Freedom of the County

The meetings administrator notified the members that the presentation of the Freedom of the County to Mr. Brian O’Doherty will take place on Thursday 26^th April in IMMA in Dublin in conjunction with the opening of his exhibition. The event would take place from 12 noon to 3.00pm with the freedom ceremony fixed for 2pm.

The Cathaoirleach said that it was important that all members were available to attend this prestigious event on behalf of the council.

Local Improvement Scheme 2018

The Chairperson of the Economic Development and Enterprise Support (Including Roads and Culture) SPC, Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher updated the members on the scheme:

In January 2018 Roscommon County Council advertised for expressions of interest in relation to Local Improvement Schemes for the improvement of local non-public roads in anticipation of funding by the Department of Rural and Community Development, DRCD. Over 200 applications were received. The Grant Allocation for Roscommon County Council is €370,290.

Eligible Roads under the scheme must be:

·         Non-public roads open to the public and serve two or more landholders.

·         Non-public roads providing access to parcels of land or access for harvesting purposes (including turf) for two or more persons.

Roscommon County Council will ensure as far as practicable that priority is given to projects most requiring attention in the county as a whole. The existing LIS Scheme of Priorities was approved by the members in 2010 and updated in 2011. The SPC Draft LIS Policy 2018 for the selection of Projects on a Priority Basis outlines the basis upon which the list of projects will be selected for County Roscommon. The proposed amendment to the 2011 policy reverses the priority for roads listed under 2.3 and 2.4.

The 2018 LIS list of projects within the allocation of €370,290 must be returned to the DRCD in line with the Department’s memo before 28^th March 2018. In addition, Roscommon County Council must compile a second list of suitable roads projects which could be undertaken should additional funding become available later in the year or where substitution may become necessary if, for any reason, roads on the primary list cannot go ahead.

The Roads and Transportation Section will write to all selected applicants. LIS guidelines specify the local contribution from the landowners / local residents of between 10% and 20% of the overall cost due before work commences. All works must be completed and funding claimed from the Department by 29^th July 2018.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Shanagher

              SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to adopt the 2018 Local Improvement Scheme as recommended.

Changes to Directorates:

Cllr. Fallon congratulated Mr. Pat Murtagh on his position of Acting Director of Services for Roads and Transportation, Water Services, Fire and Emergency Services and Boyle Municipal District.  He complemented the work done by Mr. Murtagh for the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and requested that a replacement be appointed as soon as possible.

Castlerea Fire Station:

Cllr. Dineen asked for an update on the opening of the Castlerea Fire Station.

Mr. Pat Murtagh, A/Director of Services advised that the recruitment process was ongoing.

Proposal for Presentation at Plenary Meeting - “Use Your Brain - Not Your Fists Campaign”

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connaughton

             SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to invite representatives of Leitrim Comhairle na nOg, who are shortly to launch a video on the “Use Your Brain - Not Your Fists Campaign” and Mrs. Rosie Dolan to make a presentation at a forthcoming Plenary meeting.

Roscommon Hospital Mental Health Report:

Cllr. Doherty outlined ongoing issues following the publication of the Roscommon Mental Health Services Report including 19 non compliances that were said to be under the control of the staff. She also raised concerns about recent possible closures of units in the county.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Doherty

              SECONDED by Cllr. Murphy

It was AGREED that following the publication of the recent Roscommon Mental Health Report to write to Mr. Tony Canavan of HSE to urgently outline what are the proposed closures of the hostels and day-care centres and the update on the phased closure of the Rosalie Unit in Castlerea.

The Cathaoirleach said that she had forwarded minutes of the recent public meeting to Mr. Canavan and he has requested that all issues be filtered through the HSE forum representatives.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice informed the members that he will be attending a meeting with Ministers Harris and Daly on Wednesday with Cllrs. Dineen and Creaton regarding the Rosalie Unit. 

The following points were also raised:

·         Sad time for mental health services in county and these decisions are Government decisions.

·         Problem when asking questions at HSE forum and not getting answers and received  very few answers at meeting last week

·         Who is in charge of running the facilities- there are concerns as to how the hospital is being run.

·         Most vulnerable people are not being looked after and could warrant public enquiry in the future

·         HSE not listening to representations from Roscommon County Council

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Leyden

              SECONDED by Cllr. Murphy

It was AGREED that a copy of the letter to Mr. Canavan be also sent to Minister Harris.

Paperless Claims

Cllr. Byrne asked that the Council facilitate the “Paperless Expense Claims” now that Plenary meetings are paperless and this was agreed by Meetings Administrator.