The Elected Members welcomed the Draft Budget for 2020 and made the following observations and queries:

·         Welcomed the significant importance of a no rate increase for the rate payers of the County who continue to support the Council

·         Welcome the €3.9m investment for the development of an Innovation Centre in Monksland and support of phase two of An Chistin in Castlerea with positive benefits for the County going forward, investment for Castlerea Swimming Pool, funding for the energy improvement works under the Housing Programme; special fund from IPB dividend very welcome for footpath repairs; funding for drainage and pot hole repairs;

·         Progress on the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge major roads project is very positive which will benefit the County for investment and development going forward;

·         Concerns of the level of traffic on the N61 coming from Athlone that it warrants a high grade single road;

·         Significant lack of housing in Monksland area, particularly regarding new developments;

·         There are significant issues at R362 regarding safety and the investment in upgrading of road infrastructure at this location needs to be progressed as a matter of urgency;

·         The Shannon Master plan a very positive initiative

·         Welcome the upgrade of the Street Lighting but is it possible to change the colour of the LED lighting at some locations?

·         Reference to the investment for the extension to Kilbegly graveyard is welcoming;

·         Can the Executive provide and update regarding black spot on the Scramoge Cross and can sufficient signage put in place along this route to compensate the losses of towns and villages that will be by-pass as a result of the N5 project?

·         Welcome any progress on improvements for Rooskey Bridge and can an update be provided when these works will commence?

·         Funding is essential for the opportunity to join Roscommon with the green way from Dublin to incorporate a cycle/walkway to enhance the county;

·         Welcome the budget for street cleaning and litter control in the County;

·         Concerns over refusal rate on housing offers especially with the increase in rents whereby applicants are struggling

·         Can the County Development commence in Elphin as there are no facilities regarding broadband and this is impacting on the community;

·         Welcome the funding from Ballymurry to Knockcroghery bypass but can the preferred routes be identified as quickly as possible as planning applications are frozen pending this project;

·         Welcome the quality and speed of the work completed by the new velocity patchers, a great investment for the County;

·         Welcome the Urban Area Plan for Athlone as this will determine the future for this area;

·         Welcome the direction the Council is taking for electric vehicles and generation of our own power;

·         Concerns about the impact of Irish Water will create regarding staffing issues and needs to be monitored;

·         It is important to mention going forward how are we proposing to fund the ever increasing number of retirements, this will be a growing drain on the day to day budget going forward;

·         Welcome the recent announcement for Strokestown House;

·         Important that we identify all the small towns and villages and make sure that every village is included and we don’t want to see any village left behind.

·         Can the Executive provide information on the substantial allocation received from IPB?

·         Landowners that are involved in the N5 project have received no payment, can this be addressed as quickly as possible?

·         Welcome N61 Tulsk to Clashaganny road project;

·         Welcome funding for older people so that upgrading of houses can be completed;

·         Concerns of the variation within the three Municipal Districts for the Roads budget?

·         Welcome the proposal for derelict properties across Roscommon in order to enhance towns;

·         Can the Executive provide more details regarding applications under the Tenant Scheme for housing ?

·         Is the Executive worried that due to the increase number of houses secured under RAS being sold by landlords, that this will reduce accommodation numbers or will we be under pressure to purchase these properties?

·         Is the NPPR charge accurate for 2020?

The Executive replied to the queries raised.