The Cathaoirleach welcomed everyone to the meeting

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor John Keogh

                SECONDED by Councillor Tony Ward

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Athlone Municipal District Meeting held on 26^th July 2018. 

There were no matters arising

Letter from Department of Transport had already been circulated to Members.

·         Motion No. 10.18 Councillor John Keogh

·         Motion No. 11.18 Councillor John Naughten

·         Motion No. 12.18 Councillor Tony Ward

10.18     Notice of Motion Councillor John Keogh

“That Roscommon County Council install an adequate number of Speed Ramps on the Old Tuam Road, Monksland, as a speed reduction measure so as to reduce the risk of a fatality or serious injury and further that it installs a number of pedestrian crossing (zebra) near the bus stop close to the Council’s office so as to allow safe road crossing to the Community Centre and Council Offices and after the Arrabawn co-op to allow safe road crossing to access Cushlea Pitches. In addition, pursuant to Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2004, I call on Roscommon County Council, at the time of passing bye-laws in respect of speed limits on all roads in the County (including housing estates), to reduce the speed limit on the Old Tuam Road to 40kmph bearing in mind that the road is populated with residential dwellings and entrances to housing estates containing many young children”.

The Meetings Administrator circulated the following reply:

Roscommon County Council acknowledges that there is a problem with excessive speed on the Old Tuam Road and in this regard we will investigate the introduction of Traffic Calming systems in order to reduce same. The Municipal District Office will also contact the local community Garda to request that more regular speed checks be carried out.

The introduction of Speed Ramps on any road requires public consultation with all interested parties including local residents, elected members, Gardai, HSE & Bus Eireann. Department of Transport/TII standards require that ramps be placed at 80 to 100 metre centres along the length of all roads where this treatment is applied.  In the case of the L2047 Old Tuam Road approximately seventeen (17) individual ramps would be required from the Co-Op to the River Village Roundabout.

Updated Speed Limit Bye-Laws are currently under consideration at Council Plenary level following lengthy consultation with the elected members.  A Speed Limit review is carried out every 4 to 5 years. In this case a speed limit of 40kmh is not appropriate for the Old Tuam Road as it is not an Estate Road.

Councillor Keogh submitted a signed Petition with 300 names from Local Residents in accordance with the above Notice of Motion.  Funding must be sourced to address speed in the area as a matter of urgency. 

11.18     Notice of Motion Councillor John Naughten

“That Roscommon County Council install speed ramps on the Old Tuam Road in the interest of public safety”.

The Meetings Administrator circulated the following reply:

Roscommon County Council acknowledges that there is a problem with excessive speed on the Old Tuam Road and in this regard we will investigate the introduction of Traffic Calming systems in order to reduce same. The Municipal District Office will also contact the local community Garda to request that more regular speed checks be carried out.

The introduction of Speed Ramps on any road requires public consultation with all interested parties including local residents, elected members, Gardai, HSE  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.18

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Ward

SECONDED by Councillor Naughten

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council honour at the next Civic Reception, the Kiltoom-Cam U-12 girls soccer team who were crowned All-Ireland champions at the Community Games held at the University of Limerick

It was also agreed that in future only groups that win Gold National Medals will be honoured at Civic receptions.

·         Question No. 10.18 Councillor John Naughten

·         Question No. 11.18 Councillor Tony Ward

·         Question No. 12.18 Councillor Tony Ward

Question No. 10.18 - Councillor John Naughten

Parkway Site

 “That Roscommon County Council provide a update on what measures are going to be taken next to address the situation with the condition of the Parkway site, Monksland, Athlone”.

The Meetings Administrator circulated the following reply:

This site has been placed on the Register of Derelict Sites.  A prosecution under the Waste Act is currently being pursued by Roscommon County Council’s Environment Section.

Question No. 11.18 - Councillor Tony Ward

Turning Lane at Curramore Junction

“Can the Area Engineer Mr. Diarmuid MacDonncha inform meeting and give update on the progress that has been made with TII on providing a left hand turning lane with road marking at the Curramore junction on road L2022-0”

The Meetings Administrator circulated the following reply:

Eugene Dwyer has confirmed that he applied to the TII 2 months ago to appoint consultants from the TII’s Framework list to consider options at the location referred to. The Consultant’s brief is to examine and make recommendations on that section of the N61 from Ganly’s Roundabout to Kiltoom Stores. A reminder will be sent to TII to progress our request.

Question No. 12.18 - Councillor Tony Ward

Dysart Traffic Calming

“Can the Area Engineer Mr. Diarmuid MacDonncha please inform the meeting when will work commence on installing road marking and road safety signage and flashing lights at the village of Dysart”.

The Meetings Administrator circulated the following reply:

This project has been funded by the TII under their Low Cost Improvement Scheme. A design is currently being prepared and the project will be completed by November.

As recorded at the Plenary meeting on Monday 24^th September 2018

Hedgecutting Grant Scheme

Councillor Connaughton updated Members on a pilot scheme that is currently in place, and at an advanced stage, in Galway County Council. 

Local committee/landowners take responsibility for

-          Lodging an application for the Grant

-          employing a registered contractor that has indemnity insurance

-          engaging in agreements with landowners,

-          marking out roads

Councillor Keogh suggested that Councillor Connaughton pursue piloting this scheme in the Athleague area with a view to seeing how this works.

Councillor Naughten suggested that €5,000 of the €10,000 budget for this Scheme be used by Athlone MD for hedgecutting in the area as roads are in a chronic state and €5,000 remain in place for applications made under this scheme. 

Councillor Ward and Councillor Fallon suggested that any balance left in this budget should be reviewed before the next MD meeting.  This balance should be used for hedgecutting in the area.

Councillor Connaughton advised that this Scheme and Budget should be reviewed at the next MD meeting and rolled out.

Repair of Roads

Councillor Keogh raised the following issues:

-          Creagh – complimented RCC that drainage and lights have been on Shannonbridge Road and looked for an update on timelines for footpaths and roundabout works at Creagh

Diarmuid MacDonncha advised this was submitted as a Scheme for Capital funding but no success.  There is a contract in place for maintenance of Suckfield Roundabout.

-          Kidlawn – understood that this road was on the Roads Programme but need to get remedial works done as it is like a river flowing.

-          Antrane to Clonbulia - water pipe exists on centre of road and cars are getting caught on it.

Diarmuid MacDonncha advised works have been carried out.

However, Councillor John Keogh advised that road is collapsed at Joe Burkes house

Councillor John Naughten raised the following issues

-          Lights and footpaths from Dolans garage, Ballinasloe

-          Line marking opposite Dolans garage.  No yellow line

-          5 no. Signs blocking view at Ballymullavil junction to Tuam Road

Diarmuid MacDonncha advised he will have a look at these signs

-          No line marking from Rooskey cross to Taughmaconnell

-          Dangerous depression in road at Taughmaconnell Road (at Kildeas concrete)

Paul Browne confirmed that contractors are doing these works

-          progressing Part 8 at Cloonakille 

Councillor Ivan Connaughton raised the following issues

-          Expressed his delight that works were commencing in Athleague in the forthcoming week

-          Bridge at Kilbegnet – a commitment was given to house liable to flooding.  What is the update?

Diarmuid MacDonncha advised that Low Cost Safety is being implemented at this location shortly and he will look to include this as part of these works

-          Low Cost safety measure at Araghty.  Landowner willing to give land at bad corner free of charge in order for works to take place.  Ivan can arrange meeting with landowner and Engineers.

-          Castlestrange should be included in 2019 Roads Programme

Councillor Lawrence Fallon stated that he was delighted that works are commencing in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.18