Hedgecutting Grant Scheme

 

Councillor Connaughton updated Members on a pilot scheme that is currently in place, and at an advanced stage, in Galway County Council. 

Local committee/landowners take responsibility for

-          Lodging an application for the Grant

-          employing a registered contractor that has indemnity insurance

-          engaging in agreements with landowners,

-          marking out roads

 

Councillor Keogh suggested that Councillor Connaughton pursue piloting this scheme in the Athleague area with a view to seeing how this works.

 

Councillor Naughten suggested that €5,000 of the €10,000 budget for this Scheme be used by Athlone MD for hedgecutting in the area as roads are in a chronic state and €5,000 remain in place for applications made under this scheme. 

 

Councillor Ward and Councillor Fallon suggested that any balance left in this budget should be reviewed before the next MD meeting.  This balance should be used for hedgecutting in the area.

Councillor Connaughton advised that this Scheme and Budget should be reviewed at the next MD meeting and rolled out.

 

Repair of Roads

Councillor Keogh raised the following issues:

-          Creagh – complimented RCC that drainage and lights have been on Shannonbridge Road and looked for an update on timelines for footpaths and roundabout works at Creagh

Diarmuid MacDonncha advised this was submitted as a Scheme for Capital funding but no success.  There is a contract in place for maintenance of Suckfield Roundabout.

-          Kidlawn – understood that this road was on the Roads Programme but need to get remedial works done as it is like a river flowing.

-          Antrane to Clonbulia - water pipe exists on centre of road and cars are getting caught on it.

Diarmuid MacDonncha advised works have been carried out.

However, Councillor John Keogh advised that road is collapsed at Joe Burkes house

 

Councillor John Naughten raised the following issues

-          Lights and footpaths from Dolans garage, Ballinasloe

-          Line marking opposite Dolans garage.  No yellow line

-          5 no. Signs blocking view at Ballymullavil junction to Tuam Road

Diarmuid MacDonncha advised he will have a look at these signs

-          No line marking from Rooskey cross to Taughmaconnell

-          Dangerous depression in road at Taughmaconnell Road (at Kildeas concrete)

Paul Browne confirmed that contractors are doing these works

-          progressing Part 8 at Cloonakille 

 

 

 

 

Councillor Ivan Connaughton raised the following issues

-          Expressed his delight that works were commencing in Athleague in the forthcoming week

-          Bridge at Kilbegnet – a commitment was given to house liable to flooding.  What is the update?

Diarmuid MacDonncha advised that Low Cost Safety is being implemented at this location shortly and he will look to include this as part of these works

-          Low Cost safety measure at Araghty.  Landowner willing to give land at bad corner free of charge in order for works to take place.  Ivan can arrange meeting with landowner and Engineers.

-          Castlestrange should be included in 2019 Roads Programme

 

Councillor Lawrence Fallon stated that he was delighted that works are commencing in Athleague

 

 

Public Lighting

Councillor Ward raised the issue of Public Lighting at Castlesampson School.  2 lights will be erected under the Clar Programme.  Diarmuid MacDonncha confirmed that this work will be carried out by a local contractor, piloting solar powered Public Lighting as previously requested by Councillor Keogh.

 

Councillor Keogh requested an Update on Public lighting from Mill Bar to Waterville.

Diarmuid MacDonncha stated that a Rural Regeneration & Development Funding application is being submitted by RCC to the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Mr. Ring

 

Clar Funding

Taughmaconnell School were unsuccessful under Clar.  Requested that letter be sent to Department as misinterpreted. 

Majella Hunt confirmed that she is working on this and making progress.

 

Funding for Roads

Councillor Keogh asked if, further to meeting with Minister Ross, is there any indication of any further funding.  An Engineer from the Department has visited Roscommon since this meeting.

 

Parkway Site

A number of Members requested an update on any safety measures that may be proposed by RCC on this site.  

 

Cllr Naughten requested that RCC intravene as soon as possible as this site is a serious public safety issue and is getting worse

 

Councillor Tony Ward referred to RCC previous estimated cost of €15,000 for removal of fence.  He queried when these works will commence.   He proposed that a letter is sent to Minister Eoghan Murphy for lands be purchased for Construction of Local Authority housing and amenities in Monksland/Bealnamulla area.

 

Fiona Fallon clarified that a letter was issued to Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Mr. Eoghan Murphy, as a result of Motion passed at the previous meeting, requesting approval for funding to purchase this site for Local Authority Housing.  She advised she will follow up with Mr. Murphy before next MD meeting for an update.

 

Majella Hunt again advised that the site is in private ownership, registered on derelict sites register, no correspondence from the developer.  However, there has been a significant change in the last couple of months and awaiting outcome of legal proceedings. Will update members if any progress.

 

Vermin in Private House

Councillor Lawrence Fallon sought advice, or a solution, for a constituent who has reported that there is a vermin infestation in an adjacent vacant semi-detached property. 

Both properties are privately owned.  It is not the responsibility of RCC as not a council property, not derelict and not a refuse issue, not responsibility of HSE as no litter.  It is difficult to identify the owners of the property.

 

He queried if in the absence of a solution can we declare empty as a derelict site? 

Councillor Fallon proposed that options are examined.

 

Diarmuid MacDonncha advised that the matter has been referred to the Housing Section who are pursuing the issue with the owner. 

 

Derelict House

Councillor Keogh queried if the derelict house, known as Moores in Monksland, was proposed to be demolished or what were the Councils intentions for same

 

Diarmuid MacDonncha advised that this house is the responsibility of the Housing Section and there has been no decision made on what to do at this location.

 

Lough Funshinagh

Councillor Tony Ward raised the following issues

-          Has there been any results of studies at Lough Funshinagh.  €72,000 provided for scoping.  Locals know that the issue is there is 1 outlet blocked (a swallow hole at Lisphelim end).

An update was given by Councillor Fallon that after last meeting consultants were tendered for.  5 tenders were submitted.  Consultants have been appointed, Malachy Walsh & Partners. 

Need to bear in mind what other landowners downriver might be affected/flooded by any works done locally to resolve their flooding issue.  have been given assurances that this should resolved in 3 months.  Minister Kevin (Boxer) Moran, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief, has given a commitment that this problem will be solved.

 

 

Funding for Housing

Councillor John Keogh queried if government have provided funding to purchase individual houses.  He received a call from a tenant who is being evicted and the landlord advised them to contact RCC to purchase the house as RCC had received funding to purchase houses.

 

Majella Hunt advised she will contact with the Housing Section for information on funding.