County Roscommon Fire Services:

The Chief Executive expressed his confidence in the Fire Service personnel of County Roscommon who continue to provide an effective and efficient Fire Service and to ensure that they enter the Christmas period with his full confidence and respect.

Update on “Just Transition Project”

Ms. Majella Hunt, Director of Services updated the members on the timeline of events nationally to date with regard to the Just Transition project. The main impact of job losses is in counties Offaly and Kildare and Offaly already commenced just transition planning. The decision on 8^th November by the ESB to close the power plant in Lanesboro has emphasised the need to become centrally included the just transition project because of the impact on the area.

A number of meetings have been held including local meetings, a meeting with the Minister on 11^th November, a meeting the Ballyleague/Lanesboro collaborative group attended by Directors of Services and public representatives from both counties. A meeting took place on 27^th November with the Chief Executives and senior staff of Roscommon and Longford Councils.

The Midlands Regional Transition team met on 29^th November and the Government appointed commissioner Mr. Kieran Mulvey was in attendance to set out the next steps including a European project called START where members were invited to attend workshops on 2^nd and 4^th December.

Roscommon and Longford Councils have agreed to lead out on the development of an Area Plan for Lanesborough Ballyleague and its larger catchment area and the first meeting was held with representatives from both Authorities on 3^rd December. The Plan will include assessing the funding available under current schemes. The Chief Executives are due to meet the Department and issues to be discussed include the structure of the Midlands Regional Transition Team now that Roscommon and Longford are to be included.

The members welcomed the update.

Cllr. Naughten asked that the impact of the closure of the Shannonbridge power plant on the South Roscommon area not be forgotten and that any funding available is fairly distributed.

Cllr. Crosby asked why only two elected members from the four nominated by Roscommon County Council attended the meeting on 3^rd December as he had withdrawn his name and would have attended. Cllr. Leyden stated that if members cannot attend, they ensure that another member is given the opportunity to attend – she also confirmed that five Longford councillors attended.

Cllr. Murphy asked that the surrounding areas of Strokestown, Tarmonbarry and Rooskey be included in any plan going forward in relation to the matter. Cllr Keogh asked that the South of Roscommon should be represented on the committee as the issue affects this area too and he was supported in his comments by Cllr. Ward. The Cathaoirleach asked the members interested in attending the meetings to contact Majella Hunt after this meeting deal with the attendance and to ensure full attendance at the meetings.

The Director of Services Ms. Majella Hunt clarified that the initial set up of the Midlands Just Transition Project was for Offaly and Kildare. Since the announcement of the closures of Lough Ree and Shannon Power Plants that are now imminent, there is urgency in ensuring that Roscommon and Longford are included and she will revert to the members with any update on strategies.