Concerns expressed over delays in north Leitrim estate takeovers and tendering process

Councillors in the Manorhamilton municipal district have voiced their concerns over the timeframe of Leitrim estates being taken in charge and going to tender.

In September’s municipal district meeting, Cllr Pádraig Fallon asked when the remainder of Windmill Park in Drumkeeran will be taken in charge, and when the lighting will be addressed.

“There’s a bit of positivity regarding street lighting and that’s very welcome,” Cllr Fallon said.

The Drumkeeran estate was launched almost 16 years ago and still has not fully been taken in charge by Leitrim County Council. 

“It’s very welcome in the meantime that the local authority is going to undertake the arrears to the streetlights in Windmill Park.

“I’d like to acknowledge and thank the planning department for their work on it.”

In a similar motion that followed, Cllr Mary Bohan asked for the current position regarding going to tender with the group of unfinished estates including the Acres in Dromahair.

The official response to both motions stated that the Council is due to commence the process of procuring a Civils Contractor to undertake the remedial works within a number of estates.

The process is running in conjunction with Uisce Éireann as required under the taking in charge protocols. Once a contractor is on board and consultations with Uisce Éireann have concluded, the statutory public consultation process for taking the estate in charge will begin.

It is anticipated this will begin mid-2025.

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In the meantime, the Council will undertake repairs to the streetlights in Windmill Park and add them to the maintenance account.

Cllr Mary Bohan expressed her disappointment at the fact the Council had not been able to live up to the dates that were previously given for Acres in Dromahair. 

“Mid-2025 is another nine months away and we don’t even know if it will definitely be then. I understand it’s a difficult process but it’s unbelievable.

“We were talking about these at the last local elections,” Cllr Bohan said.

Funding is a major issue, with nine estates in Leitrim currently awaiting action, which will cost €3.5 million.

Cllr Bohan proposed getting in touch with the Department of Housing immediately to address this, which was seconded by Cllr Gilmartin.

“We’re seeing huge inflation around construction and labour the longer it goes on. The likelihood is it’s going to increase and urgent action is required,” Cllr Fallon added.

There has been a 25 percent cost increase this year compared to last year.

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