·         Minutes of Athlone MD Meeting held on 22^nd September 2017

·         Minutes of Athlone MD Budget Meeting held on 27^th October 2017

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Kilduff

            SECONDED by Councillor Naughten

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Athlone Municipal District held on 22.09.2017

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Connaughten

            SECONDED by Councillor Naughten

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Athlone Municipal District Budget meeting held on 27.10.2017

There were no matters arising.

Roads Programme 2017-11-27

Diarmuid MacDonnacha advised that the Roads programme for 2017 is almost complete with two items outstanding at Ballyforan and the R357.

Athleague Village

Cllr. Connaughton raised concerns in relation to the footpaths and road surface in Athleague village.  He said that Irish Water are undertaking works in the village at the moment and it is only right to reinstate the main road and footpaths to a good standard.   Diarmuid MacDonnacha advised that these works are not eligible for Town & Village Funding and that it would use up our entire budget for footpaths for the year.  The Director of Services Ms. Majella Hunt advised that she will discuss further with Roads Department.

L2014 Ballyforan to Four Roads Road

All members welcomed the proposed weight restrictions at L2014 Ballyforan to Four Roads Road.   

An update on the current position in relation to both the 2016 and 2017 Schemes was circulated to Members.  Ms. Majella Hunt, Director of Services noted that there was €15,000 to be allocated from the 2017 Budget.  She also asked Members for an update in relation to approved matched funding projects under the 2016 Scheme.

Cllr Connaughton advised that Athleague Community Centre are getting ready to submit an application for Leader funding.  Cllr Fallon said Clonown Community Ltd are at the Expression of Interest stage.   

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Ward

                       SECONDED by Councillor Naughten

It was AGREED to transfer the unallocated €15,000 to the 2018 Budget.  It was further agreed to outline criteria for the 2018 Scheme at next meeting with a call for applications to be advertised on 18^th January 2018.

All members expressed their dissatisfaction at the General Municipal Allocation Apportionments with Athlone MD only receiving 25% of the overall budget.  Cllr Naughten informed the meeting that he highlighted this at CPG meeting but there was no change.  He said that a business case would need to be put forward for Athlone MD and every effort made to change the criteria currently used.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Kilduff

                SECONDED by Councillor Fallon

It was AGREED to discuss at next MD Meeting and put forward a business case for Athlone MD. 

Members requested that the minutes of the CPG meeting outlining the criteria for allocating the GMA be circulated with the next Agenda.

Ms. Majella Hunt informed members that a meeting with Transport Infrastructure Ireland is scheduled for Tuesday 19^th December at 11 a.m. in Dublin.  She asked if Members had any agenda items to forward them to her.  It was agreed that all members present would attend the meeting.

Members were disappointed with response received from Mr. Tomás Beades, Operations Manager at Roscommon LEADER Partnership in relation to Animation funding.  Cllr Fallon said it was a disappointment and a setback that no dedicated person in this programme to assist applicants.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Fallon

                SECONDED by Councillor Naughten

It was AGREED to write to Minister for Community and Rural Development to make provisions for Animation Funding in the Leader Programme.  A proportion of funding already allocated be redirected to animation.

Name Change

Members requested that a letter be sent to Minister to change name of Athlone Municipal District to Athlone West.

Parkway Estate

Cllr. Naughten noted that Parkway estate remains in a dangerous condition and that the owner has completely abandoned his responsibilities.  He is requesting urgent action to address situation.  Ms. Hunt advised that a further notice was issued on owner.  If no action taken by 1^st December it will be pursued under Derelict Sites Act. 

Cloonakilla NS

Cllr. Naughten thanked Diarmuid MacDonncha and Eugene Dwyer for erecting speed signs at Cloonakilla.  He also noted that there are issues with parking at this location and requested an update in relation to this.  Ms. Hunt advised that this project is proceeding to PART 8 and contact has been made with landowner.  Site investigations have been carried out.  Funding will have to come from Central Funds.

Update on Speed Limit

Cllr Shanagher and Head of Roads Eugene Dwyer gave an update on current position.  TII have a complete impass on speed limits on National Roads but noted that regional roads needed to be looked at.  A proposal was being made to reduce speed limit to 80km per hr on the Mountalbot to Athleague road.

On the  PROPOSAL of Councillor Fallon

SECONDED by Councillor Connaughton

It was AGREED not to reduce the speed limit on the Mountalbot to Athleague road from 100km to 80km.