Declaration of conflict of interest was noted:

Cllr T Ward declared conflict of interest in relation to the Curraghboy Tidy Town request for an extension to their Grant from Athlone MD funding 2021 and left the meeting while the topic was discussed.

Minutes of Meeting held on 19^th July, 2022

The Cathaoirleach Cllr J Naughten welcomed everyone to the meeting.

On the Proposal Of:  Cllr J Keogh

         Seconded By:  Cllr L Fallon

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Athlone Municipal District meeting held on the 19^th July, 2022.

There were no Matters Arising for discussion.

After a brief discussion the Members agreed to facilitate additional time for applicants who received MD funding in 2021. Extensions granted were as follows:

1.On the Proposal of:            Cllr L Fallon

             Seconded by:           Cllr E Kelly

Rahara Tidy Towns & Development Committee grant to the amount of €8,950 is extended to the end December 2022.

2.On the Proposal of:            Cllr E Kelly

             Seconded by:           Cllr J Keogh

Ballyforan Hall Committee grant to the amount of €7,450 is extended to the end of December, 2022.

3.On the Proposal of:            Cllr L Fallon

             Seconded by:           Cllr J Keogh

Curraghboy Tidy Town Committee grant to the amount of €7,450 is extended to the end March, 2023.

4.On the Proposal of:            Cllr E Kelly

            Seconded by: Cllr L Fallon

Tisrara Community Sports Park grant to the amount of €5,500 is extended to the end March, 2023.

5.On the Proposal of:            Cllr E Kelly

            Seconded by: Cllr L Fallon

Kilbegnet Development Association grant to the amount of €2,000 is extended to the end March, 2023.

6.On the Proposal of:            Cllr J Keogh

             Seconded by:           Cllr E Kelly

Midland Polish Community grant to the amount of €3,250 is conditionally extended to the end March, 2023.  Members added the following condition for legal clarity: the grant must be paid to owners of the hall – Drum Community Centre.

7.On the Proposal of:            Cllr J Keogh

            Seconded by: Cllr L Fallon

Clonown Heritage Group grant to the amount of €4,500 is extended to the end March, 2023.

8.On the Proposal of:            Cllr E Kelly

             Seconded by:           Cllr L Fallon

Ballyforan Transition Team grant to the amount of €8,950 is extended to the end of March, 2023.

9.On the Proposal of:            Cllr D Kilduff

             Seconded by:           Cllr T Ward

St John’s Amenities Group requested that the grant of €5,000 be redirected to the Community Centre for the replacement of the dilapidated timber floor, as they were unable to proceed with the initial project for reasons outside the control of the group.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr L Fallon

         Seconded by:   Cllr T Ward

St John’s Amenities Group grant is conditionally extended to the end of March, 2023.  Members added the following conditions: 1. There are no legal implications and 2. The transfer meets the conditions of the scheme.

Cllr J Naughten also notified Members that Clonown Committee Ltd., granted funding from Athlone MD Funding Grant 2016 of €24,000.  They have drawn down €9,000 of this grant to date.  They were unable to secure funding until now to draw down the remainder of the grant €15,000.

10.On the Proposal of:          Cllr T Ward

              Seconded by:          Cllr J Keogh

Clonown Committee Ltd €15,000 remaining grant is extended until end of September, 2023.       

There were no Correspondence for discussion

Further to the presentation on erection of Swift Nest Boxes and caller systems at the Athlone MD meeting on the 27^th July, 2022. Nollaig Feeney informed the Members that a contractor has been appointed and it is anticipated that swift next boxes and caller systems will be installed on the rear of the council office building in Monksland in the next few weeks

There were three Notice of Motions for discussion

“I am calling on the TII and Roscommon County Council to provide safety measures at Cornafulla National School such as a pedestrian crossing on the R466, extension of the footpaths and reduction of the speed limit to 50km per hour on the R466.   The school is situated on the L20364-0, which is approximately 50 metres off the R466.  I am calling on Roscommon County Council and the TII to start the Programme of Works at Cornafulla N.S. immediately in the interest of safety.”

“I am calling on the TII and Roscommon County Council to provide safety measures at Cornafulla National School such as a pedestrian crossing on the R466, extension of the footpaths and reduction of the speed limit to 50km per hour on the R446.   The school is situated on the L20364-0, which is approximately 50 metres off the R446.  I am calling on Roscommon County Council and the TII to start the Programme of Works at Cornafulla N.S. immediately in the interest of safety.”

Response:

Following a statutory process, the County Roscommon Road Traffic (Special Speed Limits Regional and Local Roads) Bye-Laws 2020 were adopted by the Elected Members of Roscommon County Council in September 2019 and became effective from 1^st February 2020.

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.

As a result of the speed limit the provision of a pedestrian crossing on the R446 is not appropriate.

Traffic signs and road markings were upgraded recently adjacent to the School. 

The Motion was supported by all the Members, they called for reduction of speed on the R446 near Cornafulla N.S. and introduction of traffic calming, pedestrian crossing and extension to footpaths.

Paul Browne A/MD Co-Ordinator informed the Members that TII had no remit in relation to this regional road.   Speed limits were reviewed by the Members of Roscommon County Council in 2019 and next review is due 2024.

Cllr J Naughten agreed to refer this matter to Roads SPC next meeting, requesting a Roads By Laws review and in the interim to address the issue of Speed Limit Reduction.

“That Roscommon County Council request TII to undertake a review of the number of rest areas currently been provided on the Athlone to Galway section of the Motorway.”

“That Roscommon County Council request TII to undertake a review of the number of rest areas currently been provided on the Athlone to Galway section of the Motorway.”

Response

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is responsible for managing and improving the country's national road and light rail networks. 

Consequently, the above NOM requires a resolution by the members of the Athlone MD to write to the TII for comment on this matter.

Cllr J Naughten thanked the Members for their support of the Motion.   It came to his attention after two lorries crashed due to lack of rest by areas from Athlone to Galway on the M6.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr J Naughten

         Seconded by:   Cllr J Keogh

It was AGREED by all the Members to send a letter to TII asking them to address the matter urgently.

“I am calling on Roscommon County Council to install traffic calming measures such as flashing speed signs in the centre of Athleague village on the N63, and create a continuous white line in the centre of the village between the two 90 degree bends instead of the current broken line to improve road safety for all users.”

“I am calling on Roscommon County Council to install traffic calming measures such as flashing speed signs in the centre of Athleague village on the N63, and create a continuous white line in the centre of the village between the two 90 degree bends instead of the current broken line to improve road safety for all users.”

Response

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is responsible for managing and improving the country's national road and light rail networks. 

Consequently, the above NOM requires a resolution by the members of the Athlone MD to write to the TII for comment on this matter.

Cllr E Kelly thanked the Members for their support of the Motion.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr E Kelly

         Seconded by:   Cllr T Ward

It was AGREED by all the Members to send a letter to TII requesting a continuous white line in the village of Athleague with broken lines to facilitate right hand turns.

There were three questions for noting.

Can the necessary safety checks (for dry rot and decay) be carried out on the overhanging roadside trees on the approach roads into Curraghboy village, the R362 and L2018, in the interest of road safety?.

Can the necessary safety checks (for dry rot and decay) be carried out on the overhanging roadside trees on the approach roads into Curraghboy village, the R362 and L2018, in the interest of road safety?.

Response

Correspondence will be sent to the landowner in question.

Can Solar Radar Speed Sign lights be installed on the N61 in conjunction with the traffic calming on that road?.

Can Solar Radar Speed Sign lights be installed on the N61 in conjunction with the traffic calming on that road?.

Response

TII have agreed to fund a study on the N61 between Roscommon & Athlone.

·         Roughan O’ Donovan have been appointed as of the 12^th August to undertake the study of the N61 between Roscommon and Athlone approx. 26km.

·         The timeframe for the delivery of the report is 4 months.

The Brief consist of the 3 phases as outlined below:

·         Phase 1 – Review / Collate existing Data;

·         Phase 2 – Identify Deficiencies of the existing road network

·         Phase 3 – Develop Improvement Strategies

That Roscommon County Council provide detailed costings for the raising and widening of Athlone to Clonown road.   This was requested at a previous meeting of Athlone Municipal District and will form part of application to the Department of Public Expenditure for funding to address this urgent issue?

That Roscommon County Council provide detailed costings for the raising and widening of Athlone to Clonown road.   This was requested at a previous meeting of Athlone Municipal District and will form part of application to the Department of Public Expenditure for funding to address this urgent issue?

Response

The estimate for the scheme is currently been prepared by Roscommon Co. Co.

There was one Civic Reception request to honour the Knockcroghery St John’s Community Games Chess Team.  Who won gold in All Ireland Community Games Final 2022.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr D Kilduff

         Seconded by:   Cllr L Fallon

It was AGREED by all Members that the Knockcroghery St John’s Community Games Chess Team of 6 be honoured at the next Civic Reception.

There were no votes of Congratulations/Sympathy.

77.22a

Cllr T Ward proposed biannual meetings with the members of the Ballinasloe MD, Galway County Council, Westmeath County Council and the Athlone MD in the interest of residents living adjacent to the county boundaries.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr T Ward

         Seconded by:   Cllr J Keogh/Cllr J Naughten

It was AGREED by all Members to send a letter to Westmeath County Council requesting a meeting before end of year.

77.22b

Cllr J Naughten raised the issue of closures on the Clonown road which is causing significant inconvenience due to the 12km diversion route and rising fuel costs.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr J Naughten

         Seconded by:   Cllr J Keogh

It was AGREED by all Members that consultation takes place with Westmeath to request a stop and go or traffic lights outside of working hours to allow local access.   Cllr J Keogh asked Paul Browne if Newtowncarbry Rd. down by Guinan’s bridge could be used by these residents.  Paul Browne said he would check the maps and revert back to him.

77.22c

Cllr T Ward requested that the verges be trimmed on the diversion routes for closure at Kiltoom on N61 in the coming weeks before works start.

Paul Browne confirmed that the verge trimming would be carried out prior to the inlay works commencing on the N61.

77.22d

Cllr J Keogh asked when will the Part 8 for Cloonakilla NS be completed?

Paul Browne informed the members that the Part 8 will be on the agenda of the next MD meeting.

77.22e

Tributes of thanks and appreciation to Eugene Cummins CEO were expressed by the Members and wished him well on his retirement.