Cathaoirleach, Cllr Laurence Fallon, addressed the Plenary meeting in relation to revised Standard Operating Guidance that has issued jointly from the LGMA, AILG and LAMA for Council meetings. He outlined the Covid-19 measures that are in place including that face coverings must be worn when entering and leaving the building, attendance at the building by Councillors must be for essential meetings only, Councillors attending the building will be recorded for contact tracing, the Plenary meeting must only last 1 hour 55 minutes, separate entrance and egress has been provided, temperatures are being taken before commencement of the meeting, two metre distancing has been ensured and that audio devices will not be shared.

The Cathaoirleach also stated that this is a worrying time as county Roscommon is listed in seventh place nationally for Covid cases and is in danger of being elevated to a higher risk level. We need to redouble our efforts to reduce our contacts by half in the next two weeks. Levels can be reduced by the public and by ourselves if we follow the simple and clear guidelines and it is important to get the case numbers down. There are significant numbers of cases in all parts of the county and no place should be victimised above any other area and everyone has a duty to be vigilant.

Cllr Valerie Byrne queried why additional staff have not been called in to speed up Covid-19 testing as the only centre providing tests in the county appears to be in Castlerea.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Orla Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice

It was AGREED that speaking time would be reduced to two minutes.

Chief Executive, Eugene Cummins stated that the reduction of Covid-19 is within our power and we should do all we can to reduce its incidence to ensure we don’t go up to Level 3. He is very concerned about staff welfare and the impact on the business community. In order to ensure business continuity, re requested Directors of Services, Shane Tiernan and Majella Hunt not to attend today’s Plenary meeting. He will be putting in place further measures for protection of staff and to ensure business continuity. He will inform Members what this will mean in relation to interactions with all of our stakeholders.

·         Minutes of Plenary Meeting dated 27.07.2020

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Naughten and

            SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

That the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 27.07.2020 be adopted.

Cllr Michael Mulligan asked that the minutes of the meeting of 28^th September be amended to reflect that he had sought a vote under Section 26 of the 1981 Fire services Act in relation to Castlerea Fire Station which was not forthcoming and is not reflected in the minutes.

Director of Services, Liam Bergin, stated that the webcast can be checked to confirm the position.

Chief Executive, Eugene Cummins, asked that to assist Cllr. Mulligan he would discuss with officials and defer adoption of the minutes to next month.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Laurence Fallon stated that the minutes are not considered adopted and will be brought to the next Plenary meeting subject to possible amendment.

Cllr Orla Leyden enquired if motions, proposals etc. that were resolved at the last Plenary meeting would be valid and in order if the minutes are not adopted. Director of Services, Liam Bergin, confirmed that once they are proposed and seconded they are in order.

There were no other matters arising.

·         Management Report for July 2020

·         Management Report for August 2020

·         Management Report for July and August noted.

·         Sale of Rural House at Cloonlumney, Ballaghaderreen

·         Sale of Rural House at Taghnarra, Castlerea

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Ward

SECONDED by Councillor Cummins

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 comprising 0.205 hA in the Townland of Cloonlumney Barony, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired:John J. Duffy, Cloonlumney, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of:John Duffy, 1 Cedar Grove, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €25,000

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Shanagher

SECONDED by Cllr. Leyden

It was AGREED that the Council consent to the sale of the property, pursuant to the provisions of 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 locations in county Roscommon and to the persons set out in the Schedule hereunder. Particulars of the property which the Council proposes to dispose:

The Land: 0.22Ha in the Townland of Taghnarra, Barony of Castlereagh, Co. Roscommon.

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired: Mrs Nellie White, Taughnarra, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of: Mr Michael Beirne, Taughnarra, Castlerea, co. Roscommon.

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €25,000

·         0.00447 hA at Monksland Td., Monksland, Athlone Co. Roscommon

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED that the Council consent to the sale of the property, pursuant to the provisions of 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 locations in County Roscommon and to the persons set out in the Schedule hereunder. Particulars of the property which the Council proposes to dispose:

The Land: 0.00447 Ha at Monksland Townsland, Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired: Not available.

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of:Alkermes Pharma Ireland Ltd., Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €500 plus VAT

·         Agreement between Roscommon County Council and Leitrim County Council in respect of the Hartley Bridge Replacement Scheme

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cummins

SECONDED by Cllr. Callaghan

It was AGREED to enter into an agreement under Section 85 Local Government Act 2001, as amended, between Roscommon County Council and Leitrim County Council in respect of the Hartley Bridge Replacement Scheme.

Martin Lydon, Director of Services informed Members that a decision is to be made today in relation to the rate of Local Property Tax for 2021 and outlined the following:

·         Timeframes for decision making culminating in Plenary Budget meeting in November.

·         Large amount of uncertainty due to both Covid-19 and Brexit.

·         Roscommon County Council, in partnership with Elected Members, will continue to practice prudent budgeting.

·         Aim is to maintain funding for regeneration projects, Town Teams funding, amenity grants and match funding for smaller projects.

·         Rates Waiver will not meet full loss of Rates income.

·         Deficit predicted for 2020 due to Covid-19, loss of income and increased expenditure.

·         Maintaining LPT at 2020 rate will deliver €609,000 and will still result in funding gap of €468,000.

·         Reduction in LPT will mean shortfall of over €1,000,000 and an inability to match fund projects, maintain grant levels and a loss of funding to the county to stimulate growth.

·         7% of businesses unlikely to re-open in 2021 resulting in a loss of approximately €500,000.

·         Investment by Roscommon County Council in the county results in stimulus for the economy of the county.

·         Baseline allocation €10.2 million and we still receive €7 million from the Equalization fund.

·         One submission seeking reduction of LPT and exemption for protected structures.

·         Aiming to maintain frontline public services such as Roscommon Leisure Centre that needs an additional €100,000 in 2021 to keep it open.

He stated that the Chief Executive’s recommendation is to maintain LPT at the 2020 level, that means no change to the charge to citizens in 2021. This provides €255,00 for match funding, €150,000 for street cleaning, €120,000 for local roads, €50,000 for upkeep of parks and €34,00 to support Tidy Towns groups. He stated that if the increase is not agreed all of those items cannot be funded.

The Chief Executive’s recommendation is to maintain LPT at 2020 levels.

Cllr. Cummins proposed that Local Property Tax rate remains at the 2020 rate.

Cllr. Naughten seconded the proposal.

Cllr Tony Ward stated that 2020 has been an unusual year, that Roscommon County Council is always short of money and has been denied up to €100m for Roads alone from central funds. He stated that the Council has always been 100% prudent in its financial affairs and is genuine in relation to the €600k needed to balance the budget but more funding from central Government must be forthcoming.

Cllr. Tony Ward proposed that the Local Property Tax rate for 2021 revert to the baseline rate.

Cllr. Anthony Waldron seconded the proposal.

Cllr John Cummins stated that the Council would be in a grave position if LPT is left at the baseline rate with a deficit of over €1m to be found as outlined by the Director of Services, with a risk to grants, funds for Town Teams and other funding streams. He stated that the public want to see grants maintained, swimming pools operating, and amenities and graveyards maintained. He stated that 57% of the general public pay approximately  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97.20

Cllr. John Naughten, Chairperson of the Planning, Environment, Climate Change and Corporate Governance SPC stated that the Draft Litter Management Plan 2020 – 2022 had been considered and recommended for adoption by the SPC following a period of public consultation and consideration of inputs from various sources.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Naughten

SECONDED by Cllr. Shanagher

It was AGREED to adopt the Roscommon County Council Draft Litter Management Plan 2020 – 2022.

Update to be circulated to the members.

Chief Executive, Eugene Cummins, referred to the attendance of Ballaghaderreen Fire Brigade at a fire in a property in Castlerea. He stated that the fire was attended in seventeen minutes and that he has full confidence and respect for those Fire Fighters who are hard-working and honorable people. He stated that they should ignore lies and gossip in relation to attendance times that had been spread for several days after the event.

Cllr Michael Mulligan stated that he concurred fully with the Chief Executive in relation to this matter.

Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice stated that he fully supports the Ballaghaderreen Fire Brigade, that they carry out a difficult job in a professional manner and it is terrible that people are saying that they don’t do their job.

Cathaoirleach Laurence Fallon confirmed that Cllr. Tom Crosby declared a personal interest in the matter and has withdrawn from the room for the period of time the matter was being discussed as required under S177 (1) of the Local Government Act 2001. He left at 15.36. Director of Services, Liam Bergin, referred to an update distributed to Members. He stated that Casual Trading was paused due to Covid-19 and that it is proposed to conduct a substantial review from January 2021 to involve the public, casual traders and the Elected Members.

Cllrs. Murphy, Callaghan, Byrne, Fitzmaurice and Leyden spoke on the matter:

·         Strokestown residents and businesses have concerns about the locations of the two bays located near the roundabout. The bays could have been located in the market area and the areas should be reviewed.

·         The introduction of the Bye Laws as welcomed and are working well overall in Boyle Municipal District but that there seems to be a problem in Strokestown that small adjustments could resolve.

·         There are some small issues in Castlerea and Strokestown and spaces may need to be moved to resolve those issues.

It was proposed by Cllr. Murphy

Seconded by Cllr. Byrne

That for issues like this that a letter would issue to local residents and businesses as well as being published papers and social media.

Director of Services, Liam Bergin, responded to queries relating to signage, licences, and the proposed review. He stated that the review would commence in the New Year and cover all the relevant areas and will follow the prescribed format including public consultation.

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

That traders who have paid the full licence amount should get a pro-rata reduction for the period in which they could trade

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr. McDermott

That that the Casual Trading licence fees be waived until enabling works are completed.

Martin Lydon, Director of Services, responded that this can be looked at in the same context as the waivers for Ratepayers, which was for a six-month period and if this waiver is extended the same could apply to the Casual Traders to ensure fair treatment of both Ratepayers and Casual Traders.

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr. McDermott

And AGREED That that the Casual Trading licence fees be waived for the period for which the rates waiver applies for 2020.

Cllr. Crosby returned at 15.50.

·         13.20; Cllr. Valerie Byrne– Amenity Grant Funding

·         14.20: Cllr. Orla Leyden – Delegation to meet the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

·         15.20: Cllr. Tony Ward –  Control of Navigation levels on the River Shannon

Notice of Motion from Cllr. Byrne

That Roscommon County Council fully support Voluntary Committees through the Amenity Grant because of the return they get for the amount of money given out. I propose that the Budget Committee double the amount of funding being given at present.  The amount of grants given out do not nearly cover the amount spent by Tidy Towns Committees that are finding it very hard to survive.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

The Budget for 2021 is currently being prepared. All decisions in relation to the Budget are taken by the Elected Members, taking account of economic factors and the need to distribute funding so services are delivered to the citizens of Roscommon.

Cllr. Ward proposed that the motion be amended, with Cllr. Byrnes approval, to allow that the submission of claim documentation for the 2020 scheme be extended to the end of October.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Valerie Byrne,

SECONDED by Cllr John Naughten

It was AGREED to seek an increase in funding of the Amenity Grants in the 2021 Budget and to extend the closing date for submission of claim documentation for the 2020 scheme to the end of October 2020.

Notice of Motion from Cllr. Leyden

That a delegation from Roscommon County Council meet with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Eamon Ryan T.D. to discuss the grave impact on our area of job losses in Bord na Mona and ESB as a result of decarbonisation; to stress the need for supports for impacted communities in County Roscommon and the rest of the affected region by securing additional Just Transition and other funding and supports;  to call as a matter of urgency on the Minister (for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Eamon Ryan T.D.) to prevent the ESB from demolishing the power stations at Lanesboro and Shannonbridge  in order that alternative sustainable uses for the facilities can be fully explored to economically regenerate the area.  

The meetings administrator read the following reply:

This motion requires a resolution of the Council

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Orla Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr John Naughten

It was AGREED that a meeting would be sought with Climate Action and Environment Eamon Ryan T.D. to discuss the grave impact on our area of job losses in Bord na Mona and ESB as a result of decarbonisation; to stress the need for supports for impacted communities in County Roscommon and the rest of the affected region by securing additional Just Transition and other funding and supports;  to call as a matter of urgency on the Minister (for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Eamon Ryan T.D.) to prevent the ESB from demolishing the power stations at Lanesboro and Shannonbridge  in order that alternative sustainable uses for the facilities can be fully explored to economically regenerate the area.  

Notice of Motion from Cllr. Ward

I am calling on the Government and the Taoisigh Mr. Micheal Martin TD and the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Mr. Eamon Ryan T.D. to set up a single Authority with total control of the management, maintenance and the navigation levels of the River Shannon.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This motion requires a resolution of the Council

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Tony Ward

             SECONDED by Cllr John Keogh

it was AGREED to call on the Government and the Taoiseach Mr. Micheal Martin TD and the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Mr. Eamon Ryan T.D. to set up a single Authority with total control of the management, maintenance and the navigation levels of the River Shannon

Replies to Resolutions from Roscommon County Council:

·         20^th August 2020 - Reply email on behalf of Eamon Ryan, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment regarding letter dated 7^th August 2020 - Notice of Motion – Request for Stricter Penalties for Illegal Dumping and Littering.

Resolutions from other Local Authorities:

·         14th August, 2020 – Notice of Motion from Kerry County Council

“That Kerry County Council write to the Minister for Finance and request that a state pension public service fund be put in place for public service workers as a matter of urgency”. 

·         20th August, 2020 – Notice of Motion from Louth County Council

“That Louth County Council establishes a special taskforce with the relevant stakeholders and the local community in light of the impact Cpovid-19 is having and will continue to have on people’s mental health and wellbeing.

·         7th September, 2020 – Notice of Motions from Meath County Council

 “That Meath County Council engages with Facebook about the proliferation of bogus waste collectors advertising on the platform, with a view to ensuring that such advertisements must in future contain a permit number, be reportable by members of the public and should be removed by Facebook where illegal services are being operated. The Council commends on-going efforts by legitimate waste collectors and members of the public to address this issue and will continue to support and complement these efforts, where possible. Further, given the nationwide impact of this issue, that Meath County Council shares this campaign with all Local Authorities, as appropriate.”

 “That Meath County Council calls on the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage to conclude the baseline review of Local Authority funding models and act on its recommendations and include the findings as part of his Departments submission to the 2021 Budget discussions soon to commence.” 

“That Meath County Councillors call on the Minister for Finance, the Minster for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, to immediately fund the LPT Equalisation Fund from the Central Exchequer and leave the 20% that is currently withheld from Local Authorities in the areas where the LPT is generated.”

·         14th September, 2020 – Notice of Motions from Sligo County Council

“For Sligo County Council to write to the relevant Ministers to address the issue of extending the timescale and conditions of employment of Tus and CE participants on various employment schemes. These participants are greatly contributing to their local communities and helping out in so many ways, and are also benefiting socially from these schemes. However, after a certain period of time they must leave the scheme and cannot avail of it again until another period of time has passed. This is unsatisfactory for many participants and also for the sponsor groups in the communities where they work. Can this motion be shared with all other local authorities” 

Other Correspondence:

·         31^st August, 2020 - Letter from the office of Public Works regarding Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme – a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.20

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

            SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

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