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

·        Minutes of Annual Meeting 23^rd June 2025

·        Minutes of Plenary Meeting 23^rd June 2025

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Kelly

            SECONDED by Cllr. Holland

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Annual Meeting of 23.07.2025.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connolly

            SECONDED by Cllr. Moylan

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 23.07.2025.

There were no matters arising.

·        Report for Q2 2025

·         Management Report for Q2 noted.

·        Lease of 142m2 – Ground Floor Arás an Chontae to Uisce Éireann

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Connolly

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: Office Space comprising a net internal area of 142m² located on the Ground Floor of Áras an Chontae

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired: First Registration with Roscommon County Council

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed to:Uisce Éireann

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

Term of Lease: 5 Years

·        0.04Ha at 69 Knockroe, Castlerea to Michael and Elizabeth Healy

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Holland

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: 0.04 Ha (0.09ac) of Lands at 69 Knockroe, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired: Unknown (First Registration with Roscommon County Council Jul. 1980)

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed to: Michael and Elizabeth Healy

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: Rectification

·         Adoption of Draft Roscommon Heritage Strategy

Cllr. John Keogh, Chairperson of the Economic Development & Enterprise Support SPC introduced the presentation of the Draft Roscommon Heritage Strategy 2025-2029 which was developed through an iterative process led by the Heritage Officer, Ms. Nollaig Feeney and guided by the Roscommon Heritage Forum. Cllr. Keogh thanked Ms. Feeney for her work in preparing the strategy.

Heritage Officer, Ms.  Nollaig Feeney, delivered a presentation outlining the Draft Roscommon Heritage Strategy 2025–2029. The strategy sets out a comprehensive framework for the management, protection and promotion of heritage in the county, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Ms. Feeney provided an overview of the broad scope of heritage, including build, natural, cultural and intangible elements and gave a background on the role and composition of the County Roscommon Heritage Forum.

During the presentation, Ms. Feeney discussed the key themes of the strategy which includes:

·         Commitment to High Standards: Emphasising best practices in heritage care, conservation, and innovation.

·         Collaborative Approach: Promoting partnerships with local, regional, and national stakeholders to deliver impactful projects.

·         Public Engagement: Enhancing awareness and appreciation of heritage through effective communication.

·         Biodiversity Protection: Recognising biodiversity as a core element of heritage, supporting climate resilience and sustainable tourism.

·         Evidence-Based Policy: Supporting research, surveys, and data collection to inform future decision-making.

Ms. Feeney also outlined the funding context for 2025, noting that the Heritage Team is funded by Roscommon County Council and the Heritage Council. The total grant allocation for the year is €466,764, comprising of funding from schemes such as Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), Community Monuments Fund (CMF), Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF), and biodiversity-specific grants.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan commended Ms. Feeney for her dedication and the significant contribution she has made to heritage in the county. He acknowledged the challenges of working within a limited budget, particularly in a field that is both highly skilled and expensive.

The Members discussed the following:

• Further praise was expressed for Ms. Feeney and the entire Heritage Team.
• Concern was raised regarding the limited funding available, with calls for greater government investment in heritage.
• The wide-ranging demands and diversity of heritage projects were acknowledged.
• The importance of promoting heritage sites for tourism was discussed.

·         Specific reference was made to key heritage sites such as the Strokestown Famine Museum, Rathcroghan Centre, and the Douglas Hyde Centre, which will be bypassed by the new N5 route. A proposal was made to allocate funding for signage to direct visitors to these sites and support the local economy.

·         Appreciation was expressed for the work of voluntary groups involved in heritage.

·         A query was raised regarding the possibility of assigning Eircodes to heritage sites such as the birthplace of Percy French. Cllr. Moylan committed to exploring this.

·         The strategy was widely praised as a strong roadmap for the future of heritage in the county.

·         Clarification was sought on responsibility for the maintenance of protected structures, particularly in light of damage caused by Storm Éowyn. A query was raised regarding the availability of special funding for such repairs.

·         Several heritage  ...  view the full minutes text for item 109.25

·        To elect seven (7) members to the Local Community Safety Partnership.

A/Director of Services, Fiona Ní Chuinn, informed the meeting that an information booklet had been circulated regarding the establishment of the new Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) committee. This new structure will build upon the work of the former Joint Policing Committee and will serve as a forum for discussion and decision-making on community safety priorities going forward.

Ms. Ní Chuinn sought the nomination of seven elected members to the committee, which will comprise a maximum of thirty members. The remaining members will be appointed once the final regulations are issued. Membership will include representatives from local communities, residents, businesses, education, the public sector, and elected members.

Ms. Ní Chuinn detailed that it is anticipated that the first meeting of the LCSP will take place by the end of Q3 2025. Ms. Ní Chuinn introduced Mr. Pat Flanagan, Coordinator of the LCSP, and Ms. Niamh Duffy, Administrator of the LCSP.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

            SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED to appoint Cllr. Leah Cull to the Local Community Safety Partnership.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

            SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED to appoint Cllr. Emer Kelly to the Local Community Safety Partnership.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

            SECONDED by Cllr. Connolly

It was AGREED to appoint Cllr. Valerie Duffy to the Local Community Safety Partnership.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

            SECONDED by Cllr. Moylan

It was AGREED to appoint Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice to the Local Community Safety Partnership.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

            SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED to appoint Cllr. Marty McDermott to the Local Community Safety Partnership.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

            SECONDED by Cllr. Kelly

It was AGREED to appoint Cllr. Ruth Conboy to the Local Community Safety Partnership.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

            SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

It was AGREED to appoint Cllr. Tom Crosby to the Local Community Safety Partnership.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan wished the partnership well and noted its importance.

The process for selecting the Chairperson of the committee was queried. A/Director of Services Fiona Ní Chuinn clarified that the Chairperson would be elected at the first meeting of the Local Community Safety Partnership.

·         Consideration and approval of Section 85 Agreement between Roscommon County Council and Leitrim County Council in respect of the Lough Key Greenway Scheme.

Director of Services Mark Keaveney advised that approval was being sought for the Section 85 Agreement between Roscommon County Council and Leitrim County Council in respect of the Lough Key Greenway Scheme.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan welcomed the initiative, describing the greenway as a valuable asset for the county and surrounding areas. He emphasised the importance of the agreement and the need to progress the project without delay.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan also extended congratulations to Cllr. Michéal Frain on his recent appointment as Chairperson of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.

Members expressed broad support for the project and raised the following points:

·         It was highlighted that there are already a vast amount of people visiting the area but there is an issue with visitors solely staying in Lough Key Forest Park on their stay. This greenway could hopefully address this and encourage visitors to explore the surrounding area.

·         The scheme has significant potential to boost tourism and stimulate economic activity in the county.

·         Queries were raised regarding future connectivity between existing and planned greenway routes, with suggestions to extend the route to additional areas.

·         The growing popularity of activity-based holidays and leisure tourism was noted.

·         Concerns were raised regarding the lack of hotel accommodation in the Boyle area.

·         The importance for consultation with local communities, particularly farmers was emphasised.

·         It was enquired if there were plans to connect Tarmonbarry to the Royal Canal Greenway in Cloondra Village which is 1km from Tarmonbarry and the need for a boardwalk across the old weir.

In response, Mr. Keaveney provided the following updates:

·         Regarding connectivity, there is an overall plan to link the greenways both for tourism development and to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for local communities.

·         Currently the Council are working on a greenway to connect to the Galway to Dublin national route. One of those routes is from Athlone to Ballyleague/Lanesboro, a second route going from Ballyleague/Lanesboro to Tarmonbarry/Rooskey/Strokestown (utilising the Bord na Móna rail lines) These routes are envisioned to link with Lough Key and further extend to Carrick-on-Shannon.

·         The greenway will also tie in with key Roscommon County Council projects such as the Lough Key Forest Park redevelopment and the Hodson Bay Project. Both these projects are being supported by Just Transition funding.

·         It is intended that the routes will connect with the National Famine Way (which links Strokestown to Dublin and is being promoted by Roscommon County Council and several other local authorities) and the Táin Trail, which is currently being reimagined by Louth County Council.

·         Roscommon County Council is also collaborating with Fáilte Ireland on the Beara-Breifne Way, which will traverse West Roscommon from Ballaghaderreen to Boyle and Cootehall.

·         It is hoped that funding for these projects can be secured in the coming years, with strong cooperation from local communities.

·         With regard to the proposed connection from Tarmonbarry to the Royal Canal Greenway at Cloondra, this project is at an early stage. The Council collaborated with Longford County Council to seek funding, which has been approved, and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 111.25

Noted as circulated in advance of the meeting.

That Roscommon County Council writes to the Minister for Health in relation to the closure of the Sacred Heart Hospital Church.

The closure of the church has caused untold upset to those residing in the Sacred Heart Hospital and to their families. This is a massive loss to the staff working there and the wider community that also used the Church for prayer.

That Roscommon County Council write to the Minister for Health in relation to the closure of the Sacred Heart Hospital Church. The closure of the church has caused untold upset to those residing in the Sacred Heart Hospital and to their families. This is a massive loss to the staff working there and the wider community that also used the Church for prayer.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This Motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

Cllr. McDermott further explained that, since submitting the motion, he had received correspondence from Deputy Martin Daly indicating that there are no plans to address the issue within the next 18 months. He expressed his deep disappointment with this response and reiterated his request that a letter be sent to the Minister urging a reconsideration of the matter. He asked for the support of his fellow members.

Members thanked Cllr. McDermott for raising the issue and expressed their collective disappointment and concern at the church’s closure. They called on the HSE to provide a clear explanation for the decision and appealed for an interim solution to be put in place.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. McDermott

            SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council writes to the Minister for Health, the HSE and the manager of the Sacred Heart Hospital requesting the following information regarding the closure of the Sacred Heart Hospital Church:

a)    The matter of reopening the church is considered in a timeframe shorter than the 18-month period as confirmed by the Minister in recent correspondence to Martin Daly T.D.

b)    That it is clearly explained what the safety issues are, detail on the scope of work and cost of same.

c)    In the interim, a room is provided as an immediate priority as a prayer space for private prayer and where mass can be said for the residents of the home.

We are calling on Roscommon County Council to write to Inland Fisheries and the relevant minister, to remove the remove coarse fishing and pike fishing fees for County Roscommon from the Midlands fishing permits. The fishing sector has seen a significant drop in interest in the county due to the above mentioned fees and it is having detrimental impact on tourism in the county.

We are calling on Roscommon County Council to write to Inland Fisheries and the relevant minister, to remove the remove coarse fishing and pike fishing fees for County Roscommon from the Midlands fishing permits. The fishing sector has seen a significant drop in interest in the county due to the above mentioned fees and it is having a detrimental impact on tourism in the county.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This Motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

Cllr. Emer Kelly introduced the motion, explaining that both she and Cllr. Connolly had been approached by members of the public on the issue. She highlighted that the Midlands is the only region where such permits and fees apply, which places Roscommon at a disadvantage in terms of attracting angling tourism. She also noted that, despite the fees, there has been no visible investment in the county by Inland Fisheries Ireland.

Cllr. Connolly added that the River Suck is a popular destination for anglers, but inconsistencies in permit requirements are discouraging fishing activity. He further noted that Roscommon has the potential to host the European Championships in June 2026, but this opportunity may be lost if the current permit structure remains in place.

Members expressed strong support for the motion. They recalled that the late Cllr. Anthony Waldron (RIP) had previously raised this issue, and there was an understanding at the time that the fees and permits had been abolished. Members agreed that removing the fees would boost angling tourism and that the opportunity of hosting major fishing tournaments were too valuable to miss.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

               SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to write to Inland Fisheries and the relevant minister, to remove the remove coarse fishing and pike fishing fees for County Roscommon from the Midlands fishing permits. The fishing sector has seen a significant drop in interest in the county due to the above mentioned fees and it is having a detrimental impact on tourism in the county.

That Roscommon County Council invite Minister Kevin Boxer Moran and staff from his Department to an in-camera meeting with the elected members and relevant officials of Roscommon County Council, to provide an update on all flood defence mitigation measures taking place in County Roscommon and in particular in relation to flood defence mitigation measures at Bogganfin, Athlone.

That Roscommon County Council invite Minister Kevin Boxer Moran and staff from his Department to an in-camera meeting with the elected members and relevant officials of Roscommon County Council, to provide an update on all flood defense mitigation measures taking place in County Roscommon and in particular in relation to flood defense mitigation measures at Bogganfin, Athlone.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This Motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

Cllr. Keogh added that, should such a meeting take place, updates should also be sought on flood mitigation efforts at Lough Funshinagh and on the continued closure of the tower at Roscommon Castle.

Members expressed strong support for the motion, highlighting the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the urgent need for effective flood mitigation. They noted that Roscommon has experienced significant flooding in the past and raised concerns about contributing factors such as silt build-up in the River Shannon and the lack of regular river maintenance. Calls were made for the OPW and the department to carry out risk assessments to rivers following Storm Éowyn in January.

Several members voiced frustration over the ongoing flooding at Lough Funshinagh, despite the recent installation of a pump intended to alleviate the issue and allow farmers to reclaim their land.

An update was also sought on a previous motion requesting that the Minister consider compensation for farmers affected by flooding at Lough Funshinagh. Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan confirmed that correspondence on this matter had been included in the information pack circulated to members prior to the meeting.

Director of Services, Mr. Mark Keaveney, provided an update on the situation at Lough Funshinagh. He explained that two schemes are being progressed in parallel to protect local residents, roads, and property:

• The first involves temporary planning permission for a pumping system, which was sought last year by Roscommon County Council in collaboration with the OPW. A minimum water level, as determined by An Bord Pleanála, had to be reached to comply with the planning conditions. That level has now been reached, and as a result, the pump has been turned off in accordance with the permission granted.
• The second is a permanent flood relief scheme, with the planning application expected to be submitted by the end of this year.

Cllr. Keogh thanked the members for their support and stressed the importance of progressing flood mitigation measures without delay.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

            SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council invite Minister Kevin Boxer Moran and staff from his Department to an in-camera meeting with the elected members and relevant officials of Roscommon County Council, to provide an update on all flood defense mitigation measures taking place in County Roscommon and in particular in relation to flood defense mitigation measures at Bogganfin, Athlone.

It was also requested that the minister provides an update to Roscommon County Council regarding Roscommon Castle and plans for same.

I wish to formally call upon Roscommon County Council to suspend all planning applications for wind turbine developments within the county until the forthcoming legislation is fully enacted. 

In May 2025, the Dáil introduced Stage 1 of the Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2025, which proposes vital reforms to address long-standing concerns relating to wind energy infrastructure. 

The Bill includes provisions for:

Mandatory setback distances between turbines and residential properties,

• Strict noise regulation standards
• Stronger requirements for community engagement.

This temporary suspension will ensure that all future wind energy proposals in the county align with best practices, protect local communities.

I wish to formally call upon Roscommon County Council to suspend all planning applications for wind turbine developments within the county until the forthcoming legislation is fully enacted.

In May 2025, the Dáil introduced Stage 1 of the Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2025, which proposes vital reforms to address long-standing concerns relating to wind energy infrastructure.

The Bill includes provisions for:

Mandatory setback distances between turbines and residential properties,

•           Strict noise regulation standards

•           Stronger requirements for community engagement.

This temporary suspension will ensure that all future wind energy proposals in the county align with best practices, protect local communities.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

Following a comprehensive review of the proposed motion, the Executive is obliged to advise that the action requested therein lies outside the statutory powers (ultra vires) of the local authority, as provided for under the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended) and other applicable legislation.

In particular, Section 140(2) of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended) stipulates that a resolution may only direct the performance of an action where such action is both lawful and within the executive functions of the local authority.

In this instance, the action proposed—namely, the suspension of planning applications—is expressly precluded by Sections 34 and 34(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), and is further governed by the procedures and requirements set out in Part 4 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended).

Accordingly, the Council is not legally empowered to implement the motion as framed. I must therefore advise that the motion cannot be progressed. This determination is made in order to ensure full compliance with statutory obligations and to safeguard the Council from acting beyond its lawful remit.

Cllr. Tom Crosby acknowledged the legal limitations but highlighted that updated national guidelines will significantly alter the planning landscape. He argued that applications not aligned with the forthcoming regulations should not be processed and referenced a recent public meeting in Ballyfeeney concerning a proposed development of six turbines in a small, high-amenity area.

Members expressed the following concerns and views:

• Frustration over delays in enacting updated wind energy regulations, which have been in draft form since 2019.
• Concerns about the environmental impact of large-scale wind developments, including effects on biodiversity and wildlife.
• Criticism of the materials used in turbine construction, particularly the high concrete and steel content.
• Suggestions that such developments should be located offshore or along the coastline.
• Clarification that members are not opposed to renewable energy but are concerned about the scale and intensity of current proposals.
• Fears that developers are rushing to submit applications before the new regulations come into force.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan shared that he had met with concerned residents and criticised the lack of community engagement by developers. He committed to engaging directly with affected communities and proposed that councillors write to developers of proposed wind farms in Kilglass and other areas of the county, requesting that they voluntarily withdraw planning applications until the new  ...  view the full minutes text for item 113.25d

That Roscommon County Council write to the Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan and request that his department establish a high-level expert group on a pilot basis for County Roscommon, to look at the alarming rise in Cocaine/Alcohol use. Recently the Coroner for County Roscommon, stated that his court had dealt with three Cocaine/Alcohol related deaths in the space of a month. I understand that this is regrettably part of a national trend but, evidence based raw data by toxicology reports presented to the County Roscommon Coroner is extremely worrying for this county.

That Roscommon County Council write to the Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan and request that his department establish a high-level expert group on a pilot basis for County Roscommon, to look at the alarming rise in Cocaine/Alcohol use. Recently the Coroner for County Roscommon, stated that his court had dealt with three Cocaine/Alcohol related deaths in the space of a month. I understand that this is regrettably part of a national trend but, evidence based raw data by toxicology reports presented to the County Roscommon Coroner is extremely worrying for this county.

Reply:

This Motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

Cllr. Michéal Frain introduced the motion, describing the issue as deeply troubling. He referenced a report published earlier that day which highlighted that multi-addiction cases account for 70–72% of admissions to rehabilitation centres. He noted that he had discussed the matter with Deputy Martin Daly and Senator Gareth Scahill and emphasised the strong link between drug use and rising crime rates, which are affecting communities across Ireland.

Members expressed unanimous support for the motion, noting that drug use is impacting individuals of all ages and contributing to a deterioration in mental health. Concerns were raised about the glamourisation of drug lords in national media, the financial hardship faced by families due to addiction, and the ease of access to drugs among young people, particularly through social media.

Calls were made for the rollout of early intervention and prevention programmes, with tailored approaches for both urban and rural communities.

It was proposed to extend the motion to include the Minister for Health and to address the growing use of HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol), a synthetic cannabinoid, which is reportedly involved in 20% of youth addiction cases presenting to treatment centres.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan thanked Cllr. Frain for bringing the motion forward and stressed that the issue warrants further discussion, describing it as a serious threat to public health and safety in the county.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

            SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to extend standing orders until 18.30pm.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Frain

            SECONDED by Cllr. Callaghan

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council write to the Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan and request that his department establish a high-level expert group on a pilot basis for County Roscommon, to look at the alarming rise in drug and alcohol use. Recently the Coroner for County Roscommon stated that his court had dealt with three cocaine and alcohol related deaths in the space of a month. It is understood that this is regrettably part of a national trend, but evidence based raw data by toxicology reports presented to the County Roscommon Coroner is extremely worrying for this county.

That the Director of Services be requested to provide a report to the meeting detailing the following information for the past twelve (12) months in respect of indiscriminate dumping and littering offences within the administrative area of Roscommon County Council:

1. The total number of litter fines issued;
2. The number of fines paid to the Council;
3. The number of cases prosecuted and determined by the courts; and
4. The total net income received by Roscommon County Council from such fines.

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

That the Director of Services be requested to provide a report to the Council meeting detailing the total current annual cost incurred by Roscommon County Council in relation to the management, control, and remediation of indiscriminate littering and illegal dumping across the county. This report shall specifically include the costs associated with the policing, collection, transportation, and disposal of illegally dumped waste by the Council and any other associated cost to the Rate Payer of the County for litter management.

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

The Chief Executive noted that while there was one item of business to raise, it could be deferred to the next meeting.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Conboy

            SECONDED by Cllr. Duffy

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

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan expressed his sympathies to the family of Tom Grealy (RIP), The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Cllrs. Crosby, Byrne and Moylan also expressed their sympathies to the Grealy family.

Sympathies were extended to the Creighten Family Demense, Frenchpark on the death of Michael Creighton and Michael Kennedy, Kingsland.

No further business.