·         Minutes of Boyle MD meeting on 16^th July, 2021

·         Minutes of Boyle Municipal District Meeting for approval of Municipal District Grants on 11^th August, 2021

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Michael Mulligan

             SECONDED by Councillor John Cummins

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Boyle Municipal District meeting of 16^th July, 2021.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Liam Callaghan

             SECONDED by Councillor Joe Murphy

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Boyle Municipal District Municipal Funding of the 11^th August, 2021.

None.

Cllr Crosby, Cathaoirleach proceeded to read out the Disclosure of Conflict of Interest (Section 177 of the Local Government Act 2001 as amended) prior to the commencement of discussion on items listed on the agenda.

§  Any member having a pecuniary or beneficial interest in a matter before the meeting, or having knowledge that a connected person, as defined in the Act, has any such interest, shall declare the interest and withdraw from the meeting for so long as the matter is being discussed or considered and shall have no part in the proceedings relating thereto and shall refrain from voting in relation to it.

§  It is the responsibility of each member to ensure compliance with these provisions in relation to the meeting.

§  The onus is on the member to declare the interest and leave the meeting room. The minutes of the meeting shall contain a record of any disclosure made and any withdrawal from the meeting.

A team from Eirgrid gave a presentation to the elected members on the North Connaught 110Kv project outlining the best performing option.  Mr. Jason Kenna, Project Manager outlined the framework used by Eirgrid.  Cllr. Tom Crosby, Cathaoirleach thanked Eirgrid for their engagement with the elected members saying the project was a fantastic achievement. All of the councillors agreed with this.  The underground cable best performing option was welcomed by all members. 

Cllr John Cummins queried whether permission would be required to upgrade the existing cable.  Mr. Tomas Bradley, Planner with Eirgrid stated that the planning application to be lodged by Eirgrid will include all aspects of the project.  Cllr Callaghan asked how quickly access could be achieved if essential repairs are required in the event of a fault.  Eirgrid advised that the fault would be addressed as soon as possible.  Cllr Callaghan queried whether the power supply in the West of Ireland would be strengthened as a result of this project.  Derek Carol, Network Planning said that power should be well served in the North West as a result of the project.

All of the elected members welcomed the community funding associated with the project.  Cllr J Cummins queried if community funding would be available to groups along the total length of grid.   Mr. Jason Kenna, Project Manager stated that there would be a community forum which will be open for nominations.  Once this process is complete discussion can begin on establishing how community funding will be allocated.

Cllr Crosby asked whether the location of the cable would affect future planning applications.  Tomas Bradley, Planner said that consultation would take place with the landowners regarding the positioning of the underground cable.

Ms Majella Hunt Director of Services and Ms. Ann McHugh, Senior Executive Officer, Housing Department presented the Chief Executive’s Report on Specified Developments under Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Article 81 of Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)

SPECIFIED DEVELOPMENT:

Location: Lakeview Heights, Bellspark Td., Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Proposed 6 no. Residential units which comprise of (a)Demolition of existing derelict building (b) Construction of House Type A – 2 no. 2 bed semidetached dormer houses. (c) Construction of House Type B - 2 no. 3 bed semi-detached dormer houses. The proposed development will also consist of reconstruction of house no. 7 and 8 which comprise of 2 no. 3 bed semidetached dormer houses (House Type B) with all associated site development works including construction of private open spaces, footpaths, car parking areas, boundary wall/fence, ducting for utilities, hard & soft landscaped areas, formation of new connections to existing foul/surface water drainage and existing utilities.

Cllr. J. Cummins welcomed the development and complimented the Director of Services and staff in the Housing Department on their work.  The elected members were unanimous in their support for the project.  Ms Majella Hunt, Director of Services stated that the project would go to tender in 2022 with construction beginning in 2023.

     On the PROPOSAL of Councillor John Cummins

                  SECONDED by Councillor Valerie 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 SPECIFIED DEVELOPMENT at Lakeview Heights, Bellspark Td., Boyle, Co. Roscommon for Proposed 6 no. Residential units which comprise of (a)Demolition of existing derelict building (b) Construction of House Type A – 2 no. 2 bed semidetached dormer houses. (c) Construction of House Type B - 2 no. 3 bed semi-detached dormer houses. The proposed development will also consist of reconstruction of house no. 7 and 8 which comprise of 2 no. 3 bed semidetached dormer houses (House Type B) with all associated site development works including construction of private open spaces, footpaths, car parking areas, boundary wall/fence, ducting for utilities, hard & soft landscaped areas, formation of new connections to existing foul/surface water drainage and existing utilities.

Specified developments under Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Article 81 of Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)

SPECIFIED DEVELOPMENT:

Location: Ballaghaderreen Town including Main Street, Market Square, Cathedral Street, Chapel Street, Barrack Street and Pound Street.

Proposed Ballaghaderreen Town Public Realm Enhancement Project on Main Street, Market Square, Cathedral Street, Chapel Street, Barrack Street and Pound Street to include provision of: a new pedestrianised public space at Market Square, a one-way traffic system on Cathedral Street and Chapel Street, new footpaths and pedestrian crossings, bus stops at Pound Street and Market Street, new parking arrangements and enhanced pedestrian civic spaces, tree planting and green spaces and all other associated site and ancillary works.

At this point Cllr. Michael Mulligan declared that he had a business premises adjacent to the proposed development but that the premises is in the ownership of his son and he wished to speak on the matter.  However, the Cathaoirleach said that under the Disclosure of Conflict of Interest (Section 177 of the Local Government Act 2001 as amended) he would have to withdraw from the meeting for this agenda item as this would appear as a conflict of interest and Cllr Mulligan the withdrew from the meeting.

Mr. John Quigley, Executive Engineer, Regeneration, presented the Chief Executive’s Report on Ballaghadereen Town Public Realm Enhancement Project.  Cllr Crosby confirmed that the Chairman of Ballaghadereen Town Team had confirmed to him that they are fully in favour of the project.

Cllr Crosby, Cllr Callaghan, Cllr Byrne, Cllr Cummins and Cllr Callaghan acknowledged that there is an issue in relation to car parking spaces.  Cllr Callaghan stated that there would be a need to regulate short term parking.  Cllr Cummins asked if byelaws would need to be put in place to allow for regulated parking not just in Ballaghadereen but in the whole of the County.  Cllr Cummins together with Cllr Crosby acknowledged that Roscommon is the only county that does not have paid parking.  Cllr Murphy stated that accessibility to the carparks provided and public lighting would need to be improved.  Cllr Byrne thanked Roscommon County Council stating that the Part 8 was a marvellous opportunity.

Ms Majella Hunt, Director of Services stated the Council may have to consider a scheme under which byelaws could be introduced for regulated parking.  Ms |Majella Hunt, Director of Services stated that a commitment had been given to upgrade accessibility and lighting re carparks and collaboration would take place with a group in Ballaghadereen who are installing CCTV in the area.

Ms Majella Hunt, Director of Services advised that Call 1 for the RRDF has not yet commenced.  It will be announced in October.  The Part 8 must be in place before the application can be made.

Ms Majella Hunt, Director of Services added that in order to encourage the upgrading of derelict buildings in towns it is necessary to have an upgraded public realm eg. parking, lighting and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.21

Specified Developments under Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Article 81 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)

Specified Development

Location – Tarmonbarry Village on the N5 Route in Co Roscommon

Proposed the redesign the existing carriageway and paved areas along the N5 within the Village to provide a traffic calming effect and improve pedestrian infrastructure and safety along with the provision of a signalized controlled pedestrian crossing of the N5 and all other associated site and ancillary works.

Cllr Tom Crosby introduced this presentation by welcoming the project.  Cllr Crosby is delighted that the work will involve essential traffic management and infrastructural improvements in the village. 

Mr. Enda Mulryan, Senior Executive Engineer, Regeneration presented the Chief Executive’s Report.  All of the elected members welcomed the Part 8 development stating it will improve safety and has the potential to create business and attract visitors to the progressive village.

     On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Tom Crosby

                  SECONDED by Councillor J. Murphy

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 SPECIFIED DEVELOPMENT atTarmonbarry Village on the N5 route in Co. Roscommon forproposed the redesign the existing carriageway and paved areas along the N5 within the Village to provide a traffic calming effect and improve pedestrian infrastructure and safety along with the provision of a signalized controlled pedestrian crossing of the N5 and all other associated site and ancillary works.

A request had been made from the public representatives and the public to have the road taken in charge.  The request had been examined by Mr. Michael Conlon, Municipal District Co-Ordinator.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services recommended that the road would be taken in charge.

     On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Tom Crosby

                  SECONDED by Councillor J. Murphy

It was AGREED that the road located at Cloonfour, Rooskey would be declared a public road.

Mr. Tom McDermott, Executive Engineer, Roads made a presentation on an application which is being progressed, seeking approval under the Active Travel Scheme to put a footpath and a safe crossing on the bridge at Cootehall which will give safer access to the playground and museum.

Cllr John Cummins stated that the residents of the village and Rachel Doherty had looked for this during her time on the Council.  Cllr Cummins stated that all the elected members had made a united effort on this project.   Cllr Valerie Byrne welcomed the Active Travel Scheme and both Cllr Byrne and Cllr Callaghan welcomed the safety works that had taken place on the N4.

There are two Notice of Motion submitted.

Road Safety in Frenchpark

“That Roscommon County Council meet with the TII, local Gardai and local residents to help improve road safety in the village of Frenchpark both at the main junction in the village and at the local National School”.

That Roscommon Co. Council meet with the TII, local Gardai and local residents to help improve road safety in the village of Frenchpark both at the main junction in the village and at the local National School.

Reply

The Roads & Transportation Business unit will be meeting with Safety Representatives from Transport Infrastructure Ireland in the near future to update them on the recent safety concerns in relation to the N5 through Frenchpark. Any proposed measures that are developed as a result of that meeting will be brought to the MD for consideration. In addition,  there is a plan to reprioritise the junction of the N5 & R361 in Frenchpark as part of the new N5 Ballaghagderreen to Scramogue scheme and this will be completed within that scheme.

Cllr Callaghan stated that there had been a number of incidents in the area.  He stated that there had to be engagement with the locals and the gardai.  He asked if a plan could be put in place to improve parking at the school drop off time in particular.  The elected members stated that there is an urgency about the situation and supported Cllr Callaghans Notice of Motion.  

Funding for reinstatement of Rooskey Bridge

“An application be made to the relevant Minister and Government to reinstate the funding of €700,000 which was allocated to both Roscommon and Leitrim County Councils to reconstruct Rooskey Bridge, the tenders for the construction works issued and later withdrawn in 2009”

An application be made to the relevant Minister and Government to reinstate the funding of €700,000 which was allocated to both Roscommon and Leitrim County Councils to reconstruct Rooskey Bridge, the tenders for the construction works issued and were later withdrawn in 2009.

Reply

This requires a resolution of the members of the Municipal District.

Cllr Crosby stated that Rooskey Bridge is a hindrance to the development of the village and the structure needs investment. Funding had been allocated in the past but was withdrawn and no work commenced. Cllr Crosby called on his colleagues to support the motion.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services stated that the Department have said that too much time had elapsed since the original application and that work is now directed more towards traffic management rather than widening of the existing bridge. Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services stated that Leitrim County Council have secured funding for examining options and that there is a possibility of a joint project between Roscommon County Council and Leitrim County Council under a Section 85 with Leitrim County Council leading the project.

Cllr Crosby thanked Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services.  Cllr Crosby stated that it would be a concern that if a footpath was installed on the bridge that major reconstruction might never happen.  A public meeting had been held and the public are not in favour of traffic lights on the bridge.

Cllr J Murphy asked about the possibility of a footpath going alongside the bridge similar to the bridge in Carrick on Shannon

     On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Tom Crosby

                  SECONDED by Councillor J. Murphy

It was AGREED that an application be made to the relevant Minister and Government to reinstate the funding of €700,000 which was allocated in 2009 to both Roscommon and Leitrim County Councils to reconstruct Rooskey Bridge.

There is one question for noting.

Application for funding for public lights on Vesnoy Road Strokestown.

Can an application be made under the new public lighting funding program for five number public lights on Vesnoy Road, Strokestown down by the cemetery, this is a very built up area and an narrow stretch of road which is very popular with walkers?.

Can an application be made under the new public lighting funding program for five number public lights on Vesnoy Road, Strokestown down by the cemetery, this is a very built up area and an narrow stretch of road which is very popular with walkers .

REPLY

Essentially there is no public lighting funding program currently.  There is a National Retrofit Project to convert all non-LED public lights to LED but this is funded by each Local Authority.  In the case of Roscommon County Council it is funded by loan which will be drawn down as required.

Notwithstanding the above the County Council has on occasions provided public lighting infill but only within 50/60 km speed limit zones.  The section of road in question consists of a ribbon type development of approximately 15 houses and would possibly logically warrant inclusion in 50/60 km zone but as things stand the location is an 80km zone.

Should this area be included in the 50/60 km zone consequent to a future speed limit review then the public lighting could appropriately be considered for funding

Cllr. Mulligan asked to address the meeting on the Part 8 Ballaghadereen Public Realm Enhancement Project.  The Cathaoirleach interjected and stated that this matter had already been dealt with and concluded earlier in the meeting and he would not allow any further discussion or comment on this agenda item.

Cllr Cummins stated that the cycle track passing through woodlands from Lough Key to Boyle needed to have a maintenance program put in place.  Cllr John Cummins proposed that the cycle track maintenance would be an annual program and that the Boyle Municipal Area Staff would manage the program.  Mr. Michael Conlon, Municipal District Co-Ordinator stated he would have no problem with managing the program in the event of money being made available.

Cllr J. Murphy queried when works would be done on the culverts at Mullagh.  Cllr Crosby proposed that that Mr. Michael Conlon, Municipal District Co-Ordinator would meet with the locals on site.  Cllr J Murphy seconded this proposal.  Mr. Mick Conlon Municipal District Co-Ordinator said that it would appear that surface water is coming from forestry and other areas but in so far as is possible the council will carry out remedial works.

The elected members wished Jason Corbett, Assistant Area Engineer well in his new position and thanked him for his work.  Cllr Crosby queried when the vacancies for Engineers in the area offices would be filled.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services stated that interviews for the positions are being held this week.

Cllr Valerie Byrne asked if there is any update on improvement works on the stretch of road between Tulsk and Killina.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services, stated that Mr. John Mockler, Senior Engineer had informed him that the TII are to examine the issue and review the allocation of funding for essential works on this stretch of road in the coming week.

Cllr Byrne asked for an update on this project.  Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services advised that no expression of interests had been received and the project would have to go to tender again.