·         Minutes of “In Camera” Plenary Meeting 27.04.2020

·         Minutes of Plenary Meeting on 27.04.2020

The Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive led tributes to the late Gerry Corcoran RIP, retired supervisor from the Castlerea Area who passed away recently and who was an exemplary employee of Roscommon County Council whose honesty, integrity and commitment left a legacy for all who came after him. A minute’s silence was held in his memory and condolences expressed to his wife Ann and family.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

            SECONDED by Cllr. Shanagher

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the “In Camera” Plenary Meeting of 27^th April 2020

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Shanagher

            SECONDED by Cllr. McDermott

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 27^th April 2020

There were no matters arising.

·         Management Report April 2020

·         Management Report for April 2020 noted.

Mr. Martin Lydon, Director of Services presented the Unaudited Financial Statement for 2019 for approval.

·         A surplus of €12k was delivered on the Revenue Account, which now means the cumulative general reserve at the end of 2019 stood at €202k.

·         A combined total of €101.4m (including transfers) was spent in the Revenue and Capital Account during 2019, delivering services to the citizens of Roscommon.

·         The cash of the County Council was managed prudently, with no recourse to overdraft during the year, whilst at the same time ensuring 97% of invoices were paid within 30 days.

·         The Rates Collection rate for 2019 increased to 89% (from 86% in 2018), with an increase of €95k in cash collected. The Rents collection rate reduced by 1%, but was still an impressive 91% and the collection rate for loans increased by 21% to 76% from 55% in 2018.

·         NPPR income in 2019 was €208k above budget at €548k. This compared to €1,060k in 2018.

·         There was additional rental income of €628k generated, based on the removal of the maximum threshold and the maintaining of a fair and equitable system based on affordability. This income stream will reduce in 2020 due to the emergency in the country.

·         The budgeted figure of €1.2m was received from Department of Housing, Planning and Local

Government (DHPLG) in relation to compensation as part of the Lansdowne Road Agreement.

·         Income of €286k was generated from a vacant site levy. However, this is a difficult levy to collect and a substantial bad debt provision has been provided.

The additional income and budget savings, allowed the Council to incur additional expenditure and create further provisions as follows:

2019

Velocity Patcher Units €906,000, Arts Centre €441,000, Rates Incentive Scheme €128,000

Housing Voids Programme €419,000, Rates €500,000.

The Statement of Comprehensive Income for 2019 which records revenue income & expenditure activity reported a surplus of €12K.

The Local Property Tax allocation is of continuing concern for Roscommon County Council given the fact that an amount of €7.039M has been received from the equalisation fund in order to sustain the required level of services

2019

Capital Account Activity

Capital Expenditure is also identified within the Fixed Assets and Work in Progress headings in the Balance Sheet and includes monies owed to the County Council as at 31st December 2019. Capital Account Expenditure is funded by various sources such as Grants, Loans and Development Contributions (cash received for development contributions was €708k for 2019 as against €810k for 2018). The transactions summarised in the report give an overview of the level of activity on the Capital Account during 2019. The closing balance at year end is mainly due to timing differences between the incurring of expenditure and the raising of income.

Balance Sheet

The Balance Sheet shows Fixed Assets at a value of €1,865M as at the year end with Work in Progress and Preliminary Works in respect of fixed assets being €7.4M.

There was no requirement for overdraft facilities during 2019.

015

Mr. Lydon acknowledged the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.20

 Mr. Lydon presented the transfers to and from reserves for approval for year ended 31^st December 2019:

A total €3,787,237 of transfers to\from reserves. Some of the more notable transactions within this figure are transfers for the creation of the following provisions:

·          Two Velocity Patchers €604,000

·          Rates Revaluation €500,000

·          Arts Centre Construction €441,000

·          Housing Voids Programme €420,000

·          Match Funding Government Regeneration €231,000

·          RAS Reserve as directed by Central Government €227,000

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED to approve the transfers between capital and revenue accounts in the sum of €3,787,237 for year ended 31 December 2019.

·         Presentation from Mr. Martin Lydon, Director of Services

Mr. Martin Lydon, Director of Services gave a presentation to the members on the impact of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemicon the finances of Roscommon County Council including the impact on our revenue, the Government response, Local Government Sector response, Roscommon County Council response and the next steps to be taken in this matter:

·         Potential annual loss of €5.9m in rates income (€491k per month)

o   Annual invoices of €12.7m (arrears b/fwd. €1.2m)

o   2020 position; cumulative effect in 2021 (closed businesses)

o   Potential loss of rental income - Full affect will not be known until Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment ends

·         Reduction in Planning applications equating to €50k lost fee income

·         The Council need to be cognisant of 2021 finances in all decisions to be made on finances

·         The rates account deficit brought forward to 2020 is €1.2m – the lowest for many years.

·         It is difficult to calculate the loss of rental income

Government Response:

·         Circular Fin 06/2020 introduced “Commercial rates alleviation measures” including a 3-month waiver of Rates for certain businesses:

o   Only for businesses forced to close -€260m available to fund initiative and Roscommon can expect between €1.35 - €1.5m

o   Covers period 27^th March to 27^th June 2020

o   Operation of scheme not yet designed

o   The position post 27^th June to be considered as part of a wider review of options once unwinding of public health restrictions advanced

·         ReStart Fund initiated for commercial premises with a rates account launched on 22^nd May with a closing date of 31^st August

·         €250m available to fund initiative

·         Businesses must operate in commercially rateable premises

·         Ratepayers not eligible include Multiple Chains, Non-commercial organisations, businesses not operating from commercially rateable premises and premises that were vacant prior to Covid-19 emergency

·         Grant based on 2019 rates demand, subject to a minimum of €2k and maximum of €10k

·         If rates were less than €2k, business will receive minimum amount of grant i.e. €2k

·         Businesses that did not pay 2019 rates are eligible

·         Criteria for qualifying

§  Must have turnover <€5m and 50 or less employees

§  Suffered a projected loss of 25% in revenue (1^st April -30^th June)

§  Business must commit to remain open or reopen

§  Retain employees on Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS)

§  One week for approval by RCC

§  SLA signed with DBEI / DHPLG / EI

§  Will allow €200m to be allocated to local authorities

§  Effectiveness of scheme to be reviewed once €200m paid to businesses

·         The Department of Finance & Public Expenditure & Reform announced on 2^nd May a commitment to local authorities to make up the rates shortfall, so that local authorities can continue to provide full services to the public.

Local Government Response:

·         CCMA and Head of Finance Group have been in regular contact with DHPLG

·         Three Acute Financial Matter (AFM) Reports produced

·         Reports were basis for rates waiver fund of €260m

·         Local Government Sector is dependent on Central Government meeting shortfall across all  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.20

Mr. Martin Lydon advised the members that while the clock was stopped on planning deadlines during the pandemic through legislation, it has restarted and site visits have recommenced. 

The period from 29^th March to 23^rd May (both dates inclusive), referred to as the ‘emergency period’, was excluded for the purposes of calculating appropriate periods and timelines for the processing of planning applications under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001.

Pre planning meetings are facilitated through Microsoft Teams and all planning files are now online within 5 working days of receipt and this will continue. Investment in new software has produced mush better quality online files.

The Development Plan is at the Pre Draft Public Consultation Phase and the closing date is extended to 31^st July.

Director of Services, Mr. Shane Tiernan presented the members an update on Broadband rollout in the county:

National Broadband Ireland (NBI) were planning on presenting an overview of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) rollout in Roscommon to council members on March 30th last. Unfortunately, due to the measures put in place to alleviate the spread of Covid19, this was not possible. NBI plan to make a presentation to elected members at the earliest available opportunity.  Close to half of the population of Roscommon have no access to high speed broadband. This translates to over 19,000 premises across the county.

Under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) Roscommon will see an investment of €76M in the new high speed fibre-to-the-home network. This will enable e-learning, remote monitoring of livestock or equipment, e-health initiatives, better energy efficiency in the home, and more remote working.

The first phase of the NBP involves on the ground surveying, to assess current infrastructure - such as poles and ducts - which may be used in constructing the roll-out of the new high speed fibre network. These inform the design for the network ‘build’ that is required in each area.  On April 27th last NBI surveyors began this work in Roscommon in the areas of Ballymurray, Athleague, Castlecoote, Dunamon, Ballymacurly, Lackan, Kilroosky, and Four Mile House.

NBI also carried out surveys in south Roscommon as part of the Ballinasloe area works. Some areas covered were Taughmaconnell, Ballydangan, Cornafulla and Old Town. They will spend several weeks surveying, so that network designs can be completed for these areas for the build phase.

Operating at scale across the country, NBI will be building in 11 of 227 separate deployment areas by end 2020 and in every county nationwide next year. Some premises in Roscommon can expect to be able to connect to the network next year.

NBI are also responsible for installation of the Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) which are an important element of early delivery of access to high speed internet in the Intervention Area (IA) set out in the NBP. These will enable free public connectivity in various locations across the county and country. In Roscommon, up to eight BCPs will be available to the public in the next 12 months and these include community centres in Tawnytaskin, Gortaganny and Cam, Dangan, Ballybay (Tobohan pulled out), Drumboylan, Creeve, Tulsk, with enhanced broadband at schools in Tarmon and  Ballagh. Site inspections took place at each site in Roscommon during February and March. Cam will be the first site to receive the infrastructure on 26^th May.

Further information including National Broadband Ireland contact information is included in the members correspondence pack.

§  Boyle - Eir have commenced their rollout of fibre broadband to Boyle town. Fibre will be placed through existing ducting from the fibre enabled cabinets to each premises. Eir has service available to 35% of Boyle at this point, over 600  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.20

Direstor of Services Mr. Shane Tiernan presented an update on the current status of the Galway to Athlone Greenway Project as follows: 

This project is being jointly managed by Westmeath, Galway and Roscommon County Councils in conjunction with TII. After a five-year pause, the 140km Galway to Athlone section of the Greenway is being developed with a fresh new start.  New consultants, RPS from Galway, were appointed earlier this year to develop a route for the Galway to Athlone Greenway. Currently there are more than 100km of the Galway to Dublin Greenway between Maynooth and Athlone open to the public. A new cycle bridge is to be constructed across the Shannon next year connecting this section to Athlone Castle. The proposed Galway to Athlone greenway will extend from Athlone Castle to a location in Galway City, likely to be at Ballyloughane, where Galway City Council and the NTA will together undertake the planning and development of the Greenway across the City to link with the proposed Connemara Greenway.

Only connection points at Athlone and Galway have been identified to date. The project team will be approaching the selection and location of a new route with an open mind.  The first stage is a Constraints Study which is now underway, and the study area is being considered as a blank canvas. The Project Team are initially assessing and determining the lands within the study area that are already in state ownership, including those owned by Government Agencies, Government Departments and Local Authorities.  It is hoped to hold the first public consultation later this summer and it is assured that the project will only progress to the second stage after public consultation has informed the Constraints Study.

A project office has been established above the Library in Ballinasloe and will be staffed by personnel from the Councils and the recently appointed consultants RPS. It is planned to open the Project Office later this summer in line with Government health and safety guidance, as it will enable local progress and engagement with the public and landowners. In the meantime, website is being updated https://www.galwaytodublincycleway.ie/ and the team is working on preparing for public consultation activities in the coming months.

Separately a working group involving the various stakeholders including landowner representatives, namely the IFA, ICMSA and ICSA, with the assistance of an independent Facilitator, are making progress towards developing a Code of Best Practice and Guide to Process document outlining the arrangements and procedures for the delivery of National and Regional Greenways and to deal fairly with the implementation of the related land acquisition. This group have listened and collaborated with each other since June 2019 and are hopeful that the Code of Best Practice will be concluded soon.

The members welcomed the update on the greenway and debated as follows:

·         This is a welcome tourism initiative and welcome the plans to complete of the project

·         Roscommon should look for a spur to Hodson Bay and entrepreneurs would welcome such a development.

·         This  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.20

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Kepogh

SECONDED by Cllr. Cummins

It was AGREED to suspend Standing Orders until after 5.30pm

·         To be circulated

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Byrne

            SECONDED by Cllr. Shanagher

It was AGREED to adopt the Tidy Town and Amenity Grant Applications 2020

·         Resignation of Cllr. Marty McDermott and appointment of new member to the Board

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED to appoint Cllr. John Cummins to the Board of the Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board following the resignation of Cllr. McDermott

The Chief Executive paid tribute to Mr. Eugene Dwyer Senior Engineer in the Roads and Transportation Section who had recently retired after many years of dedicated service to Roscommon County Council. He said that he had brought roads to a very high standard and his absence is a huge loss to Roscommon County Council as he brought sincerity, passion and commitment to the job and wished him well in his retirement. He also paid tribute to the Athlone Municipal District Co-Ordinator Diarmuid Mac Donncha on his retirement next month. He expressed admiration for his work and ability to communicate and wished his and his family well for the future on behalf of the management and staff.

The Cathaoirleach and Members and Director of Services Mr. Shane Tiernan also withes both Eugene and Diarmuid well in their retirements and thanked them for their service for the people of Roscommon.

·         03.20   Reform of the Family Law System – Parental Alienation – Cllr. Naughten

·         04.20 Funding of Pieta House – Cllr. Fallon

·         05.20 Rural Employment Scheme – Cllr. Crosby

·         06.20 Financial Support for Tidy Towns and Voluntary Groups – Cllr. Connaughton

·         07.20 Comreg and Broadband Charges – Cllr. Callaghan

Reply from Meetings Admninistrator:

This Motion requires a resolution of the Council

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Naughten

                SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED that  Roscommon County Council calls on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and Children and Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation is “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019.

Pieta House continues to provide a very vital and necessary service to the public in Ireland at this difficult time. A significant proportion of Pieta House funding is raised through the annual Darkness into Light National volunteer annual fund raiser. Because of Covid-19 restrictions this fundraiser cannot happen this year. I am proposing that Roscommon County Council request both the Minister for Finance Mr. Pascal Donohue T.D. and the Minister for Health Mr. Simon Harris T.D.  to provide sufficient funding to replace this shortfall which will allow Pieta House to continue its vital work.

Reply from Meetings Administrator:

This Motion requires a resolution from the Council

Cllr Fallon acknowledged that since the submission of the motion that substantial funding was raised by Pieta House through a fundraiser day and many sports organisations also ran fundraisers. He wished to amend the motion to ask Pieta House to reinstate all of their staff now that they had a successful fundraiser.

Councillors spoke in supported the amendment as mental health services are now further stretched as a result of the pandemic:

·         Reconfiguration of services of Pieta House have caused disruption.

·         Invite the CEO of Pieta House to speak on the services they provide

·         There are other charities that need support at this time

·         The notice of motion is worthy in respect of all charities. Many charities depend on fundraising but 80% of funding comes from central government

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

                SECONDED by Cllr. Connaughton

It was AGREED to write to the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Health to request sufficient funding to replace fundraising shortfalls for Pieta House and other similar charities to continue its vital work. It was further agreed to call on Pieta House to reinstate all staff and to invite the Chief Executive Officer to make a presentation on their services to a Plenary meeting.

Roscommon County Council calls on the Minister for Social Welfare and the Government to amend entry restrictions for rural workers to be eligible for employment on the Rural Social Employment Scheme. Currently the requirements include that applicants must be on social welfare allowance rather than social welfare benefit this and other restrictions make it virtually impossible now for communities to recruit workers to the record number of vacancies which currently exist on the scheme which in turn is a huge loss to community groups like tidy towns, graveyard committees, sports groups etc. affecting all round County Roscommon and other Rural Counties.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This motion requires a resolution of the Council.

            On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to write to the Minister for Social Protection to amend entry restrictions for rural workers to be eligible for employment on the Rural Social Employment Scheme. Currently the requirements include that applicants must be on social welfare allowance rather than social welfare benefit this and other restrictions make it virtually impossible now for communities to recruit workers to the record number of vacancies which currently exist on the scheme which in turn is a huge loss to community groups like tidy towns, graveyard committees, sports groups etc. affecting all round County Roscommon and other Rural Counties.

Reply from Meeting Administrator:

This motion requires a resolution of the Council

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connaughton

SECONDED by Cllr Crosby

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council call on the present or incoming Government to financially support all Tidy Towns & Voluntary Groups in Co. Roscommon to ensure maintenance of all public areas not under the remit of the Local Authority. The future of ongoing support from local business and fundraising will be seriously impacted due to Covid 19. In the interest of visual appearance and tourism after this pandemic, we need to attract additional visitors to the county to support our local businesses (ratepayers). The good work of many volunteers both in county Roscommon and nationwide needs to be supported. This motion is to be circulated to all Local Authorities.

Roscommon County Council request Comreg to regulate telecommunication communication providers to provide and charge consumers accordingly by the internet speeds they provide to a household or business. For example a 50mbs service at 50 euro month then a 10mbs service should be 10 euro a month.

The meetings administrator read the following reply:

This Motion requires a resolution of the Council,

Cllr. Callaghan in proposing the motion stated that customers with good service are being subsidised by those with bad service.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Callaghan

SECONDED by Cllr. Murphy

It was AGREED to write to COMREG to regulate telecommunication providers to provide and charge consumers accordingly by the internet speeds they provide to a household or business.

·         01.20 Litter Fines – Cllr. Crosby

·         02.20 Cost of Cleaning up Illegal Dumping – Cllr. Crosby

Can the Director of Services inform the meeting how many fines were issued and how many were paid to the council over the past 12 months for indiscriminate dumping and littering throughout the country  and how many cases were determined by the courts and what was the total net income for the council? 

The Meetings Administrator circulated the following reply:-

Eighty nine on the spot litter fines for offences under the Litter Pollution Act issued over the past 12 months (1^st May 2019 – 30^th April 2020) During this period, payment was received for thirty seven on the spot litter fines - €5,550.00

Legal proceedings were instigated in relation to seven on the spot fines, five of which are ongoing.  Fines and costs received relating to court cases amounts to €1,753.00, giving a total income to Roscommon County Council under the Litter Pollution Act of €7,303.00.

Can the Director of Services inform the meeting what was the total cost for the council over the last 12 months in collecting and dealing with indiscriminate dumping/littering throughout the county?

The Meetings Administrator circulated the following reply:-

The following are the costs associated with the collection and dealing with indiscriminate dumping/littering for the period 1^st January 2019 – 31^st December 2019:

·         Street/Road Cleaning (staff & associated costs, incl. plant & machinery)  €439,479.10

·         Litter Warden Services (Staff & associated costs)                                                                €110,170.60

·         Legal Fees                                                                                                                           €4,028.49                                                                                                                                                             Total                      €553,678.19

Resolutions from other Local Authorities:

·         Letter dated 15^th May, 2020 from Sligo County Council-

“Propose that local authorities be funded by the Government, in order to maintain the services to make good the rates shortfall in a similar manner in which Government have supported SME’s with regard to Covid Payments.”;

·        Vote of Sympathy to family of the late Gerry Corcoran, former Roscommon County Council employee;

·        Vote of Sympathy to family of the late Bridie Connaughton, Donamon/Oran;

·        Vote of Sympathy to family of the late Colette Hanley, Kilbegnet;

·        Vote of Sympathy to family of the late Noel Farrell, Castlecoote;

·        Vote of Sympathy to family of the late Tom Buckley, Woodmount.

The Cathaoirleach reminded the members that Roscommon Rossie Day takes place on 21^st June and this year will be an online collaboration of events.

He also thanked Roscommon Convent of Mercy who made and donated 100 face shields to Roscommon County Council.

Cllr. Kilduff stated that due to the Pandemic, there are no safe pass courses available for new workers to the construction industry.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Kilduff

SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED that a letter be sent to the Minister of Education and Skills and the Minister for Housing to implement an Online Safe Pass course as soon as possible.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council commemorate at its next Plenary meeting the 100 year anniversary of the declaration of an Oath of Allegiance by Roscommon Council to Dáil Eireann at their Annual meeting on 21^st June 1920.

The Cathaoirleach welcomed the use of the Castlerea Fire Station as a Covid Test Centre and asked when it is no longer required as a test centre, what will happen to the station?

The Chief Executive replied that the fire station has been closed for three and a half years and he proposes to bring the report requested by the members to be prepared to the July Plenary meeting.

In reply to a query the Cathaoirleach raised about the re-opening of Castlerea Swimming Pool, it was confirmed that 29^th July is the date as per the national roadmap but considerable work and will have to be completed at additional cost, and new protocols developed to provide a safe service so no commitment can be given at the moment about the opening of the swimming pools until everything is assessed.

The Director of Services Mr. Liam Bergin confirmed that an update will be circulated to all members during the week as requested by the Cathaoirleach.