·         Minutes of Boyle MD meeting on 19^th July 2019.

The Cathaoirleach welcomed the Members to the meeting.

On the PROPOSAL OF Cllr. Cummins

                SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Boyle Municipal District Meeting held on 19^th July, 2019.

There were no matters arising.

On the Proposal of Cllr. Mulligan

Seconded by Cllr. Callaghan

It was AGREED that in accordance with Section 11 (2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 the road located within the housing development at ‘Hollywood Grove’, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon be declared a public road. 

On the Proposal of Cllr. Cummins

Seconded by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED that in accordance with Section 11 (2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 the road located within the housing development at ‘Cois Abhainn’, Warren or Drum, Boyle, County Roscommon be declared a public road. 

On the Proposal of Cllr. Cummins

Seconded by Cllr. Callaghan

It was AGREED that in accordance with Section 11 (2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 the road located within the housing development at “Oakport”, Cootehall, Boyle, Co. Roscommon be declared a public road. 

On the Proposal of Cllr. Byrne

Seconded by Cllr. Murphy

It was AGREED that in accordance with Section 11 (2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 the road located within the housing development at “Forge Hill’, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon be declared a public road. 

            On the Proposal of Cllr. Cummins

Seconded by Cllr. Callaghan

It was AGREED that in accordance with Section 11 (2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 the road located within the housing development at ‘Coill Rua’, Knockglass, Ballinameen, Co. Roscommon be declared a public road. 

On the Proposal of Cllr. Byrne

Seconded by Cllr. Murphy

It was AGREED that in accordance with Section 11 (2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 the road located within the housing development at ‘Cluain Bawn’, Ballytoohey, Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon be declared a public road. 

On the Proposal of Cllr. Cummins

Seconded by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED that in accordance with Section 11 (2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 the road located within the housing development at ‘Lindenwood’, Cootehall, Boyle, Co. Roscommon be declared a public road. 

Shane Tiernan outlined a brief summary to the members under Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994 whereby Roscommon County Council gives notice of its intention to provide the following road safety improvement measure on the Boyle to Lough Key Cycle Corridor (N61 portion).

The proposed works will include the following:

·         The construction of new kerb line/road alignment and footpath between King House and the N61 roundabout;

·         Provision of safe pedestrian crossing facilities at the Scoili Naisiunta Paroisteach;

·         Widen and resurface the existing walkway running parallel to the N-61-0 for a distance of 320 metres;

·         Provision of traffic island on the N-61-0 and new road lining to promote traffic calming measures.

There were two submission received from

1.       An Garda Síochána:

“There are no objections or negative submissions in relation to these proposals”

2.       Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII):

TII recommends that any works impacting the national road shall be undertaken in accordance with standards outlined in TII publications.

TII considers that a Road Safety Audit in accordance with TII publications Standard GE-STY-01024 should be undertaken.

The recommendation for the development of the Boyle to Lough Key Cycle Corridor (N61 Portion), at Knocknashee, Boyle, County Roscommon is Phase II of the Lough Key to Boyle Cycle Corridor. Phase I is currently under construction which extends from the N61 to Lough Key via the Woodenbridge Road, the Boyle Canal, Warren or Drum Road, 2^nd Arch in Rockingham and through existing Coillte forestry.

The project has received funding under the Outdoor Recreational Improvement Scheme 2018 and will help to increase visitor numbers from Lough Key into Boyle Town.

All the Members present at the meeting welcomed the commencements of the works and Mr. Adrian Kielty should be thanked for all his work and assistance in progressing this new development for the County.

On the Proposal of Cllr. Cummins

Seconded by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED that in accordance with Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994 that the development of the Boyle to Lough Key Cycle Corridor (N61 Portion), at Knocknashee, Boyle, County Roscommon proceed as per recommendation above.

·         The Cathaoirleach expressed his sympathy on behalf of the Members to Eileen Callaghan on the recent death of her husband Gerry Callaghan RIP;

·         The Cathaoirleach expressed his sympathy on behalf of the Members to the Chief Executive Mr. Eugene Cummins on the recent death of his mother Peggy Cummins R.I.P

·         Votes of sympathy were recorded for the following:

o   The Cull Family, Arigna on the death of James Cull

APPROVAL OF CIVIC RECEPTION REQUEST – MATT MOLLOY

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Mulligan

            SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED by all the members to hold a Civic Reception to honour Matt Molloyin honour of his interest of traditional music. His great dedication to traditional music down through the years was highly praised.

·         There were 14 items discussed under AOB:

Cllr. Mulligan sought clarification on the erection of ramps at the entrance into Ballaghadeereen on the old N5 and this was also supported by Cllr. Byrne.

In reply, Michael Conlon, MD Coordinator advised that factors need to be taken into account for example funding and approval from residents in the locality. Exact locations need to be determined.

Cllr. Callaghan advised the meeting of concerns from residents regarding the Station in Boyle and this town being an Age Friendly town. The current set-up is not suitable in its current state as passengers have to cross over a very steep footbridge when departing the train that is not at all suitable for the elderly. It was stated that there was essential need for a lift similar to that provided in Portarlington Station.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Callaghan

            SECONDED by Cllr. Cummins

It was AGREED by all the Members that as Boyle is actively an Age Friendly Town that Boyle MD write a letter to Iarnród Éireann to ask them to upgrade the system currently in operation at Boyle Train Station to enable the elderly and those with special needs to disembark the train in a safe manner with ease of accessibility to both platforms at the station.

Cllr. Callaghan requested an update on the N4 Coothall and Croghan junction safety improvements.

Shane Tiernan, Director of Services advised the Members that with disappointment the National Roads office who had agreed to complete the safety audit are now struggling with resources and cannot complete this in the short term. As a result, it has been agreed to go to tender for consultants to complete the audit. This is currently being progressed with appointment to be prioritised and report to be furnished to TII in the short term.

The Members discussed the distressing concerns regarding the beef strike and the need for a solution to be found as soon as possible. All the members were in agreement in the hope that the issue would be  resolved as soon as possible for all concerned and Cllr. Byrne stated that the industry was responsible for the hardship forced on farmers who were already at breaking point and needed urgent support to ensure the viability of farming and preservation of agriculture in this country.

The Members discussed and condemned in the strongest possible terms the appalling act of thuggery that was enforced on Mr. Kevin Lunney, Director of Quinn Industrial Holdings recently. All the members agreed that this was a despicable act on a family man going about his lawful business and that it is vital that the perpetrators be identified and brought to justice for this horrendous act.

Cllr. Byrne sought clarification on what land percentage is allowed/intended for afforestation in County Roscommon. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services advised that the management of forestry is a matter for the Department of Agriculture. The area covered by forestry in County Roscommon is 11% in line with national average. He stated that Roscommon County Council has no role other than making observation submissions for proposed forestry developments. The Councils only legislative function are under planning legislation regarding the road openings for access to forestry to allow for the removal of trees.

Cllr. Byrne sought clarification on the amount of solar panels a householder is allowed to erect on their dwelling. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services stated that the extent of solar panels, which may be erected at any dwelling house was detailed under the Exempted Development Regulations - Class 2 © of Schedule 2 Part 1 refers – Any solar panels in excess of this would require planning permission. Roscommon County Council implements the National Planning Regulations for solar panels.

Cllr. Byrne outlined to the Members that in respect of vehicle electric chargers, she hoped that there would be an equal and fair distribution of electric chargers to smaller towns and villages across County Roscommon. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services advised that this is not directly a Council function and that the ESB are responsible for the supply of these units. The Council facilitate the ESB with road opening, ducting etc. The ESB are the national body delegated with the responsibility to increase these charger points nationwide. He stated that Roscommon County Council has identified the provision of Electric Vehicle charge points in the Roscommon County Council Draft Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019 – 2024.

Cllr. Byrne requested that the white line on the road from Elphin to Carrick on Shannon must be re-done. Mick Conlon MD Coordinator said he would examine the matter.

Clarification was sought on the expected delivery of the new Velocity Patchers. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services advised the Members that Roscommon County Council currently have two new Velocity Patchers in operation in Athlone and Roscommon and the third is arriving in November for Boyle. All Members will be invited to the launch of the three new Velocity Patchers in the coming weeks.

Cllr. Byrne and Cllr. Mulligan outlined their disappointment from a public point of view that the Boyle MD office had to be closed to the public due to staff shortages. They suggested that a replacement should have been put in place from Roscommon.  Shane Tiernan, Director of Services advised that it was regrettable that the office front desk had to close for a period but that resources are managed and allocated to support service delivery where the greatest priority existed. He said that he would examine the matter with the MD Coordinator to see how resources could best be deployed across the MD offices when there were situations of resource constraint.

Cllr. Cummins sought clarification on what the next step is regarding the passing of the Bye-Laws on Casual Trading. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services advised that the next step involves management structures and administration being put in place. Spaces will be required to be visually identified at necessary locations with signage and road markings. Realistically systems will be put in place from January, 2020. It is also important to give ample notice to existing traders and allow them the opportunity to apply for a licence.

Cllr. Murphy questioned if there was any possibility that a verge strimmer would be kept in Strokestown permanently. In reply Michael Conlon MD Coordinator advised the position with regard to the Council owned and hired-in verge trimmers across the MD area and utilising these resources in the best possible way for the full area. It was outlined that in Boyle MD there was one Council owned tractor and two hired tractors. The Boyle MD has been trying to hire two additional machines but procuring them was proving difficult due to the contractors being otherwise engaged with agricultural contracting.

Shane Tiernan, Director of Services advised that there is currently a Roads Programme in place which allowed for a programme of verge trimming but resources were limited in this regard. He reminded that there was a statutory responsibility on landowners to cut their hedges and verges along public roadways.

It was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED that the Budget Meeting of Boyle Municipal District will be held on Tuesday, 15^th October, 2019 at 2.30pm in Boyle Area Office, Boyle.