·         Minutes of Boyle MD meeting on 22^nd November, 2019

On the PROPOSAL OF Cllr. Crosby

                SECONDED by Cllr. Cummins

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Boyle Municipal District Meeting held on 22^nd November, 2019.

Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services provided a brief update associated with turning lanes on the N4 at Ardcarne junction. After a recent meeting in December 2019, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has agreed to provide €80k towards this project. A Safety Audit was received from appointed consultants in November, 2019 which highlighted five issues. Roscommon County Council has prepared a draft design to address these issues. The next stage is for this Council to engage with TII and land owners adjacent to the proposed area with the hope of progress during quarter one in 2020.

The Members welcomed the progress of this development and would hope that the necessary works are carried out as soon as possible for the safety of the public.

The following concerns were raised by the Members:

·         If at all possible local employment is crucial for the carrying out of local developments or works in order to enhance job creation and the local economy. In reply Mr. Shane Tiernan advised the Members that under legislation Roscommon County Council must adhere to the Public Spending Code in the expending of public monies on goods or services.  Procurement rules also detail specific guidelines for expenditure and contract procurement.

Cllr. Crosby enquired about an update regarding the lack of charging points in the county.

It was Agreed by the Members that this issue would be more beneficial if discussed at a full Plenary Meeting of the Council. 

On the PROPOSAL OF Cllr. Byrne

                SECONDED by Cllr. Cummins

It was AGREED that in accordance with Section 11 (2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 the road located at Kilcooley Cemetery, Boyle, County Roscommon be declared a public road. 

On the PROPOSAL OF Cllr. Cummins

                SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED that in accordance with Section 11 (2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 the road located at Tullyval, Knockvicar, Boyle, County Roscommon be declared a public road. 

·         1.20 – Cllr. Murphy – Provision of School Warden in Tulsk.

 “I propose that the Local Authority provides school warden for the school and play school in Tulsk for the safety of the children due to the serious concerns from both teachers and parents”.

Reply:

Roscommon County Council does not provide school wardens at any school in the county.  There is no provision in the budget for providing such a service. 

Two schools in Loughglynn and Castlerea operate a Junior School Warden Service. The location of the school in Tulsk is not considered suitable for a Junior School Warden Scheme currently as national route and traffic volumes. Many of the pupils are driven to school and dropped off in the adjoining car park. 

Roscommon County Council have recently narrowed the road and widened the footpath in front of the school.  The school is located within a 50 kph zone.

The Council are arranging to carry out a speed and traffic survey at the location in the near future.  On receipt of the result of the survey Roscommon County Council will review the situation.  Any measures proposed on a National Road such as the N5 require the approval of and funding from Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

All the Members supported the Motion and welcome a speed and traffic survey being completed.

·         A vote of congratulations was recorded to Elphin Community College for winning two All-Ireland titles in volleyball

·         A vote of sympathy was expressed to Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services on the recent death of his mother Maureen Tiernan R.I.P.

The Members raised a number of items for discussion.

Cllr. Cummins expressed concerned regarding flooding on the N4 at Woodbrook after a recent spell of torrential rain which caused a car accident.

Mr. Michael Conlon Area Coordinator agreed to look into the matter and as it was on a National Primary Route he said that TII would have to be consulted.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cummins

                SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council seek clarification and funding from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to carry out remedial works to alleviate flooding on the N4 at Woodbrook, Carrick on Shannon.

ClCllr. Mulligan enquired if lights could be erected at Carrycastle junction. Cllr. Callaghan also expressed concern regarding the absence of road sign at Gortybohan to access Castlerea from the old Ballaghaderreen road.

Cllr. Crosby expressed concern regarding clothes recycle depots that are not licenced in the county. Would it be possible to carry out a survey to identify what depots are licenced? Cllr. Byrne also expressed the difficulties with clothes banks and the problems that arise with the misuse of these clothes banks.

Shane Tiernan, Director of Services advised the members that he would need to consult with Environment Department to identify the responsibility of the Council with regard to these clothes banks.

Cllr. Crosby queried the speed limits currently in place in Tarmonbarry and expressed concern and asked if it was possible to extend the reduced speed limit to cover all new estates that border the town of Tarmonbarry. He also queried the provision of footpaths and lightings at new estates in the locality in the interest of public safety.

In reply, Shane Tiernan, Director of Services confirmed that a statutory process must be adhered to with regard to the provision of speed limits and this matter is currently under review with TII.

Cllr. Callaghan queried recent street works that were completed at Rooskey as local residents enquired about resurfacing works being carried out at this location. In reply, Michael Conlon, Area Coordinator confirmed that works will be completed on a phased basis due to the high level of ancillary works that also need to be completed. Works will be completed in 2020.

Cllr. Callaghan queried the allocation of the Boyle Municipal District funding and if there was a timeframe for allocating monies to certain projects.

In reply, Shane Tiernan, Director of Services expressed that a formal procedure must be put in place regarding the dissemination of monies with the possible introduction of a scheme for approval for this process.

The Director of Services conveyed regarding an imminent project that would no doubt be beneficial of the MD funding.

Cllr. Murphy commented on the project of improvement works at Percy French. He expressed clear beneficial values of these works with the upcoming centenary of Percy French.

On the PROPOSAL OF Cllr. Murphy

                SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED that a provision of €4,000 would be allocated for the improvement works at Percy French.

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Murphy proposed that the Members hold a Special Meeting of the Boyle MD in the coming weeks for the proposal of a specified development in Strokestown.

It was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED that a Special Meeting of the Boyle MD will be held on Tuesday, 4^th February, 2020 at 2.00 pm in the Strokestown Area Office to discuss a Part 8 development at Strokestown.

Cllr. Byrne expressed concerns regarding the road aligning the graveyard at Kilcooley, Strokestown. Due to re-tarring of this road it now too high and is extremely dangerous with the dip in the road.

Cllr. Byrne questioned if any decision has been made regarding a specified route at Clashaganny, Tulsk.

Cllr. Byrne enquired if Roscommon County Council are taking responsibility of maintenance of graveyards. Cllr. Byrne expressed concerns about implementing legislation of the provision of greenfield graveyards and locals are not in favour to support this.

Is there a provision to

In reply, Shane Tiernan, Director of Services advised the Members that there are currently Bye-Laws in place for an ease of maintenance for committees responsible for cemetery’s.

If the Members wish to make any amendments to these Bye-Laws that it is imperative the correct protocols are followed through the SPC.  

Shane Tiernan, Director of Services advised the Members that

·         1.20 – Cllr. Murphy – Waste Collection.

 “Are waste collection companies obliged to cover all roads. A number of people are having to haul bins up to a mile in cases, many of these are elderly and expectant mothers. I believe waste companies should provide trucks which can access local roads”.        

Reply:

There is no specific legal requirement on a waste collector to service all households within a particular area.

Notwithstanding this, a public consultation process on the development of Ireland’s Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy has been opened.

The consultation can be accessed at: https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/environment/consultations/Pages/Public-Consultation-Waste-Action-Plan-for-a-Circular-Economy.aspx 

Consultation closes at 5pm on Friday 21st February 2020.

It may be worthwhile to consider making a submission as this consultation process will guide future policy and legislation.