Minutes of the Meeting of the Ballinamore Municipal District held on Monday 23rd July, 2018 at 11:00 am in the Meeting Room, Ballinamore Library, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim.

Members present: Councillor Caillian Ellis (Chairperson) Councillor Brendan Barry Councillor Paddy O’Rourke Councillor Gerry Dolan Councillor Caroline Mulvey

Apologies: Councillor John McCartin

Officials Present: Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance & Water Services Ms. Sinead Flynn, Administrative Officer, Finance Department Mr. Denis Creaton, Acting Executive Engineer Ms. Mary Reynolds, Clerical Officer, Finance Department

BMD/18/84 Deimhniu Miontuairisci 23/07/2018

Proposed by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke, seconded by Councillor Gerry Dolan AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of the Annual meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District held in the Meeting Room, Ballinamore Library, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim on Monday 25th June, 2018 be adopted”.

BMD/18/85 23/07/2018 Proposed by Councillor Gerry Dolan, seconded by Councillor Brendan Barry AND UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

“That the Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District held in the Meeting Room, Ballinamore Library, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim on Monday 25th June, 2018 be adopted”.

Matters arising from the Minutes 1. Councillor Brendan Barry proposed an amendment to the Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District of 25th June, 2018 under Meetings Correspondence. He stated that he had expressed his disappointment in relation to the lack of a response from the National Ambulance Service with regard to representations made by the Ballinamore Municipal District Members.

It was agreed to amend the Minutes accordingly.

2. Councillor Paddy O’Rourke requested an update from the last meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District with regard to the request to resurface a section of road leading up to the location of the 3G mast at , Co. Leitrim.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer advised that the Members did raise the issue as a Group and the collective

1 consensus by the Members was that a commitment had been given by the Executive of to provide for the upgrading of the section of road leading up to the Mast. Mr. Dwyer stressed that this decision will not set a precedent to have other roads upgraded that are not included in the Annual Road Works Programme.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke welcomed the update provided and outlined that the residents had no alternative but to accept the Mast and that they were of the opinion that an agreement was in place that the road leading up to the Mast would be resurfaced. Councillor O’Rourke requested clarification on the section of the road that will be upgraded.

Mr. Denis Creation confirmed that the road will be resurfaced up to the last occupied dwelling on the road.

Meetings Correspondence BMD/18/86 23/07/2018

1. Letter dated 26th June, 2018 from the HSE (Western Area Ambulance HQ) on the availability of additional Ambulance and Crew.

 Councillor Barry welcomed the response from the HSE, however, he stated that he found the content of the letter to be somewhat misleading. He stated that the overall compliment of ambulances in the Connaught region is too low.

 Councillor Caillian Ellis also supported Councillor Barry’s comments and he stated that an Ambulance base should be established in Ballinamore to serve Leitrim, Cavan and Longford. He also outlined that ambulance fleets are often responding to calls in the densely populated regions to the detriment of rural areas.

 Mr. Vincent Dwyer queried if there is any interest locally in the establishment of the Community First Responder Groups. Mr. Dwyer suggested that he would refer a copy of this correspondence to Ms. Mary Quinn, Direct of Services with responsibility for emergency services. The Members agreed to this request.

2. Letter dated 28th June, 2018 from the Office of the Minster for Education and Skills with regard to Drumeela National School.

3. Letter dated 5th July, 2018 from the Health Services Executive with regard to the centralised processing of medical cards.

Councillor Barry requested that his Notice of Motion on Ambulance Response times in Leitirm for today’s meeting be debated at this stage of the meeting as it relates to Meeting Correspondence No. 1. This was agreed by the Chairperson.

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Part 1 – Notices of Motion

BMD/18/87 Ambulance Response Times in Leitrim 23/07/2018

Councillor Brendan Barry in tandem with the discussion on Meeting Correspondence Number 1 outlined the background to his Notice of Motion. He stated that the incident referred to in his Notice of Motion occurred in the last week and that the emergency response time to this particular incident is completely unacceptable and could have had unforeseen implications depending on the individuals medical circumstances/nature of emergency.

Proposed by Councillor Brendan Barry, seconded by Councillor Caillian Ellis and unanimously resolved that:

"Leitrim County Council writes to the Minister for Health, Simon Harris and ask him if he considers if it is acceptable that an elderly Leitrim resident would be left waiting six hours from the time emergency services were called until he was transported to hospital? This is only one example of numerous long delays in Ambulance response times in this area. What will the Minister and this Government do to prevent this happening again?"

BMD/18/88 23/07/2018 Signage Village

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Caillian Ellis;

"I propose that Leitrim County Council put in place more signage on the approach roads into Cloone Village to slow down the traffic going through the village."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads "Leitrim County Council has recently installed new road markings and linings on the approach to Cloone at the speed limit signs. There are existing speed limit signs erected on the approach roads to Cloone Village. There is currently no specific budget to erect additional signage or for a traffic calming scheme in Cloone village and as Cloone Village is situated on local roads it would not be deemed a priority. However, Leitrim County Council will raise the issue with possible speed violations by motorists in the village with the relevant Authority, the Gardai at the next Joint Policing Committee meeting."

Mr. Denis Creaton referred to the reply to the Notice of Motion and outlined that there are no plans presently to erect additional signage or to provide a traffic calming scheme in Cloone Village.

Councillor Caroline Mulvey also supported the Notice of Motion.

Mr. Creaton outlined that the Council would need evidence of an accident history at this location before a Low Cost Safety Scheme could be considered.

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BMD/18/89 23/07/2018 Request for Crash Barrier

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Caillian Ellis; "I propose that Leitrim County Council put up a crash barrier on local road number L5515 in the townland of Annaghderg Lower, Co. Leitrim."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads "Leitrim County Council will survey Local Road L-5515-1 at Annaghderg Lower to establish what the specific issue is. There are specific requirements to be met before a vehicle restraint system (Crash Barrier) is deemed suitable for erection as a safety measure. It should also be highlighted that this is a local road that is lightly trafficked and traffic are travelling at low speeds due to its narrow width and horizontal alignment."

Councillor Caillian Ellis stated that a Crash Barrier was previously in place at this location. He stated that there is a sharp turn in from the onto the L5515.

Mr. Creaton agreed to inspect the location and to establish if there is any funding available to finance the installation of a crash barrier.

Councillor Caroline Mulvey requested consent from the Chairperson to move her Notices of Motion at this time in the meeting. This request was agreed by Councillor Ellis.

BMD/18/90 23/07/2018 Water Supply Ballinamore Municipal District

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Caroline Mulvey;

"Can Leitrim County Council update the Members on the current situation with regard to water supply in the Ballinamore Municipal District and also confirm if we are to face any water restrictions in the coming weeks."

Report by Head of Finance & Water Services "Ballinamore is supplied from the treatment Plant at Carrick-on-Shannon, with the source being the . Consequently, we do not envisage any restrictions in supply in South Leitrim, except for possible short outages due to burst repairs, as is normal."

Mr. Dwyer informed the Members that it is not anticipated that water restrictions will be in place in Leitrim. He outlined that the source of the water supply for the county is the River Shannon and the recent weather conditions have not had a significant impact.

BMD/18/91 23/07/2018 Surface Dressing

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Caroline Mulvey;

"I request Leitrim County Council to surface dress a small section of road on the L1512, half a mile out from the Cloone Village side. Cloone Homecoming is on the August Bank Holiday weekend and

4 part of this is a Duathlon where at least 100 children and adults will cycle, walk and run on this road. This particular section is very dangerous for such activities."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads "This is Local Primary Road L-1513-2 the approach road from to Cloone. This road requires a full road overlay and will be considered for inclusion as part of the next 3 year roadwork’s programme for years 2019. 2020 and 2021. In the interim, Leitrim County Council will organise some road maintenance works. However, this is the holiday period and it maybe after the holiday period before we are in a position to carry out the maintenance works."

Councillor Mulvey outlined that alot of visitors and participants in the Duathlon will be in Cloone over the bank holiday weekend and she requested that works to the road are carried out in advance of this event.

BMD/18/92 23/07/2018 Kilbrackan Bridge

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Paddy O'Rourke; "I ask that Leitrim County Council conduct an examination of the bridge at Kilbrackan on the R201 where a sway in the parapet is getting worse and I ask that arrangements be made to remove the growth of ivy that is invading the structure."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads "The previous principal inspection of Kilbrackan Bridge was carried out by Doran Consulting Engineering in 2012 and they rated the bridge to be in reasonably good condition. Leitrim County Council has carried out further visual inspections in the recent past and has also found the bridge to be in reasonably good condition. However, the bridge will be visually inspected again and the removal of ivy will be arranged in the current year pending funding availability as there are already other Bridge Works on the programme that have yet to be completed under the Bridge Works Allocation."

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke requested that the bridge be inspected and he also queried if the recent warm weather may have contributed to the stability of the bridge.

Mr. Creaton agreed to arrange for the bridge to be inspected and to have the ivy removed.

Councillor O’Rourke queried if some of the costs of the works could be recouped from Cavan County Council. Mr. Creaton outlined that the responsibility for the maintenance of the bridge rests with Leitrim County Council.

BMD/18/93 23/07/2018 Carrigallen Vocational School

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Paddy O'Rourke;

"I ask that Leitrim County Council liaise with Carrigallen Vocational School with a view to providing yellow boxes and additional marking at the gateway of the school to help provide safer entry and exit for pupils, teachers and parents. Currently there is quite a log jam at peak periods making it difficult

5 for buses to get parking in a safe place."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads "Leitrim County Council will liaise with Carrigallen Vocational School in this regard. Any additional road markings or the renewal of existing road markings will be agreed and the works carried out on the basis that there is funding available for the necessary works."

Councillor O’Rourke stated that during the school term the level of congestion is markedly worse in the afternoon than in the mornings. He requested that a designated parking bay be provided for the school bus and that the Engineering Staff liaise directly with the Board of Management in order to agree a solution for all parties.

This Notice of Motion was also supported by Councillor Caillian Ellis.

Mr. Creaton agreed to liaise directly with the school in this regard.

BMD/18/94 23/07/2018 Request for additional public lighting in , Co. Leitrim.

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Brendan Barry;

"I request that Leitrim County Council provide streetlights at Carricknabrack, Drumshanbo, at Furnace Hill past Drumshanbo Vocational School towards Cluain Locha and Cois Cuan housing estates and at the entrance to the Blueway at Acres Lake, Drumshanbo."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads "There is already new street lighting erected and commissioned under a CLAR Scheme on the R280 Carrick on Shannon Road approach to Drumshanbo outside Acres lake Amenity which is working satisfactorily. In relation to public lighting on Local Road L-33784-0 adjoining Drumshanbo Vocational School this is a favourable proposal but Leitrim County Council will have to seek a budget to carry out the necessary civil works and for the erection and commissioning of new public lighting. However, funding for this project will have to be sanctioned and it is unlikely that it will be carried out in the current year."

This Notice of Motion was unanimously supported by all Members and they requested that a suitable funding stream be identified in order to have additional public lighting provided.

Mr. Creaton advised that the Council cannot provide any additional public light in the absence of available financial resources to fund the cost of the works.

BMD/18/95 23/07/2018 Road Resurfacing

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Gerry Dolan;

"I request Leitrim County Council to have the Murhaun/Drumshanbo Road re-surfaced from Laragan Cross to the T Junction at the New Graveyard."

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Report by Senior Engineer, Roads "This is Local Primary Road L-3303-0 the approach road from Largan to Drumshanbo. This road is in reasonable condition at present. However, it will be considered for inclusion as part of the next 3 year roadworks programme for years 2019. 2020 and 2021. In the interim Leitrim County Council will organise some road maintenance works to be carried out. However, this is the holiday period and it maybe after the holiday period before we are in a position to carry out the maintenance works."

BMD/18/96 23/07/2018 Road Repairs

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Gerry Dolan;

"I request Leitrim County Council to have the Corderay/Drumshanbo road repaired on the section of road past the English and Healy's residences."

Report by Senior Engineer, Roads "This is Local Secondary Road L-7378-0 in Corderay townland. This road requires a full road overlay and will be considered for inclusion as part of the next 3 year roadworks programme for years 2019. 2020 and 2021. In the interim Leitrim County Council will organise some road maintenance works. However, this is the holiday period and it maybe after the holiday period before we are in a position to carry out the maintenance works."

Councillor Gerry Dolan outlined that he has received a significant number of complaints from members of the public in relation to this matter.

Councillor Brendan Barry also supported Councillor Dolan’s Notice of Motion.

Mr. Creaton outlined that the Patching Unit will be dispatched to this area this week as a temporary measure and that the road may be included in the 2019 Road Works Programme.

A.O.B. The following items were raised by the Members:

1. Councillor Caillian Ellis requested that a copy of the Community Improvement Schemes approved for 2018 and 2018 be circulated to the Members.

 Mr. Vincent Dwyer agreed to this request.

2. Councillor O’Rourke enquired if the verge and hedge trimming will continue during the holiday season. He also requested that the road leading down to Keeldra lake be attended to as there is increased access to the lake during the summer months with children attending swimming and water safety lessons. 3.  Mr. Creation confirmed that these works are ongoing and will continue over the next number of weeks.

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4. Councillor Gerry Dolan again raised his ongoing concern in relation to the Road Junction, Drumshanbo.

 Mr. Creaton agreed to refer the matter back to the Road Design Office for their comments/response.

5. Councillor Brendan Barry wished the new Waterpark in Drumshanbo well in it’s new venture and he also paid tribute to the very successful Joe Mooney Summer School which recently took place in Drumshanbo. This was unanimously agreed by all Members and it was agreed to send a Vote of Congratulations to the relevant parties.

6. Councillor Caillian Ellis again raised the issue of the cut off valves at Castlederg and queried if other areas in the county have similar issues.

 Mr. Vincent Dwyer stated that he had discussed the matter with Mr. Billy Lowe, Senior Engineer. He outlined that Irish Water will not approve this valve replacement in their Water Conservation Programme.

7. Councillor Caillian Ellis also requested that contact be made with Inland Fisheries in response to their removal of a number of information stands at lakes in the county on health and safety grounds. He stated that it is not acceptable that local Angling Groups be expected to put replacement signage in place.

 This proposal was unanimously supported by all Members.

8. The Members proposed a Vote of Sympathy to Ms. Leonie McKiernan, on the recent death of her mother-in-law the late Mrs. Mary Mae McKiernan.

This concluded the business of the meeting at 12.00 p.m.

Signed: ______Signed: ______Councillor Caillian Ellis Sinead Flynn Cathaoirleach Meetings Administrator Ballinamore Municipal District Ballinamore Municipal District

Date: 24th September, 2018

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