Need for better maintenance highlighted

Grass cutting is also needed, MD meeting told

Published 3rd Aug 2026, 13:00 BST "Grass is the height of children", Cllr Prior told meeting. | N Grass cutting is also needed, MD meeting told Sign up to our Leitrim Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Leitrim Live within your account.

The need for better maintenance of a South Leitrim lake was highlighted at last week's meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District.

Cllr Brendan Barry (SF) tabled a motion in relation to St. John's Lake, located on the Drumcong road side of Ballinamore.

“I request that Leitrim County Council ensure that St. John's Lake amenity area be better maintained and looked after throughout the year. Can a buoyancy aid be provided at this location also?” his motion stated.

Speaking on his motion, Cllr Barry described the lake as a “lovely amenity” and added that it “is very important to look after this lake.”

He went on to say that, “maybe an arrangement could be made with the CE or TUS schemes to keep the lake better maintained.”

Cllr Gary Prior (FF) supported the motion, saying that, “I have previously highlighted that rubbish was dumped at this amenity. After the recent dry spell, weeds were shocking there. I don't know how the lake is being managed.”

Cllr Prior went on to say that in his own area of Aughnasheelin, “grass is the height of children. This needs a lot more attention as standards have slipped.”

Speaking on behalf of the council, Director of Services, David Minton, told the meeting that “Leitrim is successful in securing funding for amenities. We will strategically look at how we manage our resources.”

A written reply from the council stated, “the grass at St. John's Lake Amenity was cut recently. The amenity area will continue to be maintained subject to available resources. The council will erect a life buoy adjacent to the lower car park close to the fishing stands.”