Strike by Forsa Members:

Cllr. Leyden asked that the members debate the current strike by Council Staff and acknowledging that the members have no formal role in relation to staff matters, the Cathaoirleach agreed but stated that there is a formal process in place and leave it to deal with the matter.

The following points were raised by the members:

·         Always found staff dedicated to delivery of services, loyal and hardworking.

·         All other Local Authorities have flexible work practices that facilitate work life balance and 13 days flexi-leave is allowed for under Government Policy. If this issue is not solved, it could escalate across the country.

·         Local Authority is not a commercial entity and their work is in provision of a service. The provision of flexi time that allows the working up of a day’s flexi leave is a small bonus for staff and calling on management to solve this issue without delay.

·         Roscommon Co. Co. cannot take their own view of the implementation of a scheme unless the scheme is reviewed by the Department.

·         It is incumbent on both sides to sit down and resolve this matter as soon as possible as the services to the public will suffer.

·         International studies show that flexible working in both public and private sectors is more productive.

·         Please come together and talk as it will eventually have to be solved and the sooner the better as strikes become divisive.

·         It is unfair to ask the Chief Executive to comment as there is a process in place a to deal with this but it will take compromise.

Road Safety:

Cllr. Naughten asked that verge trimming on local and regional roads be carried out as a matter of urgency as there is a serious lack of sight for cyclists and other road users. The Council will have to seek additional funding for verge trimming. Cllr. Keogh said that the maintenance budget for the south of the county had been expended in March. He called on  the Cathaoirleach of Athlone MD, Cllr Fallon and also Cllr. Naughten to liaise with Minister Naughten to try to get further funding from the Minister for Transport to the county as a whole and in particular the South Roscommon area.

The Cathaoirleach said that he will have to arrange a meeting of Oireachtas members as all members and the Executive are of the opinion that the current roads maintenance allocation is not sufficient to carry out the works required particularly this year.

Cllr. Ward stated that replies received from Minister Naughten and Minister Ross on the issue of funding for roads is not acceptable. Cllr. Keogh stated that the Athlone Municipal District had discussed a similar proposal and ask Minister Ross and the Department and to TII request they come to meet with the Councillors in the council chamber to answer to the elected members.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to write again to Minister Ross and Minister Naughten seeking additional funding for County Roscommon. Furthermore, Minister Ross, Department Officials and the TII be requested they come to meet with the Councillors in the council chamber to answer questions of the elected members.

Cllr. Byrne noted that she had made a proposal at least 12 months ago that the Oireachtas members be invited to the Council meeting on turn so that they can be told what the members want done, but nothing happened.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Byrne

             SECONDED by Cllr. Mulligan

It was AGREED that all Oireachtas members be invited to the beginning of each Plenary meeting.

Location App:

Cllr. Fitzmaurice explained about the App ‘What3words’ and it pinpoints a location to within three sq. meters. It would be useful for litter warden, water services and many other sections in the Council to pinpoint exact locations of incidents that need to be investigated.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

             SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

And AGREED asked that the Executive investigate and adopt the use of a location app called ‘What Three Words’.

The members wished Cait Kenny well in her new position as Acting Digital Transformation Analyst and this would be her last meeting. They welcomed Michelle Carney who is taking over her position.

The Cathaoirleach invited the members to Gleeson’s after the meeting for refreshments.