·         Minutes of Plenary Meeting on 21.10.2019

·         Minutes of Special Meeting on 11.11.2019

·         Minutes of Budget Meeting on 18.11.2019

·         Minutes of Special Meeting on 18.11.2019

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

            SECONDED by Cllr. Cummins

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 21.10.2019

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. McDermott

            SECONDED by Cllr. Murphy

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of Special Meeting of 11.11.2019

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

            SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Budget Meeting of 18.11.2019

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cummins

            SECONDED by Cllr. Leyden

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of Special Meeting of 18.11.2019

Minutes of Special Plenary Meeting dated 11^th November 2019.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

It was AGREED to invite the Chairperson and the full Board members of the Irish Wheelchair Association to meet with members of Roscommon County Council.

Cllr. Ward informed the members that he has tabled a question and a motion on the proposed closure of Cuisle and the facilities available there at the HSE Forum meeting later this week.

Minutes of Budget Meeting dated 18^th November 2019

Cllr. Connaughton requested that a letter be sent to the Valuation Tribunal and this was omitted from the minutes.

·         October 2019

·         Management Report for October, 2019 noted.

Mr. Martin Lydon, Director of Services presented the 2018 Audited Annual Financial Statement (AFS)  and Audit Report and the Audit Committee Report on the AFS 2018 and the Local Government Auditors Report to the members for noting:

He highlighted the following:

·         The 2018 revenue account show a €6k surplus and accumulated surplus of €190k

·         There is an increase of 3% in the rates collection, however a risk to the Council includes the sum of €2.5m in rates appeals valuation to be determined by the Rates Valuation Tribunal.

·         The collection level for housing loans continues to be impacted by historic debts

·         Irish Water SLA coming to an end in Dec 2021 will impact on the Council

·         We need to continue to invest in IT equipment

·         Roscommon Leisure Centre recorded a surplus after the subvention paid

·         The Rockingham Moylurg Master Plan is being prepared for Lough Key and expected to be completed next year.

·         Unfinished Housing Estates are high but decreasing.

·         Training was completed with new staff to ensure the AFS and Budgets are up to date.

Cllr. Cummins, a member of the Audit Committee, indicated that they were pleased at the progress of the Council in 2018 as indicated by the reports and thanked the generosity of the ratepayers for the increase to 86% of the collection rate.

Members discussed the reports as follows:

·         Welcome the recent investment in the county and hope that more progress can be made in the coming years.

·         Concern about the level of unfinished estates

·         Loan to pay for Áras an Chontae and the repayments in comparison to renting properties – is the loan fixed?

·         Housing loans should be the responsibility of the Government

·         Welcome the increased investment in tourism and the need to prioritise the Lough Key project.

·         Welcome the rent and rates collection rate

·         Need to invest in tourism as the county does not have large industries

·         Need to have a plan in place if the ongoing rates revaluations have a negative impact on income

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

                SECONDED by Cllr. Waldron

It was AGREED to write to the Minister for Finance to indicate that the housing loans should be the responsibility of the Government.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Waldron

SECONDED by Cllr. Connaughton

It was AGREED to establish tourism links with Fr. Flanagan Centre in Boys town, USA

·         Presentation by Water Services Section

Ms. Catherine Finlay, Administrative Officer in Water Services Unit gave a detailed presentation to the members on the Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021:

·         The programme relates to small rural water and wastewater supplies not connected to the public mains (Irish Water network)

·         The multi annual funding approach is scheme specific with water quality, water conservation and future proofing of supplies as the main policy objectives

·         Nationally €75m over three years is allocated with €3.125m for Roscommon during this period.

·         Funding for Roscommon over this three-year period is provided under a number of measures including:

o   Source protection for Group Water Schemes -  €351,150

o   Public Health Compliance to improve water quality -  €814,000

o   Enhancement of existing schemes including water conservation - €1,431,000

o   Transition of Existing Group Water and Group Sewerage Schemes to the Public (Irish Water) Sector - €247,000

o   Community Connections to public network - €18,113

o   Individual Well Grants and in-site wastewater treatment systems is to be announced to reflect recently announced changes.

The Members welcomed the update and the allocation of grants for rural water supplies and discussed the matter as follows:

·         There is a need to have an awareness campaign to inform the public that the North East Regional Water Supply scheme (NERWSS) has a new treatment plant and the boil water notice is no longer applicable?

·         There was concern expressed about the cost of making a connection to the Irish Water network, which is now €2,263 and can reach up to €50,000 if there is a considerable distance from the mains to the connection – what has changed?

·         The allocation should be provided early in the year to allow to plan for work for the year ahead.

·         Are the works in the programme 100% funded and if not, who makes up the shortfall?

·         Forward thinking of the Council to ensure all services up to standard before village enhancement works such as was recently completed in Athleague.

·         When will the UV treatment on the Mid Roscommon supply be completed?

·         Can the Council put pressure on Irish water to carry out repairs more quickly?

Mr. Martin Lydon, Director of Services and Ms. Catherine Finlay replied to queries and comments as follows:

·         The pricing of water connections has been agreed through the Commission for Regulation of Utilities

·         Irish Water undertook a publicity campaign earlier in 2019 when the new water treatment plant was officially opened for the NERWSS.

·         There is 100% funding for source protection works, which is currently a pilot project. The remainder of the schemes are funded at 85% with the groups funding the remaining 15%.

·         The new three-year allocation will allow the Council to plan better for works required over the coming years.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

                SECONDED by Cllr. Connaughton

It was AGREED that in future, forthe people of rural county Roscommon, normal charges should apply for water connections, irrespective of the distance from the watermain.  It was further agreed that this letter be sent to Irish Water and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 180.19

·         Appointment of Cllr. John Naughten to the Housing, ICT and Rural Water SPC following the resignation of Cllr. Donal Kilduff.

·         Appointment of Cllr. Donal Kilduff to the Roads, Transportation and Emergency Services SPC following the resignation of Cllr. John Naughten.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Shanagher

                SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED that Cllr. Naughten be appointed to the Housing, ICT and Rural Water  Strategic Policy committee following the resignation of Cllr. Donal Kilduff.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Shanagher

                SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED that Cllr. Kilduff be appointed to the Roads, Transportation and Emergency Services Strategic Policy committee following the resignation of Cllr. John Naughten.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

SECONDED by Cllr. McDermott

It was AGREED to appoint the following to the Economic Development and Enterprise Support (Including Tourism, Culture and Libraries) SPC:

Business Commercial:   Mr. John Mee, Sidero Ltd., Monksland, Athlone (Chambers Ireland)

Development/Construction:  Mr. Liam Murray, Garrynagowna Construction Ltd., Summerhill, Co. Roscommon.

Environmental/Conservation: Mr. Michael Ewing, An Taisce North west Branch

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Byrne

SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED to appoint the following to the Housing, ICT and Rural Water SPC:

Community Voluntary: Mr. Vincent Moran, Frenchpark Development Committee

Trade Union: Ms. Monica Mahon (ICTU - HSE)

Development /Construction:     Mr. Alex Connolly., T Murray & Sons Ltd. (C.I.F)

Agriculture/Farming: Mr. Jim O’Connor, Grange, Boye Co Roscommon (IFA)

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. McDermott

SECONDED by Cllr. Murphy

It was AGREED to appoint the following to the Roads, Transportation and Emergency Services SPC:

Business/Commercial: Ms. Mary Clifford, Boyle, Co. Roscommon (Chambers Ireland)

Development/Construction: Mr. Matthew Dwyer, Ecoflex Surfacing Ltd., Frenchpark (C.I.F)

Environmental /Conservation: Ms. Rebecca Dobson, Plastic Free Roscommon

Community Voluntary: Mr. Trevor Hunt, Aughrim Kilmore Development Association

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED to appoint the following to the Planning, Environment, Climate Change, Corporate & Governance SPC:

Agriculture/Farming:     Mr. Ned O’Connor Strokestown Co. Roscommon (IFA)

Community/Voluntary: Mr. Gareth Scahill, Castlerea Tidy Towns

Environmental/Conservation: Ms. Hannah Mole, Roscommon Environment Network.

Development/Construction: Mr. Ciaran King, King & Moffatt Ltd (CIF)

Business Commercial: Mr. Sean Mahon, Mahon Sweeney Solicitors (Chambers Ireland)

Framework for Economic Development of Athlone

The Chief executive informed the members that the Council has been recently engaged in procuring a consultant to assist in the work of preparing an economic strategy for the Athlone area. Director of Services, Mr. Liam Bergin circulated details to the Members regarding the preparatory stage for the Urban Area Plan for the Regional Centre of Athlone as designated in the National Planning Framework, a plan that will be jointly prepared by the Athlone MD members of Roscommon and Westmeath County Councils. This is a 20 year document and will include a marketing plan to promote Athlone with its own unique brand and singular identity for and there will be equal input and agreement by the two Councils and the process is now commencing.

The Platform for Coal Regions in Transition – EU Initiative

The Chief Executive informed the members that the Midlands Region has been accepted as part of the EU Coal Regions in Transition Initiative. It is designed to assist EU members States and Regions in tackling socio-economic and environmental challenges associated with transition to a low carbon economy. Director of Services, Majella Hunt outlined details of the initiative as the Midland region was accepted into this initiative in July 2019 and membership allows for the application of funds from the EU secretariat of Regions in Transition (START). A steering committee is being set up consisting of all stakeholders in the Region to identify all of the issues and opportunities including funding requirements. A meeting with the elected representatives from Longford, Westmeath and Roscommon and the consultants appointed under START with take place on Tuesday 3^rd December and four nominees are required from Roscommon.  It was proposed that that Cllrs. Murphy, Leyden, Crosby, Waldron and Ward attend the meeting on behalf of the Council. Cllr. Crosby withdrew as there were five nominees.

Ms. Hunt indicated she would circulate the information to all of the members and the Cathaoirleach suggested that as there may be more of the members interested in the initiative, attendance at some of the meetings could be alternated between the members for the future meetings.

Resolutions from Other Local Authorities:

·         Letter dated 16^th October, 2019 from Monaghan County Council regarding resolution:

“That Monaghan County Council calls on the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Richard Bruton TD, to legislate for the banning of all non-recyclable materials used in food/drinks packaging by the end of 2021 and ensure that only recyclable and biodegradable packaging be used”.

·         Letter dated 22^nd October, 2019 from Westmeath County Council regarding resolution:

“For Westmeath County Council to call on the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence, Leo Varadkar TD to establish without delay a Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces in Ireland and also to establish a Permanent and Independent Defence Forces Pay Body”;

·         Letter dated 21^st October, 2019 from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council regarding resolution:

“That the Chief Executive, once again writes to the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy, TD and the Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, TD to express this Council’s complete dissatisfaction with the requirement for all Councils to decide on the variation of the Local Property Tax (LPT) basis rate in the absence of comprehensive budgetary information which is impossible to achieve within the existing timescale i.e. end of September each year. This Council calls on both Ministers to undertake to move the date required for that all local authorities to inform the Revenue Commissioners of the basic rate of LPT to no earlier than the end of October and that a copy of this motion is sent to all local authorities across Ireland”;

·         Letter dated 25^th October, 2019 from Fingal County Council regarding resolution:

“That this Council congratulates the Community Development Office for their presentation to representatives from 27 Local Authorities at the recent “Developing and Implementing Local Migrant Integration Strategies” and asks that copies of the presentation be forwarded to all Elected Representatives in Ireland in the hope it will prevent future discriminatory comments being made by politicians similar to the offensive comments made recently in Oughterard”;

·         Letter dated 25^th October, 2019 from Carlow County Council regarding resolution:

“Carlow County Council calls on the Minister for Health to immediately reinstate the Rehabilitative Training Bonus for people with disabilities”:

Acknowledgements to Resolutions from Roscommon County Council:

·         Acknowledgment Email dated 16^th October, 2019 from Minister Regina Doherty, TD Office, Employment Affairs and Social Protection re

o   Resolution on Carers Allowance – Sept 2019 137.19(b)

·         Acknowledgement Email dated 16^th October, 2019 from Minister Eoghan Murphy, TD Office, Housing Planning and Local Government re

o   Resolution on Rural Water Allocation Dates – Sept 2019 137.19(a)

·         Acknowledgment Email dated 18^th October, 2019 from Minister Simon Harris, TD Minister for Health re

o   Resolution on Carers Allowance – Sept 2019 137.19(b)

Replies to Resolutions from Roscommon County Council:

·         Letter dated 21^st October, 2019 from the Office of Public Works;

o   Lough Fuinshinagh Analysis Report – Sept 2019

·         Reply dated 6^th November, 2019 from Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection re

o  ...  view the full minutes text for item 184.19

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. McDermott

            SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

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

The Cathaoirleach confirmed he had a number of items requested to be discussed under any other business.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice, Cathaoirleach

SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to invite Ms. Martina Jennings, CEO of the Roscommon Mayo Hospice to make a presentation to the members at the December Plenary meeting.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice, Cathaoirleach

SECONDED by Cllr. Leyden

It was AGREED to host a fundraiser and awareness function for the Roscommon Mayo Hospice in Áras an Chontae in the Spring of 2020

Cllr. Nigel Dineen raised the matter of Castlerea fire station and the commitment the C.E. gave earlier in the year to reopen the fire station and requested a timeline in regard to this.

He asked a number of questions and made a number of comments as follows:

·         Has any refresher training taken place for any of the seven firefighters in Castlerea to date?

·         He was asked to highlight a matter that is a concern of people in Castlerea and surrounding areas that companies do ask the question if there is a fire service available in the area when quoting for insurance and will then hike up the premium or decline to insure the property if there is not a fire service available.

·         He stated the minimum requirement to attend a fire is a crew of five. Last week there was a chimney fire in Castlerea town and Ballaghaderreen fire brigade could not attend as they had only four firefighters available at the time of the call. Ten minutes after the initial call, Ballyhaunis were contacted to attend and they had six firefighters available. When the Ballyhaunis crew arrived to the fire, the Ballaghaderreen tender

had already arrived with only four firefighters which was a breach of protocol and Health and Safety. Eventually the fifth firefighter from Ballaghaderreen arrived to the fire one hour and ten minutes after the call in his own private vehicle. Under Health and Safety Procedures Cllr. Dineen asked the following questions of the Chief Executive and Director of Services

o   Does the firefighter go straight to the fire station first before he/she can attend the fire?

o   Can a firefighter attend a fire using his/her own car?

o   Can a firefighter arrive at a fire without his/her PPE or can he/she put on turnout gear at the fire?

o   Ballaghaderreen fire tender arrived at the fire with a crew of four, what are the procedures in that situation?

He stated that a number of years ago a crew from Castlerea could not attend a call over an elderly man trapped in his property in Castlerea town because they only had a crew of three and had to wait for backup crew to attend the fire before they could leave the station. He asked if the procedures changes since then that the four firefighters came from Castlerea to the fire before the back-up crew arrived from Ballyhaunis and was he correct in stating that the crew from Ballaghaderreen should not have attended the fire first and were procedures carried out properly under health and safety in this regard? He stated that in the end there were eleven firefighters, two engines and two jeeps present at the chimney fire in Castlerea.

He stated that what happened in Castlerea last week was reckless and it’s sad to see this is the fire service the Council is running in the county. Eighteen councillors passed the budget last week while a fire was happening in Castlerea and part of this budget  ...  view the full minutes text for item 186.19b

Cllr. Shanagher informed the members that Athlone Institute of Technology confirmed that it is forming a consortium with Limerick Institute of Technology to develop a new technological university (TU) for the Midlands and Mid-West. This is the key governance step opening the pathway to commence work on the new university. It follows the recent Government announcement that it is to make funding of €90 million available for the development of technological universities over the next three years. A Board member of A.I.T., Cllr Shanagher acknowledged the work of the President, Prof.  Ciarán Ó Catháin and the good relationship Roscommon County Council has built up with the college over the past number of years.

The Members welcomed the news.

Cllr. Keogh references the email from Minister McGraths office where there is no reference to the structure of the building and this is not consistent with the message that came from the IWA at the recent Special meeting.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

                SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED to write to the Board of the Irish Wheelchair Association, the CEO and the Ministers Office to confirm why there is conflicting accounts of the information provided to the members of Roscommon County Council.