·         Minutes of Boyle MD meeting on 26^th February, 2021

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Tom Crosby

             SECONDED by Councillor John Cummins

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Boyle Municipal District meeting of 26^th February, 2021

Cllr Tom Crosby asked for an update on the progress of work at the Old Magnet Ballroom site in Strokestown. Mr. Jason Corbett, Assistant Engineer, stated that work had been done to secure the back of the building and tidying up of the site was continuing.

Three members of Eirgrid, Mr. Eoghan O’Sullivan, Mr. David Lenehan and Ms. Yvonne Coghlan addressed the Boyle Municipal District meeting on the subject of the North Connaught 110kV Project.  David Lenehan stated that great progress had been made on the project.  Eirgrid has selected an underground cable option for the North Connaught 110kV project that runs from Ballina to Ballaghadereen.  Eirgrid will continue to engage with stakeholders to develop a specific route.  Eirgrid plans to update the existing overhead line which connects Tonroe and Flagford.  This means the visual appearance will not change for this line.

All of the elected members welcomed the choice of underground cable between Ballina and Ballaghadereen.  Cllr Byrne and Cllr Cummins queried why the line between Tonroe and Flagford could not be laid underground.  Mr. David Lenehan replied stating that the Tonroe to Flagford line is already in existence and Eirgrid are seeking to utilise and improve the existing infrastructure in the least invasive manner.  Cllr Cummins asked if planning permission would be required for the Tonroe to Flagford  upgrade.  Eirgrid stated that once a route for the underground line has been identified, both the underground element and the upgrading of the existing line would be dealt with under one planning application.

Cllr Callaghan and Mr. John Mockler, Senior Engineer asked what is the Councils limitation in respect of how close in proximity contractors can work around the cable.  Yvonne Coghlan,  Eirgrid, responded by saying that this will depend on what type of cable is laid.  Mr. John Mockler, Senior Engineer stated that these cables could limit the amount of work a Local Authority can do thereby affecting the Councils ability to repair roads.  Mr. John Mockler, Senior Engineer stated that Roscommon County Council supports the Eirgrid project and that it is key for the Local Authority that there will be consultation with the Roads Department to ensure that the roads are left in a satisfactory condition following completion of work.

Cllr Callaghan asked if there would be restrictions on planning permission near the area of the line.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services said that there is a demand for one off housing and asked Eirgrid if they would lodge an objection should the proposed development require the developer to cut across the line to access services.  Cllr Crosby stated clarity needs to be given in respect of future planning applications.

Mr. Eoghan O’Sullivan, Eirgrid stated that when complete the new line will be a significant plus for Ballaghadereen ,  the town will have two lines supplying power. 

Mr. David Lenehan told the meeting that Eirgrid would be running public webinars to keep people informed.

Cllr Callaghan thanked Eirgrid for their presentation.

Mr. Brian Farragher , A/Executive Planner introduced the Chief Executives Report in respect of Doon Shore Outdoor Amenity Enhancement Scheme.  The proposed development provides for the provision of an Outdoor Amenity Enahancement Scheme at Doon Shore which includes

·         Creation of defined parking spaces to accommodate cars, trailers and users with disability and surface repairs to existing trafficked areas.

·         Extension of the existing green space to provide a separation between vehicular traffic and pedestrians.

·         Provision of a coloured pedestrian footway along the existing shoreline concrete structure

·         All other associated site and ancillary works.

Ms. Nollaig Whyte, Administrative Officer, informed the elected members that Roscommon County Council have been successful in obtaining funding for the project.  All of the elected members were unanimous in their support for the project and welcomed the funding.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Cummins

             SECONDED Cllr Byrne.

It was AGREED

That the Elected Members of Boyle Municipal District in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended )and Part 8 (Article 81) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), having considered the Chief Executive’s Report and Recommendation, proceed with the Provision of Doon Shore Outdoor Amenity Enhancement Scheme.

Ms Nollaig Feeney, Heritage Officer gave a presentation on “All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020. . The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is about all of us, from farmers to local authorities, to schools, gardeners and businesses, coming together to try to create an Ireland where pollinators can survive and thrive. Ms Nollag Feeney detailed some of the actions Roscommon County Council  can take to help pollinators –

·         Protect what you have

·         Alter the frequency of mowing

·         Pollinator friendly planting

·         Provide nesting habitats

·         Reduce use of pesticides

·         Raise awareness

·         Track Progress

Ms Nollaig Feeney, informed the members that it has been agreed at SPC level that Roscommon County Council would sign up as a partner to the All Ireland Pollinator Plan and it is hoped to bring the matter to the Plenary meeting scheduled for April to finalise Rosommon County Councils signing up as a partner to The All Ireland-Pollinator Plan. Consultation is taking place with the Municipal District Co-Ordinators and Area Offices to agree one pollinator-friendly action in the first year of signing up and to carry out at least three more within the following five years.

All of the elected members welcomed the plan and supported the altering of the frequency of mowing as an initial action to help pollinators. 

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Mulligan             

             SECONDED by Councillor Byrne

 It was AGREED that roads located within the housing development at Priory Park, Ballaghaderreeen would be declared public roads.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Mulligan            

             SECONDED by Councillor Cummins

It was AGREED that roads located within the housing development at Fortlands, Ballaghadereen, Co. Roscommon would be declared public roads.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Callaghan            

              SECONDED by Councillor Byrne

 It was AGREED that roads located within the housing development at Meadowbrook, Tulsk would be declared public roads.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Cummins            

              SECONDED by Councillor Murphy

 It was AGREED that roads located within the housing development at Lakeview Heights,  Boyle would be declared public roads

The Draft Roads Works Scheme 2021 was presented to the councillors. Mr. John Mockler, Senior Engineer stated that the money allocation had risen slightly this year.  He informed the elected members the monies had been distributed and Roscommon County Council are now in a position to proceed with the Roads Programme.  Cllr Cummins asked if the Roads Programme could proceed without going through the full programme as there had already been some discussion on the matter.   The elected members agreed and

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Cummins

SECONDED by Cllr Crosby

It was AGREED to adopt the Road Works Programme 2021 as presented

Cllr Crosby and Cllr Callaghan queried how funding of 22 million euro for the N5 Scramogue to Ballaghadereen Project would be spent during the current year.  Mr. John Mockler responded by saying that that the TII expect that the money will be spent on archaeology, fencing and land acquisition.

Cllr Callaghan and Cllr Byrne welcomed the funding of 1 million euro from the TII allocated to improve the road from Tulsk towards Ballinagare.  .

Cllr Byrne stated that she had received a large number of complaints regarding potholes and queried the ability of the patching unit to repair very large potholes.  Mr. John Mockler, Senior Engineer,  responded by saying we have had a very wet winter with extended cold periods which could cause these potholes.  Mr. Mockler, Senior Engineer,  stated that the Municipal Areas could hire additional velocity patchers or change existing practices in an effort to mend the potholes.  Mr. Mockler, Senior Engineer also stated that some sections of road may need to be recycled and this is an option under discretionary funding.

Cllr Callaghan thanked the Boyle Municipal District Staff for such a comprehensive programme.

2.21 – Cllr Valerie Byrne – Acquisition of land for road safety works

3.21 – Cllr T. Crosby – Funding for footpath and lighting along the Ballytoohey Road,

           Tarmonbarry.

2.21                       Notice of Motion from Cllr. Byrne

That Roscommon County start the process of Acquisitioning of lands and draw up a detailed design  for the following two roads.

1.        Enagh, Croghan on the R370 (Croghan cr to Rathalancross)

2.         Deerpark on the R368-16  Elphin / Carrick on Shannon road

Both of these roads are very dangerous and in line with safety I request that they are placed on a programme to start the process to relieve these dangerous situations.

    Reply:

  The constraints of the Restoration Improvement Grant are such that only   works to the road carriageway are eligible for funding.

  Your representations in respect of the R368 and R370 require additional works viz a viz land acquisition, relocation of roadside boundary fences and some minimal carriageway widening.

  The only viable source of funding currently available for this type of work is the Low Cost Accident Remedial Measures Scheme.  The ceiling for funding under this particular scheme is around €30,000 for projects annually but schemes can be funded on a phased basis over two or more years.

 We propose to submit applications for both these locations in the current year with the intention of securing initial funding in 2022

 Cllr Byrne responded by agreeing with the proposal to submit applications under the Low Cost Accident Remedial Measures Scheme for these locations but stated that this money would not be sufficient to cover works required at these locations.  Mr. Michael Conlon, Boyle Municipal District Co-Ordinator informed the members that Specific Road Improvement Schemes are unavailable.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services,  stated that the Low Cost Accident Remedial Measures Scheme is the best option.

3.21                       Notice of Motion from Cllr. Crosby

Would the director of services update the meeting on the current situation in relation to securing funding to provide a footpath and public lighting on the very busy and densely populated 2 km stretch along the Ballytoohey Road out of Tarmonbarry Village to the local full to capacity National Primary School. 

Apart from the 32 family homes buildt along both sides of this road there is also four relatively new large housing estates serviced by the road. These residential estates were subject to special development charges to insure that a footpath and public lighting would be provided as an essential safety measure.

    Reply:

Following representation the works requested to the Ballytoohey Road were considered for funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and found to be ineligible.  There is a probability that this project might qualify in part or in whole for funding under the Active Travel Scheme and we will investigate this possibility and make a submission for funding subject to the scheme criteria. 

Development contributions are to benefit the development in the area of a planning authority and are not specific to areas or estates unless a special contribution for a particular purpose was conditioned.  Regarding the four estates on this road, there were no special contributions levied for the purposes of footpaths or  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.21

1.21 - Question from Cllr. Crosby - Casual Trading Bye-Laws commence.

2.21 - Question from Cllr. Crosby - Tarmonbarry Village Traffic Management & Enhancement Works funded under the Town & Village

1.21                       Question from Cllr. Crosby

Would the director of services inform the meeting when will the review of the Casual Trading Bye-Laws commence.

Answer

 The Environment Section has indicated that it is proposed to undertake a review of the Schedule to the Casual Trading Bye-Laws which can commence when current Covid-19 restrictions are eased to facilitate the public consultation requirements associated with the review.

2.21                       Question from Cllr. Crosby

Would the director of services inform the meeting when will the Tarmonbarry Village Traffic Management & Enhancement Works funded under the Town & Village renewal scheme come before the Council for the part 8 planning decision.

Answer

Consultants have been appointed to carry out an independent Road Safety Audit.  These works are ongoing and we are awaiting a report which will form part of a Preliminary Design Report to be submitted to the TII for approval.  The Part 8 process can commence when TII approval is at hand.  It would be injudicious to proceed with the Part 8 in advance of the TII approval as they might well require changes to our preliminary design.

It is difficult to predict an exact time line for the entire process but we are engaging closely with the consultants with a view to expediting the Road Safety Audit.

It is difficult to predict an exact time line for the entire process but we are engaging closely with the consultants with a view to expediting the Road Safety Audit.

There were none.

Cllr Murphy asked we remember the volunteers of The Scramogue Ambush.

Cllr Callaghan asked that support be given to an online commemorative event being hosted by Roscommon Leader Partnership “Roscommon Remembers” tonight at 7pm.

The next meeting for the Boyle Municipal District will be held on Friday 21^st May, 2021

This concluded the business of the meeting.

The foregoing Minutes are

Confirmed and Signed:

____________________

Meetings Administrator                                                             _____________________

                                                                                                                       Cathaoirleach         

 ______________________

 Countersigned