Council responds to Mohill cherry tree loss, parking and derelict buildings

At the recent Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District meeting, Leitrim County Council tackled a variety of local issues raised by councillors, ranging from parking adjustments in Mohill to tree replacements, derelict property management, and infrastructure needs. One topic that sparked significant discussion was the recent parking changes in Mohill, particularly around Hunt National School and the O’Carolan Monument. Councillor Des Guckian spoke passionately about the frustrations of local residents: “The people of Mohill are really upset by many things that have been done to them in recent times… I'm asking that before it’s too late, extra space be left for parking in the area near the O’Carolan Monument.” He emphasized that these changes have constrained residents’ daily lives and that some feel the council isn’t fully listening to their needs. He also mentioned the ongoing parking issues around Gannon’s on Main Street, and the dissatisfaction of those living near Hunt National School with the council’s decision to approve tenants for the building next to the school.

In response, the council noted that while the improvements are aimed at enhancing the town’s public spaces, a slight reduction in parking space was an inevitable result. They assured that the overall project would ultimately provide more parking spaces than before, though specific locations may see a net decrease. A council representative explained, “The project wasn’t a car parking project. It was public ground works to enhance the public space. Inevitably, when you enhance the public space, there may be an effect on car parking.”

Tree replacements were another topic of interest. A cherry blossom and an ash tree were recently removed near the O’Carolan Monument, and the community expressed regret over the loss. According to the council, these trees were removed following advice from an arborist due to disease, and two semi-mature cherry blossoms will soon be planted as replacements. Reflecting on the issue, one councillor commented, “It was hard to defend, to be honest with you… At the same time, I just want, maybe, that we learn lessons from it and improve our communications around it.”

Efforts to address derelict properties in Mohill were also discussed, specifically the former National Irish Bank building, a local landmark in need of attention. Councillor Maeve Reynolds voiced her concern, saying, “It’s definitely in a state of disrepair and neglect, with broken windows and everything else.” The council highlighted several initiatives available to assist property owners, including renovation grants and funding for repairs. Despite these options, progress has been slow, and Reynolds suggested that the council needs a clearer, more proactive plan: “We know what could be done… but is there any plan in place to address dereliction within the town going forward?”

The meeting also covered other community-driven requests, including Councillor Cormac Flynn’s motion to support the Hartley Cartown Sewerage Scheme. Unfortunately, the council responded that previous cost evaluations rendered the project too expensive for current budgets, but they acknowledged the continued interest in advancing this scheme in the future.

Flynn also requested lighting at key junctions on the N4 and R280 roads. The council replied that funding for such upgrades is only available for high-risk areas with frequent night accidents, and, unfortunately, no incidents of that nature have been recorded at these locations. “Public lighting at these national road junctions is not supported by TII unless there is a history of accidents,” the Roads department clarified.

Concerns about rising deer populations in rural areas were also raised by Councillor Paddy Farrell, who requested signage to warn drivers of potential deer crossings. The council supported the idea and will consider adding signs where appropriate. Farrell also urged for tree clearance around power lines to mitigate risks during storms, which the council promised to address in coordination with the ESB.