired what would happen a landowner who placed a sign on a hedgerow on his own land.

Mr. O’Boyle District Engineer stated that in order to place a sign on a hedgerow on private land a licence under Section 254 of the Planning Acts needed to be obtained. He also said he had liaised with Festival Committees in Carrick on Shannon and Jamestown lately and assisted them to put up messages on Variable Messaging Signs and that this was an approach that should be used by other local Community Groups. .

CMD 18/115 Any Other Business 09/07/18

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire stated she wished to welcome the news of the recent granting of Notification of Decision for Planning for a new Nursing Home at Castlecarra.

This concluded the business of the meeting at 4.20 pm

Signed: ______

Councillor Enda Stenson Ms. Kathryne Bohan Cathaoirleach Meetings Administrator

Date: ______