BBCH MD Minutes 25 11 04

Minutes of Meeting of Bailieborough-Cootehill Municipal District held in The Courthouse, Cootehill, on 4th November 2025 at 3pm 

Presiding: 

• Councillor Val Smith, Cathaoirleach

Present:

• Councillor C Kelly
• Councillor N Smith
• Councillor C Brady 
• Councillor A Rogers
• Councillor Cllr S Conaty

In Attendance:

• Paddy Connaughton, Director of Services  
• Clinton Mulligan, A/Senior Executive Engineer 
• M. Conroy, N O’Reilly– Minutes Administrators   

Cathaoirleach V Smith welcomed all to the meeting.  

Confirmation of Minutes

1. To confirm Minutes of Monthly Meeting held on 22nd of September 2025.

Proposed by Councillor C Kelly, seconded by Councillor C Brady and resolved “that minutes of meeting of Bailieborough-Cootehill Municipal District held on 22nd of September 2025 be hereby approved”

Matters Arising from Previous Minutes

N/A

2. Disclosure of Interests

There were no disclosures of Interest.

3. Votes of Sympathy

Cathaoirleach V Smith proposed a vote of sympathy to Mr Clinton Mulligan, A/Senior Executive Engineer, on the recent death of his father, which was endorsed by all Elected Members present.

4. Business prescribed by Statute, Standing Orders or Resolutions of the Council

Adoption of Bailieborough-Cootehill Municipal District Draft Budget 2026 as follows:- 

Bailieborough Cootehill Municipal District Draft Budgetary Plan 2026 

It was proposed by Councillor C Kelly and seconded by Councillor S Conaty and resolved "“that Bailieborough-Cootehill Municipal District Budget Allocation 2026 be hereby approved”

Mr P Connaughton confirmed that the draft budget was the same as last year. Cllr C Brady commended the work done on the playground in Cootehill and enquired as to who could fix a small gap at the corner of the fence. Mr P Connaughton advised that it would be Housing section.  Cllr N Smith questioned if you could get the festival grant if you charge at the gate. Mr P Connaughton advised that would have to be checked with C & E. Cllr C Kelly expressed disappointment that there wasn’t a more substantial allocations towards playgrounds. Cathaoirleach V Smith asked if all the festival money had been used and if there was any left that could be used. He stated that discretionary funding is very important and asked if it has all not been used, can it go back into the allocation. Mr P Connaughton replied that it depended on the source and that the discretionary funding of €125,000 hasn’t been fully used as far as he is aware. Cllr C Kelly supported Cathaoirleach V Smith on this and stated that if the grants could be raised a bit each year it would be great.

5. Members Items

1.   Cllr S Conaty seeks additional and improved signage for roads directing into Redhills village: Cllr S Conaty mentioned the recent development plan for Redhills and how they are trying to reverse the trend of neglect in the area. He stated that momentum has deflated a bit, and while he acknowledged that there is no money available, some additional signage would be beneficial on the Legakelly side. He also requested that existing signs be cleaned up and asked the MD to contact Cavan Belturbet MD and Fermanagh & Omagh District Council in relation to cleaning of signs within their area. Cllr V Smith supported him on this motion. Mr C Mulligan advised that when coming from Cootehill/Ballyhaise there is a sign at Treehoo cross. He advised that he would look at a better location for the sign. Mr Mulligan confirmed that he would contact the other MDs/Councils to request cleaning of signs.

2.   Cllr S Conaty seeks remedial works at Treehoo Cross, including damaged road surface and repair of damaged bridge, also enquiring about the feasibility of improving visibility at the junction: Cllr S Conaty told those present that he drives this road every day and that it is very dangerous, even 
though work was carried out previously. He stated that the road needs to be dropped on the Clones side but acknowledged that this would be a major undertaking.  The bridge is damaged with a van sitting in it which needs to be cleared.  He enquired as to whether there would be money available to fix it up.  Mr C Mulligan confirmed that Treehoo cross has been included in applications for both a bridge rehabilitation scheme and a Low-Cost safety scheme for 2026.  If funding application is successful, then we will coordinate both schemes and amend parapets where possible to improve visibility.  In the meantime, a crew is organized to make the area around the damaged wall safe to the public.  In relation to the road surface, Mr Mulligan advised that the MD would have to look at separate funding stream for that.  Cllr S Conaty mentioned the other bridge in Ballyhaise where the two sides are hanging down into the drain.  Mr C Mulligan advised that we recently erected new fencing but that when bridge is assessed, parapet walls are not deemed a priority, so the MD would have to find funding elsewhere as not covered under the Bridges scheme. He estimates it may cost approx. €5K and, perhaps in early 2026, we may be in a position to do work but funding would have to come from the MD’s own resource or discretionary funding.

3.   Cllr A Rogers In light of recent flooding events, to ask Cavan County Council what measures /monitoring can be put place to help protect homes and property in danger of flooding: Cllr A Rogers advised that in early October, between Canningstown and Knockbride pitch (at McCauls) there was bad flooding.  Also on the Kells Rd, Bailieborough there are gullies across from two new houses which are flooding.  He also mentioned other locations affected by flooding as follows: Virginia Rd, Bailieborough – Bragans Urcher Garden Centre, Sheridan’s Bridge, Monaghanoose, Teresa’s Shop in Kingscourt and Barrack St, Bradys Corner Bailieborough – gullies/footparth.  Cllr S Conaty seconded the motion and added the L6024 Corcloghan to the list.  Cathaoirleach V Smith also supported the motion and advised that he has also got calls in relation to same.  Cllr N Smith stated that Brady’s corner in Bailieborough is an eyesore and questioned why it has not been finished.  Mr C Mulligan confirmed that the Contractor is coming back in to finish it off and that he will chase it up.  Cllr A Rogers also mentioned this location.   Mr C Mulligan informed those present that if the MD is informed of a potential flooding issue, it is investigated and where possible help provided, however sometimes this may not be possible until such time as flood waters have receded,  as hidden dangers may exist within the flood for staff and the public.  When notified the MD responds but, in some cases, are limited as to what the MD can actually do, as the issue is outside the remit of the MD, i.e. a drainage issue on or within private property affecting another private individual, and it is ultimately a third-party issue.  Cllr C Kelly mentioned that the issue at Teresas Shop in Kingscourt has arisen before but that it was deemed a private matter.  Mr C Mulligan confirmed that this remains the MDs position on that location.  In relation to Corcloghan, mentioned by Cllr S Conaty, Mr Mulligan advised that it is being considered for Climate Adaptation funding.  

4.   Cllr C Brady motion regarding the state of repair of the bridge on the Oldbridge road on the L2032 - Cootehill / Redhills road: Cllr C Brady told the meeting that the bridge past the Holy Family School had been hit in the last few months, and the damage was never repaired.  She also mentioned that there is a straight stretch of road and it narrows from both sides with no reflectors.  There are trees growing into neighbour’s wall and residents say that nothing has been done in 20 years.  Cllr Brady asked what could be done to improve safety at the location.  Mr C Mulligan advised that he would look into the need for reflectors and advised that a specialist bridge contractor is procured to carry out remedial works to the parapet wall on the bridge. This will be completed before the years end.

5.   Cllr C Brady asked the Council to cut the overhanging hedges on Cavan Road both; below Drumlin Drive entrance to bottom and also the hedge between the Industrial estate at the Fire Station to the filling station: Cllr C Brady informed the meeting that there is an overgrown hedge approx. 8f high which she had personally paid for to be cut when she first became Councillor but badly needs to be cut again. It is impeding mobility scooters and people must step out onto the road to avoid it. The owner of the hedge has been approached with a view to them cutting the hedge and they were also previously sent a letter requesting it be cut but the request has been ignored.  She stated that the hedge at the Industrial Estate is causing problems with people having to step onto the road to avoid it.  She asked who is responsible as she believes Cavan County Council may own the estate.  Mr C Mulligan advised that Cavan Tree Services have been engaged to carry out hedge trimming soon and in relation to the footpath, there will be a Contractor on site withing 2 weeks. Cllr Brady thanked Mr Mulligan for this information.

6.   Cllr C Brady asked Cavan County Council to commence the process of changing the bylaws in Cootehill - specifically Cavan Road & traffic situation: Cllr C Brady acknowledged that there is a lengthy process involved in changing of the bylaws but told those present that there has been an escalation in traffic in the town in the last 4/5 years, particulary in this area due to traffic to the Industrial Estate, Dentist, Fairy Forest etc.  Peak times of 8.30am and 5pm are particularly bad with workers, teachers and students arriving for work at 9am.  There are also 150 students and staff travelling to Dumlin House and Holy Family School.  She has received videos from residents of Cavan Road showing them blocked in.  The fire station crew has trouble getting out to emergencies and with 90-100 new builds on the way traffic will only get busier.  Also, the one way system on Cavan Street is going the wrong way and residents were never consulted about the one way system.  Cllr Brady asked how Cavan County Council are going to help improve the situation. Cllr S Conaty supported this motion and reiterated the importance of emergency services being able to get through and he also highlighted the traffic backlogs at Connollys Corner. Mr C Mulligan confirmed that proposed Traffic Byelaws for Cavan are currently undergoing legal review by the law agent. It is intended that there will be two different sets of parking byelaws, Cavan Town Byelaws and Byelaws to cover the remainder of the county (which would include Cootehill). It is hoped that Cavan CC will be in a position to go to public consultation on these byelaws in the new year.  Mr P Connaughton advised that Cavan CC intend to publish the new byelaws in January with provision for members of the public to make submissions.  They will go before the full Council meeting in July 2026 and on Agenda for adoption in September 2026. Cllr C Kelly enquired if the new laws will cover all towns and Mr P Connaughton confirmed that they will. Cllr S Conaty enquired if they just cover parking and Mr P Connaughton confirmed that is the case and that there will be no changes to the flow of traffic. Cllr S Conaty asked how that could be changed, to which Mr P Connaughton advised that it would be an issue for Road Design section.  Cllr N Smith asked if there is a 2-hour parking limit in Cootehill and Mr C Mulligan confirmed that is the case.  Mr Mulligan also advised that the damaged poles in Cootehill will be repaired before Christmas.

7.   Cllr V Smith request locations of salt bins in the area and that they are filled in adequate time for winter maintenance: Cathaoirleach V Smith told the meeting that salting of roads is always a big issue for him at this time of year. He enquired as to whether the designated salt bins will be filled in time. He mentioned that the Crubany road – Killygarry onto the N3.  Half the road is salted (Cavan/Beltubert area) and while he acknowledged that resources etc are an issue, he emphasised support is needed for that particular road due to two school buses travelling it and also businesses in the area.  We need to be prepared, and he will keep raising the issue as he is inundated every year with requests in relation to same.  Cllr N Smith supported this motion, stating that he got lots of calls last year and he requested that areas around schools be salted and also mentioned that footpaths are not salted.  Cllr C Brady suggested that piles of gravel delivered to rural areas would be very useful.  Mr C Mulligan advised that we have a list of locations where salt and grit will be left. These are at junctions or hills. Local groups/schools can, if they wish, purchase a salt bin through the Councils Purchase a Salt Bin Scheme.  The bin is delivered with a fill of salt however, once that is used, the local group must source the salt afterwards.  It was agreed that the MD would send a copy of the application form to each Member and advised that a copy of same is also available on the Cavan CC website.  Mr P Connaughton appreciated the concerns in relation to schools, advising however that it is impossible to cover all schools within the MD area.  He advised that the Winter Maintenance Plan is available on the council website and that Priority N1 is National Roads, Priority 2 Regional Roads and Priority 3 local hazard spots.  He confirmed that 645km of road is treated in a night, with it taking approx. 4-6 hours to complete a salt run, advising that a lot of money is spent by Cavan CC on treating roads. Whilst he appreciated the Members concerns it is just not possible to cover schools and non-priority routes due to resources.  Mr C Mulligan confirmed that we have the use of a mini salter during adverse weather conditions, but it is used for high roads.  We have to be consistent, as one offs can set a precedent.  Cllr C Kelly stated that the Carrickleck road is an issue for his area but acknowledged the restraints we are under.

7.   Cllr C Kelly requests feedback on any reports done regarding the various junctions in Kingscourt R-165 Junction: Cllr C Kelly stated that he had been talking to Mr C Mulligan in relation to this issue and has been updated on same. He thanked Mr Mulligan for meeting with Colaiste Dun a Rí.

A.O.B

Cllr S Conaty raised the issue of a pedestrian crossing and ramps in Ballyhaise village (from last MD meeting) and enquired if there are any grants available for same.  He also mentioned that there is a safety issue at the playground with children crossing.  Mr C Mulligan explained that the playground is located off the R212, with ramps installed on either side: approaching the bend from the Cavan direction, there is a ramp at Village Court, and from the Redhills direction, there is a set of speed cushions after Woodlawns Estate. Active Travel had considered a pedestrian crossing near the playground, but it was not possible due to sightline requirements at the bend, which would not meet current standards.  Mr P Connaughton said that driver behaviour is important and that speed enforcement is not a Cavan CC issue.  He stated that there are already eight ramps in Ballyhaise and that seems a lot.  Mr C Mulligan mentioned that Butlersbridge has no ramps and that there has been no increase in fatalities there.  Cllr C Brady enquired if planning permission is required for mirrors to be erected at the entrance to premises.  Mr P Connaughton advised that he would have to check that.  Cllr N Smith stated that signs were turned the wrong way on the Kingscourt to Bailieborough road, but Mr C Mulligan advised that these signs had already been turned the correct way.  Cllr N Smith also asked what was happening with the Bailieborough town plan.  Mr P Connaughton advised that it will be publicly announced but we haven’t got formal notification yet.  Cllr A Rogers mentioned that signs in Canningstown need attention. One on the way to Bailieborough needs a new post.  Mr C Mulligan requested that Cllr Rogers email the list to him for attention.   

It was agreed that the next MD meeting would be held on 23rd January 2026 at 3pm in Cootehill. 

Cathaoirleach V Smith thanked everyone present and the meeting concluded at 4pm.