There were no disclosures of Conflict of Interest.

·         Minutes of Boyle MD meeting on 24^th March, 2023

·         Minutes of Boyle MD Fund Meeting 4^th May, 2023

·         Boyle MD Meeting – 24^th March, 2023

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Tom Crosby

SECONDED by Councillor Liam Callaghan

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Boyle Municipal District meeting of 24^th March, 2023

·         Boyle MD In-Camera Meeting – Boyle MD Fund 4^th May, 2023

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Valerie Byrne

SECONDED by Councillor Michael Mulligan

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Boyle Municipal District Boyle MD Fund on 4^th May, 2023.

Councillor John Cummins asked for an update on the N5 Tender

Mr. Greg O’Donnell informed meeting that one tender was received.  Tender is being reviewed by the NRRO at the moment and further detail regarding tender review, etc. will be available at the next Municipal District meeting.

Councillor Liam Callaghan raised the issue regarding the standard of fencing along the proposed route, stating that fencing is in poor condition and local farmers are concerned with regard to safety of livestock and access to lands.  Could an interim measure be put in place so alleviate farmers’ concerns?

Councillor Valerie Byrne stated that while one tender was disappointing, it’s a positive step towards progressing the N5 by-pass and hopefully contract in place before end of year.

Councillor Michael Mulligan asked for update on the CPO stating that one individual’s case is still outstanding with no discussions or decisions entered into.

Councillor Tom Crosby welcomed tender stating that issue with N5 has been on-going for some time.  He asked that a marketing plan be put in place for those towns that will be by-passed, including proper signage to advertise tourism sites in these towns, etc.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell responded stating that the fencing along this route comes under TII and not Roscommon Co. Council.  Installing a temporary fence in the interim while CPO process ongoing would not be feasible and may not be to standards set by TII. Roscommon Co. Council will refer the issue to the Project Liaison Officer.

In response to CPO query, Mr. Greg O’Donnell stated that the road alignment is set and cannot be changed.  CPO is generous with regard to compensation.  He asked that Councillor give him the name of the individual to pass to NRRO for follow up.

·         Specified Development in accordance with Section 179 Subsections 3(a) and 3(b) of Part XI ofthe Planning and Development act 2000 as amended and Part 8 of Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (S.l. No. 600 of 2001) as amended for the proposed development of the construction of 4 no. new terrace residential units at Station Road, Cortober.

Mr. Patrick Flynn, A/Senior Executive Engineer, Housing, read out the CE report for Councillors’ information.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Liam Callaghan

SECONDED by Councillor Tom Crosby

It was AGREED to approve the Part 8 Planning Application – Housing Development at Station Road, Cortober, Co. Roscommon.

Councillors welcomed proposal especially 1 & 2 bed apartments with no public concerns raised.

Cllr. Tom Crosby queried target of 250 over 5 years and asked if villages like Tarmonbarry and Rooskey could be considered.

Cllr. Michael Mullligan asked who is going to get these houses.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell stated that there is high demand for 1 & 2-bed accommodation.  Demographics has changed.  Average household size in Co. Roscommon is 2.7 people.  Roscommon Co. Council has adopted an “own door” policy so these are not apartments in the traditional sense.  The units will be assigned to people on the Social Housing list in the County and will be prioritised according to standards and criteria. Currently people in the process of seeking status do not qualify for social housing but this may change over the coming years.

·         Municipal District Funding Scheme Allocations 2023

·         Review of Drawdown from Municipal District Funding Scheme 2020-2023

The allocation of funding of €73,000 under the Boyle Municipal District Fund was reviewed and considered in detail.  The members had already been circulated with details of applications, their compliance with the Scheme and funding previously allocated to the applicants if applicable through preceding MD Grant Fund or other funding schemes of the Council.

Any member with a conflict of interest declared this matter prior to the formal proposal of the amounts to be awarded to the applicants. 

The elected members proceeded to formally agree and approve the allocations as detailed below:

There were no Notices of Motion for this meeting.

3.23    Question: Tarmonbarry Village to Corraun National School

What is the update on the progress with the design works for the new footpaths and public lighting project from Tarmonbarry Village to the local National School in Corraun and connecting the three new housing estates along the Ballytoohey Road to the School and Village?  €80,000 was allocated in 2022 through the Active Travel Funding Programme and a top up of €20,000 in the 2023 Fund?

4.23    Question – Tarmonbarry Village Centre – Councillor Tom Crosby

What is the current progress for the macadam overlay in Tarmonbarry Village where the existing surface is carved up with road crossings and broken surfaces causing a major noise nuisance from the heavy traffic and safety concerns for the residents and visitors to the village?

3.23 Question 1:  Tarmonbarry Village to Corraun National School – Councillor Tom Crosby

What is the update on the progress with the design works for the new footpaths and public lighting project from Tarmonbarry Village to the local National school in Corraun and connecting the three new housing Estates along the Ballytoohey Road to the School and Village?  €80,000 was allocated in 2022 through the active travel funding programme and a top up of €20,000 in the 2023 fund.

Reply:

Roscommon County Council has engaged Consultants with a view to developing an Active Travel scheme consisting of new footpaths and public lighting from Tarmonbarry Village to the local National School at Corraun on the L1416. Funding of €20,000 was received in the 2023 Active Travel allocation to progress the design of the scheme. The project is currently at Stage I: Scheme Assessment, Concept Development, Options Selection and Preliminary Design.

The Options selection and preliminary design reports are due to be completed by the middle of May 2023 for submission to the National Transport Authority for Stage I approval.  Once approved, this will allow the scheme to progress to Stage II. (Statutory Process and detailed design).

Mr. Greg O’Donnell gave an update stating that at the under Active Travel, allocation capped at €2m and this will be largely go for the Ballaghaderreen Regeneration Project.

Two options were presented as follows:

Option 1:  Footpath & cycle path on both sides of road €5m towards consultation, €4m for CPO, giving a total of €8.7m.

Option 2: Shared pedestrian path 3m wide with 1.5m verge on one side, grass verge on opposite side €3.6m consolation, €491,000 CPO giving a total of €4m.

Councillor Tom Crosby welcomed that the scheme is at this stage and asked if other funding could be obtained to subsidise the short fall or from the Transition Fund.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell clarified that this walk/cycle way scheme comes under Active Travel but will investigate if any other funding is available from Transition Fund.

Councillor Tom Crosby stated that Tarmonbarry School is approx. 3kms from village with four housing estates along route.  Development charges were to be towards footpaths, etc.   This is a very busy road and scheme would allow children to walk or cycle safely.  He asked could scheme be done over two phases.

Councillor Valerie Byrne agreed costs are very high and concurred with Councillor Tom Crosby that the development charges money could be for phase 1 footpaths.

Councillor John Cummins asked why criteria for footpaths changed from 2m wide.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell stated that NTA has developed guidelines for cycle and walk-ways giving very descriptive details.  Pathways are generally wider than before as they incorporate cycle ways.  He clarified that Option 2 above is for both footpath and cycle way with the CPO cost being mainly towards the purchase of old farm buildings along route.

Councillor Valerie Byrne stated that when Active Travel was first introduced, it was aimed at bringing towns up to standard. For  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.23

The Councillors expressed sympathy to Gerry Higgins, Water GSS, on the death of his brother Jody on 1^st May 2023.  Sympathy was also extended to Joy’s wife Dolores and their family

The Councillors expressed sympathy to the family of Gerry Waldron Water GSS in Ballaghaderreen who passed away on 5^th April, 2023.

Councillor Liam Callaghan called on Roscommon County Council to honour Roscommon County Ladies Minor Camogie winners of the All Ireland Final at the next Civic Reception.

Councillor Valerie Byrne called on Roscommon County Council to honour the Elphin Junk Couture who have won a place in the final in London.

35.23  Any Other Business

35.23 (a)         (i)  Ballaghaderreen Regeneration Plan

                              (ii)  Ballaghaderreen Library

Cllr. Liam Callaghan requested an update on the Regeneration Plan for Ballaghaderreen and for Ballaghaderreen Library.  He understood there was an issue with heating in the current library building and asked if alternative premises were available.

(i)                   Ballaghaderreen Regeneration Plan: Mr. Greg O’Donnell informed meeting that this project came under the Active Travel and the NTA reviewed the final design.  Design has been accepted.  Classed as a High Priority Scheme – will take bulk of Active Travel Budget of €2m.  Council are negotiating with NTA how to fund this and keep the other projects which were earmarked for completion.  Plans are ready to go to tender.

(i)                  Ballaghaderreen Library:  Development of the Library building comes under the Library Services.  Plan includes energy and heating upgrades.  Scope of project has increased.  Revised specification is being finalized for tender in June 2023.  Expect contract in place August 2023.  Works will take approximately 28 weeks so mid 2024 likely completion target.  Weekly Mobile Library Service in place for town and schools.  Assets & Energy Section with the legal team are looking at locations for temporary library in the town.

Cllr. Liam Callaghan welcomed the response and in particular plans for the library as the library would be a central facility in the town.

Cllr. Michael Mulligan asked for clarification regarding temporary premises for library.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell confirmed that the Legal Team are looking at leasing a suitable building.

35.23 (b)         Strokestown Exit to Elphin Road

Cllr. Tom Crosby raised the issue of large stones/rocks falling onto this road coming from ditch which appears to have been undermined following water repair works and stated that road bank would need to be rebuilt.

Cllr. Valerie Byrne supported Cllr. Tom Crosby and stated that road banks were becoming compromised due to a higher volume of large lorries on narrow roads and repair of same falling to the landowner.  She asked if Council could assist and help fix the problem in conjunction with the landowner.

Mr. Ivor Kilcline stated that the ditch is the responsibility of the land/house owner but that he would

follow up.

 35.23 (c)  2023 Roads Programme

Cllr. John Cummins complimented the staff of the Boyle MD for their work on the current roads programme.

35.23 (d)  Staffing Strokestown AO

Cllr. Tom Crosby asked for update on the appointment of Area Engineer for the Strokestown Area.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell confirmed that there was no update at present.

35.23 (e) King House Lane Programme

Mr. Ivor Kilcline informed the meeting that the Tourism Project for King House Lane started on 5^th June and works are expected to be completed by 9^th July in time for the Boyle Arts Festival but no later than 20^th July. King House Lane is closed to the public until 20^th July 2023.   Painting and stone work repair will continue until early August but this does not require closure  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.23