There were no Disclosures of Conflict of Interest declared by Members.

There were no Disclosures of Conflict of Interest declared by Members.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Kelly

SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 16^th December 2024.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to suspend the Standing Orders to prioritise urgent matters.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Kelly

SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 16^th December 2024.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to suspend the Standing Orders to prioritise urgent matters.

·         Members approval of Section 85.

Director of Services Greg O’Donnell spoke to members about the Section 85 Agreement and made the following points:

·         A copy of the letter and agreement is included in the information pack.

·         A Section 85 is whereby two or more Councils work together on a project in both counties, and powers are given to a leading authority to act on their behalf.

·         A previous agreement was made between Leitrim County Council and Roscommon County Council in 2008 for the Carrick to Dromod N4 Project, and is now more accurately titled the N4 Carrick on Shannon Bypass and Traffic Management Project.

·         The project team sought legal advice on the previous project, and the advice given was that a new Section 85 Agreement should be entered into.

·         There are several changes to the new project; townland references, includes active travel and traffic management, non-specific in relation to land acquisition under CPO and Protected Roadwork Order powers.

Members broadly welcomed the plan and discussed the following points:

·         Traffic management is seriously needed in the town to remove the bottleneck issue.

·         This plan will allow the Roscommon side of Carrick on Shannon to develop.

·         The businesses in Cortober are suffering due to the traffic issues as commuters are bypassing the retail units, and this plan will support the businesses in the Cortober area, as there is a major issue with merging into the traffic from the retail units.

·         There is huge potential for Carrick on Shannon due to the Part 8 plan for the town development, and this plan strengthens it.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Byrne

SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED to approve the Section 85 Agreement.

Director of Services Greg O’Donnell thanked members for their support, and noted that Leitrim County Council approved this plan at their Plenary Meeting on 13^th January 2025.

Storm Éowyn

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Fitzmaurice, spoke briefly about the devastation as a result of the recent Storm Éowyn and stated this is the reason he proposed to suspend the Standing Orders. He advised members that he will deal with the Notices of Motion raised by Cllr. Callaghan and Cllr. Moylan first as these are relevant to this matter.

Chief Executive, Shane Tiernan, addressed members regarding the recent Storm Éowyn. He stated that the recent storm caused enormous damage throughout the county, and staff are working actively over the weekend to give people the best possible support and services. He empathised with the public and assured them that everything possible is being done to support them. The Severe Weather Plan was activated which has a structured approach by way of a crisis management team at senior level, and works down to the Severe Weather Assessment Teams, and leads out to the MD coordinators and teams on the ground. At a local level, the Local Coordination Group was activated with the HSE and Gardaí to ensure that all groups are working together to give supports.  He advised members that Director of Services, Mark  ...  view the full agenda text for item 3.25

Director of Services Greg O’Donnell spoke to members about the Section 85 Agreement and made the following points:

·         A copy of the letter and agreement is included in the information pack.

·         A Section 85 is whereby two or more Councils work together on a project in both counties, and powers are given to a leading authority to act on their behalf.

·         A previous agreement was made between Leitrim County Council and Roscommon County Council in 2008 for the Carrick to Dromod N4 Project, and is now more accurately titled the N4 Carrick on Shannon Bypass and Traffic Management Project.

·         The project team sought legal advice on the previous project, and the advice given was that a new Section 85 Agreement should be entered into.

·         There are several changes to the new project; townland references, includes active travel and traffic management, non-specific in relation to land acquisition under CPO and Protected Roadwork Order powers.

Members broadly welcomed the plan and discussed the following points:

·         Traffic management is seriously needed in the town to remove the bottleneck issue.

·         This plan will allow the Roscommon side of Carrick on Shannon to develop.

·         The businesses in Cortober are suffering due to the traffic issues as commuters are bypassing the retail units, and this plan will support the businesses in the Cortober area, as there is a major issue with merging into the traffic from the retail units.

·         There is huge potential for Carrick on Shannon due to the Part 8 plan for the town development, and this plan strengthens it.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Byrne

SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED to approve the Section 85 Agreement.

Director of Services Greg O’Donnell thanked members for their support, and noted that Leitrim County Council approved this plan at their Plenary Meeting on 13^th January 2025.

Storm Éowyn

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Fitzmaurice, spoke briefly about the devastation as a result of the recent Storm Éowyn and stated this is the reason he proposed to suspend the Standing Orders. He advised members that he will deal with the Notices of Motion raised by Cllr. Callaghan and Cllr. Moylan first as these are relevant to this matter.

Chief Executive, Shane Tiernan, addressed members regarding the recent Storm Éowyn. He stated that the recent storm caused enormous damage throughout the county, and staff are working actively over the weekend to give people the best possible support and services. He empathised with the public and assured them that everything possible is being done to support them. The Severe Weather Plan was activated which has a structured approach by way of a crisis management team at senior level, and works down to the Severe Weather Assessment Teams, and leads out to the MD coordinators and teams on the ground. At a local level, the Local Coordination Group was activated with the HSE and Gardaí to ensure that all groups are working together to give supports.  He advised members that Director of Services, Mark Keaveney, is currently absent  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.25

In light of over 40 trees falling during Storm Darragh, damaging power lines and leaving homes and businesses without power for days, I propose this Council writes to Nicholas Tarrant, MD of ESB Networks, and Keith Leonard, Head of the National Emergency Coordination Group. They should ensure compliance with wayleaves and exclusion zones near overhead powerlines, requiring forestry owners to meet clearance standards. ESB Networks should take pre-emptive measures ahead of storms to prevent similar outages. Additionally, compliance with the DAFM Standards for Felling & Restoration near public roads must be enforced to prevent road safety hazards during extreme weather.

Reply: This Motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

Moving the motion, Cllr. Moylan made the following points:

·         This motion is very appropriate in light of the recent storm as most damage was caused by fallen trees and could have been avoided.

·         Forest site lines need to be pushed back far enough from power lines.

·         People are being encouraged to build houses which rely fully on electricity and our infrastructure is not ready for this.

·         This motion should be distributed to all Local Authorities.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Moylan

SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to write to Nicholas Tarrant, MD of ESB Networks, and Keith Leonard, Head of the National Emergency Coordination Group and distributed to all Local Authorities.

In light of over 40 trees falling during Storm Darragh, damaging power lines and leaving homes andbusinesses without power for days, I propose this Council writes to Nicholas Tarrant, MD of ESBNetworks, and Keith Leonard, Head of the National Emergency Coordination Group. They shouldensure compliance with wayleaves and exclusion zones near overhead powerlines, requiring forestry owners to meet clearance standards. ESB Networks should take pre-emptive measuresahead of storms to prevent similar outages. Additionally, compliance with the DAFM Standards forFelling & Restoration near public  roads must be enforced to prevent road safety hazards duringextreme weather.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This Motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

Moving the motion, Cllr. Moylan made the following points:

·        This motion is very appropriate in light of the recent storm as most damage was caused by fallen trees and could have been avoided.

·        Forest site lines need to be pushed back far enough from power lines.

·        People are being encouraged to build houses which rely fully on electricity and our infrastructure is not ready for this.

·        This motion should be distributed to all Local Authorities.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Moylan

SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to write to Nicholas Tarrant, MD of ESB Networks, and Keith Leonard, Head of the National Emergency Coordination Group and distributed to all Local Authorities.

Following a number of recent storms that this county has experienced and the extreme danger caused by fallen trees throughout the county,   I am asking Roscommon Co. Council to engage with other  agencies such as Coillte, ESB, Eir, Dept of Agriculture, Uisce Eireann and Farm Bodies to discuss a  pilot plan that will reduce loss of services, costs and avoid serious injury or death as a result of these storms.The plan should identify dangerous roadside trees, future planning for development of services along our roads and engage with landowners to cut and remove dangerous trees.

Reply:

Trees on private property are the responsibility of the owner. The 1993 Roads Act place a statutory obligation on landowners and occupiers to ensure roadside structures, trees, shrubs or other vegetation do not present a danger to those using and working on public roads. Under the law, landowners are liable for any damage caused by their trees. The Council can serve a notice requiring a landowner to take the necessary steps to address any hazards. In the event that the Council, as the road authority, has to take action it may recover the costs incurred by it from the landowner.

Dealing with large dangerous roadside trees is a difficult and expensive undertaking. The Council agrees that a national approach and response is required. In line with similar Notice of Motions the Council issued correspondence to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to request that a scheme be put in place to provide financial support to landowners to deal with this issue. I have included their reply for completeness.  

Currently there is no such specific funding from the Department.  However, the Department has published guidance on the subject of roadside trees, in partnership with the Tree Council of Ireland, “A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees” which provides guidance to landowners on how to manage roadside trees and to assess risk associated with trees and describes common defects including dieback, unstable leans, splits and cracks, decay and cavities.  Roscommon County Council is currently drafting a County Tree Management Policy.  The Policy will also offer guidance and encouragement to landowners to manage their roadside trees in a responsible manner.

Moving the motion, Cllr. Callaghan made the following points:

·         There is a lack of cohesion with the major bodies to protect people against storms, in particular with roadside trees falling.

·         There is no coordination between Eir, forest companies, landowners, and Local Authorities.

·         There is an expectation on the Council to clean up the mess caused by the storm.

·         Trees need to be kept back from the road verges to prevent situations where there is no power, heat, or water.

·         Farmers are struggling to maintain their livestock due to no water and damage to sheds.

·         A programme needs to be put in place to entice landowners to cut trees, and offer compensation, to make the roadsides safe.

·         A plan is needed to engage with Eir, ESB, and the farming community for the  ...  view the full agenda text for item 3.25b

Following a number of recent storms that this county has experienced and the extreme danger caused by fallen trees throughout the county, I am asking Roscommon Co. Council to engage with other agencies such as Coillte, ESB, Eir, Dept of Agriculture, Uisce Eireann and Farm Bodies to discuss a pilot plan that will reduce loss of services, costs and avoid serious injury or death as a result of these storms. The plan should identify dangerous roadside trees, future planning for development of services.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

Trees on private property are the responsibility of the owner. The 1993 Roads Act place a statutory obligation on landowners and occupiers to ensure roadside structures, trees, shrubs or other vegetation do not present a danger to those using and working on public roads. Under the law, landowners are liable for any damage caused by their trees. The Council can serve a notice requiring a landowner to take the necessary steps to address any hazards. In the event that the Council, as the road authority, has to take action it may recover the costs incurred by it from the landowner.

Dealing with large dangerous roadside trees is a difficult and expensive undertaking. The Council agrees that a national approach and response is required. In line with similar Notice of Motions the Council issued correspondence to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to request that a scheme be put in place to provide financial support to landowners to deal with this issue. I have included their reply for completeness.  

Currently there is no such specific funding from the Department.  However, the Department has published guidance on the subject of roadside trees, in partnership with the Tree Council of Ireland, “A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees” which provides guidance to landowners on how to manage roadside trees and to assess risk associated with trees and describes common defects including dieback, unstable leans, splits and cracks, decay and cavities.  Roscommon County Council is currently drafting a County Tree Management Policy.  The Policy will also offer guidance and encouragement to landowners to manage their roadside trees in a responsible manner.

Moving the motion, Cllr. Callaghan made the following points:

·        There is a lack of cohesion with the major bodies to protect people against storms, in particular with roadside trees falling.

·        There is no coordination between Eir, forest companies, landowners, and Local Authorities.

·        There is an expectation on the Council to clean up the mess caused by the storm.

·        Trees need to be kept back from the road verges to prevent situations where there is no power, heat, or water.

·        Farmers are struggling to maintain their livestock due to no water and damage to sheds.

·        A programme needs to be put in place to entice landowners to cut trees, and offer compensation, to make the roadsides safe.

·        A plan is needed to engage with Éir, ESB, and the farming community for the next 5 years.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Callaghan  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.25b

There were no matters arising.

There were no matters arising.

·         Report for Q4 2024

Management Report for December noted.

·         Management Report for January noted.

Correspondence was circulated to members in advance of the meeting.

·        Correspondence was circulated to members before the meeting.

I am calling on Roscommon County Council to introduce the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme in all Towns in County Roscommon where there is a lack of housing and consider 10% social and 10% affordable in Part V acquisitions. This will help people on moderate incomes to buy new homes at reduced prices.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

Roscommon County Council was not initially identified as one of the counties with an affordability need in the Government's Housing for All plan. However, the ongoing escalation in housing costs and the persistent lack of supply particularly in urban areas of the county has underscored the growing need for intervention to address these challenges. Recognising this, Roscommon’s Housing Department proactively initiated discussions with the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage in 2024 to explore opportunities for affordable housing projects within the county.

As a result of these discussions, the Department has approved the creation of a temporary post for a Staff Officer. This officer, whose appointment is anticipated in the near future, will play a key role in administering forthcoming affordable housing.  The primary focus will be on working with developers to leverage Part V requirements in urban centres identified as having significant housing needs. This targeted approach aims to ensure that affordable housing solutions are integrated into new developments, addressing supply shortages and making homeownership a viable option for individuals and families on moderate incomes.

Members supported the motion and made the following points:

·         A large number of people are in a difficult situation whereby they do not quality for Social housing or a mortgage due to their income.

·         An Affordable Housing Scheme would be beneficial for all.

·         The Croí Cónaithe Scheme is working very well in the refurbishment of older properties, but the time limits need to be reviewed.

·         The lack of supply of houses is letting the country down.

·         Any initiative that helps people buy or build a house is very welcome.

·         This motion has been brought at a very appropriate time.

·         Housing remains a major crippling issue in the country.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED to call on Roscommon County Council to introduce the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme in all Towns in County Roscommon where there is a lack of housing and consider 10% social and 10% affordable in Part V acquisitions.

Director of Services Fiona Ni Chuinn addressed members regarding this motion and responded to the points raised. Roscommon County Council are committed to progressing an affordable scheme in 2025. Government funding has been provided to provide support staff to put a scheme in place. Part V will not cover every town in County Roscommon, and there will an onus on the Local Authority to prove to the Department that there is an affordable issue within an area. Expressions of Interest will be done by scheme because affordability is tied into the market value of the property, and the equity gap between the amount  ...  view the full agenda text for item 7.25a

I am calling on Roscommon County Council to introduce the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme in all Towns in County Roscommon where there is a lack of housing and consider 10% social and 10% affordable in Part V acquisitions. This will help people on moderate incomes to buy new homes at reduced prices.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

Roscommon County Council was not initially identified as one of the counties with an affordability need in the Government's Housing for All plan. However, the ongoing escalation in housing costs and the persistent lack of supply particularly in urban areas of the county has underscored the growing need for intervention to address these challenges. Recognising this, Roscommon’s Housing Department proactively initiated discussions with the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage in 2024 to explore opportunities for affordable housing projects within the county.

As a result of these discussions, the Department has approved the creation of a temporary post for a Staff Officer. This officer, whose appointment is anticipated in the near future, will play a key role in administering forthcoming affordable housing.  The primary focus will be on working with developers to leverage Part V requirements in urban centres identified as having significant housing needs. This targeted approach aims to ensure that affordable housing solutions are integrated into new developments, addressing supply shortages and making home ownership a viable option for individuals and families on moderate incomes.

Members supported the motion and made the following points:

·        A large number of people are in a difficult situation whereby they do not quality for Social housing or a mortgage due to their income.

·        An Affordable Housing Scheme would be beneficial for all.

·        The Croí Cónaithe Scheme is working very well in the refurbishment of older properties, but the time limits need to be reviewed.

·        The lack of supply of houses is letting the country down.

·        Any initiative that helps people buy or build a house is very welcome.

·        This motion has been brought at a very appropriate time.

·        Housing remains a major crippling issue in the country.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED to call on Roscommon County Council to consider introducing the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme in all Towns in County Roscommon where there is a lack of housing and consider 10% social and 10% affordable in Part V acquisitions.

Acting of Services Fiona Ni Chuinn addressed members regarding this motion and responded to the points raised. Roscommon County Council are committed to progressing an affordable scheme in 2025. Government funding has been provided to provide support staff to put a scheme in place. Part V will not cover every town in County Roscommon, and there will an onus on the Local Authority to prove to the Department that there is an affordable issue within an area. Expressions of Interest will be done by scheme because affordability is tied into the market value of the property, and the equity gap between the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.25a

That this Council call on the Minister for Education, Department of Education to and prioritise the delivery of the Apprenticeship Training Centre in Roscommon Town. Roscommon County Council and their representatives on the previous and current GRETB have been actively working on the delivery of this facility. The Roscommon County LECP 2023-2029 has made provision for this as an objective and the Roscommon MD have made provision in Roscommon Town LAP. Delivery is priority now to meet the demand within our national labour market and for the economic development of our county.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This Motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

Members supported the motion and made the following points:

·         A motion for this was previously raised in 2023 and the business plan was pushed forward, but the building has now been put back on the market.

·         The demand for skilled trades and apprentices is huge nationally.

·         The Minister for Higher Education should be included in this motion.

·         Roscommon is the only county town in Ireland that doesn’t have a third level facility.

·         Strokestown would be an ideal location for this premises and put direct investment into the town.

·         One of the main priorities was the plan originally was that there would be a train station within walking distance of the site and inter-county bus transport.

·         There are many other sites to choose from in Roscommon Town if this site is not suitable.

·         Apprenticeships are a good alternative career path for students.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Scahill

SECONDED by Cllr. Brennan

It was AGREED to call on the Minister for Education, Minister for Higher Education, and Department of Education to and prioritise the delivery of the Apprenticeship Training Centre in Roscommon Town.

That this Council call on the Minister for Education, Department of Education to and prioritise thedelivery of the Apprenticeship Training Centre in Roscommon Town. Roscommon County Council and their representatives on the previous and current GRETB have been actively working on the delivery of this facility. The Roscommon County LECP 2023-2029 has made provision for this as an objective and the Roscommon MD have made provision in Roscommon Town LAP. Delivery is priority now to meet the demand within our national labour market and for the economic development of our county.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This Motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

Members supported the motion and made the following points:

·        A motion for this was previously raised in 2023 and the business plan was pushed forward, but the building has now been put back on the market.

·        The demand for skilled trades and apprentices is huge nationally.

·        The Minister for Higher Education should be included in this motion.

·        Roscommon is the only county town in Ireland that doesn’t have a third level facility.

·        Strokestown would be an ideal location for this premises and put direct investment into the town.

·        One of the main priorities was the plan originally was that there would be a train station within walking distance of the site and inter-county bus transport.

·        There are many other sites to choose from in Roscommon Town if this site is not suitable.

·        Apprenticeships are a good alternative career path for students.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Scahill

SECONDED by Cllr. Brennan

It was AGREED to call on the Minister for Education, Minister for Higher Education, and Department of Education to and prioritise the delivery of the Apprenticeship Training Centre in Roscommon Town.

I am asking Roscommon County Council to write to the next Minister for Education requesting the introduction of extra time for students with Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and other learning difficulties sitting second level examinations .

The lack of extra time is a severe disadvantage to such students at this crucial time in their lives.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

 This Motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

Members supported the motion and made the following points:

·         A lack of extra time at second level is leading students not reaching their full potential.

·         Awareness of learning difficulties is increasing significantly.

·         An assessment should be carried out to see how much extra time is needed.

·         This should be circulated to all Local Authorities.

I am asking Roscommon County Council to write to the next Minister for Education requesting theintroduction of extra time for students with Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and other learning difficultiessitting second level examinations. The lack of extra time is a severe disadvantage to such students at this crucial time in their lives.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This Motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

Members supported the motion and made the following points:

·        A lack of extra time at second level is leading students not reaching their full potential.

·        Awareness of learning difficulties is increasing significantly.

·        An assessment should be carried out to see how much extra time is needed.

·        This should be circulated to all Local Authorities.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

It was AGREED to write to the next Minister for Education requesting the introduction of extra time for students with Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and other learning difficulties sitting second level examinations. The lack of extra time is a severe disadvantage to such students at this crucial time in their lives. It was also agreed to circulate this to all Local Authorities.

Can Roscommon Council provide a breakdown of costs incurred for clearing of fallen trees, debris and rectifying damage caused by storm Darragh. To include staff costs, fire services and contractors. Is any of the expenditure redeemable from other agencies and individuals?

Response to the Question was circulated to members in advance of the meeting.

None

No further business.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Byrne

SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

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

Circulated for noting.

No other business.