Ms. Majella Hunt, Director of Services presented a report on the projects that are being delivered by the Regeneration Unit:

·         The initiatives commenced in 2017 with funding available from Government under various schemes to regenerate towns and villages

·         2017:

·         Seven town and Village Scheme with approved cost of €850k

·         CLAR Funding projects continued with 20 projects at a cost of €605k

·         Outdoor Recreation Scheme (new) for smaller projects at cost of €118k

·         All projects now completed.

·         2018:

·         Funding increased for Outdoor recreation Projects

·         Town and Village Projects – 8 projects funded at a cost of €1.1M

·         CLAR – 11 projects funded at cost of €313k

·         URDF and RRDF Scheme introduced for the period 2018 – 2027 with significant funding for large projects – 2 projects approved to commence in Roscommon under the RRDF scheme in Boyle and Castlerea at a total cost of €4.3m. These projects have reached the final stage of approval with detailed design completed and awaiting approval from the Department to go to construction stage.

·         Under the RRDF Scheme two projects approved for Roscommon town:

o   Public Realm Works involving the upgrade of the Square and Main Street with investment of €5.8m. Detailed design completed and full gateway approval from Department received. Meeting with contractor this week on pre appointment for this 12-18 month timeline.

o   Preparatory Concept Project for Roscommon Town- €470k cost approved

·         Outdoor Recreation Scheme:5 projects at cost of €1.4m All projects are nearing completion, the most significant of which is the Cycleway in Boyle.

·         Historic Towns Initiative: 1 successful project in Boyle at cost of €168k also complete

·         2019:

·         Town & Villages - 6 successful projects at cost of €940k

·         Outdoor Recreation Scheme – 7  projects at a cost of €650k

·         RRDF – 1 project at Monksland at cost of €3.8m applied for and has moved to first stage of detailed design with consultants just appointed.

·         CLAR – 10 schemes at cost of €350k

·         Failte Ireland Destination Initiative(new) - €470k approved

·         2020:

·         RRDF –applied for one project in Ballaghaderreen – an initial development concept for the town. This was approved for design stage and consultants currently being appointed.

·         Town and Village (Covid19) funding – 15 projects approved at cost of €450k

·         Historic Towns Initiative: 1 successful project in Roscommon Town (Abbey St and Church St)  at cost of €190k ongoing.

·         Outdoor Recreation Scheme – four applications to be submitted by 1^st December.

·         RRDF – three projects in Boyle, Strokestown and Elphin awaiting Part 8 approval from the Boyle Muncipal district members and due to be submitted by 1^st December.

·         Just Transition Fund (new)- one successful project approved and two more ready to be submitted at next call.

In total over 100 projects are live at a total investment of €23m plus €5m matched funding from Roscommon County Council to end of 2019. If the 2020 projects submitted are successful this will increase to €30m with matched funding of €7m.

In addition smaller projects under CEP and Creative Ireland funding streams are also ongoing.

The Cathoirleach thanked Ms. Hunt for her very comprehensive overview of the work of the Regeneration Unit and thanked her and her staff for their work. The investment will see a substantial change in the county, particularly in many urban areas and make our towns more effective. He paid tribute to the communities and staff for the quality of the applications submitted for approval, and the high success rate of the applications as this is a competitive tendering process.

The members discussed the report as follows:

·         The substantial sum of €23m already approved from 2017 to date is a great endorsement of the county and reflects the commitment of the Elected Members, staff and the community.

·         There is a new found confidence in Boyle because the lead of the Council investment in the hotel and cycleway.

·         Maintenance agreement in the future to clean off the leaves on the Boyle cycle track as can be dangerous at this time of year.

·         Submissions in relation to Part 8’s for the projects in the Boyle MD need to be considered in context of parking needs.

·         Welcome the funding to smaller towns and villages in particular.

·         The Monksland Hub will be of great strategic importance and we look forward to the consequent employment opportunities it should create. Can the upgrade of the Monksland road network at the Old Tuam Road be considered as part of this project?

·         Welcome improvement works in Athleague, Ballyforan and Creagh.

·         Important that the members have supported the projects and approved €5m matched funding through maintaining the LPT increase.

·         Welcome the Historic Towns Initiative – can businesses be consulted to work together to avail of the grant for projects?

·         Are there any other sources of funding available outside of these schemes for projects that are not successful to date.

The Chief Executive welcomed the extraordinary level of investment in the county and the work of the Director and her team to bring the projects to fruition. He thanked the Members for their decision to support the contribution of the Local Property Tax towards the funding of the projects.

In reply to the queries from the Members, the Director confirmed that the HTI funding is for conservation projects and not maintenance of buildings. She advised that all villages are encouraged to submit Expressions of Interest for projects but must be mindful of the strict criteria necessary to complete applications.