·         Minutes of Boyle MD meeting on 27^th April, 2020

Cllr Murphy, Cathaoirleach opened the meeting by extending sympathy to the family of Detective Garda Colm Horkan on the tragic loss of their son and brother whilst in the line of duty.  All of the members wished to be associated with this expression of sympathy and also extended sympathy to Detective Garda Horkans work colleagues and the wider local community.

Cllr Mulligan referred to Detective Garda Horkans time stationed in Ballaghadereen.  He spoke of Detective Garda Horkans calm manner and his willingness to go out of his way to help others.  Cllr Mulligan stated that Detective Garda Horkan was a true Garda and loved his job.  Cllr Liam Callaghan referred to Detective Garda Horkans love of sport.

Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services extended sympathy to the Horkan family and the Garda community on the tragic death of Detective Garda Horkan.  He stated that Roscommon County Council have had close involvement and strong co-operation with the Gardai during the recent and ongoing Covid 19 crisis and stated that Detective Garda Horkans death was felt by everyone in the local authority.

Councillor Callaghan encouraged people to sign the book of condolences for Detective Garda Horkan.

A minute of silence was observed in memory of Detective Garda Horkan

Cllr. Murphy, Cllr Cummins and Cllr Crosby spoke of the great work the Gardai do and added that people should concentrate on the positives of the Garda force and treat Gardai in a friendly manner.  All the members agreed and spoke of the respect that the Gardai deserve where many and sometimes very difficult challenges are faced on a daily basis in the front line of duty.

Cllr Crosby stated that he hoped that the J.P.C. will be set up shortly and will work to foster this solidarity

Councillor Byrne and Councillor Callaghan remembered Detective Garda John Morley and Garda Henry Byrne both of whom died in the line of duty nearly 40 years ago in this region.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Cummins

SECONDED by Cllr Crosby

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Boyle Municipal District meeting held on 27^th April, 2020

There were no matters arising.

EIRGRID PRESENTATION – NORTH CONNACHT 110kV PROJECT

Three members of Eirgrid, Aidan Corcoran, David Lenehan and Eoghan O’Sullican addressed the Boyle Municipal District meeting on the subject of the North Connacht 110kV Project.  Eirgrid are planning to proceed with this project following the identification of ‘route corridors’ and public consultation.  A decision has not yet been made as to whether the new line will be in the form of an overhead line or an underground cable.  The new project will be on a smaller scale than previously planned reduced from 400kV to 110kV. 

Cllr Cummins stated that the preferred option of the public would be an underground cable.  He asked if the current overhead line connecting Flagford to Tonroe would be replaced with an underground cable should Phase 2 of the project connecting Moy to Tonroe utilise the underground cable option. Aidan Corcoran of Eirgrid explained that no decision has yet been made in respect of this and informed the meeting that there is a limitation on the amount of underground cable that can be used in a system and that the underground option is more expensive than the overhead line.  He stated that there would be advantages to upgrading the existing overhead line.

Cllr Crosby complimented the Eirgrid group on their presentation and stated he welcomes new infrastructure.  Cllr Crosby stated that in the past the building of new infrastructure disturbed the landscape, interfering with scenic appeal and he welcomed the idea of the line taking a less visible presence.  Cllr Crosby queried whether a provision exists in the form of wayleaves allowing the cable to be moved without causing expense to the land/property owner.  Mr. Aidan Corcoran informed the meeting that there are a number of options available to the property owner if the development interferes with future viable development.  The owner would be compensated or the line may be diverted at no cost to the landowner.  Commercial development may be treated differently.

Cllr. Byrne stated that the more favourable option would be an underground line which would follow the existing roads network.  Cllr Mulligan agreed with this statement.  Mr. Aidan Corcoran informed the meeting that this method could bring some disruption to the community in the form of road closures in order to facilitate work on the project.

Cllr Mulligan queried whether this project would link in with a battery storage facility in Ballaghadereen or Biocore situated inTibohine.  Mr Aidan Corcoran replied by saying he was not familiar with these developments.

Cllr Murphy stated he welcomed the project stressing the need to engage with landowners.

At that Eirgrid delegation departed the meeting.

• A vote of sympathy was expressed to the family of Very Reverend Martin Mulvaney PP Rooskey,Kilglass and Slatta

• A vote of sympathy was expressed to the family of Very Reverend Canon Kevin Earley retired Parish Priest of Frenchpark.

There were 17 items discussed under Any Other Business

Cllr. Cummins wished to publicly thank Roscommon Chief Executive, Eugene Cummins, Mr. Michael Conlon, Boyle Municipal District Co-Ordinator and the staff of Boyle Area for their excellent work in removing litter and cleaning Lough Key Forest Park over the May Bank Holiday weekend when the park was officially closed.  The staff responded to the problem in a very efficient and timely manner.  Cllr. Cummins noted that the park is not directly Council Property but is a significant pubic amenity.  Cllr. Michael Mulligan complimented Roscommon County Council staff on their work removing rubbish discarded in Lough Key Forest Park but condemned the blight of littering and illegal dumping. 

All the members agreed.

Cllr Cummins queried the up to date situation in relation to the Casual Trading Bye-Laws.  Mr. Shane Tiernan stated that the Casual Trading Bye-Laws had been adopted last year.  He informed the members that Mr. John Mockler Senior Executive Engineer is taking the lead in this matter and is ensuring that the marking of spaces is consistent across the county.  Applicants are being furnished with licences and thereafter the Council will enforce the by-laws where non-compliance is observed

Cllr Cummins queried the current position in relation to the road junction at Ardcarne.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services informed the meeting that significant progress had been made with the landowners regarding accommodation works.  The TII had requested a revised report which had been submitted.  There is a 2 Phase Plan in place.  Phase 1 relates to accommodation works. It is hoped that this will be advanced by the end of Q3.  Phase 2 relates to pavement overlay works.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services accepted that the members might be frustrated with delays but informed that this was a difficult project due to constraints and that the process and solution had to deal with these constraints whilst ensuring that the end solution met with design and safety guidelines as set down by TII  for national routes

Cllr Valerie Byrne asked if the contractor on the scheme has returned to work.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services confirmed this is the case.

Cllr Byrne queried the current situation in relation to revised speed limits and the position of the TII on this matter.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services noted that the members had not been satisfied with the limits on National Primary and National Secondary routes at certain points near urban areas.  He added that work is being done with TII to reach an acceptable solution with TII and he will inform the members in due course when this is achieved.

Cllr Byrne stated that she is delighted with the progression of the Roads Works Programme and welcomes the work which has started in Elphin.  Cllr Byrne hopes work can progress on the Elphin to Carrick road.

Cllr Byrne queried when work on the pedestrian crossing in Carrick on Shannon would commence.  Mr. Michael Conlon Boyle Municipal District Co-Ordinator informed the meeting that everything is in place and work should proceed in the next 3 to 4 weeks.

Cllr Byrne noted the retirement of Eileen Callaghan from Roscommon County Council and suggested it would be nice to mark this occasion.

Cllr Byrne welcomed the 2 new members of staff to Boyle Municipal District Offices.

Cllr Mulligan queried the possibility of additional staff being allocated to the Environment Section of Roscommon County Council.  He stated that people need to be held accountable for their litter and there are not enough staff to enforce this matter.  Cllr Mulligan noted that litter has a major impact on the beauty of the countryside and suggested that people should be named and shamed.  Cllr Murphy supported this suggestion. Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services informed the meeting that in relation to litter enforcement the Council have to continue to work within existing resources.  He stated that the council needs to come up with innovative ways of dealing with the litter problem as the Covid 19 crisis has presented serious challenges to the council’s budget.  He stated that where the Council identifies evidence of those behind the littering and illegal dumping it will ensure that prosecution proceedings will follow so as to make example of those responsible.  Cllr Crosby stated that litter was costing the county €500,000 and that revenue from fines amounted to just over €5000.  Cllr Crosby stated that litter is a national issue which Oireachtas members are failing to deal with and that our legislation needs to be changed.

Cllr Crosby asked when work would commence on the pedestrian crossing in Rooskey.  Michael Conlon, Boyle Municipal District Co-ordinator informed the meeting that work would commence in 2 to 3 weeks.

Cllr Callaghan stated that he wanted the road surface between Tulsk and Clashaganny addressed.   Mr. Michael Conlon, Boyle Municipal District Co-Ordinator confirmed that the patching unit would be sent to repair the road.

Cllr Callaghan queried the short turnaround time for the 2 new schemes

• Town and Village Renewal Scheme
• Town and Village Accelerated Covid 19 Measure

Shane Tiernan Director of Services informed the members that his colleague Majella Hunt, Director of Services co-ordinates these schemes.  He stated that there are some constraints in respect of the number of projects accepted per county but that Roscommon would be submitting a full complement of applications across all the various funding streams.

Cllr Callaghan complimented Strokestown Town Team and Roscommon County Council for their Town and Village Renewal Presentation.  Shane Tiernan, Director of Services informed the meeting that there will be a process of consultation before any Part 8 Planning application is brought before the members for decision.  Cllr Byrne stated there may be a number of issues in relation to the proposed development and Cllr Byrne hoped that these issues will be resolved prior to seeking planning approval.

Cllr Byrne stated it has come to her attention that two types of weed seem to be spreading rapidly and required attention before they cause too much damage.  Cllr Byrne asked that the Council would investigate the matter.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services informed the meeting that the Department generally gives direction on the control of noxious weeds and the Council have to adhere to these guidelines.  He stated that any programme of control directed at the local authority would require funding and guidelines as happened with the Japanese Knotweed Programme and that this was not something the council would undertake without national direction.  He agreed with Cllr Byrne that this is a matter which needs to be dealt with at National level and Cllr Byrne said she would raise it at a full council meeting as a motion to call on the department for the rollout of a funded scheme.

Cllr Murphy and Cllr Byrne queried the current position regarding Elphin and Strokestown Branch Libraries.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services explained that libraries do not fall under his remit as Director and he did not have full knowledge in respect of this matter.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services stated that these libraries, by design, are not suitable for re-opening at this time due to the Covid pandemic and associated restrictions.  However, he was hopeful that service would resume subject to restrictions being eased and resources being available.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services acknowledged the importance of the library service to the community and added there is a new recruitment drive for library staff.

Cllr Murphy raised an issue related to crows causing a nuisance at Lisroyne Oaks, Strokestown . The birds are nesting trees behind the estate.  Cllr Murphy asked if the Council owned these trees and if so would it be possible to top the trees.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services stated that the Council would investigate the ownership of the trees and the possibility of pruning said trees but such work must be done outside of the nesting season.

Cllr Crosby queried whether public lighting would be installed at Scramogue Cross.  Mr. Michael Conlon, Boyle Municipal District Co-ordinator informed the meeting that there is nothing planned at present.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services stated that the TII would need to approve any works on National Primary routes and that TII guidelines and research concluded that public lighting at certain junctions could have a negative rather than a positive effect on traffic safety and that where they were not contributing to public safety they would not be installed.  Energy consumption and environmental friendliness also had a part to play in such decisions.  Cllr Crosby stated that it is hard to give credibility to the fact that the junction would be better without lights.  Cllr Crosby stated that it is up to the public representatives to change this with the TII and that common sense needs to be applied to these situations.

Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services emphasised the importance of Municipal District Standing Orders.  Standing Orders regulate the proceedings of the Municipal District Meetings. Any matters for discussion should be lodged by means of Notice of Motion or Question prior to the meeting to enable a full and informed reply.  AOB was for matters of such importance that they needed to be raised at the meeting and where the item at issue arose outside the cut off date for submission of motions or questions for the meeting.