Funding for Roads in South Roscommon

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Connaughton

SECONDED by Councillor Kilduff

It was AGREED to write to

-          all Senators and TDs representing County Roscommon Minister regarding Lack of Funding in South Roscommon, and

-          to Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten and Minister for Transport Shane Ross to request a meeting on 17^th September 2018 regarding lack of funding in South Roscommon.

Cross River

Councillor Naughten raised his concern that the Cross River into the River Shannon is still at quite a high level considering the dry weather and if not addressed now this could cause considerable flooding in winter months.   Diarmuid MacDonncha confirmed that the river was cleaned 2-3 years ago but that there was an issue with 1 landowner that previously didn’t allow RCC on his land.  However, he has met with the landowners and they have confirmed that this has now been resolved.  He confirmed that if the arterial drainage jobs are complete on time, and providing adequate funding is available, the machines will be moved to this location. 

Footpaths & Public Lighting at Creagh

Councillor Keogh raised the issue of Footpaths at Shannonbridge road, Creagh to Roundabout and Public Lighting from Dolans Garage.

Diarmuid MacDonncha advised there is no funding under TII for footpaths and Paul Browne advised that a Community Involvement Scheme may be an option but groups must come up with % of the funding themselves.  This scheme is closed for 2018.

Cutting Hedges

A number of Councillors queried if it was possible to get an undertaking that another hedge cutter is hired and that money be made available.  Athlone area have only 1 machine to deal with Shannonbridge to Donamon and members raised the following concerns:

·         Health & Safety issue

·         Minimum that should be done is road junctions to avoid traffic hazard.

·         N61 Regional Roads – Curraghboy to Athleague and Rahara

·         HSE reviewing if they will continue to collect people on bad routes

·         School buses have been re-routed  as roads are too narrow

Paul Browne advised that allocations have been exhausted.  Verges are the responsibility of landowners and Roads Department in the Aras will write to landowners along any route where there is an issue.

Councillor Keogh advised that Councillor Connaughton was working on Municipal District fund set aside for Verge Trimming - €10,000 per area.  

Lough Funshinagh

Councillor Fallon requested an update in relation to Lough Funshinagh.   

Diarmuid MacDonncha confirmed that this has been advertised on etenders and consultants will be appointed to assess the scheme

Speed Limit Review

Councillor Naughten requested an update on Speed Limit review by TII and why they haven’t responded.  Can we put proposal to TII that Public Lighting at Creagh – Dolans garage to Ballinasloe is a safety issue. 

Speed Limits in Housing Estates

Councillor John Naughten raised the issue of speed limit signs in Housing Estates.

Diarmuid MacDonncha advised that erection of 30km speed limit signs in housing estates is currently ongoing at the moment.

County  Roscommon Signs

Councillor Ward advised that the County Roscommon Signs in Ballinasloe have been defaced and need to be moved to the Roscommon County Boundary and proposed urgent action be taken.

Next Meeting will be on 18^th September 2018 with a request for meeting with Ministers proposed for 17^th September 2018.