The following issues were raised

-          Councillor Connaughton requested an update on Low Cost Safety at Araghty

-          Councillor Fallon requested an update on Low Cost Safety in Dysart.

-          Councillor Ward - flooding issue at Graveyard in Four Roads.  Needs some minor drainage works

-          Councillor Naughten requested an update on the speed signs on the Old Tuam Road, Monksland

-          Councillor Naughten requested an update on the signs at Ballymullavill. 

-          Councillor Fallon – junction Rahara soccer club to Curraghboy.  Crash No. 9 within 300 yards this year. 

-          Councillor Ward requested hedge trimmer to do works on Curraghboy to Athleague road and at Ballybay Church.   Grass verge onto N61.

-              Councillor Connaughton requested hedge trimming on Four Roads to Dysart Road. 

Diarmuid MacDonncha responded to the issues raised

Hedgecutting

Councillor Naughten requested an update on Hedgecutting Grant Scheme.  What was the level of uptake and if there is money that can be released to get another hedgecutter from the €10,000 surplus money if not spent on Grant applications.

Councillor Connaughton advised that it was envisaged that a pilot scheme be put in place in 2019.  Diarmuid MacDonncha advised that budgets are closed for the year and the budget for hedgecutting has been spent on maintenance.

Paul Browne advised that hedge trimming will be prioritised on regional roads over the next few weeks.  It is proposed to prioritise Curraghboy to Athleague and Athlone to Ballinasloe at Thomastown junction. 

Removing Eircom Pole

Councillor Kilduff raised the delay in removal of an Eircom pole at Carnagh.  The householder paid the money to Eircom approximately 5 years ago but Eircom have not removed same, resulting in non-compliance with conditions of planning permission. 

On the                 PROPOSAL of Councillor Fallon

SECONDED by Councillor Kilduff

It was AGREED to write to Eircom for clarification on this issue.

ESB & Eircom

Councillor Connaughton stated that ESB & Eircom charges are outrageous. 

On the                  PROPOSAL of Councillor Fallon

SECONDED by Councillor Naughten

It was AGREED a letter should issue to ESB & Eircom seeking clarification on their cost structure and how these costs are calculated.

Parkway

Councillor Naughten requested an update on the Parkway Site in Monksland. 

Councillor Ward referenced the hoarding at this site and advised that there is no consideration for those who live beside this site.  It is downgrading the area and is an issue for the safety of children, especially beside the Cross River. 

Majella Hunt again advised that this site is privately owned.  Roscommon County Council have written to the owner on a number of occasions.   In addition, CCTV has been setup recently.  The matter is being pursued under Section 55 of the Litter Act.

Athleague

Councillor Connaughton welcomed works in Athleague and queried if there is an issue that this work was privatised.

Majella Hunt advised that there is a national agreement with unions that works are carried out by direct labour where possible within resources and capacity. 

Ambulance Service

There are 2 ambulances at the Athlone base, but only 1 is manned due to rostering.  In an emergency ambulances are despatched from Tullamore, Roscommon or Mullingar. 

On the                  PROPOSAL of Councillor Naughten

SECONDED by Councillor Ward

It was AGREED to issue a request to attend a meeting between Westmeath Councillors and HSE to address the situation. 

Next Meeting is due to be held on 15^th January 2019.