·         Inclusion of the Athlone Joint Retail Strategy (Circulated)

Mr. Martin Lydon, Director of Services briefed the Members that the proposed variation of the Monksland / Bellanamullia (Athlone West) Local Area Plan 2016 - 2022 is in relation to the Athlone joint Retail Strategy between Roscommon and Westmeath County Council.  The Variation went on Public Display from 1^st February to 19^th March 2019. Eight submissions received and each has to be considered by the elected members:

1.       Submission from Health and Safety Authority (HSA) – risk based for land use planning. No change is recommended.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connaughton

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED no change recommended to Draft Variation Plan

2.       Submission from Environmental Protection Agency – Comments on SEA Screening Report and guidance to be followed and the interaction required with environmental agencies.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Kilduff

                         SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED no change recommended to Draft Variation Plan

3.       Submission from Irish water regarding drainage area plan underway in the Monksland area – outside the scope of this proposal.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

                              SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED no change recommended to Draft Variation Plan

4.       Submission from Transportation Infrastructure Ireland – Coordinated planning for transport in Athlone Area, junctions on M6 near capacity and to undertake a new strategic transport assessment that is to be completed.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Kilduff

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED no change necessary to Draft Variation Plan

5.       Submission from Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government- Plan should be reviewed when RSES is adopted.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connaughton

SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED no change necessary to Draft Variation Plan

6.       Submission from Donal Kenny – highlights the failings of the Athlone Retail Strategy – undersupply of supermarket, district centre zoning and traffic bottlenecks in Monksland. All issues are outside the variation proposal.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Naughten

SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED no change recommended to Draft Variation plan

7.       Submission from Eamonn Martin –  raising concerns that the proposed Athlone Joint Retail Strategy does not extend to the Roscommon (N61) road which is viewed as a busy retail area.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Naughten

SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED no change necessary to Draft Variation Plan

8.       Submission from Forward Planning Unit, Roscommon County Council – looking to change some wording and typos.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Naughten

SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED no change necessary to Draft Variation Plan

The members commented as follows:

·         Comments on the timeframe for when the Strategic Traffic assessment will take place or be completed as it could restrict any significant industrial development taking place if this is not in place going forward.

·         Martin Lydon advised it will be nearer the end of the year before this assessment will be in place and also to include that an Economic Appraisal for Athlone growth region centre is also being currently identified.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED to the provision of a traffic island at Cloonbrock

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

              SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

And AGREED that on Page 85, Par 4, S7.3.1.2 after “Golden Island Shopping Centre” add and the adjacent mixed use site”

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Naughten

              SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

And AGREED to adopt the Draft Variation No. 2 of the Monksland / Bellanamullia (Athlone West) Local Area Plan 2016 – 2022.