·         Minutes of Boyle Municipal District Meeting held on 17.01.2020

·         Minutes of Boyle Municipal District Special Meeting held 04.02.2020

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 17^th January 2020

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Liam Callaghan

SECONDED by Cllr Crosby

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Municipal District held in the Strokestown Area Office on Tuesday 4^th February, 2020

There were no matters arising.

On the PROPOSAL OF Cllr J. Cummins

SECONDED Cllr V. Byrne

It was AGREED that in accordance with Section 11(2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 the road located at Caradrum, Boyle, County Roscommon be declared a public road.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Valerie Byrne

SECONDED Cllr John Cummins

It was AGREED that in accordance with Section 11(2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 the road located at Cois Na hAbhainn, Croghan,  County Roscommon be declared a public road.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Cummins

SECONDED by Cllr Crosby

It was AGREED that in accordance with Section 11(2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 the road located at Cuilmore Cove, Boyle,  County Roscommon be declared a public road.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Byrne

SECONDED by Cllr Callaghan

It was AGREED that in accordance with Section 11(2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 the road located at Millstream, Elphin,  County Roscommon be declared a public road.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Callaghan

SECONDED by Cllr Mulligan

It was AGREED that in accordance with Section 11(2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 the road located at ‘The Plains’, Ballinagare, County Roscommon be declared a public road.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Crosby

SECONDED by Cllr Byrne

It was AGREED that in accordance with Section 11(2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 the road located at Riverview, Rooskey, County Roscommon be declared a public road.

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 at Ashburton Grove, Ballaghadereen, County Roscommon be declared a public road.

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 at ‘Station View’, Ballaghadereen County Roscommon be declared a public road.

·         Roscommon County Council propose the following name for the Housing development at Lisroyne Td., Elphin St., Strokestown:

‘Parkgate’ - Geata na Páirce - The name is proposed due to the developments close proximity to Strokestown Park House and the Architectural Screening report for the development refers to - Four structures within the demesne of Strokestown Park House, including the gateway and gate lodge, Strokestown Park house itself, the stables and a bridge.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Byrne

SECONDED by Cllr Crosby

It was AGREED to name the estate Parkgate’ - Geata na Páirce

The name is proposed due to the developments close proximity to Strokestown Park House and the Architectural Screening report for the development refers to - Four structures within the demesne of Strokestown Park House, including the gateway and gate lodge, Strokestown Park house itself, the stables and a bridge

Mr. Shane Tiernan Director of Services introduced the Boyle Municipal District Draft Road Works Programme for discussion.  Mr. Michael Conlon, Boyle Municipal District Co-Ordinator circulated maps identifying the locations of works proposed under the Roads Programme 2020 including costings for each project.  The Councillors commended Mr. Michael Conlon and his roads programme team for their excellent presentation in respect of the Roads Programme.  The mapping is clear and precise.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Byrne

SECONDED by Cllr Crosby

It was AGREED to adopt the Road Works Programme 2020 as presented.

Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services, thanked the roads staff for preparing the Roads programme.  He thanked the elected members for allowing the programme to commence at a time when Covid restrictions are presenting challenges.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services, hopes some construction work will commence in May.  He added that a safety plan was being prepared to facilitate a return to work which will comply with safety requirements.

Cllr Crosby queried why some roads in the Strokestown area in need of repair had not been included in the programme.  Mr. Michael Conlon replied to his query stating work would be prioritised based on the condition of the road.

Cllr Byrne thanked Mr. Michael Conlon for work which was completed on the road between Elphin and Carrick On Shannon and queried the possibility of further work being undertaken on a dangerous dip in the road in the same area.  Cllr Byrne noted that the proposed work for the duration of the roads programme seemed to be fairly distributed throughout the municipal district.

Cllr Cummins queried whether roads which are currently not designated as Regional Roads but have the same volume of traffic as Regional roads could have the same macadam finish as Regional roads when they are being resurfaced.

Cllr Murphy noted that finances will not stretch to cover work on all roads but that it is important for Councillors to bring to the Councils attention to any roads in need of repair.  Cllr Joe Murphy noted that a road near Ballyhubert needed attention

Cemetery Improvement & Maintenance Grants for 2020 were noted.

Cllr Tom Crosby noted that the funding for this scheme had greatly reduced and stated that he would like to see it being increased.

·         2.20 – Cllr. Crosby – Provision of Footpaths and Public Lighting.

Notice of Motion:  2.20 - Councillor Tom Crosby

As a priority in the interest of public safety will Roscommon County Council provide a footpath and public lighting to serve the densely populated Ballytoohey Road where 4 Number residential estates namely Shannon Valley, Cluain Ban, River View and Bally-Too-Manor which were built and completed over the last 10 years or so, all 4 housing Estates are fully occupied with families.

The lack of public lighting and footpath is creating a very dangerous situation for pedestrians of the four estates and the 20 or so single housing along the 1km stretch of very busy county road into the village.  Planning conditions provided for substantial funding be made by the developers of the 4 named estates to provide for footpaths and public lighting into the Village.

Reply to Notice of Motion from Cllr Crosby

The estimated cost of the provision of footpath from Cluain Ban Estate to link with existing footpath with Tarmonbarry is €240,000 inclusive of public lighting, surface water drainage, boundary treatment and carriageway reinstatement.  Additionally, some minimal amount of land acquisition would be required.   These works would not qualify for inclusion in the DTTAS maintenance and improvement road works programme and would of necessity have to be funded from the Council’s own resources. 

Alternatively, these works may qualify for funding under the ‘Low Cost Accident Remedial Measures’ scheme.   Typically each project under this scheme would only qualify for a maximum allocation for €30k/40k  and consequently the works would have to be phased over a number of years.  This of course would all be contingent on Departmental approval.   We would however be sympathetic to the needs of the local residents and have no difficulty in submitting this scheme for grant aid.    The Village Enhancement Scheme would also be an appropriate source of funding for a scheme such as this. 

·         2.20 – Cllr. Crosby - Traffic management and calming measures at Tarmonbarry;

·         3.20 – Cllr. Crosby – Works Programme at Rooskey

There were two Questions submitted.

2.20 – Cllr. Crosby – Traffic Management at Tarmonbarry Village:

Would the director inform the meeting what traffic management and calming measures will be introduced in the village of Tarmonbarry resulting from the recent monitoring of traffic and pedestrian movements in the village?.

Reply:

Pedestrian Count

The pedestrian count was conducted from 7am to 7pm on the 28^th January 2020.

34 adults crossed the L1416 Ballytoohey Road, 17 going west and 17 going east.

25 adults crossed the N5 west of its junction with the L1416,13 going north and 12 going south.

22 adults crossed the N5 east of its junction with the L1416, 7 going north and 15 going south.

No children or people with disabilities crossed either road during the survey.

Under Road Design Guidelines this level of pedestrians falls well short to warrant pedestrian crossings on either road.

Traffic and Speed Survey

An Automatic Traffic Counter, (ATC), was put in place on the N5 east of the L1416 from Tuesday 28^th January to Monday 3^rd February 2020.

The 7-day mean for eastbound traffic was 3333 and for westbound 3400 vehicles.

In the 7-day period the ATC measured the speed of the 23,802 westbound vehicles and 23,330 eastbound vehicles. The max speed westbound was 125.2kph and eastbound 131.2kph. 

The 85^th percentile speed is the speed that 85% of the traffic does not exceed. It is generally accepted that this is a good speed to set the speed limit for a road. 85% of the people driving the road consider that this is a safe speed to drive given the geometry of the road.

The 85^th percentile speeds in Tarmonbarry at the ATC location were 59.85kph westbound and 58.77kph eastbound. The current speed limit at this location is 50kph but traffic perceive it can be driven safely at 60kph. If it is the decision of the councilors that the traffic should be slowed to 50kph either additional enforcement or traffic calming measures are needed. As the N5 is a National Route traffic calming measures would require the approval and funding of TII.

Junction Count

A junction count was carried out on the 28^th January 2020 at the N5\L1416 junction.  The results were as follows for the 12-hour period from 7am to 7pm:

N5 eastbound                   : Straight ahead 2148 vehicles.  

                                                  Left-turning 123 vehicles.

N5 westbound                  : Straight ahead 1986 vehicles

                                                  Right turning 496 vehicles.

L1416 southbound          : Left turning 513 vehicles.

                                                  Right turning 127 vehicles.

The figure that stands out from the above data is the 496 vehicles turning right from the N5 onto the L1416. This figure could justify a right-turn-lane in a 100kph location but current binding advice from the Design Manual for Urban Roads is that right-turn-lanes should not be used within speed limit zones and cars waiting to turn right will act as a traffic calming to slow down traffic behind them.

3.20 – Cllr. Crosby – Programme of Works at Rooskey Village:

Would a director inform the meeting what is the up-to-date progress and the expected works program planned to be completed in the village of Rooskey by the end of 2020, will the current work program include upgrading the inferior public lighting throughout the Village.

Reply:

Works on the provision and replacement of footpaths and paved areas between Rooskey Bridge and the canal funded under the Village Enhancement Scheme are currently progressing and are expected to be completed in approximately 4/5 weeks.

When these works are complete works will commence on a CLAR funded project to provide a pedestrian crossing with ancillary footpath and carriageway reconfiguration in the environs of the National School.  For traffic management and road safety considerations it would not be possible to have both these projects progressing in tandem.    

We have also provided as sum of €157,000 in the 2020 Road Works Scheme for pavement rehabilitation in the town and it is envisaged that these works will commence in May/June pending approval of the scheme and contingencies arising from the Coronavirus pandemic. 

In total the expected expenditure in Rooskey in the current year under all codes will be in the region of €380,000.

All works carried out to date incorporate provision of ducting to accommodate installation of LED lighting and all lighting in the town will be replaced on a phased basis as work progresses.  

·         A vote of sympathy was expressed to the family of former Councillor Charlie Hopkins.

·         A vote of sympathy was expressed to the family of former Councillor Anthony Murray

·         A vote of sympathy was expressed to the family of Mr. Donal Kelly, Tulsk, Roscommon

Cllr  Murphy remembered any person who had passed away during the current pandemic.

There were four items discussed under Any Other Business.

Cllr Valerie Byrne queried the current status of the LIS Scheme.  Mr. Shane Tiernan Director of Services stated that Roscommon County Council have received €355000 to fund the LIS Scheme for 2020.  He stated that there are two lists, a primary list and a secondary list. Both lists have been forwarded to the Department for approval.    All applications are subject to compliance with all aspects of the scheme.  Should any of those applications on the primary list not be compliant an alternative will be picked from the secondary list.  The existing list will be cleared and completed before reopening the scheme which could prolong the wait for new applicants   Cllr Crosby queried when the application forms would be available.  The LIS scheme will be reopened subject to agreement at the Strategic Policy Committee meeting.

Cllr Valerie Byrne queried whether all existing applications would be reviewed before new applications are accepted.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services stated this would be the case.

Mr. Shane Tiernan Director of Services informed the meeting that any road repaired under the LIS Scheme cannot be “Taken in Charge” by the Council and there is an additional requirement of proof of ownership from the applicant by the provision of land registry details.

Cllr V. Byrne queried whether the money (€10 million) currently available for the N5 Project could be used to pay landowners for land acquired under C.P.O. by the TII.  Mr. Shane Tiernan stated that the money could be used for this purpose and stated that any delay in payment of landowners was not due to Roscommon County Council.  Cllr V. Byrne thanked Mr. Shane Tiernan for his reply.

Cllr Tom Crosby queried the possibility of local contractors being awarded contracts for work on the N5 project as a way of creating local employment.  Mr. Shane Tiernan Director of Services stated that Roscommon County Council are compelled to comply with National Procurement Guidelines but that possibly contractors may employ local workers or avail of local services.

Cllr Michael Mulligan queried why the fencing contractor working on the N5 project had stopped work.  Mr. Shane Tiernan stated it was due to the ‘lockdown’ resulting from Covid 19 restrictions.  The contractor will return to site when restrictions are lifted.

Cllr Michael Mulligan expressed concern that bottle banks in the Ballaghadereen and Loughglynn areas had not been collected for some time and are posing a danger to the public.  Mr. Shane Tiernan Director of Services stated that there has been a huge surge in the use of the bottle banks and that the contractor responsible for emptying these bottle banks had been doing his best to remove the glass promptly.  Cllr Michael Mulligan added that staff had found needles dumped amongst the glass.  Mr. Shane Tiernan Director of Services had not been informed of this problem until now.  Mr. Shane Tiernan stated that the Litter Wardens and the Environmental Section were monitoring the situation.

Cllr Joe Murphy expressed concern over littering on bogland in the Strokestown area.  He added that it could be a matter for the agenda for the next Boyle Municipal District meeting.

Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services paid tribute to Mr. Eugene Dwyer following the announcement of his upcoming retirement.  He spoke of his massive commitment to his role as Senior Engineer in Roscommon County Council.

The elected members wished to be associated with wishing Eugene Dwyer and his family well in his retirement.  They spoke of his many qualities, his affable personality, his sense of fairness, his passion for getting work and achieving a successful outcome, his indepth knowledge of the roads network in the County and his ability to deal with emergencies.  He will be missed.

Cllr Liam Callaghan and Councillor Valerie Byrne complimented and thanked the Planning team for their work in respect of the completion and  the ‘Taking in Charge ‘of estates.