There were Declarations of Conflict of Interest by Members on Item No 5-“ Athlone MD  Funding Applications 2022”. They each left the meeting during the discussion of the relevant  application:

1.    Jamesie Murray Memorial Committee- Cllr D Kilduff and Cllr L Fallon

2.    Curraghboy Tidy Towns – Cllr. T Ward and Cllr D Kilduff

3.    Suck Valley Way – Cllr E Kelly

·         Minutes of MD Meeting held on 24^th May 2022

·         Minutes of Annual Meeting on 20^th June 2022

The Cathaoirleach Cllr. J Naughten welcomed everyone to the meeting.

On the Proposal Of;  Cllr L Fallon

          Seconded By; Cllr T Ward

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Athlone Municipal District meeting held on the 24^th May, 2022.

On the Proposal Of;  Cllr E Kelly

          Seconded By; Cllr J Keogh

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Athlone Municipal District Annual Meeting held on the 20^th June, 2022.

There were no Matters Arising for discussion

There were three roads to be approved as Public Roads.

§  Section 11 (2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 and Roads Regulations 1994, Part 2

Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), Section 180 Local Government Reform Act 2014 Schedule 3

Declaration of public road within the housing development at Cluain Broc, Monksland, Athlone

Section 11 (2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 and Roads Regulations 1994, Part 2

Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), Section 180 Local Government Reform Act 2014 Schedule 3.

Declaration of public road within the housing development at Cluain Broc, Monksland, Athlone

On the Proposal Of;  Cllr J Keogh

          Seconded By;  Cllr T Ward

It was AGREED that the road located within the housing development at Cluain Broc, Monksland, Athlone would be declared a public road.

§  Section 11 (2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 and Roads Regulations 1994, Part 2

Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), Section 180 Local Government Reform Act 2014 Schedule 3

Declaration of public road within the housing development at Cushla Grove, Monksland, Athlone

Section 11 (2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 and Roads Regulations 1994, Part 2

Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), Section 180 Local Government Reform Act 2014 Schedule 3

Declaration of public road within the housing development at Cushla Grove, Monksland, Athlone.

On the Proposal Of;  Cllr. J Keogh

           Seconded By; Cllr. T Ward

It was AGREED that the road located within the housing development at Cushla Grove, Monksland, Athlone would be declared a public road.

§  Section 11 (2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 and Roads Regulations 1994, Part 2

Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), Section 180 Local Government Reform Act 2014 Schedule 3

Declaration of public road within the housing development at Ard Cuinne, Monksland, Athlone

Section 11 (2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 and Roads Regulations 1994, Part 2

Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), Section 180 Local Government Reform Act 2014 Schedule 3

Declaration of public road within the housing development at Ard Cuinne, Monksland, Athlone

On the Proposal Of;  Cllr. L Fallon

          Seconded By; Cllr J Keogh

It was AGREED that the road within the housing development at Ard Cuinne, Monksalnd, Athlone would be declared a public road.

The following allocations were unanimously AGREED  by all Members.

**  Allocations to Emlaghmore to Cargins Action Group was approved with Conditions: that they Register with PPN and any planning regulations are meet before payment will be awarded.

It was unanimously AGREED by all Members that the remaining surplus of €4,900 be carried forward for allocated in 2023.

There were no Correspondences for discussion

There was one Notice of Motion for discussion

“That Roscommon County Council undertake a full traffic assessment of the L-2042 known locally as the Circular Road, with a view to installing traffic calming measures such as speed ramps. This would help to reduce the speed vehicles using the road on a daily basis as a link between the R446 and R357.

The road in question has a 50km speed limit and should also be considered for footpaths and lighting under the Active Travel Scheme. These measures would also help to contribute to a reduction in speed on a road with a significant number of residential properties.”

“That Roscommon County Council undertake a full traffic assessment of the L-2042 known locally as the Circular Road, with a view to installing traffic calming measures such as speed ramps. This would help to reduce the speed vehicles using the road on a daily basis as a link between the R446 and R357.

The road in question has a 50km speed limit and should also be considered for footpaths and lighting under the Active Travel Scheme. These measures would also help to contribute to a reduction in speed on a road with a significant number of residential properties.”

Reply:

I have forwarded your request to the active travel unit for their consideration.

The provision of speed ramps for the control of speed is considered a measure of last resort and considering the category of road in question, it would be inappropriate for Roscommon County Council to provide ramps along L-2042. Ramps and/or rumble strips can have unwelcome side effects such as additional noise, vehicle damage and an increased risk to vulnerable road users. The Ambulance Service, generally, are not in favour of ramps and have concerns about the effect of ramps on people with spinal injuries travelling over ramps. The Fire Services are also concerned that ramps delay the response time of their fire tenders. Roscommon County Council only deploy Speed Ramps after careful consideration of all other options. The Athlone MD does however note the concerns of Councillor Naughten and will look to include Traffic Calming measures as part of any future upgrade to the L-2042.

In addition, Roscommon County Council Road Safety Office actively works with the RSA and An Garda Siochana in promoting Road Safety and this stretch of road will be highlighted to the Gardai for increased observation and enforcement on those who do not comply with the speed limits.

The Council reminds all drivers to only drive within the necessary speed limits, but also at speeds that are appropriate to the conditions. Drivers should always be aware that speed limits are not a target! Drivers who ignore speed limits put themselves and others at great risk.

Members supported the Motion and agreed to put it forward for consideration

for inclusion in the Active Travel Programme 2023. Members requested that in the short term“Local Access Only” signs to be erected to help improve road safety on this road.

Cllr. J Naughten thanked the Members for their support.

Paul Browne, A/Municipal District Co-Ordinator agreed to erect sign, and monitor the road.

There were no Civic Reception Requests

There were no Questions for noting

There were no votes of Congratulations/Sympathy

Further to 4.22 Notice of Motion at the May, 2022 meeting. The Members requested that the Roads Dept have the costing prepared for the September MD meeting.

The Members also requested that Part 8 for Cloonakilla NS needs to be moved forward and ready for the next MD meeting.