·         Minutes of Plenary Meeting on 26.07.2021

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

            SECONDED by Cllr. Cummins

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 26.07.2021

There were no matters arising.

-       July 2021

-       August 2021

·         Management Reports for July and August 2021 noted.

·         0.2091hA (0.517a) at Loughlackagh, Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Naughten

SECONDED by Councillor McDermott

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 of:

The Property: 0.2091hA (0.517a) at Loughlackagh, Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

The person(s) from whom the lands was acquired: TII for construction  of M6 motorway

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed to:Rackzone Ltd, Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

The consideration in respect of the disposal: €10,000

The proposed disposal is Subject to Contract, Contract Denied and subject to such terms and conditions as may be agreed in the Contract for Sale.

·         1.6143hA (3.99 acres) at Lisanamult, Roscommon

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Leyden

SECONDED by Councillor Shanagher

It was AGREED 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 1.6143 hA (3.99 acres) at Lisnamult Td., Roscommon

The person(s) to whom the land is to be leased:Lisnamult Resident Association CLG, Lisnamult, Co. Roscommon

The consideration proposed in respect of the lease: €100

Term of the Lease: 10 years

The Cathaoirleach welcomed Eamonn Seydak of S3 Solutions Ltd. to give a remote presentation to the Elected Members on the Strategic Plan that was commissioned by Roscommon County Council:

The terms of reference for the plan were as follows:

o   Establish the requirement for community sports and recreational facilities in Roscommon Town from the perspective of local community, sporting bodies, schools and any other identified stakeholders.

o   Consult with sporting bodies and schools to prepare draft masterplan outlining proposed facilities, considering existing sports and recreational facilities.

o   Conduct an initial audit of available zoned suitable space within the town and prepare a shortlist of suitable locations for the possible establishment of community sports and recreational facilities based on the draft masterplan. A technical specification conducted by an architect or similar is not required as part of this tender brief.

o   Carry out broad inclusive community consultation based on the draft masterplan.

o   Recommend preferred site for location of agreed community sports and recreational facilities, a sustainable business model with defined development costs, operational costs and the key income generating projects/ elements that will sustain the project.

o   Identify possible funding streams for development of the facility and include possible prioritised phases of development of the facility

Consultation was undertaken as follows:

•       a web based survey (34 responses received)

•       10 individual meetings with key stakeholders including Roscommon County Council, Roscommon Local Sports Partnership, Development Officers for IFA, IRFU and GAA in Roscommon, Roscommon Community College, Lisnamult Community Association, Convent of Mercy School, Roscommon County GAA Board, Roscommon CBS, Roscommon Town Teams

•       Site visits to various sporting and recreational facilities across Roscommon Town

•       Overall, 42 different organisations contributed to the consultation process

The Masterplan is a vision for sports facilities:

Capital Vision:

·         Development of an indoor four court sports hall with run off capacity, the building will also provide a small number (2) of flexible multipurpose studio spaces and changing provision

·         One outdoor, multi-sport, multi lined and floodlit 3G pitch

·         Development of one grass pitch

·         Development of a perimeter trail that enables recreational walking, but offers suitable provision for athletics training and cycling

Strategic Objectives:

·         To develop a hub of community sport and recreational facilities on one site that facilitates participation opportunities for a minimum of 5000 individuals per annum

·         To provide a minimum of 50 additional hours per week of playing pitch access on the 3G pitch for local clubs

·         To provide a minimum of 16 additional hours per week of floodlit grass pitch access per week for local clubs

·         To reduce travel time to other facilities by local clubs by 20% per annum

·         To become a self-sustaining sport and recreational facility by year 3

·         To promote partnership working and collaboration between local authority, statutory agencies, NGB’s and local sport and community providers to enhance participation opportunities for Roscommon Town and beyond.

It is estimated that approximately 15-20 acres are required to deliver the project. The following were considered in the identification of potential development sites:

·         Land  ...  view the full minutes text for item 95.21

Mr. Sean Mullarkey, A/Head of Finance updated the members on the Draft Budget for 2022.

The dates for the Municipal District Budget meetings are as follows:

Boyle MD:                           Friday 22nd October 2021 at 2.30pm

Athlone MD:                      Thurs 21st October 2021 at 2.30pm

Roscommon MD:             Tues 26th October 2021 at 2.30pm

Projected Loss of Income 2022:

·         Rates €450,000 (Provision for 50% of debt to 2020)

·         Rents- currently 2% below 2021 levels

·         Goods and Services Income – overall uncertainty post Covid 19 economic environment

·         Uncertainty regarding Government supports

o   Q4 2021 Rates Waiver & 2022 support unlikely

·         NPPR Income reduction €35,000

Projected Increased Expenditure 2022:

•       Pension Increases €500,000+

•       Increased salary costs of €244,000 or 2%

•       Library funding €75,000 required

•       Climate Action & Active Travel

•       Match Funding of €5m required for approved totaling €25m

–      Town & Village

–      Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF)

–      Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF)

•       Covid-19 ongoing costs €150,000 (Leisure Centre €100,000; PPE €50,000)

•       Lough Funshinagh €150,000

•       Survey Inspection of RCC Buildings €50,000

•       Town Team Funding of €60,000 (maintained at 2021 levels)

The Elected Members welcomed the update.

·         In relation to the rates rebate from the Government that has been in place from January to September, it was suggested that ratepayers cannot be expected to pay the final 3 month tranche for 2021 as they get back on their feet following lockdown and incentivise businesses to stay open. All Oireachtas members should be lobbied by the elected members to ensure this happens.

·         The Council must continue to support the matched funding schemes in 2022

·         MD Funding is a vital lifeline for the communities and it was suggested it the restored to €100,000

·         In response to a query on any LPT shortfall, no further updates have been received from the Department. The model is a very early stages of development.

·         We should borrow to invest in our towns and villages due to the current low interest rates and look at fixing the interest rates.

·         The way people are doing business has changes and we need as a county to find a way to tax companies selling online.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Naughten

SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED that a letter be written to the Minister of Finance to extend the rates waiver for businesses to the end of 2021.

·         Lough Funshinagh: The Chief Executive stated he had intended to give an update on Lough Funshinagh but the RTE Prime Time Programme last Thursday set out everyone’s position on the situation including the difficulties for the local community and he has nothing further to add at this time.

·         Housing Award; Roscommon County Council’s new housing development  at Cluain Faoigh, Lanesboro Road, Roscommon won the category prize of ‘Housing for Families’ small projects at the ICSH Allianz Biennial Community Housing Awards. The Awards showcases innovative and sustainable social housing projects that Approved Housing Bodies and Local Authorities deliver for communities across the country. The Chief Executive commended all of the housing staff for their contribution to this scheme and their success. The Cathaoirleach on behalf of the Members congratulated all involved in the project.

·         Municipal District Area Offices: Cllr. Crosby asked the Chief Executive if he would be making an announcement with regard to the status of the Strokestown, Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen Area Offices. The Chief Executive confirmed that a report was presented to the Corporate Policy Group this morning on  recent audit of the Municipal District Area offices and that three of the offices have been closed to the public for the past 18 months due to Covid.

The Director of Services Mr. Shane Tiernan informed the members that the Audit Report will be presented to the next Audit Committee meeting. The Auditor completed a detailed report solely on the administrative workflow including timesheets and payments. This was carried out in the six-month period prior to Covid (March 2020) and a total of 21 recommendations were made. The report found that 82% of the work of the area office is back office work, and footfall accounts for less than one person per day.

The Council must consolidate the administrative functions of the area offices and therefore cannot guarantee offices to be open every day.  There is a continued focus on progressing Digital Transformation using online services. There is also very limited money being collected in the offices and there are no protections in place for staff dealing with money in some of the offices. In addition, there is as continued focus on remote working and there would be a substantial investment in health and safety measures required in some of the offices.  The Boyle, Roscommon and Athlone offices would continue to be open to public but the other three offices closed but with technical staff remaining to work there.

In response the Cathaoirleach expressed his disappointment at the proposal to close three of the area offices to the public because once the offices are closed they will never reopen. Some people need face to face interaction with staff to carry out their business and to take this away would be a big blow to some people.

The elected members all spoke on the issue and supported the Cathaoirleach.

·         This is a retrograde step – for example people living in Mount Delvin are 50km from Roscommon town which will be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97.21

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED to appoint the PPN nominee Mr. Jack Cunniffe of the Drum Heritage Group to the Joint Policing Committee to represent the Athlone MD.

That Roscommon County Council outline how many applications were received in 2021 for the Local Improvement Scheme and when Roscommon County Council will open the scheme up for new applications

“That Roscommon County Council outline how many applications were received in 2021 for the Local Improvement Scheme and when Roscommon County Council will open the scheme up for new applications.”

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

A total of 69 applications were received in 2021. There were also six applications on hand from 2020. Following an examination of the applications and elimination of ineligible applicants, 32 projects received offers of grant assistance. Of these, two applicants declined their offers of grant assistance leaving a total of 30 projects progressing across the six Operational Areas. In total Roscommon County Council received an overall allocation of €445,495.00. There are six applicants remaining on the secondary list. The total value of the works on the secondary list is €150,293.

An update on the Scheme was presented to the Roads and Transportation Strategic Policy Committee at its meeting held on 15^th September 2021.  A decision was made to advertise for expressions of interest in December 2021, subject to and in anticipation of funding becoming available in 2022

Cllr. Naughten welcomed the reply and the reopening of the scheme in December. He queried the fact that there were 69 applications and only 30 deemed eligible for the scheme and asked that the SPC look at the scheme application process and the amount of information requested in order to simplify the process.

The motion received widespread support from the members and noted:

·         The application process is too strict and needs to be simplified and manual applications accepted.

·         The Council should draw down as much money as possible form the Department to fund applications.

·         Support the proposal that where there is one landowner and one house, the application should be deemed eligible

·         Open laneways in towns and villages that are not eligible for CIS or LIS – the scheme should be expanded to include provision for these situations.

In reply Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services stated that the LIS was discussed at the SPC. Roscommon has the best system in place nationally to deal with applications and the Area expertise to carry out the schemes. The criteria is set down nationally and applications that are refused are not in compliance with the scheme. Work will be done streamlining the maps in the application process and an email point of contact is sufficient. He also noted that there were national changes to the scheme during the year.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

                SECONDED by Cllr.

It was AGREED to write to the Minister to expand the Local Improvement Scheme to include for laneways with multiple users.

That this Council propose to the Minister with responsibility for Inland Fisheries Ireland that the current necessity for a permit to fish the River Suck be withdrawn

“That this Council propose to the Minister with responsibility for Inland Fisheries Ireland that the current necessity for a permit to fish the River Suck be withdrawn”

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This Motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

Cllr. Waldron stated that the River Suck is 200km in length with all its tributaries and the requirement for a permit to fish the river is a barrier to tourism while also a great activity uniting all generations.

The motion was welcomed by the members as this is a legacy permit from the Central Fisheries Board. It is a barrier to tourism and difficult to organise festivals with the extra costs of permits. Young people are also taking up fishing and should be encouraged as this is a skill and art that is dying out.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Waldron

SECONDED by Cllr. Leyden

It was AGREED to write to Minister Eamonn Ryan to request that the requirement to have a permit to fish the Rover Suck and its tributaries be immediately removed as it is a barrier to fishing tourism. It was further agreed that the Motion be circulated to the Ballinasloe Municipal District and to Westmeath County Council.

That Roscommon County Council call on the Minister for Finance and the Government to provide funding for the installation of CCTV on all Shannon River Bridge Crossings and fund a pilot scheme for CCTV for all Villages and Towns in County Roscommon

That Roscommon County Council call on the Minister for Finance and the Government to provide funding for the installation of CCTV on all Shannon River Bridge Crossings and fund a pilot scheme for CCTV for all Villages and Towns in County Roscommon.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This Motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

Cllr. Crosby stated that CCTV is a major asset in combatting crime. This has been shown to be effective in most towns and villages across the UK and Europe.

The members supported the motion stating that this should be funded centrally and new technology will make such an initiative easier to achieve.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

             SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED to write to the Minister for Finance and the Government to provide funding for the installation of CCTV on all Shannon River Bridge Crossings and fund a pilot scheme for CCTV for all Villages and Towns in County Roscommon.

Would the Director of Services inform the meeting what plans are in place to erect adequate information and marketing signage highlighting the many historical and tourist attractions on the N5 National primary road from Tarmonbarry to Ballaghadreen I.e. the National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park House, Rathcroghan, Percy French Birthplace, The Douglas Hyde Centre etc. This marketing is essential to promote the towns and villages along the route to reduce the economic impact of the new N5 bypass.

Would the Director of Services inform the meeting what plans are in place to erect adequate information and marketing signage highlighting the many historical and tourist attractions on the N5 National primary road from Tarmonbarry to Ballaghadreen I.e. the National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park House, Rathcroghan, Percy French Birthplace, The Douglas Hyde Centre etc. This marketing is essential to promote the towns and villages along the route to reduce the economic impact of the new N5 bypass.

The following reply was circulated by the Meetings Administrator:

Directional road signage (including tourist and leisure signage) in respect of the National road network must be developed fully in accordance with TII Standard, “Traffic Signs Approvals Procedure” and is subject to the approval of TII. Furthermore, the provision of signage in respect of tourist attractions, is governed by national policy as set out in the publication entitled “Policy on the provision of Tourist and Leisure Signage on National Roads.” (copy attached).  

I can confirm that all proposed road signage on the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge road project has been developed in full consultation with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and in accordance with all relevant Standards and Policy. The approved project signage strategy includes key tourist attractions in Roscommon.

Would the Director of Services inform the meeting of the start date and approximate completion date for the construction of the new N5 and confirm that the construction works will commence at the Scramogue Strokestown side. Furthermore at what stage will planning restrictions ease on the old N5 which will of course lose its national primary status.

Would the Director of Services inform the meeting of the start date and approximate completion date for the construction of the new N5 and confirm that the construction works will commence at the Scramogue Strokestown side?  Furthermore at what stage will planning restrictions ease on the old N5 which will of course lose its national primary status?

The following reply was circulated by the Meetings Administrator:

The main construction contract is using the Design and Build Form of Contract whereby the Contractor carries out the Design, Construction and Execution of the Works. The main construction contract was awarded on 16 June 2021 and the Design process and preparatory works, including the development of the detailed construction programme are currently ongoing. The expected construction completion date is June 2024. At this stage it is not possible to advise as to where actual works will commence on-site. This is a matter entirely for the appointed Contractor and his construction methodology and programme.

The existing N5 will be reclassified to Regional road status between Frenchpark and its junction with the new N5 east of Strokestown subsequent to the opening of new N5 (anticipated to be June 2024). It is anticipated that following the opening of the new N5 in 2024, and the redesignation of the various sections of the existing N5 from National road to Regional road status, planning policy will reflect this new reality.

Replies to Resolutions from Roscommon County Council:

·        3^rd August, 2021 – Reply from Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to correspondence, reference 4.21, concerning the development of a farm and domestic dwelling relocation scheme in response to flooding at Lough Funshinagh.

·        3^rd August, 2021 – Reply from Mary Butler, T.D. Minister for Mental Health and Older People to correspondence, reference 24.21d, concerning the Fair Deal Scheme.

·        16^th September, 2021 – Reply from Mr. Joe O’Brien T.D., Minister of State for Community Development and Charities.

Resolutions from other Local Authorities:

·        6^th August, 2021 - Resolution from Leitrim County Council

That Leitrim County Council, in the interests of safety and in light of recent incidents, we bring in a by-law banning all jet-skis and speed boats on the River Shannon. That this motion be forwarded to Roscommon County Council, Boyle Municipal District and the National Parks & Wildlife Services seeking their support.

·        9^th August, 2021 - Resolution from Donegal County Council

Members of Donegal County Council demand that Donegal County Council stop immediately (a) the collection of the LPT and commercial rates from the victims that have been destroyed by Mica, Pyrite and Pyrrhotite and that they refund all monies back to the victims.

·        10^th August, 2021 - Resolution from Sligo County Council

That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Health and the Taoiseach requesting that without delay the work of Frontline workers be remunerated.

·        10^th August, 2021 - Resolution from Wicklow County Council

Wicklow County Council calls for the National Maternity Hospital to be constructed on land owned and governed by the state.

·        14^th August, 2021 - Resolution from Leitrim County Council

That Leitrim County Council write to the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Agriculture seeking to have our river drainage boards reinstated, in this County, in order to alleviate the serious water-logging of agricultural land and very serious flooding in many areas.

·        14^th August, 2021 - Resolution from Leitrim County Council

That Leitrim County Council call on the Government to introduce a comprehensive housing grant scheme for the renovation or reconstruction of old and derelict houses in rural areas and in towns and villages.

·        15^th August, 2021 - Resolution from Clare County Council

That Clare County Council call on Heather Humphries, Minister of Rural and Community Development to extend the date for works for the Streetscape enhancement scheme to be completed from 5th November, 2021 to allow successful applicants sufficient time to complete same.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Shanagher

SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED to write to the Minister of Rural and Community Development to extend the date of the Streetscape Enhancement Scheme for works to be completed from 5^th November to allow applicants  sufficient time to complete same.

Other Correspondence:

·        4^th August, 2021 – HSE Memo

The HSE have established a dedicated email address for all political representations concerning Primary Care Services across Community Healthcare West.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.21

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

SECONDED by Cllr. Cummins

The following list of training and conferences were approved for attendance:

The Cathaoirleach proposed a vote of congratulations to 11 year oldCallum Clarke, a sixth class pupil of Tulsk National School saved his grandfather Sean Stroker from almost certain drowning after a freak gust of wind capsized their boat on Killina lake near Tulsk last week.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice raised the matter of ash dieback that is affecting a large proportion of the ash trees in Ireland and across Europe. This is going to be a huge problem in relation to dying trees on roadsides and it is estimated that 75% of all ash trees will die in Ireland from this fungus. 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED to write to the Minister of Transport to seek funding to remove dead trees off roads.

Cllr. Naughten noted that this matter has been raised by the Climate Action sub-committee.

Cllr. Shanagher informed the members that On Friday next 1^st October Athlone IT will open its doors as Ireland’s Third Technological University. It will be known as Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest TUS-a new beginning.

As a Board member of AIT, she acknowledged the work of the Chairpersons Frank Ryan,Liam Rattigan the board members, staff and everyone who was involved in this achievement under the guidance and great leadership of Professor Ciaran O Cathain. The achievement of becoming  a University is a testament to the great work and commitment of all the staff and the wider community who have made it what it is today and will ensure that it continues to serve the Midlands, providing opportunity, ensuring accessibility and sharing knowledge.

While disappointed that Professor Ciarán O Catháin will not be at the helm, she congratulated Professor Vincent Cunnane in his new role as President of the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest. 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Shanagher

SECONDED by Cllr. Cummins

It was AGREED to send a letter of congratulations to the new President and Board Members from Roscommon County Council to wish them all well in the future.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Waldron

           SECONDED by Cllr. Shanagher

It was AGREED to write to the Minister for Finance to implement a tax on online sales profits.

The Cathaoirleach informed the Elected Members that a Sod Turning ceremony would take place on 18^th October for the H5 Scramoge to Ballaghaderreen Road Project.