The difficulties local authorities face when trying to take over some housing estates in the region was laid bare at a meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District of Leitrim County Council yesterday.
Councillors were told sorting out issues such as ownership, control and responsibility for areas in estates were often complex and drawn out, with the ownership of open spaces sometimes left in a legal limbo.
It often results in residents have to deal with unresolved and expensive issues in relation to roads, sewer systems, lighting, maintenance, removal of dangerous trees, compliance with planning permission and general maintenance.
The issue arose as a result of two motions from Independent Councillor Felim Gurn concerning two estates in Manorhamilton, Mill Hill Lawns and Skreeney Manor.
Cllr Gurn says the situation with estates such as these is an ongoing problem:
