·         Minutes of Boyle MD meeting on 20^th September, 2019

·         Minutes of Budget Meeting on 15^th October, 2019

 On the PROPOSAL OF Cllr. Cummins

                SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Boyle Municipal District Meeting held on 20.09.2019

On the PROPOSAL OF Cllr. Callaghan

                SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Boyle Municipal District Budget Meeting held on 15.10.2019

There were no matters arising.

·         No Notices of Motion submitted.

There were no Notices of Motions submitted.

The Members raised a number of items for discussion.

In response to a query from Cllr. Cummins on progress with regard to the turning lanes at the Cootehall and Croghan junctions on the N4, Director of Services, Mr. Shane Tiernan confirmed that a traffic study was completed by Roscommon County Council and results submitted to the TII and the Council is awaiting their direction in the matter. It should be noted that the TII must approve the proposed changes and fund the project.  

Cllr. Crosby enquired if the Council had any proposals regarding upgrading the entrance and two stone walls at the old gatehouse at Lough Key.  He also enquired if the Council was interested in buying McDermott Island on Lough Key.

The Director of Services stated that the recently announced Built Heritage Fund may be considered as a source of funding but as it appears this is private property it would be unlikely the Council would be involved. The Moylurg Rockingham Master Strategic Plan is currently being developed and these suggestions could be put forward for consideration.

Cllr. Byrne enquired if the Built Heritage Grant would apply to Council owned property and suggested that the Old Cathedral in Elphin be considered. It was suggested that a local committee could be set up to lease the property and subsequently seek grant funding if the Council was not entitled to apply.

The Director of Services advised that the Heritage Officer be contacted regarding the operation of the scheme but only 20% of the grant is available if a property is Council owned and grants available are from €2,500 to a maximum of €15,000.

Cllr. Byrne enquired about the operation of these grant schemes whereby receipts must be submitted by September annually and if this can change as invoices/receipts incurred in October/November cannot be carried forward.

Area Engineer Declan Dolan confirmed that only invoices are required for payment and the Director of Services will bring the matter to the attention of the Head of Finance and the Community and Enterprise Section.

Cllr. Michael Mulligan enquired about the hall that closed down over 20 years ago and he has received representations from St. Nathys who want to relocate the contents to a vacant office at the back of the library. He confirmed that the contents are in good condition and everything is logged.

The Director of Services confirmed there is no provision to open a museum in the budget and it should be noted that this is a private museum. He will however bring the matter to the attention of the Heritage Officer.

Cllr. Cummins complimented the staff on the work completed to date on the cycleway from Boyle to Lough Key.

Cllr. Callaghan asked if any decision has been made to date on the chosen route of the N61 upgrade.

The Director of Services confirmed that the survey and technical analysis is being carried out by the NRRO and a preferred route decision is expected in early 2020.

Cllr Crosby enquired about the following:

·         What does the traffic study in Tarmonbarry entail?

·         When will works on Scramoge Cross commence?

·         When can the lighting in Rooskey village be upgraded as there would be payback within 5 years.

The Director of Services replied that a traffic study was being planned and it will evaluate vehicle numbers and pedestrian footfall and recommend where a crossing, if necessary should be installed. He stated however that on national routes the TII would have to approve and fund such installations. confirmed that a contract has been awarded for the works at Scramoge Cross and works should commence in January but it is not currently national policy or considered best practice to install lights at such a junction in a rural area.

MD Co-Ordinator Michael Conlon confirmed that his office is currently looking at developments in Rooskey starting in 2020 and part of this scheme will be undergrounding of services and the installation of LED lights is part of this scheme.

The Director added that a total of €91k has been provided for in the Boyle area for LED Lights  and County Roscommon has 1,200 lights upgraded from a total of 6,000 on National Roads. The tender is part of a Regional approach to energy and climate change to which the Council is very committed.

Cllr. Crosby enquired about the rollout of charging points for electric vehicles as there are not enough at present.

The Director of Services stated that the ESB is leading the installation of charging stations nationally but Council are also looking at the availability of SEAI grants to assist in installing some charging points throughout the county.

Cllr. Byrne enquired about upgrading to LED lights at the roadworks in Elphin and the MD Co Ordinator confirmed this is correct. He also confirmed that and upgrade works on the N61 from Tulsk to the Four “P’s” funding is the responsibility of the TII.

Cllr. Crosby enquired about the lighting in estates not Taken in Charge and if the Council can do some basic works. The Director confirmed this is private property. However Municipal Districts have previously set aside some funding to carry out some emergency works where it might be considered essential for public safety.

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Murphy enquired if details have been received from the Department with regard to a new LIS scheme. The Director of Services confirmed that nothing has been received recently, however the Council made great progress with the last funding allocations received and have completed fifty schemes per year

The Cathaoirleach enquired about signs on the Tulsk Road into Strokestown and if speed bumps are an option to slow down traffic. In reply, Michael Conlon, Area Coordinator  confirmed that the TII do not approve of speed bumps on National Roads but he will look at improving signage as he is aware it is an ongoing issue. He further stated that he will be carrying out an assessment of the whole area.

In a response to a query from Cllr. Byrne, Michael Conlon confirmed that materials have been ordered to install the pedestrian crossing in Cortober and work will be carried out before the year end if possible. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services confirmed that there are land issues to be resolved to facilitate progressing the footpath to the station.