Bord Bia and IFA

Members discussed the situation involving the CEO of Bord Bia, Larry Murrin, and reports of his connection to a company that imported Brazilian beef. Members expressed concern that this conflicted with the high standards required of Irish farmers and Bord Bia’s role in promoting Irish produce.

It was noted that the Irish Farmer’s Association (IFA) is protesting at Bord Bia Headquarters, seeking his resignation, and has committed to standing down the protest if he steps aside. Members highlighted the pressure this issue is placing on the Irish beef sector and raised concerns regarding lower regulatory standards for some imported Brazilian beef, particularly in relation to traceability and veterinary medicines. Members expressed support for farmers participating in the protest.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan supported the concerns raised. He referred to the strong reputation of Irish beef and noted the additional challenges currently facing farmers, including blue tongue, CAP reform and adverse weather. He acknowledged members of the Roscommon IFA branch present in the gallery.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

SECONDED by Cllr. Conboy

It was AGREED to write to Mr Murrin to request that Mr Murrin steps aside as Chairperson of Bord Bia for a period of time, in the interest of progressing negotiations between the IFA and Bord Bia, allowing a review to take place.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

SECONDED by Cllr. Conboy

It was AGREED to write to the Minister of Agriculture to request that Mr Murrin steps aside as Chairperson of Bord Bia for a period of time, in the interest of progressing negotiations between the IFA and Bord Bia, allowing a review to take place. In the event that Mr Murrin does not step aside it is requested the Minister removes Mr Murrin on a permanent basis.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

SECONDED by Cllr. Conboy

It was AGREED to write to the IFA to stop the current protest if Mr Murrin steps aside as Chairperson of Bord Bia for a period of time, to allow a review to take place, and the progression of negotiations between the IFA and Bord Bia.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Dineen

SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED to extend standing orders until 6.20pm.

SNA Review

Members discussed the reports that some schools had been notified of reductions to their Special Needs Assistant (SNA) allocations from September 2026 following a national review. Members highlighted the valuable work carried out by SNAs and expressed concern about the potential impact on children, as well as on schools and teaching staff, should supports be reduced.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan emphasised the important role SNAs play in supporting children’s development and expressed disappointment with the level of communication from the Department, noting the distress it had caused to schools and parents. He proposed that the Department be requested to assess each school on a case?by?case basis to ensure a balanced and fair review.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to write to the Minister for Education to conduct a full review to assess the need for SNAs in each school on a case-by-case basis and not take away the essential SNA support for the children that require it.

Unfinished Housing Estates

Cllr. Dineen raised concerns regarding Unfinished Housing Estates across the county, given the increased need for housing.He referred in particular to Coilté Bó, Loughglynn, where issues have remained unresolved since 2015. He queried the distinction between low?density developments in villages and multi?stock density developments. He noted that he has additional planning concerns which he will continue to raise at future meetings.

Director of Services, Mark Keaveney, advised that while good progress has been made on Unfinished Estates overall, progress depends heavily on the co-operation of developers. Where this is lacking, the process becomes significantly prolonged. He confirmed he would revert with clarification on the low?density query.

Chief Executive, Shane Tiernan, stated that significant efforts are ongoing to bring unfinished estates to completion. In cases where developers are uncooperative, the Council is often required to use its own resources through annual budget allocations. He noted that statutory processes apply to taking estates in charge, that Uisce Éireann is involved, and that the associated costs are considerable.

National Planning Framework (NPF)/Section 28 Guidelines

Cllr. Fitzmaurice sought an update on the variation to the County Development Plan following Minister Browne’s letter of August 2025 regarding excess zoned land. He requested clarity on the timeline, when the variation will come before Members, and whether Members will have the usual opportunity to vote and propose amendments.

Director of Services, Mark Keaveney, advised that work is ongoing on the Section 28 amendment to zone additional housing land, with further zoning proposed in all main towns. He explained that the Boyle Area Plan, along with the Roscommon Town and Cortober plans, must now be incorporated following the updated guidelines. The Chief Executive’s letter is expected to come before Members in late March, after which the plan will undergo environmental assessment (5–6 weeks). He aims for the draft variation to go on public display in April and confirmed that Members will vote on the plan in the normal manner.

Chief Executive, Shane Tiernan, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to progressing the variation. He noted the statutory processes involved and advised that while additional land will be rezoned for housing, development viability must still be ensured. He also noted that significant areas already zoned for housing remain undeveloped.