·         Minutes of Plenary Meeting dated 25.11.2019

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

            SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 25.11.2019

There were no matters arising.

·         Management Report for November 2019

·         Management Report for November, 2019 was noted.

·         Site No1 comprising 0.1975hA at Ballyboughan Industrial Estate, Ballyboughan Td., Roscommon Town

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr. Shanagher

It was AGREED that the Council consent to the disposal of property pursuant to the provisions of Article 206 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, Section 211 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) and Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001 of particulars of property which it is proposed to dispose of at the location in County Roscommon and to the persons set out in the schedule hereunder. 

Particulars of the property which the County Council proposes to dispose:

The Property:  Site No. 1 comprising 0.1975 hA (0.488 acres) at Ballyboughan Industrial Estate, Ballyboughan Townland, Roscommon, County Roscommon

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired: Eircom Ltd., Harcourt Centre, 52 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2.

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of: GD Upholstery Ltd.

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €35,000 plus VAT

·         Ms. Martina Jennings, Chief Executive Officer

The Cathaoirleach welcomed Ms. Martina Jennings, CEO of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation who was accompanied by Ms. Angelina Nugent, Head of Fundraising and Communications.

Ms. Jennings thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak about the new Hospice that will be built in Roscommon town next year.  She outlined the timeline for the project with tenders due back in the next two weeks, and projected fourteen-month build at an estimated cost of €6 million. The unit will cater not only for terminal cancer patients but also for those with other conditions that require palliative care. The development will be located in Ardsallagh beside Roscommon Hospital and will consist of an 8 bed Level 2 Palliative care unit with café and ancillary facilities. The construction hospice will be officially marked at a sod turning ceremony at the site on 10^th January.

Ms. Nugent spoke about the fundraising efforts needed and said that all monies fundraised by the public go directly to the cost of providing the hospice care as the income from their twelve shops pay all other costs. She thanked the Council for agreeing to host a fundraiser/awareness event and asked that the Council facilitate advertising signs around the towns. Members were shown an audio visual of the plans for the proposed Hospice.

The members welcomed the presentation and all spoke in glowing terms of the care provided by a hospice and how welcome the news is that one will be located in Roscommon. Some mentioned personal experience service it provides and they thanked the people of Roscommon and Mayo who continue to fundraise for the hospices.

The Chief Executive thanked Ms. Jennings and Ms. Nugent for attending and creating awareness of the project and looks forward to the progress of the hospice in Roscommon and assured the Hospice Foundation of the Councils continued support.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Leyden

                SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED that road signs can be erected in the towns to publicise the development of the Roscommon Mayo Hospice.

·         N60 Oran - L1629 Dunamon Junction Reconfiguration

The Chief Executive’s Report had been circulated to the members. This report relates to the N60 Oran/ L-1629 Dunamon Junction Reconfiguration Project. Mr. Eugene Dwyer, Head of Roads, presented the report and informed the members that the works were not included in the original approval.

Nature and Extent of Development:  This project essentially involves the reconfiguration of the existing junction layout at the N60 Oran / L-1629 Dunamon junction:

·         The online improvement of 370m of the L1629 all purpose two lane road onto N60

·         Realignment and pavement upgrade of 130m of L1641 to form relocated T junction with L1629

·         Realignment and pavement upgrade of 50m of L6670 to form relocated T Junction with L1629

·         Including drainage and landscaping, utilities and service divisions and ancillary works.

Location of the Development:Between the townlands of Oran, Carroweighter and Gorticmeelra approx. 10km’s northwest of Roscommon Town.

The Council has complied with the requirements of the Regulations in respect of the proposed development and a necessary public notice was published in accordance with the Regulations. It is proposed to proceed with the works listed.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr.Connaughton

SECONDED by Cllr. Leyden

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council proceed with the works in accordance with the approved plans.

Mr. Liam Bergin, Director of Services outlined the progress to date in completing the Draft Corporate Plan 2019-2024. The newly formed Strategic Policy Committees have been given the opportunity to make submissions and therefore the Draft Plan is expected to be presented to the members for consideration at the February meeting.

 On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

                SECONDED by Cllr. Shanagher

It was AGREED to defer the presentation of the Draft Corporate Plan to the January Plenary Meeting

Mr. Martin Lydon, Director of Services informed the members that the Draft Plan was discussed at the Housing, ICT and Rural Water Strategic Policy Committee meeting on 9^th December 2019.

He briefed the members as follows:

·         This is primarily a Galway centric plan

·         Roscommon County Council is required to produce a Local Action Plan within 12 weeks of the adoption of the Plan.

·         In Roscommon homelessness is generally a crisis of a temporary nature. In 2019 there were 91 presentations to the Council and 42 were found to be homeless (31 individuals and 11 families)

·         The refusal rate for housing is still high at 29%.

Members commented as follows:

·         The Roscommon homeless figure is relatively small and work needs to continue to keep it so.

·         There are over 70 homeless charities nationally but are any of them active in Roscommon?

·         The Council must expand its housing stock and also have houses available for homeless.  Many families are currently priced out of the market.

In response to queries from members, Mr. Lydon confirmed that

·         Housing charities not active in Roscommon but other Local Authorities using Roscommon houses on the HAP Scheme

·         The Council have provision for emergency accommodation, including for families and including B&B if necessary

·         The Council is successful in using the HAP Scheme and it also met its targets for increasing stock in 2019.

·         Applicants must state reasons for refusal of accommodation and can be put to the end of the list after three refusals

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cummins

SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED to adopt the Draft West Region Homeless Action Plan 2020-2022

·         PPN Nominee - Ms. Susan Gaynor, Castlerea Tidy Towns.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED to appoint PPN nominee Ms. Susan Gaynor, Castlerea Tidy Towns to the Economic Development and Enterprise Support (Including Tourism, Culture and Libraries) SPC.

County Roscommon Fire Services:

The Chief Executive expressed his confidence in the Fire Service personnel of County Roscommon who continue to provide an effective and efficient Fire Service and to ensure that they enter the Christmas period with his full confidence and respect.

Update on “Just Transition Project”

Ms. Majella Hunt, Director of Services updated the members on the timeline of events nationally to date with regard to the Just Transition project. The main impact of job losses is in counties Offaly and Kildare and Offaly already commenced just transition planning. The decision on 8^th November by the ESB to close the power plant in Lanesboro has emphasised the need to become centrally included the just transition project because of the impact on the area.

A number of meetings have been held including local meetings, a meeting with the Minister on 11^th November, a meeting the Ballyleague/Lanesboro collaborative group attended by Directors of Services and public representatives from both counties. A meeting took place on 27^th November with the Chief Executives and senior staff of Roscommon and Longford Councils.

The Midlands Regional Transition team met on 29^th November and the Government appointed commissioner Mr. Kieran Mulvey was in attendance to set out the next steps including a European project called START where members were invited to attend workshops on 2^nd and 4^th December.

Roscommon and Longford Councils have agreed to lead out on the development of an Area Plan for Lanesborough Ballyleague and its larger catchment area and the first meeting was held with representatives from both Authorities on 3^rd December. The Plan will include assessing the funding available under current schemes. The Chief Executives are due to meet the Department and issues to be discussed include the structure of the Midlands Regional Transition Team now that Roscommon and Longford are to be included.

The members welcomed the update.

Cllr. Naughten asked that the impact of the closure of the Shannonbridge power plant on the South Roscommon area not be forgotten and that any funding available is fairly distributed.

Cllr. Crosby asked why only two elected members from the four nominated by Roscommon County Council attended the meeting on 3^rd December as he had withdrawn his name and would have attended. Cllr. Leyden stated that if members cannot attend, they ensure that another member is given the opportunity to attend – she also confirmed that five Longford councillors attended.

Cllr. Murphy asked that the surrounding areas of Strokestown, Tarmonbarry and Rooskey be included in any plan going forward in relation to the matter. Cllr Keogh asked that the South of Roscommon should be represented on the committee as the issue affects this area too and he was supported in his comments by Cllr. Ward. The Cathaoirleach asked the members interested in attending the meetings to contact Majella Hunt after this meeting deal with the attendance and to ensure full attendance at the meetings.

The Director of Services Ms. Majella Hunt  ...  view the full minutes text for item 196.19

Resolutions from Other Local Authorities:

·         Letter dated 4^th December, 2019 from Laois County Council regarding resolution:

“That this Council calls on the Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment Mr. Richard Bruton, T.D. to stop the rollout of 5G Fifth Generation Cellular Technology across the Country – we as a Council and public representatives have a moral and ethical responsibility to protect the health and wellbeing of our citizens – there is a reason why insurance companies will not insure 5G – this needs to be investigated further by an independent company with no prospect of financial gain”;

·         Letter dated 9^th December, 2019 from Waterford City and County Council regarding resolution:

“That Waterford City and County Council in keeping with the objective of making Waterford a fair employment area agrees with and endorses the right of all employees to be represented individually and/or collectively by a trade union if they so wish. We would expect and encourage all employees and their representative organisations in Waterford City/County to fully recognise this basic fundamental human rights and so not intimidate, harass or threaten the continued employment of those exercising this right”.

Acknowledgements to Resolutions from Roscommon County Council:

·         Acknowledgement letter dated 27^th November, 2019 from the Office of the Chief Executive Officer of the Health Service Executive:

o   Resolution referring to referrals to Roscommon County Hospital;

·         Acknowledgement email dated 29^th November, 2019 from the Irish Wheelchair Association:

o   Resolution Reference 186.19

Replies to Resolutions from Roscommon County Council:

·         Letter dated 29^th November, 2019 from the Irish Wheelchair Association regarding:

o   Cuisle Facility;

·         Letter dated 4^th December, 2019 from the Irish Wheelchair Association regarding:

o   Cuisle Facility;

·         Letter dated 11^th December, 2019 from Roscommon Leader Partnership regarding:

o   Representatives of RLP working in the offices of Curraghboy.

Other:

·         Letter dated 27^th November, 2019 from Senator Robbie Gallagher regarding a Parliamentary Question relating to sustainable rural housing guidelines following the Flemish Decree;

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Shanagher     

            SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

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

A vote of congratulations was recorded to the following:

§  Athleague Tidy Towns on winning 1st place in Category One at the Pride of Place 2019 Awards in Kilkenny.

§  Harmac Medical Products’ success in being awarded the Medtech Partner/Supplier of the Year Award by the Irish Medtech Association.

A vote of sympathy was expressed to Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services on the recent death of his mother Maureen Tiernan R.I.P

FIRE SERVICE:

Cllr. Dineen thanked the Chief Executive for his comments regarding the fire service and enquired if there was any further update. The Chief Executive confirmed there was no update available. 

GET WELL WISHES:

Cllr. Waldron expressed good wishes to former Councillor Domnick Connolly following a period of ill health and asked that this message be conveyed to him on behalf of the Council. He also asked that best wishes be conveyed to former Taoiseach Brian Cowan who is also ill in hospital.

 PRIDE OF PLACE AWARDS:

Cllr. Connaughton congratulated the villagers of Athleague on their success in the recent Pride of Place Awards and thanked everyone involved in the project including Director of Services Majella Hunt and her team in the Council. The Chief Executive added his congratulations to all involved in what was a great example of what a community can do when they come together.

The Cathaoirleach wished the members and their families and the staff of Roscommon County Council a very happy and peaceful Christmas. He thanked the staff who have to work over Christmas and he asked everyone to support their local shops and businesses.

Cllr. Dineen welcomed the recent announcement that the Office of Public Works have offered Roscommon County Council the option of taking a 20 year lease on the four former Garda stations of Balllintober, Ballyforan, Knockcroghery and Tarmonbarry. He noted that there are number of local community groups in Ballintober that would benefit from the use of the building including the annual visit of students from the USA for the ‘Castles in Community’ Archaeological trip. Cllr.  Crosby welcomed the inclusion of the former Tarmonbarry Garda Station as he is aware that the local community will also welcome a facility for meetings. Cllrs. Byrne, Ward and Waldron referred to the initial closure of the stations that should not have occurred but welcomed the potential future use of the buildings for community groups. Cllr. Naughten enquired if the Council have had discussions with community groups in Knockcroghery or Ballyforan areas regarding the vacant Garda stations.

The Chief Executive clarified that there have been no discussions to date with community groups in Ballyforan or Knockcroghery.

NORTHERN AND WESTERN REGIONAL ASSEMBLY:

Cllr. Leyden confirmed that the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) adopted the Regional Spatial Economic Strategy (RSES) at their meeting on 13^th December that she attended with Cllr. Naughten. It is important that Athlone as a Regional Centre is allowed to plan and develop at the same rate as other Regional Centres of Sligo and Letterkenny.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to write to the Minister Eoghan Murphy, Department of Planning, Housing and Local Government that a Joint Athlone Urban Area Plan be provided for under the legislative framework.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

                SECONDED by Cllr. Leyden

It was AGREED that secondary schools will be allowed to attend the meetings of the Climate Action Sub-Committee and that they be allowed to observe and make a submission or presentation.