Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon

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

Media

Items
No. Item

73.20

Adoption of Minutes

·         Minutes of Annual Meeting held on 22.06.2020

·         Minutes of Plenary Meeting held on 22.06.2020

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Callaghan

            SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Annual Meeting of 22.06.2020

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. McDermott

            SECONDED by Cllr. Cummins                     

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 22.06.2020

 

74.20

Matters Arising

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no matters arising.

75.20

Declaration of a Public Road

§  Kilcooley Cemetery, Boyle, County Roscommon pursuant to the provisions of Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 and Roads Regulations 1994, Part 2

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Callaghan

            SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to take in charge the private road at Kilcooley Cemetery, Boyle Co. Roscommon pursuant to the provisions of S11 of the Roads Act 1993 and Roads Regulations 1994, Part 2.

 

76.20

Declaration of Public Road

·         Tullyval, Knockvicar, Boyle, County Roscommon pursuant to the provisions of Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 and Roads Regulations 1994, Part 2

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cummins

            SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to take in charge the private road at Tullyval, Knockvicar, Boyle, Co. Roscommon pursuant to the provisions of S11 of the Roads Act 1993 and Roads Regulations 1994, Part 2.

 

 

77.20

Lease of Lands

·         Lease of Lands at The Glebe, Athleague to Athleague Tidy Towns

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connaughton

            SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED that that the Council consent to the lease 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 lease 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 lease:

 

The Property:  Site comprising 0.1385 hA (0.342 acres) at Glebe, Athleague, Co. Roscommon.

The person(s) to whom the property is to be leased to: Athleague Tidy Towns, Athleague, Co. Roscommon

Consideration:  €1.00 per annum

Term of Lease: 6 Months

 

 

 

78.20

Management Report

·         Report for Quarter 2 2020

Additional documents:

Minutes:

·         Management Report for Quarter 2 2020 was noted.

 

79.20

Midlands Just Transition - Housing Energy Retrofit Programme

-       Presentation by Mr. Conor Fallon, A/Senior Executive Engineer, Housing Unit.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Mr. Conor Fallon, A/Senior Executive Engineer in the Housing Unit gave a presentation to the elected members on the Midlands Energy Retrofit Pilot Programme:

 

·         €20m allocated from the Just Transition fund to the House Retrofitting Initiative

·         Potential for private home owners to avail of the project by achieving better value for money via economies of scale while contractors are in the area

·         The SEAI grant is available to private householders who have deep retrofit works carried out. This grant aid would be in addition to the reduced cost offered by these contractors who will be in the area.

·         Identification of local authority housing stock with poor energy efficiency conditions

·         Aim to achieve Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 or higher

·         Result in warmer homes and lower energy bills for local authority tenants, health benefits through improved air quality, provision of local employment and improve the economic benefit of the County, environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions

·         Funding secured for upgrade works to 50 units

·         Retrofitting of a number of properties in an area so that economies of scale are achieved

·         Works predominately include upgrades to heating systems by the replacement of the expensive to run and poor environmentally performing electric storage heating systems with heat pump technology.

·         Expected ‘all in’ costs – circa €20-€25k per unit and potentially requires part funding in the order of 5% from RCC own financial resources

·         Schedule of applicable works include 300mm attic insulation including hot press and pipe insulation; flat roof insulation and necessary ventilation; external wall insulation; dry lining; pumped cavities; windows and doors replacement and airtightness taping, sealing to windows, heat pump and upgrade replace boilers, LED lighting.

·         Following items are to be omitted/removed in order to achieve required BER - Open fires, back boilers to stoves/ranges; sealed ‘room heating’ stoves allowable but not grant funded;

·         Requires shift in attitude All new-builds have no fossil fuel heating systems

·         Very significant maintenance costs associated with fossil fuel heating systems such as chimney repairs/reconstruction, range/stove repairs/replacement.

·         96% of RCC dwellings have a BER of C or less and works on completion will double the % of A or B rated dwellings.

·         Potential savings between €1,000 - €2,500 for the occupant

·         Timetable and next steps include:

o   Initial Tenant Communications, Appointment of Architectural and Energy Consultants and Surveying & property inspection reports – June/ July 2020

o   BER assessments and completion detailed assessments – August 2020

o   Procurement of contractors – September 2020

o   Works – Q4 2020 to Q2 2021

 

The members discussed the scheme and raised the following points:

·         The scheme was previously presented to the members of the S.P.C.

·         The importance of removing storage heaters from our housing stock.

·         The scheme is Department funded, however matched funding is required from the Council but our resources are limited and we cannot be burdened with any extra costs as a result of regulations

·         Welcome the employment the scheme will provide.

·         Important that some rural homes are included.

·         Can the Community Housing Scheme that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.20

80.20

Roscommon County Councils Audit Committee Charter

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cummins

SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED to adopt the Roscommon County Council Audit Committee Charter

81.20

Roscommon County Council Audit Committee Work Programme 2020

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

It was AGREED to adopt the Roscommon County Council Audit Committee Work Programme 2020

 

82.20

Roscommon County Council Audit Committee Annual Report 2019

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

SECONDED by Cllr. Cummins

It was AGREED to adopt the Roscommon County Council Audit Committee Annual Report 2019.

 

 

83.20

Fire Services Report

·         Presentation by Mr. John Keane, Chief Fire Officer.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Mr. John Keane, Chief Fire Officer presented a report on Roscommon County Council Fire Services – Operations Risk Management Review and Area Risk Assessment:

 

·         The national and local framework for delivering the operational fire service in the county

·         Roscommon is unique in that it is surrounded by 7 counties, all supplying service to the county through their 13 adjacent stations 

·         30% of all calls in county Roscommon are attended to by fire brigades from other counties

·         Building Control is an increasing part of the work of the fire service and one new construction site has commenced each working day in the county in the past year.

·         The risk management approach for the fire service is based on identifying hazards, mitigating risks, planning and preparing to deal with risk, responding to events and reviewing events.

·         The traditional fire station area is selected as the basic unit of analysis for the review.

·         Analysis of the fire station activity show how fire risks relate to population covered and travel time from station to incidents. This informs how fire service resources are deployed in relation to the risk category of each area.

·         Our fire services are benchmarked against national standards and norms

·         The area of first response is known as the fire station ground and is assigned a risk category grading in five categories from very low to very high.

·         Incident types are classified as Primary, Secondary and Tertiary depending on the situation involved.

·         Pre-Determined Attendances (PDA) describes the response capacity to all incidents depending on type of incident and the appliances that should be mobilised. This is a national standard and applied to the resources available in County Roscommon.

·         The risk categorisation is applied to populations, demand/need, incident rates, individual/special hazards to designate Area Risk.

·         Data was collected from all incidents for the past three years and applied to the Roscommon, Castlerea, Ballaghaderreen, Boyle, Elphin, Strokestown, Ballinasloe, Athlone/Monksland Fire Area Grounds applicable to county Roscommon. The data was independently gathered and collated by CAMP West including travel times, locations and type of incidents.

·         Travel times forms a critical part of the analysis and have been found to be well within national standards

·         It should be noted that from 2007 to 2019 Roscommon fire service alerts have shown a continuous reduction - from 673 to 286 in this period.

 

 

Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services informed the members that there is a significant level of analysis in the report presented by the CFO. It was independently peer reviewed by Mr. Pat Fleming, retired Chief Fire Officer of Dublin Fire Brigade and former Department Fire advisor.

 

He made the following points:

·         County Roscommon is currently covered by five Roscommon Fire Stations and thirteen neighbouring Fire Stations thus ensuring a very comprehensive efficient and effective fire service response.

·         Fire incidents have decreased by 50% over the past 12 years

·         The independent peer review confirmed that the appropriate methodology was used to assess the service provided over the past three years and in determining the area risk  ...  view the full minutes text for item 83.20

84.20

Chief Executive Business

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chief Executive invited Mr. Martin Lydon, Director of Services to update the meeting on the Rates Rebate and ReStart Grant received from the Department on Thursday last.

 

       Circular Fin 11/2020 outlines detail of scheme which provides for 100% rates waiver for the period 27 March to 27 September 2020

       €600m available nationally; includes €40m for excluded categories

       Majority of businesses qualify with a list of exceptions and businesses on exception list may apply if the can prove an impact on turnover as a consequence of the pandemic.

       Ratepayer can be in arrears and still qualify

       Advertising campaign in print and social media to commence tomorrow

       There is no application process and accounts automatically credited

       Customers can see account adjustment by downloading Rates App or waiting for year-end statement. All qualifying accounts to be credited by 30th September

       Customers who have paid 2020 rates can request a refund or carry over balance to 2021

       Initial tranche of funding due from Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage by mid-September

       Balance of funding due after certification process on 30th October

 

 

Enhanced ReStart Grant:

       Announced as part of the July Job Stimulus

       Further €300m of funding available

       Waiting for terms and conditions to be released

       Maximum grant will rise to €25,000 (from €10,000)

       Minimum grant will rise to €4,000 (from €2,000)

       Businesses already accessed for the ReStart Grant are eligible for a top up

       New criteria for accessing applications:

      250 employees or less (was 50 employees)

      Turnover of less than €100,000 per employee (was €5,000,000 in total)

      Reduced turnover by 25% as a result of Covid-19 (no change)

       Non-rateable B&B’s and rateable sports businesses will be eligible for a grant payment of €4,000

       B&B’s to apply to Fáilte Ireland

       Clarification required as to what constitutes a rateable sports business

       Further information will be provided when received

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Naughten

SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to write to re relevant Minister to set up a fund to support sporting and community groups that have suffered a sharp decrease in income as a result of the pandemic restrictions and may not be in a position to reopen.

85.20

Correspondence

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Acknowledgments to Resolutions from Roscommon County Council:

·         Acknowledgement email dated 7th July 2020 from Department of the Taoiseach regarding ref 56.20 - 6.20 (May 2020) - Notice of Motion - Financial Support for Tidy Towns and Voluntary Groups - to ensure maintenance of all public areas not under remit of LA's.

·         Acknowledgement email dated 7th July 2020 from Ministers Office, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government regarding ref 45.2 (May 2020) Financial Position - Roscommon County Council - Covid 19. motion for immediate payment of all Government monies to be made to Local Authorities.

·         Acknowledgement email dated 7th July 2020 from Minister Ryan, Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment regarding ref 47.2 (May 2020) - Update on Broadband - County Roscommon - progression to design and build stage next year.

·         Acknowledgement email dated 7th July 2020 from Department of Justice and Equality regarding ref 53.20 - 3.20 (May 2020) - Notice of Motion - Reform of the Family Law System - Parental Alienation.

·         Acknowledgement email dated 7th July 2020 from Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection regarding ref 55.20 - 5.20 (May 2020) - Notice of Motion - Rural Employment Scheme - request to amend entry restrictions for rural workers to scheme.

·         Acknowledgement emails dated 7th & 8th July 2020 from COMREG regarding ref 57.20 - 7.20 (May 2020) - Notice of Motion - Comreg and Broadband Charges - regulate telecommunication providers to charge by internet speeds provided.

·         Acknowledgement email dated 8th July 2020 from Minister Paschal Donohoe, T.D., Department of Finance regarding ref 45.2 (May 2020) Financial Position - Roscommon County Council - Covid 19. motion for immediate payment of all Government monies to be made to Local Authorities.

·         Acknowledgement email dated 8th July 2020 from Gerard Delaney, Eir regarding ref 47.2 (May 2020) - Update on Broadband - County Roscommon - condition survey of all infrastructure in County Roscommon.

·         Acknowledgement email dated 9th July 2020 from Minister for Mental Health and Older People regarding ref 53.20 - 3.20 (May 2020) - Notice of Motion - Funding of Pieta House and Other Similar Charities - Funding Request to replace fundraising shortfalls.

·         Acknowledgement email dated 10th July 2020 from Minister Paschal Donohoe, T.D., Department of Finance regarding ref 47.2 (May 2020) - Update on Broadband - County Roscommon - assess effect of online shopping & consider taxation of same.

·         Acknowledgement email dated 14th July 2020 from Minster for Rural and Community development regarding ref 56.20 - 6.20 (May 2020) - Notice of Motion - Financial Support for Tidy Towns and Voluntary Groups - to ensure maintenance of all public areas not under remit of LA's. (Initially sent to An Taoiseach)

 

Replies to Resolutions from Roscommon County Council:

·         Reply email dated 8th July 2020 from Ministers Office, Department of Children and Youth Affairs regarding ref 53.20 - 3.20 - Notice of Motion - Reform of the Family Law System - Parental Alienation.

·         Reply letter dated 16  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85.20

86.20

Notices of Motion

·         09.20; Cllr. John Naughten- Local Improvement Scheme 

·         10.20: Cllr. Tony Ward – Wind Turbine developments

·         11.20: Cllr. Tom Crosby – Penalties for Dumping and Littering

·         12.20: Cllr. Anthony Waldron – Support for Make Way Day

 

Additional documents:

86.20a

09.20 Local Improvement Scheme - Cllr. Naughten

Additional documents:

Minutes:

“That Roscommon County Council open the Local Improvement Scheme for new applications”

 

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

 In March 2020 Roscommon County Council received notification of an allocation of €355,104 under the Local Improvement Scheme from the Department of Rural and Community Development.  There were 50 roads projects remaining on the waiting list at that time. In April 2020 the Roads Department submitted a return to the Department comprising of a Priority List of 30 projects.  Also submitted was a Secondary List of 20 projects which may be used to select substitute road(s) in the event that a road on the priority list cannot be completed or in the event that additional funding becomes available later in the year. 

 

On 20th May 2020 the Council received confirmation of funding to carry out works on the projects listed on the Priority List.  All applicants have been informed and works will commence when the local contribution is received.   In addition, applicants on the Secondary List are currently being assessed for eligibility should it be necessary to use this list. All works must be completed and funding claimed from the Department by early October 2020.  Following this process, the status of the waiting list will be clear.

 

The total value of the works on the Secondary List is approximately €353,658 but this may diminish as applications may be ineligible or where they move to the priority list during 2020.

It is intended to provide an update on the Local Improvement Scheme to the Roads Transportation and Emergency Services Strategic Policy Committee later in the year when this year’s projects are complete with a view to recommending reopening the scheme and advertising for expressions of interest in early in 2021, subject to and in anticipation of funding becoming available in 2021.

 

Cllr. Naughten thanked the meetings administrator for the comprehensive reply.

 

Following discussion, it was agreed that the matter would be brought forward to the next Strategic Policy Meeting in September for discussion and recommendation.

86.20b

10.20 Wind Turbine Developments and Turloughs

Additional documents:

Minutes:

“That Roscommon County Council call on the Government and the Minister for Communications, Climate Action, Transport and Environment Mr. Eamon Ryan T.D. to protect the turloughs in County Roscommon from wind turbine development or any other type of developments that would cause damage to the turloughs.”

 

The meetings administrator read the following reply:

 

This motion requires a resolution of the Council.

 

Cllr. Ward stated that in proposing the motion he was highlighting the fact that there was no statutory obligation on the Government to protect turloughs. He cited the experience of the Dysart Taughmaconnell community group with regard windfarm development, the disaster that would occur if Killeglin Springs was unable to supply water to the population of South Roscommon and the current difficulties with Lough Funshinagh.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

SECONDED by Cllr. Shanagher

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council call on the Government and the Minister for Communications, Climate Action, Transport and Environment Mr. Eamon Ryan T.D. to protect the turloughs in County Roscommon from wind turbine development or any other type of developments that would cause damage to the turloughs.

86.20c

11.20 Penalties for Dumping and Littering - Cllr. Crosby

Additional documents:

Minutes:

“Roscommon County Council calls on the Minister responsible for the Environment to review and introduce much stricter penalties (including naming and shaming offenders) for the out of control indiscriminate illegal dumping and littering in our cities, towns, villages and throughout our countryside. The current penalty system for offenders is not working and totally inadequate”

 

The meetings administrator read the following reply:

 

This motion requires a resolution of the Council

 

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

SECONDED by Cllr. Cummins

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council calls on the Minister responsible for the Environment to review and introduce much stricter penalties (including naming and shaming offenders) for the out of control indiscriminate illegal dumping and littering in our cities, towns, villages and throughout our countryside. The current penalty system for offenders is not working and totally inadequate. This motion is to be circulated to all Local Authorities.

 

 

86.20d

12.20 Cllr. Anthony Waldron - Support for Make Way Day

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

The meetings administrator read the following reply:

 

This motion requires a resolution of the Council.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Waldron

SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council support the establishment of the second annual make way day taking place on 25th September 2020 following on from the success of the inaugural event in September last year. This is a campaign that brings the disability and wider community together to consider the needs of people with disabilities in the public spaces we all share

 

87.20

Votes of Congratulations and Sympathy

Additional documents:

Minutes:

·         Congratulations to Northern Harps Ladies Gaelic football club – Irelands newest LGFA club involving 150 ladies from the parishes of Ballinameen and Elphin.

88.20

Any Other Business

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

The Cathaoirleach thanked Mr. Michael Lennon, who had travelled from Dublin to present a copy of the “A Dictionary of Roscommon Biography” to each of the Elected Members of County Roscommon. Published in June 2020, Mr. Lennon, following extensive research, compiled the Biography which contains over 5,000 individual entries and is an excellent resource for the people of County Roscommon.

 

The Cathaoirleach indicated that four elected members had items they wished to raise.

 

88.20a

Reopening of Schools in August - Cllr. Murphy

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Murphy

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED that the Department of Education give clear and direct guidelines to Boards on Management for the reopening of schools in September in light of the Covid pandemic.

88.20b

Opening of Municipal District Area Offices - Cllr. Fitzmaurice.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr. Fitzmaurice requested that all Roscommon County Council public offices be opened to the public, including the Strokestown, Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen offices that are currently accessible by appointment only. He also raised the matter of area office phones diverted to the main switch number. The closure is causing difficulty for customers who can only buy tickets for large item disposal in civic amenity sites at the local offices.

 

In reply Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services confirmed that a number of offices have closed to the public due to the pandemic situation and smaller offices have not yet reopened due to health and safety issues. In the interim all services are available and the public can call to all offices by phoning in advance.

 

Mr. Martin Lydon added that an analysis of back office functions is ongoing in all area offices as part of the Digital Transformation project. As part of this work, all phone calls are being initially answered at the main switch number in Áras an Chontae. This process will be carried out in all units of the organisation to analyse workflow. This will ensure the maximum return for the LPT contribution from the public to the services provided in the most efficient manner.

88.20c

Sacred Heart Residents - Cllr. Leyden

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr. Leyden highlighted the concerns of the residents of St. Josephs ward in the Sacred Heart Hospital who may have to move because of proposed upgrade works. The hospital has been Covid free and now is not the right time to propose a move. Cllr. Leyden requested that the matter be highlighted by the HSE Forum representatives at their next meeting to request that works be carried out in a different way so the residents do not have to move.

 

Cllr. Ward confirmed he will highlight this at the forum meeting on Tuesday 28th July as he has not been informed of such a move.

88.20d

Lough Fuinshinagh SAC Status - Cllr. Fallon

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr. Fallon addressed the ongoing matter of the flooding of Lough Funshinagh.

·         The turlough can rise five times faster than it falls

·         The up to date figures suggest the levels are 2metres higher than this time last year.

·         The plant and wildlife that enabled the area to be designated a special area of conservation no longer is applicable due to the damage of the flooding in recent years.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

SECONDED by Cllr. Kilduff

It was AGREED to write to the Office of Public Works to assess the matter of the plant and wildlife affected by the flooding since 2015 and to reverse its status as a Special Area of Conservation.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Kilduff

SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED that the OPW be invited to a plenary meeting of Roscommon County Council to address the issues with Lough Funshinagh.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Ward

                SECONDED by Cllr Naughten

It was AGREED to write to the Minister to provide funding to carry out a study to see if a simple solution such as an overflow pipe will address the issue.

 

The following points were raised by Cllrs. Ward and Naughten:

·         OPW have not taken into consideration the livelihoods of 45 families that would have to be relocated

·         Cannot accept that there is a cost benefit analysis required for farmland

·         20% of upland is flooded and the farmers

 

In reply to the points raised, Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services stated that the OPW relief schemes are for property only. A scoping Report was complete and submitted and the OPW in reply sought more information. This was submitted on 16th July and the OPW must now make a decision on the matter and he is urging them to do for the September meeting.

 

Original text