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

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Michéal Frain

             SECONDED by Councillor Liam Callaghan

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Boyle Municipal District meeting on 22^nd November, 2024.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Valerie Byrne

             SECONDED by Councillor Sean Moylan

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Boyle Municipal District Special Meeting on JLAP Carrick-on-Shannon on 9^th December 2024.

There were no matters arising.

Mr. Ivor Kilcline advised that an informal special meeting will be required to review the guidelines for the Boyle MD Fund 2025.  Any update of the guidelines will have to be done in conjunction with Athlone & Roscommon MDs.

It was agreed that an informal meeting of the Boyle MD members take place on Friday 28^th February at 2.30pm.

Cootehall Village Enhancement Group submitted an amended proposal to change from the upgrade/maintenance of existing fencing, planters, boat planter & purchase of plants and rainwater harvesting system to the purchase of two large three-tier planters.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Liam Callaghan

             SECONDED by Councillor Valerie Byrne

It was AGREED to approve the amended proposal from Cootehall Village Enhancement Group.

1.25 Notice of Motion - Cllr Micheál Frain

That the members of this Municipal District, will oppose any further expansion or addition to any International Protection programmes in towns such as Ballaghaderreen until essential services such as Health, Education and Garda numbers are brought to a satisfactory level.

A recent Socio-Economic report on this area showed the enormous challenges facing this community. Additional resources that were promised on the Opening of the EROC in 2017, have yet to be delivered and local healthcare and education resources have at this stage surpassed capacity.

Members supported the motion and made the following points:

·        essential services promised should be made available to town of Ballaghaderreen.

·        Ballaghaderreen was complimented on its positive interaction with the EROC Centre.  More communication was called for regarding similar planning issues and concerns were expressed that this facility would not revert back to being a hotel as originally planned which would be a major loss to the town and surrounding area.

·        that the socio-economic impact of future planning applications be considered in line with Government guidelines on the needs of the Community.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell clarified that this motion is not for the Executive of Roscommon Co. Council.  Planning applications are assessed based solely on facts, services, utilities, water, etc.

There were no questions.

A vote of sympathy was proposed by all members and the Council Executive to former Cllr. Joe Murphy and family following the passing of his wife Nicola.

A vote of sympathy was proposed to the family of Martin Fallon, Strokestown following his unexpected passing. 

Members made the following points:

Storm Eowyn:

·       ESB need to plan a wider corridor under power cables through forestry

·       Maintenance of fire breaks around forestry

·       Age of ESB poles throughout county

·       A means-tested grant for the purchase of generators to run a house and for those on medical devices

·       Provision of generators for water treatment plants, for schools and farming community and be available within a very short time

·       Secure storage for generators at water treatment plants and pump houses.

·       ESB cabling to be fitted underground where feasible

·       Praise for coverage of storm by local media

·       How the broadband services and infrastructure were impacted by the storm

·       Praise for Local Authority and Water Services/Irish Water staff for their work on removing trees, and providing water, etc. during the storm

·       Extra funding should be provided by Government under the Roads Programme for repair of roads damaged during storm

·       Call for DAFM to put a financial plan in place to assist farmers with large scale repairs

·       How Electrical Vehicles affected by extended power cuts

·       A Government Action Plan should be put in place to deal with large scale damage as in recent storm

·       Incidence of farmer with newly built shed 95% complete severely damaged in Storm Eowyn, not insured.

Update on Strokestown Public Realm Scheme

Update on progress of N5

Assylinn Graveyard – dangerous tree damage to headstone

Lighting at Canal Walk, Boyle

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Tom Crosby

             SECONDED by Councillor Sean Moylan

It was AGREED to that an invitation would issue to ESB Senior Management to attend the next meeting of Boyle MD.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Tom Crosby

             SECONDED by Councillor Liam Callaghan

It was AGREED to that a letter would issue to Minister Dara Calleary, Department of Social Protection and Community Affairs to create a fund available to those who’ve had severe damage due to storm and were not insured.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell will follow up with Regeneration Section regarding progress of Strokestown Public Realm scheme.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell informed meeting that the N5 is on schedule at the moment and should come in on budget.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell stated that a special meeting re JLAP Carrick-on-Shannon/Cortober will take place in April to approve material alternations to 1^st draft.  Members will be informed nearer the time of the date and time of meeting.

Mr. Ivor Kilcline will liaise with Area Engineer regarding issue in Assylinn Graveyard and the lighting on Canal Walk, Boyle.