Cllr. Leyden outlined an urgent need for the progression of the Innovation Centre in Roscommon town. The members gave their allocated party rooms in Áras an Chontae on an interim basis to facilitate ‘The Cube‘ to provide hot-desk spaces to be managed by Westbic.  Cllr. Leyden read a letter addressed to the Chief Executive and signed by all of the elected Members stating that when The Cube moves to the new purpose Innovation Centre when built, the Cathaoirleach’s room and designated party rooms will revert to the members for their use in the facilitation of local democracy.  She added that any proposed change to this arrangement should be in consultation with the members.

In reply, the Chief Executive stated that there have been a number of new staff employed work in particular on the Rural and Urban Regeneration schemes as substantial funding has been made available to the Local Authority. We are committed to provide Pop-In spaces for those starting businesses and while we have capacity this will happen but this is not to be misunderstood as a permanent long term space for those currently using the facility. He will be in contact with Westbic regarding the facility and its usage as he had intended to do so.  The management of the space in the headquarters is not a reserved function and the Executive will manage the space in the building in an efficient manner to facilitate carrying out the functions to deliver for the people of Roscommon.  With regard Enterprise Ireland grant funding for the provision of an Innovation Centre in Roscommon town, an application has been made twice and has been unsuccessful to date therefore a Part 8 report has not yet been sent to the members.