-        Minutes of Plenary Meeting 23.10.2017

On the  PROPOSAL of Councillor Dineen

SECONDED by Councillor Kilduff

It was  AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting held on 23^rd October 2017

Cllr. Callaghan acknowledged tributes paid by Members at the last meeting in respect of the passing of his late brother Gerry Callaghan.  He said their kind thoughts and tributes meant so much to the family.  He also acknowledged the Chief Executive and staff of Roscommon County Council for their presence and condolences.  Finally he thanked the Communities of Strokestown and Tulsk for their community spirit at this sad time.

-        October 2017

Members noted the Management Report for October 2017.

-        0.4963 ha at Elphin Townland, Elphin.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Byrne

SECONDED by Councillor Cummins

It was AGREED that the Council consent to the disposal of lands pursuant to the provision of Section 211 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 and Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001.  Particulars of the land which the County Council proposes to dispose of:-

The land:  0.4963 at Elphin townland, Elphin, Co Roscommon.

The persons from whom the land was acquired: Irish Land Commission

The person to whom the land is to be disposed:  Roschem Products Ltd., Windmill Road, Elphin, Co. Roscommon

Consideration:  €30,000 plus VAT

-        Circa 0.035 Ha in the Townland of Carrowbaun, in the Barony of Castlereagh

-        0.20 Ha in the Townland of Carrowgarve, in the Barony of Frenchpark, Castlerea

-        0.5770 Ha in the Townland of corskeagh and Barony of Frenchpark

-        0.15 Ha in the Townland of Grangebeg, in the Barony of Boyle

-        0.28 Ha in the Townland of Gubbarudda in the Barony of Boyle

-        0.43 Ha in the Townland of Kilmurray in the barony of Castlereagh, Castleplunkett

-        0.13 Ha in the Townland of Lisagallon in the Barony of Athlone North, Cloverhill

-        Circa 0.22 Ha in the Townland of Longford Upper in the Barony of Castlerea

-        0.42 Ha in the Townland of Srabra in the Barony of Boyle

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Councillor Dineen

It was AGREED that the Council consent to the disposal of Derelict Rural House pursuant to the provision of Section 211 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 and Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001.  Particulars of the Derelict Rural House which the County Council proposes to dispose of:-

The land:  Circa 0.035 Ha in the Townland of Carrowbaun, in the Barony of Castlereagh

The persons from whom the land was acquired: Western Health Board, Merlin Park, Galway

The person to whom the land is to be disposed:  Thomas & William Kelly, Kingsland, Boyle

Consideration:  €5,500

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Callaghan

SECONDED by Councillor Shanagher

It was AGREED that the Council consent to the disposal of Derelict Rural House pursuant to the provision of Section 211 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 and Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001.  Particulars of the Derelict Rural House which the County Council proposes to dispose of:-

The land:  0.20 Ha in the Townland of Carrowgarve, in the Barony of Fenchpark, Castlerea

The persons from whom the land was acquired: Joseph Ward, Carrowgarve, Tibohine, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

The person to whom the land is to be disposed:  Linda Joyce, Willsbrook, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Consideration:  €17,550

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Cummins

SECONDED by Councillor Murphy

It was AGREED that the Council consent to the disposal of Derelict Rural House pursuant to the provision of Section 211 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 and Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001.  Particulars of the Derelict Rural House which the County Council proposes to dispose of:-

The land:  0.5770 Ha in the Townland of Corskeagh and Barony of Frenchpark

The persons from whom the land was acquired: Doris Greenwood, Corskeagh, Frenchpark

The person to whom the land is to be disposed:  Thomas & William Kelly, Kingsland, Boyle

Consideration:  €38,000

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Cummins

SECONDED by Councillor Naughten

It was AGREED that the Council consent to the disposal of Derelict Rural House pursuant to the provision of Section 211 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 and Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001.  Particulars of the Derelict Rural House which the County Council proposes to dispose of:-

The land:  0.15 Ha in the Townland of Grangebeg in the Barony of Boyle

The persons from whom the land was acquired: John & Kate Conneely (nee Hawkings)

The person to whom the land is to be disposed:  Michael Cunningham & Helena Casey, 5 Phoenix House, Boyle.

Consideration:  €22,500

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Cummins

SECONDED by Councillor Byrne

It was AGREED that the Council consent to the disposal of Derelict Rural House pursuant to the provision of Section 211 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 and Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001.  Particulars of the Derelict Rural House which the County Council proposes to dispose of:-  ...  view the full minutes text for item 163.17

-        Road located at Carrowmore, Hillstreet, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon pursuant to the provisions of Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 and Roads Regulations 1994, Part 2.

Approval was sought from Members to have the road at the following location declared to be a public road in accordance with Section 11 (2) (b) of the Roads Act 1993 and Roads Regulations 1994, Part 2.

·         Road located at Carrowmore, Hillstreet, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon

On the  PROPOSAL of Councillor Byrne

SECONDED by Councillor Callaghan

It was    AGREED that road located at Carrowmore, Hillstreet, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon be declared a public road.

-        Mr. Tony Canavan, Chief Officer, CHO Area 2 (Galway, Mayo, Roscommon)

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Leyden welcomed Mr. Tony Canavan, Chief Operations Officer, HSE West to the meeting to inform the members regarding the recently published ‘Roscommon Mental Health Services Report’. Mr. Canavan stated that he was pleased to attend the meeting and outlined his area of responsibility which included all health services in the Roscommon, Mayo Galway Area, including mental health services, outside the four main hospitals. He said that he would outline the steps taken to compile the report, give an update on the recommendations in the report and address questions and comments from the members.

·         Work on the report commenced in August 2015, completed in July 2017 and published in September

·         The review team consisted of three members, all outside HSE and this jurisdiction

·         The review is very extensive, interviewed almost sixty staff, visited a number of sites, reviewed outpatient records etc. and invited public submissions from service users.

·         There are twenty-seven recommendations made in the report covering a wide range of issues

·         The report identified gaps in the services, the need for mentoring of senior staff, the restructuring of relationships amongst staff, the development of a media strategy, performance management for all staff. The focus is on primarily on nursing grades and the gaps identified include the development of a strategic plan, engagement with staff and clinical and professional supervision and training re the importance of complaints processes, and a review of day care services

·         The report does not make for good reading

·         There have been three further meetings since the publication in September

·         An Action Plan, based on the recommendations in the report will be completed by the year end. Since the review commenced some recommendations have been acted on to some extent

·         The report is an opportunity to draw a line in the sand and move forward to progress the mental health services.

The Cathaoirleach then outlined extracts from the minutes of the Public Meeting held in Roscommon Town last week that was chaired by Dr. Madeline O’Dalaigh:

·         Need to restore confidence in the Mental Health Sector

·         Concern that three senior staff are still on the implementation team – imperative that people believe in change management

·         Who made the decision to return the €17.6m that was budgeted for Mental Health services in the county and did those who did benefit from this in some way either by promotion of bonuses? This money should be returned with interest.

·         There was a call for an independent review at the meeting

·         When with the Implementation team be up and running?

The members then spoke and raised a number of questions:

·         Disturbing to hear that staff are afraid to speak out.

·         What number of anonymous complaints have been received and are being investigated?

·         Has anyone been held accountable for what is in the report?

·         Concern that some senior managers did not engage in the process.

·         No mention of the patient in the report.

·         A fuller investigation is needed and how will this be done.

·         Concern that there is currently no  ...  view the full minutes text for item 165.17

Derek Caldbeck, A/Head of Finance informed the members that following the adoption of the Local Government Charter in 2014 as part of the new Local Government Act, a new item at Section 10 is to be included relating to Protected Disclosures Policy and Procedures.  The Audit Committee now has an approved protocol which provides for the referral of a disclosure to the Designated Officer to receive disclosures within the Council.

On the  PROPOSAL of Councillor Cummins

SECONDED by Councillor Kilduff

It was AGREED to adopt the Roscommon County Council Audit Committee Charter.

Derek Caldbeck A/Head of Finance sought the approval of the members to make a loan in pursuant of Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous and Provisions) Act 1992 available to:

·         Roscara Housing Association for the purchase of one dwelling for Social Housing accommodation for disabled persons for €270,300.

On the  PROPOSAL of Councillor Naughten

SECONDED by Councillor Keogh

It was    AGREED that Roscommon County Council approves the raising of a loan of €270,300 for the purchase of one dwelling house at 1 Millbrook, Bealnamullia, Athlone for the purpose of providing three units of Social Housing Accommodation for Disabled Persons.

Derek Caldbeck A/Head of Finance sought approval from the Members to appoint Cork County Council to carry out the functions on behalf of Local Authorities in respect of PPP Social Housing (Bundle 2) i.e. 53 No. Houses at The Walk, Roscommon town.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Creaton

                SECONDED by Councillor Dineen

It is hereby RESOLVED under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 2001 as amended to enter into Agreements with the Agreement with Clare County Council, Galway County Council, Kildare County Council, Cork County Council and Waterford City & County Council whereby Cork County Council will carry out all of the functions of these local authorities in respect of the Social Housing PPP (Bundle2) Programme with the following exceptions:

·         the nomination of tenants to be housed in the social housing development in the relevant local authority’s functional area

·         The calculation of the tenants’ differential rent,

·         The role of landlord under the tenancy agreements and

·         Obtaining the necessary planning approvals and undertaking the public consultation procedures in respect of the development as required under the Planning and Development Acts and Regulations’

·         Letter from Sligo County Council regarding extra funding for Alzheimers Society.

·         Letter of acknowledgement from Sliabh Bawn Power in relation to logging of timber.

·         Letter from Minister John Paul Phelan, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in relation to Athlone Boundary Report.

·         Letter of acknowledgement from Mr Jim Daly TD, Minister for Mental Health and Older People regarding resolution on Home Care Packages.

·         Letter of acknowledgement from Mr Jim Daly TD, Minister for Mental Health and Older People regarding resolution on Home Care Hours.

·         Letter from Tony Canavan, HSE regarding Home Care Hours and Home Care Packages.

·         Letter from Mr. Tony O’Brien, Director General of Health Service regarding the resolution from member in relation to waiting list for home help hours.

·         Letter of acknowledgement from Mr. Denis Naughten, Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment regarding a number of resolutions from Members.

·         Letter from Tipperary County Council regarding resolution to reintroduce the Urban Road Minor Improvement Grant.

·         Letter from Wexford County Council regarding resolution on rural post offices.

·         Letter from Mr. Charles Flanagan TD, Minister for Justice and Equality regarding the selection process for recruitment and graduation to An Garda Síochána.

·         Letter of Acknowledgement from Policing Authority.

·         Letter from Mr. Tony Canavan regarding Mental Health Services in Co. Roscommon.

·         Letter from Monaghan County Council regarding resolution on SIPTU Big Star/Early Years Campaign.

·         Letter from Ballina Municipal district regarding resolution on the spread of ragwort.

·         Letter from HSE regarding Resolution passed in relation to Home Help Services.

-        Motion No. 19.17 from Councillor Ward

19.17.    Water Charges

                Notice of Motion from Councillor Ward - 19/17

I am calling on the Government and the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Mr. Eoghan Murphy TD, and Irish Water to exempt all water charges to Sporting and Community Amenities, and to all places of Worship in the Country.

REPLY:

This requires a resolution of the Council.

The members spoke in favour of the motion and felt it was timely and would be beneficial in particular to voluntary groups.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Ward

                SECONDED by Councillor Keogh

It was AGREED to write to Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Mr. Eoghan Murphy TD, and Irish Water to exempt all water charges to Sporting and Community amenities, and to all places of Worship in the Country.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Kilduff

                SECONDED by Councillor Murphy

It was AGREED to adopt the list of payments for attendance at conferences and training as circulated to the members. 

Votes of Congratulations were extended to:

·         Ballyleague / Lanesboro Group who were awarded a Special Merit Award at the Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Awards.

 National Roads 2018 Current Expenditure Allocations

Cllr Kilduff referred to letter circulated from TII in relation to cuts in the National Road Ordinary Maintenance Allocations, which he described as unacceptable.  He noted that a reduction of up to 30% in our budget is worrying and queried how we are going to finance this.  All members expressed their dissatisfaction with the proposed reduction and queried what impact the decrease of 17% minimum would have on the 2018 Budget, passed by Resolution earlier this month and asked for Head of Finance to clarify the situation.

Derek Caldbeck clarified that when we passed our budget it was based on last year’s road allocations.  He said we do not have sight of money available to us in 2018 when budgets are being prepared. All details will be available in March when members are deciding on the Roads Programme and expenditure will have to be adjusted taking account of what funds will be  available.   

The C.E. noted that the reduction relates to the Ordinary Maintenance element only and advised Members that the budget takes account of unknown elements and is hopeful that we get more funding in other allocations from TII.  We won’t know final figures until after Christmas.  This is the nature of how we get our funding, it is worrying and advised that he has drafted a letter to Department and a strong letter from Members may help to influence this as well.

The Members made the following comments:

·         Concern of how we can finance this reduction

·         These cuts are on top of ten years of austerity cuts.

·         Did TII not request a three year plan and is that plan not submitted? 

·         People are tax compliant and we are leaving them without a road network.

·         How did our Oireachtas members in the county allow this to happen?

·         This is worrying given the state of some roads in the County.

·         What amount of money does a 17% reduction equate to?

·         Include this item on the agenda for meeting with TII on 19^th December?

·         Include this allocation as an agenda item at the December Plenary Meeting?

·         What is the Geo App?

·         What is the update with IPB funding that was to be spent on roads?

·         Can this item be included on the Agenda for December meeting to clarify figures?

The Chief Executive responded as follows:

·         The GEO App allows for surveys to be carried out by Technical Staff on various aspects of the national road network whereby we can seek additional funding for localised improvement works to pavements or other infrastructural deficits.  

·         Our funding from TII is made up of several income streams such as winter maintenance, route lighting, etc.  and it is important to emphasise that it is not 30% across all income streams.  An analysis of the figures will be made and circulated to Members. 

·         In relation to IPB monies, this has not as yet been forthcoming as there is an issue with the Department of Expenditure and Public Reform on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 173.17