Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon

Contact: Patricia Bohan  Email: pbohan@roscommoncoco.ie; 090 66 37172

Media

Items
No. Item

108.19

Adoption of Minutes

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Ward

            SECONDED by Councillor Murphy

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Plenary Meeting held on 24.06.2019

 

 

109.19

Matters Arising

Additional documents:

Minutes:

·         There were no matters arising.

110.19

Management Report

Additional documents:

Minutes:

·         Management Report for Quarter 2 noted.

 

111.19

Section 85 Agreement with Westmeath County Council

·         Provision of Fire Brigade Services by Westmeath to Roscommon County Council in a specified area of South Roscommon.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Naughten

            SECONDED by Councillor Ward

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council enter a Section 85 Agreement with Westmeath County Council (lead authority) to make available its Fire Brigade, Firefighting equipment and staff to Roscommon County Council for use in the agreed fire ground area and according to the terms of the agreement for the five-year period 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2024.

 

It was proposed by Cllr. Ward and seconded by Cllr. Dineen that going forward there should be provision for a new fire station in Monksland included in the county development plan.

 

 

112.19

Draft Casual Trading Bye-Laws 2019

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Services, Mr. Shane Tiernan presented the Draft Bye-Laws for adoption. He outlined the process to get to this stage and the benefits of adopting bye-laws in light of the fact that there are none at present and situations are arising whereby enforcement or regulation is impossible without such bylaws. In support of this he referred to:

·         Protection of existing licenced traders;

·         Parity and balance for existing rate payers;

·         Health and Safety and identity of spaces for legitimate traders with deterrent for ad-hoc setting up of stalls;

·         Deterrent against the sale of counterfeit goods;

·         Regulation and enforcement on pitches being set up on the side of the roads, causing potential road hazards;

·         Fees being fair and reasonable and costing no more than €2 per trading day.

 

 

He said that the process had gone through legislative requirements including draft bylaws going to public consultation with submissions sought and examined. Each submission was discussed at the Housing Corporate SPC and amendments were made to the draft bylaws in consideration of all submissions. He stated that where possible accommodation was made to the benefit of the traders and in consideration of the Council objectives. He stated that this was not an income generating initiative and was very much driven by need for regulations and that the proposed charges would only ever be to cover the administrative cost of enforcing the bylaws. He recommended that the Council adopt the bylaws as proposed.

 

Cllr. Cummins, Chairperson of the outgoing Corporate and Housing SPC outlined the work that had been undertaken over a large number of years to get the Bye Laws to this point and the need for regulation of the casual trading. He stated that some traders come and go and take up a considerable amount of space with sometimes poor layout and insecure pitches. He said the rate payers of the county will welcome the Bye-Laws.

 

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Cummins

    SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

That the Bye -Laws be adopted subject to the following amendments;

·         The sale of Cabbage Plants only from 1st February to 1st July inclusive be exempted

·         The sale of natural Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands from 24th November to 24th December not be exempted but subject to a licence fee of €25

·         That the side entrance gate to the Eight-til-Late premises on Main St. Roscommon be facilitated by a designated hatched area on the Map Schedule and the Casual Trading area not interfere with it.

 

While the members welcomed the introduction of Bye-Laws there was considerable debate on their introduction and in particular regarding fees payable by the fruit and vegetable traders on Main St. In Roscommon.

 

Cllr. Ward outlined the representations he had made for a number of years regarding the operation of long standing local traders selling local fruit and veg produce.  Other members also asked if there was grounds to facilitate this submission.

 

Other queries raised included:

·         The removal of the phone box on Main St.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 112.19

113.19

Draft Segregation, Storage and Presentation of Household and Commercial Waste Bye-Laws 2019

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Mr. Liam Bergin, Director of Services presented the details of the proposed Bye Laws including the enforcement that allows for fixed notice fines of €75 and a penalty of €500 per day subject to a maximum of €2,500.

 

The members welcomed the Bye Laws and raised the following queries:

·         What is the procedure and sanctions if receipts are not produced?

·         Can single households share bins?

·         The sourge of dashboard dining  

·         Will landlords be responsible for disposing of tenants’ waste?

·         The need for more staff working in waste enforcement around the county.

·         Has the Council a role in illegal waste dumping on private lands?

·         Need to minimise waste  and support for ‘Plastic Free Roscommon’ next Saturday

·         Waste Providers are not collecting down by-roads so how can all houses be provided for? Can the waste-providers be held responsible to collect from all households?

·         Will waste providers provide information on who has a bin?

·         Is a drone used by the Council and is it effective?

 

Mr. Bergin addressed the queries and also stated that a FAQ section on the website should address queries that will arise from the public.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Crosby

            SECONDED by Councillor Byrne

It was AGREED to adopt the Draft Segregation, Storage and Presentation of Household Waste Bye Laws 2019.

 

114.19

Draft Strategic Policy Committee Scheme 2019-2024

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Mr. Liam Bergin Director of Services, presented the Draft Scheme for approval of the members. The scheme includes provisions for the Lobbying Regulations and Transparency code that will allow for more reporting of the work of the SPC’s on the Council Website. The closing date for submissions is 3rd September and it is intended to have the first meetings of the committees before the end of the year.

 

   On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Naughten

            SECONDED by Councillor Cummins

It was AGREED to adopt the Draft Strategic Policy Committee Scheme 2019-2024.

 

115.19

Appointment of Member to the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Keogh

            SECONDED by Councillor McDermott

It was AGREED to appoint Ms. Antoinette Ryan as nominated by the Department of Employment Affairs to the Local Community Development Committee following the resignation of Mr. Eoin Browne.

 

116.19

Presentation By Directors of " Castles in Communities" Ballintubber

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed to the meeting the Directors of “Castles in Communities” Project in Ballintubber including Mr. Bryce Beasley, Dr Niall Brady, Dr. Samuel Connell, Dr Kathryn Maurer and the owner of Ballintubber Castle Mr. Pyers O’Connor Nash together with the students from Columba College N.Y and Fonthill College in California. He said the project has been a great success with the students bringing a vibrancy to the village of Ballintubber during their annual six week visit in the summer.

 

Mr. Pyers Nash, the owner or custodian of Clonalis House and Ballintubber Castle informed the meeting of the great success of the “castles in Communities” project that has been ongoing in Ballintubber for five years with three hundred students to date spending over nine thousand days in the area. They are students of archaeology and anthropology and he thanked the directors and families who facilitate the project. He thanked Roscommon County Council Heritage Officer, Tourism Officer and Chief Executive for their support. He encouraged the promotion of Roscommon as a destination by “spot marketing” as in giving the visitor an intense experience like what is offered by this project.

 

Mr. Bryce Beasley, one of the participants in the project gave a presentation on the experience of the students staying in Roscommon and in particular the memories it creates of canoeing, fishing and walking. Many students come to Galway and Dublin but never the heart of Ireland. He has been coming each year since its inception and would love to settle and live in Roscommon.

 

Dr. Niall Brady, Director of the Castles in Communities Project thanked the members for the opportunity to speak about the project. The event is unique from the Castlerea Pipe band greeting the arrival of the students to the hosting of the students by the families in the locality. During the digs, they have found many significant items and they are looking outside the village and found old settlement footprints. There is an open day on Saturday and he invited everyone to attend to experience the initiative.

 

The members welcomed all of the visitors to the meeting including the people from Ballintubber. They welcomed the enthusiasm of the students the insight they give to the heritage that is taken for granted. This is the type of tourism that has great potential that can transform rural Ireland – we need to learn from this project and grow other similar opportunities. This is a unique project not just in Ireland but in the world - the students sell Roscommon and the friendship they receive.

 

117.19

Extension of Standing Orders

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cummins

SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED to extend Standing Orders after 5.30pm

118.19

Chief Executive Business

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Castlerea Fire Station: The Chief Executive updated the members with regard to the fire station in Castlerea that has been closed since 20th January 2017 because of Health and Safety concerns. He outlined the cover that has been provided for the Castlerea fire-ground area by the Ballaghaderreen, Ballyhaunis, Roscommon and Elphin fire crews. During the time of the closure, the response times have been analysed and ongoing updates provided to the Chief Executive by the Chief Fire Officer and Director of Services and he is satisfied that the level of service provided over the past two and a half years was satisfactory and within acceptable parameters. As stated on previous occasions it is the intention of the Chief Executive to reopen the station but the health and safety of every employee of the Council must be taken into account in relation to any decision on the future of the station. At this stage, the Chief Executive has now requested the Director of Services to prepare a report detailing a Risk Management Review pertaining to the operation of the Fire Station and on consideration of the Directors report, he will assess the feasibility of re-opening the station.

 

The Cathaoirleach stated that it is imperative that the Fire Station reopens and he hopes that the report is a positive one.

 

 

119.19

Correspondence

Additional documents:

Minutes:

·         Letter dated 20th June 2019 from Clare Co. Co. detailing a resolution passed to request the Minister for Health to provide for the rollout of free folic acid to all women of childbearing age and run an educational programme in tandem.

·         Letter dated 20th June 2019 from Clare Co. Co. detailing a resolution passed regarding opposition to the roll out of 5G in the county

·         Letter dated 21st June 2019 from the Department of Health in response to Roscommon County Council letter of concern over the closure of the Rosalie Unit, Castlerea;

·         Letter dated 16th July, 2019 from Kerry County Council detailing a resolution that was adopted “That Kerry County Council write to the Minister for Defence and An Taoiseach asking that the long overdue medals for gallantry and distinguished service specifically for the Irish soldiers of A Company who served at Jadotville in 1961 be awarded. These medals were promised by former Taoiseach Enda Kenny in his final days in office and still they have not been received”;

·         Letter dated 16th July, 2019 from Kerry County Council detailing a resolution that was adopted “That considering obligations under the Good Friday Agreement (GFA), Kerry County Council calls on the Irish Government to bring the Equal Status Act in line with legislation in the 6 County State and include ‘political belief’ as an unlawful ground for discrimination”.

 

120.19

Closure of the Lough Ree Power Station and the Bord Na Mona redundancies

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cathaoirleach stated that some members had requested him to include this item on the agenda in light of the recent announcement of the closure of the Bord na Mona power plant in Lanesborough and the probable consequent job losses.

 

·         There are 76 seasonal employees and 72 permanent staff on unpaid temporary leave

·         Workers don’t know where they stand at present regarding their employment with Bord na Mona.

·         The station may permanently close as there is no indication of how the problem of the warm water overflow to the River Shannon will be solved.

·         There is no sense in importing timber to burn in power stations as is happening at the moment – it is not sustainable.

·         Local Oireachtas members need to deal with this matter

·         There is protest this evening in Lanesboro and it will be attended by the members.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

                SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council call on the Government to establish a Task Force comprising of representatives from Bord na Mona, Enterprise Ireland, Roscommon, Longford Westmeath and Galway County Councils.

 

Furthermore the sum of €100 million should be transferred from the Urban Regeneration Fund to a new Climate Action Fund to create a National Park

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

                SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED to write to the Minister for Agriculture to put a system of support in place for farmers to grow renewable materials.

 

 

121.19

Notices of Motion

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Five Notices of Motion were submitted.

122.19a

5G Broadband - Cllr. Leyden (14.19)

·         14.19 Cllr. Leyden – 5G Broadband

·         15.19 Cllr. Ward – Home Care packages

·         16.19 Cllr. Naughten – Verge Trimming

·         17.19 Cllr. Crosby – Opening of Bridges on River Shannon

·         18.19 Cllr. Fallon – Funding for Community Based Organisations for House insulation

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 “That Roscommon County Council opposes the (1) testing of 5G and the roll out of 5G in County Roscommon, (2) calls on ComReg to deny licencing for its rollout and (3) calls on the Minister for Communications, Climate Change and the Environment to establish the facts about the radiation impact of 5G on the environment and human health with reference to global scientific knowledge”

 

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

 

Other than in matters of planning and compliance with planning legislation regarding telecommunications masts and physical infrastructure, Roscommon County Council has no legislative remit with regards to the radio frequency transmissions from such infrastructure including 5G. ComReg is the authority charged with the authorisation of Wireless Telegraphy equipment in Ireland. In managing the radio spectrum, ComReg has set down specific rules and regulations for the possession and use of radio equipment and associated transmissions and is responsible for licensing for the telecommunications industry. This applies to the radio frequency spectrum applicable to 5G. As part of its function ComReg commissions audit reports to verify that licensed operators are in compliance with their licence conditions relating to emission limits for non-ionising radiation.

 

In the context of broadband coverage, I would remind that a 5G network is stated as having great potential in the transmission of data and offering greatly improved mobile broadband. It can also facilitate large data volumes and diverse communications with better reliability and efficiency. The Council’s objective as outlined in the County Development Plan, is to continually improve high quality broadband services in Roscommon, where we are supporting the viability and competitiveness of existing jobs, removing a major barrier to attracting new investment to many areas of the county as well as improving quality of life and connectivity for local communities.

 

Cllr. Leyden outlined the reasons why she was bringing the motion for discussion including:

·         All communities in future should be consulted regarding installation of masts, both for broadband and wind. The Council should use Map Alerter for such planning applications to inform the public

·         Support for fibre broadband as the method to deliver national broadband rollout

·         5G radio emission fields are more complex and very different from 4G. Very large numbers of antennae will be required at high energy outputs.

·         Reports from scientists and doctors warn of the dangers of Electromagnetic radiation and Environment minister in Belgium stopped roll out of 5G in Brussels.

·         Roscommon County Council should exercise its responsibility to protect the environment and the public

 

The members welcomed the motion but expressed concern that they did not have enough information to make an informed decision on calling for a ban on 5G testing in Roscommon and felt it would be prudent to defer such decisions until such time as there is clear independent advice available.

 

There are a number of issues including with regard to planning such as:

·         If there a requirement to amend the County Development Plan and SPC Policy if this motion is agreed?  It was noted that

in any case  ...  view the full minutes text for item 122.19a

122.19b

Home Care Packages - Cllr. Tony Ward (15.19)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

“I call on the Minister for Health, Mr. Simon Harris T.D., and the Government to bring forward legislation in the Dáil, to make it a Statutory entitlement that persons who qualify for Home Help Hours and Home Care Packages must be immediately provided for by the Health Services Executive.”

 

 

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

 

This Motion requires a resolution of the Council.

 

Cllr. Ward outlined the issues with older people in the community on a waiting list for home help hours. At the end of March 2019 up to 100 people are waiting in County Roscommon. In the long run this will be a significant saving to the state to provide care in hospitals or nursing homes.

 

The members welcomed the resolution and supported the proposal.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED to write to the the Minister for Health, Mr. Simon Harris T.D., and the Government to bring forward legislation in the Dáil, to make it a Statutory entitlement that persons who qualify for Home Help Hours and Home Care Packages must be immediately provided for by the Health Services Executive.

 

122.19c

Verge Trimming - Cllr. Naughten (16.19)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

“That Roscommon County Council provide additional funding to urgently carry out verge trimming on the Local and Regional road network throughout County Roscommon as it is currently a significant safety issue”.

 

Cllr. Ward seconded the motion.

 

The meetings Administrator read the following reply:

 

There are five verge trimmers working at the moment. Four are Council owned and one is hired. It is intended to hire five additional verge trimmers for July, August and September. Given budgetary constraints it is not envisaged that any additional tractors will be hired above what is now proposed.

 

Cllr Naughten acknowledged that the issue was being taken seriously but there are considerable number of junctions and verges overgrown that need to be urgently addressed.

 

Cllr. Dineen and Fitzmaurice stated that machinery should be working full time and not idle when staff are on holidays and consequently there is a need to train more drivers and they raised this issue at the recent CPG meeting.

 

The Director of Services, Mr. Shane Tiernan confirmed that there will be considerable effort from July to September to address the problem but there are 3,300km of roads to be covered and the Council must be mindful of Health and Safety on busy roads.

 

 

122.19d

Opening of Bridges on River Shannon - Cllr. Crosby (17.19)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

“I call on the CEO of Waterways Ireland and the Ministers for Environment and Tourism to introduce a timed system of opening the bridges over the River Shannon that has to be raised up to allow boat traffic to pass under. The current system gives total priority to boat users on the Shannon river, causing major queues of traffic building up on the approach national primary roads to and from the West of Ireland.  The current rules require the bridge to be raised up if just one boat user requests to go through at any given time.”

 

The Motion was withdrawn by Cllr. Crosby

122.19e

Funding for Community Based Organisations for House Insulation - Cllr. Fallon (18.19)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

“I request Mr. Richard Bruton TD Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to provide adequate funding to the thirteen nationwide Community Based Organisations to continue the upgrading of house insulation under the SEAI Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme.  The 2019 annual funding has been exhausted and the Boards of the thirteen CBO’s will have no option but to disband with the loss of skilled jobs in home insulation. The Minister set a target to insulate 500,000 homes by 2030 so it is completely contradictory to suspend funding to the leaders in home insulation and force their Boards to disband”

 

Cllr. Fallon stated funding was received for the work carried out by local organisations on 81 houses last year but funding for only 24 houses received in 2019 and there are 70 houses on the waiting list. There are 6 full time staff working on the projects and they have established relationships with builders, plumbers etc. A supplementary budget will be necessary to continue the work being done by the Community Based Organistaions.

 

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED to write Mr. Richard Bruton TD Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to provide adequate funding to the thirteen nationwide Community Based Organisations to continue the upgrading of house insulation under the SEAI Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme. 

 

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED to resend a letter  to Mr. Richard Bruton TD Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment regarding a second visit to homes that have previously been assessed for grants.

123.19

Councillors Conferences - Payment/Attendance

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

SECONDED by Cllr. Cummins

It was AGREED to adopt the list of payments for training and conferences as circulated.

 

124.19

Any Other Business

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr. Waldron requested that the Roscommon Childcare Committee make a short presentation at the September Plenary meeting in light of changes to regulations on 12th October.

 

The Cathaoirleach said that this would be an proposal to be discussed at the next CPG meeting.

 

 

 

Original text