There were no disclosure of interests stated.

·         Minutes of Boyle MD meeting on 19^th July 2024

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Leah Cull

             SECONDED by Councillor Sean Moylan

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Boyle Municipal District meeting of 19^th July, 2024.

There were no matters arising.

5.24 Notice of Motion – Cllr Tom Crosby

Could Roscommon County Council conduct an investigation and address the following issues in Hanley Avenue, Boyle: 

The road surface, drainage, footpaths, and boundary fencing are reported to be in a state of disrepair, causing significant concerns for residents. Furthermore, the public lighting at the end of Lower Marian Road has been non-functional for an extended period and requires attention.

6.24 Notices of Motion - Cllr Sean Moylan

Motion to improve road safety in school/ church zone

In light of the fact that we are still at least three years away from the new N5, the situation in Tulsk is incredibly dangerous and difficult. There are 88 households marooned on the northern side of the National N5 route, where many schoolchildren must negotiate crossing this national road without any aid to get to and from the school. This is also the case with many elderly people in these same houses trying to cross the very busy road to get to church.

Whereas I welcome the new intermitting speed limit flashing signs, I call on the Council (in conjunction with the RSA and / or the TII and other State Agencies if need be), to install a pedestrian crossing controlled by lights, and on a raised plateau on the eastern transition route out of the village, in or around the Chestnut Grove housing estate, which would serve all 88 houses.

This would also have a traffic calming effect where there have been many many accidents, several of which occurred at school pick up and drop off times.

There is a precedence for these type of Pedestrian Crossings on National routes in Co. Roscommon, in Tarmonbarry, Frenchpark, and Cortober, yet Strokestown, Ballinagare and Tulsk remain without any safe proper crossing of the extremely busy National Route.

7.24 Notice of Motion - Cllr. Leah Cull

That this council have the necessary signage and road markings installed at Strabragin NS Arigna R280 and the railway bridge on the R294 Gurteen road in Boyle to warn traffic of the hazardous sharp turns.

8.24 Notice of Motion - Cllr Michéal Frain

For Roscommon County Council; to extend the planned development works proposed in the Plots area of the Town, which is located off Pound Street / Barrack Street.

The proposed current works includes the installation of a skate board park in an area adjacent to the public carpark.

I hereby propose that Roscommon County Council develop the remaining area of the Plots into a Town Park with lighting and pathways to compliment the natural beauty and ambiance of this wooded area.

5.24 Notice of Motion: Cllr Tom Crosby for Boyle MD Meeting 20^th September, 2024

Could Roscommon County Council conduct an investigation and address the following issues in Hanley Avenue, Boyle: The road surface, drainage, footpaths, and boundary fencing are reported to be in a state of disrepair, causing significant concerns for residents. Furthermore, the public lighting at the end of Lower Marian Road has been non-functional for an extended period and requires attention.

Response 1 – Area Engineer:

Part 1: Boundary Fence: Area Engineer has been in contact with Irish Rail regarding the fence line as it borders their tracks also. When he gets a response from Irish Rail, this it will be addressed.

Part 2: Road Surface: The Area Engineer hopes to add it to the 2025 Roads Programme for a 942 surface finish.  If approved by Boyle MD, then the works will be procured as previous years.

2024 footpath allocations have already been made. Hanley Avenue will be considered for footpath funding in 2025.

Response 2:  Assets & Management

Given the location of the lights in question, a road closure on the N61 is required to gain access to the lights and carry out the necessary repair works. In order to minimise traffic disruption in the area, it is planned to carry out these works during the upcoming road closure that is required as part of the ongoing public realm works in the area.

Boyle Office will follow up with the Regeneration Team in relation to the timeframe for those public realm works.

6.24 Notice of Motion:  Cllr Sean Moylan for Boyle MD Meeting 20^th September, 2024 -  Motion to improve road safety in school/ church zone

In light of the fact that we are still at least three years away from the new N5, the situation in Tulsk is incredibly dangerous and difficult. There are 88 households marooned on the northern side of the National N5 route, where many schoolchildren must negotiate crossing this national road without any aid to get to and from the school. This is also the case with many elderly people in these same houses trying to cross the very busy road to get to church.

Whereas I welcome the new intermitting speed limit flashing signs, I call on the Council (in conjunction with the RSA and / or the TII and other State Agencies if need be), to install a pedestrian crossing controlled by lights, and on a raised plateau on the eastern transition route out of the village, in or around the Chestnut Grove housing estate, which would serve all 88 houses.

This would also have a traffic calming effect where there have been many many accidents, several of which occurred at school pick up and drop off times.

There is a precedence for these type of Pedestrian Crossings on National routes in Co. Roscommon, in Tarmonbarry, Frenchpark, and Cortober, yet Strokestown, Ballinagare and Tulsk remain without any safe proper crossing of the extremely busy National  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.24

4.24 Question - Cllr Tom Crosby

Could the Director of Service kindly provide a comprehensive update on the current status of the design development and funding allocation for the construction of footpaths and public lighting infrastructure from Tarmonbarry Village to the local National school, aimed at enhancing accessibility and safety for residents residing in the four newly established housing estates along the designated route to the school. Notably an allocation of €80,000 was designated in the 2022 active travel budget, with an additional top-up of €20,000 in the 2023 budget.

5.24Question - Cllr Tom Crosby

Could the Director of Service kindly provide an update with the progress on the new proposed public lighting in Rooskey Village.

6.24 Question - Cllr Sean Moylan

Have the council any update on the footpath upgrades in Forest view and Mockmoyne in Boyle as they are in terrible condition?

7.24 Question - Cllr Sean Moylan

At the new carpark being developed at the Woodenbridge in Drum- Is current access under the N4 to the boat sheds going to be blocked? Is there going to be a height restriction barrier going to be used on entry to the new carpark?

8.24 Question - Cllr. Leah Cull

Who is responsible for the upkeep of the Boyle to Lough Key cycle track?

9.24 Question - Cllr. Michéal Frain

Can Roscommon County Council staff carry out an audit of all outdoor amenities in this MD area, to ascertain the condition of the facilities, and the condition of the equipment therein. 

As funding streams are due to open shortly, it would be extremely helpful to have an assessment carried out, as funding for repairs and replacement, may need to be considered shortly by the Council and local organisations. 

4.24 Question 1: Cllr Tom Crosby

Could the Director of Service kindly provide a comprehensive update on the current status of the design development and funding allocation for the construction of footpaths and public lighting infrastructure from Tarmonbarry Village to the local National school, aimed at enhancing accessibility and safety for residents residing in the four newly established housing estates along the designated route to the school. Notably an allocation of €80,000 was designated in the 2022 active travel budget, with an additional top-up of €20,000 in the 2023 budget.

Response: 

Roscommon County Council engaged Consultants to assist in progressing the Tarmonbarry Footpath link from the Village to Whitehall National School along the L-1416 in 2022. The Feasibility and Options Selection Report for the project was prepared by the consultants in 2023. The project is currently at National Transport Authority (NTA) Phase 2: Concept Development and Options Selection however no funding was received in 2024 to progress the project onto the Preliminary Design phase.

 5.24 Question 2: Cllr Tom Crosby

Could the Director of Service kindly provide an update with the progress on the proposed public lighting upgrade in Rooskey Village.

Response: 

“Assets and Energy Management are working towards upgrading all public lighting in the county. Proposed works in Rooskey have not yet been scheduled by Roscommon County Council’s public lighting contractor but it is expected that all upgrades will be completed by 31^st October 2024. This excludes all those public lighting assets which must first be unbundled from the ESB network, the extent of which has not yet been determined for Rooskey. Assets and Energy Management will provide further updates on this matter in due course.”

6.24 Question 1: Cllr. Sean Moylan

Have the council any update on the footpath upgrades in Forest view and Mockmoyne in Boyle as they are in terrible condition?

Response:

A list of footpath priorities has been drawn up based on currently available funding.  Forest View is not in this first tranche of priority schemes.  The Boyle MD will assess the footpaths in Forest View in relation to future footpath repair priorities.

Mockmoyne Road (R294) is on a priority list but will likely be scheduled for works in 2025.  There was a recent proposal from elected members to consider traffic calming at this location.  Accordingly traffic calming and footpath works may need to be considered collectively. 

7.24 Question 2: Cllr. Sean Moylan

At the new carpark being developed at the Woodenbridge in Drum-

Is current access under the N4 to the boat sheds going to be blocked?

Is there going to be a height restriction barrier going to be used on entry to the new carpark?

Response:

1.    The approved access to boathouses located on the North bank of the Boyle river is via the accommodation road constructed as part of the development of the N4 road project. The issue of access under the N4 Boyle river bridge is currently under investigation by Roscommon County Council.

2.    A height restriction  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.24

Congratulations

Cllr. Liam Callaghan, along with Cllr. Michéal Frain and Cllr. To Crosby offered their best wishes to Tommie Sheridan, Area Engineer Ballaghaderreen who is leaving to start a new post with Mayo Co. Council.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell added that the Council were sorry to lose Tommie who did excellent work during his time in the Ballaghaderreen Area and he will be greatly missed.

Sympathy

Members wish to give their condolences to the family of Raymond Diffley who passed away on Thursday 19^th September. 

Members also expressed their sympathies to the family of Charlie Teyhan Church, Glenade Co. Leitrim who recently lost his life in a car accident in the Boyle Area.

Cllr. Cull has emailed glafferty@roscommoncoco.ie with nominations for the Civic Reception.  Nominations were proposed at the Boyle MD meeting on 15^th October 2024.

Cllr. Liam Callaghan wished to raise the issue of increased crime in the area, particularly burglaries.  There have been several high profile burglaries in the area recently with large amounts of money taken and damage to property.  Concerns have been raised in the communities of the lack of Garda resources and the slow response times to calls.  There is no Emergency Response Unit available and in some instances no Garda cars.

Cllr. Liam Callaghan proposed that a meeting be arranged between the Chairs of the Boyle, Roscommon and Athlone Municipal Districts and Cathaoirleach of Roscommon Co Council and the Superintendents to discuss people’s concerns and what is needed to address this kind of crime.

Cllr. Michéal Frain expressed his support for Cllr. Callaghan’s proposal, stating this is a huge problem and will likely get worse as winter approaches.

Cllr. Tom Crosby asked that a letter would issue from the MD to the Chief Superintendent and chair of the Joint Policing Committee stating the concerns outlined above.  He added that CCTV should be installed in villages especially on the Shannon crossings.

Members were informed that there is a motion before the Plenary Meeting next Monday requesting an update on Policing Policy in Co. Roscommon. 

Speeding at Kiltrustan School – can road markings and flashing lights be reviewed.

Roosky Bridge Footpath Trial

Roscommon County Council in partnership with Leitrim County Council are carrying out “The Roosky Bridge Footpath Trial” from Monday 23rd September to Sunday 12th October 2024. 

Volume of traffic across Bridge being measured by Leitrim Co Council however traffic is currently diverted due to road works.  Members asked that the test be postponed so that a more accurate measure of traffic can be taken when road is fully functional.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell/Mr. Ivor Kilcline will liaise with Leitrim Co Council to advise re trial period and road diversion.

Mr. I Kilcline to check with Leitrim Co. Council about control of the lights and lifting of bridge.

ACTION SUMMARY

1.    Boyle AO to follow up on timeframe for upgrade of lighting on Marian Road with Assets & Management.

2.    Boyle AO to forward request for pedestrian crossing at Tulsk – refer to Senior Engineer, Roads as a potential 2025 safety scheme.

3.    G. O’Donnell to follow up with NRDO regarding status of Tulsk to Clasknaganny Scheme – scheme halted following legal advice

4.    Boyle AO to review signage at turn for railway bridge, Gurteen Road Boyle and site of fatal accident.  Submission in 2025 for funding of additional road signs at these locations as and if required.

5.    Boyle AO to assess signage and road markings at Strabragin NS, Arigna and propose a low cost safety scheme for 2025 as appropriate.

6.    Footpaths at Tarmonbarry – G. O’Donnell to follow up with NTA regarding funding in 2025.

7.    Boyle MD to review road markings and flashing lights at Kiltrustan School.

8.    Boyle AO to review its commitment to the maintenance of the Boyle cycle way

9.    Letter to Superintendent/Joint Policing Committee re  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.24