Amenity area at Eden/Lower Annagh, Dowra needs to be upgraded - McGloin

Cllr Enda McGloin asked if there is any update or correspondence from the IFI (Inland Fisheries Ireland) in relation to the state of the amenity area at Eden/Lower Annagh, Dowra and if they will make any effort to bring the facility up to standard.

He said the area was "used extensively by local families as an amenity" and said he understood that the IFI are proposing to put in a fishing stand there but said he would like the council to meet with the IFI. 
"The Community Employment Scheme, I've no doubt, would assist with keeping it maintained so it wouldn't be a burden on Leitrim County Council but someone has to take some kind of ownership of it," he said.

A report by the Economic Development section said that per the June 2023 response to a notice of motion, this project was eligible for consideration under ORIS 22023. There was no expression of interest received under ORIS 2023 for this project and the scheme is now closed; however the project could be considered under the 2024 ORIS scheme when it opens in due course, the response concluded.  

Cllr Brendan Barry supported the motion, saying the basic groundwork is there, "if we could get further funding to improve it" and asked if the council could join with the IFI "to upgrade the area". 

 
District engineer, Darragh O'Boyle responded that the council do not own the land or the adjoining car park. "Leitrim County Council can meet with the IFI," he added. 

Mr O'Boyle remarked: "I think the land ownership is the hurdle that we have to cross."

The district engineer said he would liaise with IFI as well as the Capital Project Office.