Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District held on Monday, 20th June 2017 at 11:00am in the Meeting Room, Ballinamore Library, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim

Members present: Councillor Paddy O’Rourke Councillor Caroline Mulvey Councillor Caillian Ellis Councillor John McCartin Councillor Gerry Dolan

Apologies: Councillor Brendan Barry

Officials Present: Mr Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance Ms Ann Warnock, Administrative Officer, Finance Mr Darragh O’ Boyle, District Engineer, South Leitrim District Mr Shay O’Connor, Senior Engineer, Roads Ms Anita Flynn, Clerical Officer, Finance

BMD/17/82 Deimhniu Miontuairisci 20/06/17

Proposed by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke, seconded by Councillor Caillian Ellis AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of the Meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District held in Meeting Room, Ballinamore Library, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim on Monday 22nd May 2017 be adopted”.

BMD/17/83 Presentation by Philip Delamere, Arts Officer 20/06/17

Philip Delamere, Arts Officer gave a presentation to the members on the Leitrim Arts Plan 2018 – 2022 (Appendix 1 to these Minutes).

Councillor Gerry Dolan thanked Philip for his presentation.

Councillor John McCartin advised that they have been successful in the bid to host the Fleadh in Ballinamore in 2018 and queried if there might be opportunities in this regard to partner with the Arts Office to raise funding for the Connacht Fleadh. He stated that parts of traditional arts such as ‘Lilting’ were dying out and that maybe something could be done around these areas in conjunction with the Arts Office to regenerate and incorporate them as part of the upcoming Connacht Fleadh in 2018.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke acknowledged the success of the arts programmes in Leitrim and stated that people who perform feel comfortable here. This is largely due to the welcome 1

Leitrim County Council has extended to musicians which isn’t always the case in other local authorities. The area of arts is very inclusive in Leitrim and this will strengthen participation. Councillor Caillian Ellis stated that anything that brings people to Leitrim is welcomed and noted that the recent festival in Ballinamore was a very worthwhile one, bringing with it a large number of visitors.

BMD/17/84 Speed Limits 20/06/17

Mr Shay O’Connor, Senior Engineer, Roads gave an update to the members on the proposed Revision to Speed Limits Review 2016/2017 which was circulated to the members (Appendix 2 to these minutes).

Councillor John McCartin asked if there could be a specific Byelaw for Ballinamore or would we have to wait until the ‘Speed Limit Bye Laws’ were adopted. Mr. O’Connor advised that these should hopefully be finalised by September and confirmed that the Greenway project in this area will have its own signage.

Councillor Caillian Ellis enquired about amenity signs at . Shay O’Connor stated that there is a Low Cost Safety Grant for this area and that discussions have taken place with the School and Crèche in Drumcong in relation to proposed traffic calming measures at this location. Shay confirmed that speed is a problem in this area but the new speed limits should sort this out and that a pedestrian crossing would not be considered to be the most suitable option in this area. The members agreed that funding for the proposed pedestrian crossing at this location could now be used for a crossing in Ballinamore.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke sought clarification on speed limits in rural areas. Shay confirmed that guidelines dictate the number of houses over a distance which constitutes an area suitable for a speed limit.

Councillor Gerry Dolan stated that speed was a problem at Hillcrest in and asked if speed cushions could be placed here. Shay O’Connor replied that a low cost safety scheme could be looked at for this location.

Councillor Caroline Mulvey stated that a speed/traffic count was to be carried out at the Hilly Road in Drumshanbo and enquired as to whether this had taken place. Shay replied that he would check the position and revert back.

BMD/17/85 Correspondence 20/06/17

1. Letter dated 24th May 2017 from the Office of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in relation to agricultural educational requirements for applicants under the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme. 2

Councillor Caroline Mulvey noted that a report by Sinn Fein states that there is no eligibility criteria as regards appropriate skills, experience or education in respect of applicants under this Scheme. She proposed that a letter issue to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine again and request clarification on this. Proposed by Councillor Caroline Mulvey, seconded by Councillor Gerry Dolan AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED;

“That Ballinamore Municipal District write to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine seeking clarification on the origin of the additional eligibility criteria as set out in their response letter”.

2. Copy of Notice of Motion from Councillor Des Guckian, supported by the Members of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District for circulation to the Ballinamore Municipal District Members.

Councillor Caillian Ellis enquired if there had been any response from Deputy Heather Humphreys in relation to funding for cutting of inland hedges. Ann Warnock informed the meeting that no reply had been received to date and undertook to issue a reminder to Minister Humphreys in this regard.

PART 1 – NOTICES OF MOTION

BMD/17/86 Bridge repair works 20/06/17

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Caillian Ellis: “I propose that rebuild walls on the following bridges: (a) Derrinkeher on the L1328 (b) Drumany, Foxfield on the R209 (c) Castlefore on the R209 (d) Drumarigna on the L1371 (e) Carrickavoher on the R201”.

Report by Joseph Gilhooley, Director of Services "The current year’s budget allows us to carry out bridge repair work to the following bridges: 1. Booshill 2. Hilly Road 3. Castlefore

Any other bridges on regional roads have been assessed by the TII and annual yearly funding will apply to these bridges. We can carry out an assessment on the bridges mentioned above and, if they are in dangerous condition we will seek additional funding or close the public road”.

It was noted by Councillor Ellis that Derrrinkeher, as listed in point (a) of his original Notice of Motion, should read ‘Drumboy’. Mr O’Boyle advised that Drumboy can be looked at for

3 works next year and that it may be possible to do some temporary works in the meantime at this location.

Councillor Ellis stated that Drumarigna needs to be given priority in any future approval for bridge works.

BMD/17/87 Signage at Aughavas in Ballinamore, Fenagh and 20/06/17

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Caillian Ellis: “I propose that Leitrim County Council erect signage indicating Aughavas in Ballinamore, Fenagh and Mohill”.

Report by Joseph Gilhooley, Director of Services "We will endeavour to erect signage at Mohill to indicate the location of Aghavas. There is no direct route from Ballinamore or Fenagh to Aghavas and would not be in line with the normal signage approach”.

Mr O’Boyle advised that there is already a direct route to Aughavas from North Leitrim through Ballinamore but that additional signage, as requested, can be looked at for this location.

BMD/17/88 Extension to Market Yard car-park, Drumshanbo 20/06/17

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Brendan Barry: “I request an update on discussions with Bank of regarding the possible extension of the Market Yard carpark Drumshanbo and ask that this project be shelf ready should funding be available under Town and Village Renewal 2018, Clár or other sources”.

Reply from Seamus O’Connor, Senior Engineer, Roads "This council has made an offer to the Bank of Ireland to purchase this area for an extension to the car park. We will continue to liaise with the bank on this project”.

BMD/17/89 ‘Children at Play’ signs and additional traffic calming measures 20/06/17 in

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Brendan Barry: “I request that Leitrim County Council provide permanent children at play signs in Keshcarrigan and additional traffic calming measures to improve pedestrian safety in the village”.

Report by Joseph Gilhooley, Director of Services "We will endeavour to erect "children at play" signs within the village. We currently have no funding for traffic calming measures at Keshcarrigan”.

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BMD/17/90 Waiting list for pre-planning meetings 20/06/17

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Caroline Mulvey: “I request that Leitrim County Council confirm how many people are on the waiting list for a pre-planning meeting and currently how long of a wait is there”.

Report by Joseph Gilhooley, Director of Services "As of Friday 16th June, there are 9 applicants who have made requests for pre planning meetings with the Planning Authority for whom meetings have not yet been arranged. In addition, there are 3 meetings scheduled for next week. The longest application for which a meeting has yet to be scheduled is approximately 2 weeks. This adheres to our objective of striving to facilitate pre planning application consultations within 10 working days. There is one further request for a pre planning meeting (received 15th May) although this relates to an enforcement matter rather than a conventional pre planning meeting.

The Planning Department also facilitate preplanning where it is felt having considered the matter that it can be dealt with through e-mail correspondence. At times, for example during the summer holiday period when operating with reduced resources, the Planning Department must prioritise firstly areas of work which have statutory deadlines eg planning applications, exemption certificates, etc”.

Councillor Caroline Mulvey queried how often pre-planning meetings are held and was advised by Mr Vincent Dwyer, A/Head of Finance that meetings are usually held once a week depending on demand.

BMD/17/91 Discovery of invasive species of the rodent ‘Coypu’ in Irish Waters 20/06/17

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Caroline Mulvey: “In light of the discovery of the invasive species of the rodent 'Coypu' in Irish lakes and rivers, I wish to ask Leitrim County Council what measures are in place if any to monitor and eradicate this rodent from our local lakes and rivers”.

Report by Joseph Gilhooley, Director of Services "The Species called "Coypu" has yellow/orange front teeth, webbed feet and white muzzle are highly invasive and are impacting on wildlife, river and canal bank stability, it is also believed it is a pest of agriculture crops. If this species comes into view of public within Leitrim photographs should be sent of sightings to [email protected] or contact your National Parks and Wildlife Ranger. It is the NPWS are the authority who is taking the lead role regards this invasive species the "Coypu".

It was proposed by Councillor Caroline Mulvey that a letter issue to the National Parks and Wildlife Service to ascertain what measures are in place to deal with this.

Proposed by Councillor Caroline Mulvey, seconded by Councillor Gerry Dolan AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED;

“That the Members of Ballinamore Municipal District write to the National Parks and Wildlife Service requesting information on what measures are in place if any to monitor and eradicate

5 the Rodent Coyfu from our local lakes and rivers and seek confirmation if this rodent is a problem in ”.

BMD/17/92 Funding for Local Improvement Schemes 20/06/17

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke: “I propose that Ballinamore Municipal Authority make direct contact with the Minister for Transport regarding funding for Local Improvement Schemes (LIS) as the replays we have received to previous contacts are just a general statement suggesting we move funding from public roads which are already grossly underfunded. No LIS's have been carried out since 2010 and with many of these roadways in very bad condition we need to know if government has any plans to provide the necessary funding and if not, will they please say so rather than hiding behind this charade of simply transferring funding which doesn't exist”.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke queried if there was any plan in place for Local Improvement Schemes and whether anybody was looking at this centrally in government. Councillor O’Rourke referred to the Community Voluntary Scheme which had been in place and which was working very effectively with a 35% contribution and queried why this had been stopped.

Councillor Caillian Ellis also referred to a previous motion calling on the members of the Oireachtas to seek a meeting with Minister Shane Ross in this regard and requested that an update be sought from them in this regard.

Proposed by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke, seconded by Councillor Caillian Ellis AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED;

“The members of Ballinamore Municipal District of Leitrim County Council call on the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to confirm if the Government has any plans to provide the necessary funding for Local Improvement Schemes and, if not, then we request that they say so rather than hiding behind the charade of transferring funding from public roads which does not exist due to being grossly underfunded.”

BMD/17/93 Verge trimming and hedge cutting on Road No L5598 20/06/17 adjacent to Gulladoo Lake

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke: “I propose that Ballinamore Municipal Authority carry out the necessary verge trimming and hedge cutting at dangerous bends on Road No L5598 adjacent to Gulladoo Lake where there are water safety courses due to be held. These works should be completed in advance of the water safety courses being held there in July. I would also ask that the short road that links the L5598 to the L5593 through the townland of Cornafest be included in these works as many people will approach Gulladoo via this road”.

Report by Joseph Gilhooley, Director of Services "Our policy of verge and hedge trimming is to inform the land owner that the vegetation on their property is causing an issue with the public road. It is the land owners’ responsibility to maintain their hedges and verges. There are numerous public amenities around the county

6 that have similar issues. The 1976 Wildlife Act prohibits the trimming or cutting of hedge vegetation during the nesting season (April to September) however, the Local Authority can carry out minor hedge/verge trimming at junctions and mandatory signage locations”.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke stated that this road is being used by a large number of people and that further works should be carried out as there is a lot of vegetation on the embankment coming out onto the road. Daragh O’Boyle advised that Leitrim County Council have cut the hedges on the already but do not have the necessary resources to do so on minor roads. He stated that they would write to the landowners advising them to cut their hedges back during the hedgecutting season to increase visibility at this location.

BMD/17/94 Erection of speed ramps on the Hilly Road, Drumshanbo 20/06/17

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Gerry Dolan: “I call on Leitrim County Council to consider the possibility of erecting speed ramps on the Hilly Road, Drumshanbo from the bottom of the road up to past the entrance into Hillcrest Grove before there is a serious accident from speed”.

Reply from Joseph Gilhooley, Director of Services “Leitrim County Council will not be erecting speed ramps on the regional roads. If there is an issue with speed, we can inform the Garda to patrol this area as it is in the confines of the urban speed limit. If there is evidence of continued reported incidences then we can apply for a Low Cost Safety grant at this location”.

BMD/17/95 Removal of tellers and night safe at the Bank of Ireland, 20/06/17 Drumshanbo

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Gerry Dolan: “I ask Leitrim County Council to call on the Bank of Ireland to reverse their decision to remove the tellers and night safe at the Bank of Ireland in Drumshanbo. This decision the Bank have made will be detrimental for locals and business people. This matter is most urgent”.

Proposed by Councillor Gerry Dolan, seconded by Councillor Caillian Ellis AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED;

“The Members of Ballinamore Municipal District call on the Bank of Ireland to urgently reverse their decision to remove the tellers and night safe at the Bank of Ireland in Drumshanbo. This decision the Bank have made will be detrimental for locals and business people”.

BMD/17/96 Installation of new signage and traffic calming measures 20/06/17 at LP-15342 at Drumeela National School

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor John McCartin: “LP-15342 at Drumeela National School is the only straight stretch between and the Cavan County boundary. As a result, traffic takes the opportunity to overtake where the road widens at the school entrance. The electronic speed signs are not currently operational 7 and, when they were, the problem persisted. A great deal of heavy commercial traffic from Northern Ireland heading to the midlands use this road making the situation very dangerous. I call on Leitrim County Council to install new signage and traffic calming measures. I also propose that Ballinamore Municipal Authority write to the Superintendent regarding the problem”.

Reply from Joseph Gilhooley, Director of Services “We will endeavour to repair the existing school flashing lights. We will repair the damaged speed limit signs at this location”.

It was agreed on discussion with the Members that a letter to the Superintendent was not required.

BMD/17/97 Blind bend at L-1373 where it joins the R-199 20/06/17

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor John McCartin: “L-1373 joins the R-199 at Corramahon, Garadice on a blind bend. Traffic coming south from Corramahon on to the Ballinamore - Road must edge half a car length into the oncoming traffic before having a sight line up the road. I propose that Leitrim County Council address this issue?”

Reply from Seamus O’Connor “Leitrim County Council will carry out hedge cutting at this junction on publicly owned lands and endeavour to repair/replace the minor road ahead junction signage on the R199”.

Signed: ______Signed: ______Councillor Gerry Dolan Ann Warnock Cathaoirleach Meetings Administrator Ballinamore Municipal District Ballinamore Municipal District

Date: 24th July 2017

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