There were no Disclosures of Conflict of Interest declared by Members.

·        Minutes of Boyle MD meeting scheduled for 24^th January deferred to 7^th February 2025 due to Storm Eowyn

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Liam O’Callaghan

             SECONDED by Councillor Sean Moylan

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Boyle Municipal District meeting of 7^th February 2025 (deferred from 24^th January 2025 due to Storm Eowyn).

There were no matters arising.

Members expressed their support for the taking in charge of development at Grange Manor, Tulsk.  Issues regarding street lighting and resurfacing of area between main road and foot path were clarified. Members also complimented RCC on its progress in taking these estates in charge and reducing the number of unfinished estates in the region. 

Mr. Greg O’Donnell stated that where there is no Bond in place for some unfinished estates, RCC will allocate a budget to progress their taking in charge.

Members will raise the issue of funding from central Government at the next Plenary Meeting.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Liam Callaghan

             SECONDED by Councillor Sean Moylan

It was AGREED that Section 11 (2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 and Roads Regulations 1994, Part 2 Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), Section 180 Local Government Reform Act 2014 Schedule 3 - Declaration of public road within the housing development at Grange Manor, Tulsk be APPROVED.

Members highlighted section of roads that need attention:

·        R370 – Carrick to 4Ps – sightlines, bends on road, etc.

·        Crossroads at 4Ps – dip in road from Boyle side

·        Tulsk crossroads on N5

·        Roads around N5

·        Extended closure of roads around Shankhill area for N61

·        Diversions on roads and subsequent damage to those roads

·        Pull in areas outside boundary walls

·        Safety issues at Frenchpark to Boyle Road – from Junction along The Demense

·        Issue of speeding traffic at Croghan Road R370 – Butler’s Cross

·        Ballyfarnon to Corrigeenroe L-1006 to L-1013 crosses over with Sligo Co Council

·        Kilglass to Ballyleague road joins with R371 – issue with speeding

·        Legal challenge to Part 8 works on Clashaganny to Tulsk stretch of N61

Mr. Ivor Kilcline stated that the Roads Programme 2025 is as agreed.  Any future amendments to programme will be communicated to Members.  If members have any queries on the Programme, and wish to follow up further, to please contact Mr. Kilcline.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell asked Members to identify the pull-in areas currently being damaged due to heavy diverted traffic and those likely to be damaged during future diversions.  Mr. Ivor Kilcline will follow these up with NRRDO.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell clarified that the Frenchpark to Boyle road section from junction to The Demense can be looked at in conjunction with Garda re speed calming solutions, etc.

Mr. Ivor Kilcline stated that Roscommon Co. Council can discuss issues raised regarding the Ballyfarnon to Carrigeenroe road with Sligo Co. Council.  He asked the Cllr Cull would identify those stretches of road and he will follow up with Area Engineer.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell clarified the current status regarding the legal challenge to the Part 8  N61 Tulsk to Clashaganny Road Project and the Judicial Review. 7 issues have been raised and are being followed up.  Process likely to take years and may have an impact on other phases of the project.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Liam Callaghan

             SECONDED by Councillor Valerie Byrne

It was AGREED to adopt the Boyle Municipal District Road Works Scheme 2025 as part of the Schedule of Municipal District Works.

Mr. Ivor Kilcline informed members that the allocation of Public Realm budget had been changed from €90k per Area to €80k per area resulting in a revised total budget for the Boyle MD of €240k.  As a result, the agreed list of projects under Public Realm for 2025 had to be amended.  The revised list was circulated to Members.

Members raised the following issues:

·        How Public Realm funding/budget is allocated needs to be reviewed.

·        Grateful for the funding allocated but disappointed that the allocation was reduced.

·        Focus of projects should be on small towns and villages

·        This money needed for neglected Boyle area and members must stand up for their communities

·        Allocation of budget to Road Sweeping

·        Construction, maintenance and repair of footpaths.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell clarified that the Public Realm Budget is specifically for the upkeep of Public Realm projects on completion.   Until Public Realm projects are completed, this money can be used this year on other projects selected by members.

It is the role of SPC to look at how this Fund is allocated fairly across the operational areas in the County.  Boyle MD got a substantial share of the Fund compared to other MDs.

Mr. Ivor Kilcline clarified that there is no budget for Road Sweeping – currently comes out of Own Resources allocation.  Footpaths are funded separately from IPB.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Valerie Byrne

             SECONDED by Councillor Liam Callaghan

It was AGREED to approve the Public Realm Projects for 2025.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Leah Cull

             SECONDED by Councillor Valerie Byrne

It was AGREED to approve the Boyle MD Fund 2025 Guidelines.

Tarmonbarry Development & Tidy Towns Association

Cortober Residents’ Association

Projects’ Timeline Extension – Brusna Development Association

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Valerie Byrne

             SECONDED by Councillor Leah Cull

It was AGREED to approve the Proposal Amendements for the following:

·        Tarmonbarry Development & Tidy Towns Association

·        Cortober Residents’ Association

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Liam Callaghan

             SECONDED by Councillor Sean Moylan

It was AGREED to approve the deadline for completion of current projects by six months to end September 2025 as requested by Brusna Development Association.

I call on Roscommon County Council, (especially in light of the Post Office moving to Glancy’s Supervalu in Cortober from Main Street in Carrick on Shannon), to install a pedestrian crossing adjacent to Lidl, Supervalu, Supermacs and the Cinema Complex, etc. in order to cross the N4 safely.

The existing pedestrian crossing is not compatible with this retail area. This is a commercial and residential area of great significance in Co Roscommon, and it is very important that we make it as accessible as possible for the people of that area.

M2.25 Cllr. Sean Moylan Boyle MD Meeting 21-03-2025

I call on Roscommon County Council, (especially in the light of the Post Office moving to Glancy’s Supervalu in Cortober, from Main Street in Carrick on Shannon), to install a pedestrian crossing adjacent to Lidl, Supervalu, Supermacs and the cinema complex etc. in order to cross the N4 safely.

The existing pedestrian crossing is not compatible with this retail area,

This is a commercial and residential area of great significance in Co. Roscommon, and it is very important that we make it as accessible as possible for the people of that area.

Roscommon County Council Comment on the Motion:

Proposed works on the N4 national primary would need the approval of and funding from TII.  The Boyle MD will assess the location and subject to identifying a safe and suitable location, would propose a crossing as a 2026 national road safety scheme.  A road safety audit would also be required to inform the design of the proposed crossing.

Members supported the motion and made the following points:

·        Pedestrian crossings like one proposed for Cortober needed in other towns like Elphin.

·        Acknowledged the importance of supporting Cortober

·        Important to have safe access to Post Office and Cinema.

·        Former Cllr. John Cummins acknowledged for call for this crossing – case made stronger now following relocation of Post Office.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell stated that the Council has no issue with the proposal and will seek funding from TII for installation of pedestrian crossing.

At September’s MD meeting, I proposed that the Council Roads Dept. explore the options we had to deliver a much needed pedestrian crossing on the N5 in Tulsk at or near the school.   Has there been any progress with this motion?

Q1.25  Cllr. Sean Moylan – Boyle MD Meeting 21-03-2025

At September’s MD meeting, I proposed that the Council Roads Dept. explore the options to deliver a much-needed pedestrian crossing on the N5 in Tulsk at or near the school.

Has there been any progress with this motion?  

Roscommon County Council Response:

The Roscommon NRRO are preparing plans to provide active travel measures in five towns and villages that will be by-passed by the section of the N5 currently under construction.  The Director of Service met with the NRRO after September’s MD meeting (2024) and can confirm that said plans include pedestrian facilities at the general location in question.  The Director of Service also invited the NRRO to present the proposed active travel plans to the Boyle MD as soon as possible as Part 8s will be required to deliver the schemes.  The five towns/villages scheduled for active travel schemes are as follows:

• Frenchpark
• Bellanagare
• Tulsk
• Tulsk-Rathcroghan
• Strokestown

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Liam Callaghan

             SECONDED by Councillor Michéal Frain

 It was AGREED to honour Michael Greene, Lisacul Handball Club, winner of All Ireland Handball U-15B Singles World Title in Kilkenny in November 2024.

A vote of sympathy was expressed to John Keaney, Outdoor staff, Boyle AO, on the passing of his mother Bridget who passed away on 19^th March 2025.

A vote of sympathy was expressed to the wife and family of Laurence Dowd, Tibohine who passed away on 16^th March 2025.

A vote of sympathy was expressed to the wife and family of Jim Flemming, Ballaghaderreen who passed away on 18^th March 2025.

A vote of sympathy was expressed to the wife and family of James Cusack, Strokestown, who passed away on 10^th February 2025.

Members discussed the issues relating to the Ballaghaderreen Public Realm Part 8 Project.

Cllr. Tom Crosby informed the meeting that the Public Realm Works were halted following protests and objections by the local people.

Members raised the following issues:

·        Issues need to be resolved and correct information available obtained regarding street layout, etc.

·        Ballaghaderreen Public Realm project is 50% completed on a project worth €4.5m.  Funding from Dept is at risk if project is not fully completed.  Financial burden would fall on Roscommon Co. Council.

·        The impact of the project not proceeding could lead to huge financial implications for Roscommon Co. Council and impact on future Public Realm projects.

·        Contractors have a fixed-price contract within a timeframe and their contract will have to be honoured.

·        The Ballaghaderreen Public Realm Part 8 cannot be reversed as Plan has already gone through Planning.

·        The safety of the community should be a priority and concerns regarding access to school for Fire Engine or Ambulance, etc. should be addressed to reassure the public.

·        Members discussed plans for the town including roundabout on square, provision of off-street parking for the elderly and disabled, turning circle at Flannery’s Corner, location of bus stops on Pound Street.

·        The issue of car park spaces, how many were lost to the centre of the town and how many would be replaced at alternative locations adjacent to the town centre.

·        Members agreed public statements relating to the Project should be based on facts.

·        Businesses in the town are hanging on by a thread and it’s important their concerns are listened to.

·        Part 8 in other towns have similar concerns regarding car parking and lorries having to mount footpaths, etc.

·        Members called for mediation as the way forward to address those areas of concern of the Community and to enable the Project to proceed.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell responded as follows:

·        It’s very difficult to reverse a Part 8.  RCC will endeavour to work within the existing Part 8

·        He stated that if RCC cannot complete the Project, could leave Council financially liable for reimbursement of monies claimed from Department. It would set a precedent for other public realm works in the county as there are contractual obligations given to the funding body.

·        He informed meeting that RCC has given an undertaking to buy land at The Plots close to the Square to accommodate 50 car parking spaces. He agreed there has to be compromise.

·        Corrections/tweaks of issues are allowed within the confines of the plan. Safety Audit done post works will pick up any issues.

·        Mediation is on-going and meetings have already taken place.

·        He reiterated that stopping the works for a new Part 8 is not really feasibly – current funding would be lost and current project would be incomplete. In addition, Part 8s would be undermined. Funding is given based on Planning which provides certainty for funding and stopping this Part 8 could impact on future projects.

Elphin to Strokestown Lugby Cross

Cllr. Valerie Byrne raised concerns regarding the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.25