Ballyjamesduff MD Minutes 25 07 30
Minutes of Ballyjamesduff Municipal District Meeting held in The Old Courthouse Ballyjamesduff 30th July 2025
Presiding:
- Councillor T. Smith, Cathaoirleach
Present:
- Councillor S.P. O’Reilly
- Councillor T.P. O’Reilly
- Councillor N Connell
- Councillor W Bennett
Apologies:
- Councillor P. Brady
In Attendance:
- L McGavigan, Director of Services
- J Mc Gahern, Senior Executive Engineer
- B Smith, Assistant Staff Officer
- R.Hegarty, Clerical Officer
Confirmation of Minutes
- To confirm Minutes of Monthly Meeting 10th April 2025
Proposed by Councillor T.P O’Reilly, Seconded by Councillor S.P O’Reilly, and resolved “that minutes of meeting of Ballyjamesduff Municipal District Meeting 10th of April 2025 be hereby approved".
Members' Items
3.1 Councillor Trevor Smith. Problem with hedge cutting in housing estates. Cllr. Trevor Smith has received many calls about the fact there is a lot of overgrown spaces around Ballyjamesduff, as communities have stopped cutting grass and maintaining hedges in open spaces it is creating a “no man’s land” in a lot of areas. Cllr S.P O’Reilly concurred with this and added, that a lot of the people complaining about it, are the ones sat at home looking out the window, he went further to say that a lot of red tape is stopping people from doing good work and schemes that were once there to encourage communities are being done away with. Cllr Winston Bennett agreed that communities should be encouraged take responsibility for their own areas and have pride in where they are living, and to get together to form Residence Associations and apply for grants through the Local Authority when they are available. Senior Executive Engineer Mr. John Mc Gahern stated that the Ballyjamesduff MD is not resourced to routinely cut grass in any housing estate. Generally, the residence of each estate maintains their green spaces and should be encouraged as it is a key element in giving communities a sense of ownership of their locality.
3.2 Councillor Trevor Smith. Calling for exhibition space in Cavan County Museum to remember Marcus Daly. Cllr. Trevor Smith was part of a delegation that travelled to Montana and hear firsthand the important role Mr. Daly played in the development of Montana, born in Ballyjamesduff, he forged a path to become one of the most successful men in the mining industry at that time, he was often referred to as “The Copper King”. Cllr Trevor Smith would like a space in the Cavan Museum in Ballyjamesduff to exhibit this local heroes’ achievements and to highlight his success in the late 1800’s, Cllr Smith believes that it would be an important symbol for the community as well as a huge tourism draw to the town. Cllr T.P O’Reilly agreed that it was indeed a wonderful experience, and that Marcus Daly was a highly regarded man and it would be so fitting to have an exhibit for him. Ms Lynda Mc Gavigan Director of Service said that a new curator is commencing shortly, and that she will liaise with them to get that set up as a matter of importance, to reflect just how significant Marcus Daly was.
3.3 Councillor Shane P O’Reilly. Safety concerns at Crossroads at Crossreagh Mullagh. Cllr S.P O’Reilly said that while massive work has taken place at this location, the fact remains that people are driving through this junction and paying no heed the “Stop” sign, he proposed that a four-way stop sign be placed at this junction to slow drivers down completely. Cllr T.P O’Reilly agreed with this proposal and said it is becoming a “bug bear” of his that he feels we constantly need to remind people how to drive. Both Cllr Connell and Cllr Bennett agreed that if it was a safety concern, they would support the implementation of a new four way stop at the location. Senior Executive Engineer Mr. John McGahern acknowledged that the location was raised previously as an area of concern and measures were taken at the time to enhance the sightlines and provide an advanced STOP signage. It was agreed at the time to review the effectiveness of these measures. Senior Executive Engineer Mr. John McGahern concluded that he had no objection to the new measure being pursued and he supported the motion.
3.4 Councillor Shane P O’Reilly. Update on TII engagement regarding Whitegate Issues.
Cllr. S.P O’Reilly was delighted to hear the news that Cavan County Council has secured funding from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to progress the development of a share and ride facility within the 50km/h zone at Maghera and/or off the N3 Derver roundabout. Cllr. O’Reilly urged that it be kept on the agenda, and it was fantastic news to what they usually hear. Cllr T.P O’Reilly and Cllr Smith were equally delighted saying that it was a positive response, and they complemented the work of the MD with special thanks to senior Executive Engineer Mr. John McGahern and the outdoor staff at the wonderful work that has taken place at Maghera, both the signage and the civil improvement work that has taken place at this location in recent months. Senior Executive Engineer Mr. John McGahren added that the Council is currently working with TII to appoint a qualified land valuer who will assist in identifying suitable sites located in safe, low speed environments at one or both locations. At present, a definitive timeline cannot be provided, as progression is contingent on the successful acquisition of appropriate land. However once a site is secured, the Council is committed to advancing the project through the planning, procurement and construction phases in a timely and structured manner.
3.5 Councillor Winston Bennett. Update from Irish Water re fish kill in Ballinagh Statement from UE. Cllr Winston Bennet was horrified at the recent fish kill in Ballinagh a few weeks ago. He said there has been no definitive answer as to how it happened, and he wanted answers from Uisce Eireann. He also added that if a farmer pollutes an area, he has six weeks in which to find a solution, whereas Uisce Eireann has ten or even eleven years to come up with one, he was very clear in his annoyance at this, and said it must never happen again, as it is bad for the locality, but also negatively impacts on tourism in the area. All the Cllrs agreed with this, Cllr T.P O’Reilly added that a request must be sent to Inland Fisheries, and a report is to be issued as to what occurred at this location, and what was the exact source of the contamination. Senior Executive Engineer Mr. John McGahern had received an update from Uisce Eireann, and its statement read; Uisce Eireann is currently investigating reports of an incident which occurred last week in the Ballinagh River. We will continue to liaise closely and collaboratively with Inland Fisheries Ireland as they work to identify the cause of the issue. All potential sources are being investigated. In the normal way, the processes and outputs from the Ballinagh Wastewater Treatment Plant are being closely monitored as part of this. Meanwhile plans are in place to upgrade the local plant, and we are currently progressing the project to a detailed design stage. Delivery of these large-scale capital projects can take a few years to bring through the planning, environmental and procurement stages before construction on site. Once these stages are complete, Uisce Eireann has a strong track record and proven capability to deliver capital projects and programmes against its projected timelines. Uisce Eireann is committed to safeguarding public health and protecting the environment; and to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development.
3.6 Councillor Winston Bennett. Update on hedge cutting notices. Cllr Winston Bennet acknowledged the extensive hedge cutting and tree removal that has taken place around the various villages and side roads after Storm Eowyn, and he felt this further highlighted the need for more to be done. Not only is it important for sightlines, but it also ensures a safer commute for school buses and milk lorries along narrow roads. Cllr T.P O’Reilly and Cllr Noel Connell supported this motion saying that all verges and hedges should be allowed to be cut any time in the year when the need arises, not just at the current timelines, so that farmers and contractors don’t get overwhelmed. Cllrs S.P O’Reilly and Trevor Smith also showed their support for Cllr Bennetts comments saying, that it is ridiculous to have a season for cutting when so much of the growth happens in the summer months. Senior Executive Engineer Mr. John McGahern reiterated to the councillors that the MD issues hedge cutting notices at various times of the year where there are concerns regarding hazards to public road users. The majority are issued between the prescribed season for hedge cutting, September to March, per the Wildlife Act 1976. However, there are exceptions to this where a genuine Health and Safety risk exists, where a felling licence has been granted by the DoA, and where permission has been granted to develop i.e. planning permission railway order etc.
3.7 Councillor Noel Connell. Seeking public lightening for Ross Road Mountnugent. Cllr Noel Connell highlighted that, as it is a small village there are no lights coming into it and as the nights will shortly get darker, it is not safe to go for a walk or for people to go and socialise at their local pub. Cllr Trevor Smith supported this motion and said it was his aspiration to have lights out to the speed limits signs for all villages. Senior Executive Engineer Mr John McGahern said that there are no plans to extend Public Lightening in Mountnugent. The MD does not have a budget for any public lightning extensions but if the members wish to ring fence a budget for PL extension, they are advised to do so at the next budget meeting. The current PL spend is focused on repairs and upgrades of existing infrastructure.
3.8 Councillor Noel Connell. Update on recent fish kill in Lough Sheelin. Cllr Noel Connell had discussed this as part of member item 3.5 with Cllr Winston Bennett. It was agreed that they would send a request for a report from Inland Fisheries into both occurrences. Senior Executive Engineer Mr. John McGahern had an update from Cavan County Council Environment dept; that they have consulted with Inland Fisheries Ireland who were undertaking investigations and inspections in relation to same and they advised they would revert to us as same progresses. The investigations are ongoing in this regard.
Correspondence:
Councillors discussed the response from Minister Darragh O’Brien’s office to Cllr S.P. O’Reilly request for additional funding to repair local roads in Maghera and Munterconnacht. They expressed disappointment at the Ministers response and felt it was unsatisfactory. It was also noted that the response reflected wider concerns about the balance of investment between rural and urban areas.
A.O.B
Cllr Winston Bennet informed the members that there are still many people speeding through Ballinagh to Crossdoney.
Cllr Trevor Smith was looking for an update for the Kilnaleck Community Garden and wondering if we could get a reply. Senior Executive Engineer Mr. John McGahern said the issue is still with the Waste Department, but considering the site, which was previously a landfill, it would be advisable to look for another location that would best suit their needs. As the site was unlined, there would be a real question of leakage at the location, and it would be unadvisable to grow foodstuff for consumption at the location.
Cllr Trevor Smith extended his congratulations to Sean Smith who has recently retired after a 30-year career as Caretaker in Kilnaleck. He thanked him for all his hard work over the years and wished him all the very best for the future.
Councillor Trevor Smith also extended an invitation to all present to attend a tour of the Cavan County Museum in Ballyjamesduff, to its reopening after it had gone through an extensive renovation following on from damage that occurred during Stom Eowyn.
The meeting concluded at 1pm.