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

·         Minutes of Plenary Meeting on 26.02.2024

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

            SECONDED by Cllr. McDermott

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 26.02.2024

There were no matters arising.

·         Report for February 2024

·         Management Report for February 2024 noted.

A report from Mr. Mark Keaveney, Director of Services, was presented to the Members and detailed the allocations proposed under the Tidy Towns and Amenity Grants Scheme for 2024.

The total budget for 2024 is €60,000. The scheme is available to community groups and voluntary organisations wishing to undertake small scale projects in their local area. A total of 75 applications were received of which 74 were deemed eligible. The total amount requested by the applicants was €145,300 and the total amount proposed to award is €60,000.

The Members welcomed the funding allocated under the scheme:

·         They paid tribute to the successful applicant groups for their ongoing support of their communities.

·         They welcomed the work of the volunteers in the communities but called for more volunteers as this is the biggest challenge to all voluntary community groups.

·         The funding acknowledges the work of the groups that cannot be quantified only in financial terms.

·         It was suggested total funding be increased for 2025 and the sum of €100,000 suggested.

·         It would be helpful to the  applicants if they know in advance know how much money may be available to them annually

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Callaghan

SECONDED by Cllr. Shanagher

It was AGREED to approve the allocation of €60,000 to 74 applicants under the Tidy Towns and Amenity Grant Scheme 2024 as circulated.

Director of Services Caitlín Conneely gave an update to Members on the Electoral Register, Local Elections and Dáil Boundary changes in light of the polling date for the Local and European elections and a probable referendum expected to be Friday June 7^th 2024. She confirmed she is the Returning Officer for the Roscommon County Council Local Elections:

·         The functions of the recently constituted Electoral Commission include the objectives of encouraging voter turnout at elections, reviewing local, Dáil and local election boundaries, providing public information during referendum campaigns and its oversight function in relation to the Electoral Register including its accurateness and completeness.

·         Recent changes in the maintenance of the electoral register include the register currently updated on a continuous basis and online registration.

·         There were 51,451 electors on the Electoral register for County Roscommon on 8^th March 2024, the date of the recent Referendums. Since the beginning of 2024, 2,529 applications were received on checktheregister.ie, the online registration system. This included new registrations, changes of address and updating of details including PPSN and eircodes. It is recommended that all applications be made through Check the Register online portal.

·         There are 1260 applications on hand to be processed and work is ongoing to update these.

·         All of the recent modifications to the electoral register are in preparation for a new single national electoral register. The successful tenderer is due to be appointed next month and the migration of data from the individual registers to the single register will take place from January 2025 to July 2026 when the new system will be operational.  

·         The franchise section in Roscommon continues to engage with the public to update their register details and have facilitated the new provision that 16/17 year olds can pre-register by visiting three post-primary schools and circa. 400 students registered to vote.  ‘Pop-up’ registration days were held in Castlerea and Strokestown libraries.

·         The key dates for the forthcoming elections were outlined to the Members, contingent on the polling date being confirmed as 7^th June:

o   Polling Day Orders should be made by 12^th April

o   The electoral register will be open for new registrations and updates until 22^nd April, when the file will be sent to the printers for issue of polling cards.

o   Further changes to the register will be facilitated thereafter up to Monday 20^th May on a ‘balancing list’. Change of address within a Municipal District Area cannot be facilitated on this balancing list.

o   The closing date for applications for Special and Postal votes will be Saturday 11^th May

o   The Nomination period for receipt of candidate nominations will be Saturday to 12 noon on Saturday 18^th May.

o   Printing of the ballot papers will commence on Tuesday 21^st May

o   Postal Votes will be issued on Thursday 23^rd May.

·         Following the recent revision of Dáil Boundary constituencies by the Electoral Amendment Act 2023, all of County Roscommon will now be included in the Roscommon  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.24

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cummins

SECONDED by Cllr. Kelly

It was AGREED to appoint Mr. Eoin Power, representing the employment and support services sector to replace Ms. Patricia Kilbride as a member of Roscommon Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).

·         N61 Boyle to Athlone – Reclassification of N61 to National Primary Status Report

The Chief Executive referred to the ‘N61 Boyle to Athlone – Reclassification of the N61 to National Primary Statu’s report that was recently submitted to the Department of Transport.

He thanked the team in the NRRO led by Mr. Martin Curley, Senior Engineer for the compilation of the proposal. This is an evidence based report and there are fears of a downgrading of the N61 with priority being given to the N55 as a national access route to Sligo from Athlone which could result in a speed limit review along the current N61 route. The report has been discussed with the TII but it is ultimately a matter for the Minister and he requested that the elected members lobby the local Oireachtas members to bring pressure on Government to make a positive decision in relation to the proposal.

Members welcomed the report and its submission to the Department and discussed as follows:

·         Any downgrading of the status of the N61 would seriously adversely effect on the county’s economic fortunes.

·         The upgrade of the route would be an important connection to Ireland West International Airport in Knock.

·         Concerns were expressed over lands currently frozen for zoning following a decision not to proceed with the N61 bypass at Ballymurray.

·         A new N61 route is required, members agreed, rather than the adoption of a piecemeal redevelopment of the route.

·         The section of route from Roscommon town to Tulsk was in a particularly poor condition and planned works on the section of route between Clashaganny and Tulsk are currently delayed.

·         Up to 14,000 vehicles a day are currently using the N61 with the current road capacity unable to sustain such volumes of traffic.

·         Members cited safety issues along the route with an absence of footpaths, lighting and pedestrian crossing along much of the N61.

·         Minister Chambers should be contacted to discuss the proposal

·         The Roscommon Town LAP is under preparation and there is no information on the route for a possible by-pass of Roscommon town.

·         It was felt political pressure was essential to ensure the upgrading of the route.

Acting Director of Services Mr. Greg O’Donnell confirmed that if the status of the road is not upgraded, it would likely be the subject of a speed limit review i.e. 85km max speed limit. He welcomed the support of the members for the report. With regard to the Tulsk to Clashaganny section of the N61, the list of protected structures has to be finalised and this will take some time.

Mr. Martin Curley, Senior Engineer, NRRO said the reclassification of the N61 to national primary status would not solve all the issues affecting the route.  TII has limited funding to carry out works on a new N61 route. The process of upgrading the road is subject to the provisions of the 1993 Roads Act and a decision vested in the Minister for Transport. He added that any planned works on the route would be carried out within current design standards for the route and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.24

“That Roscommon County Council calls on Inland Fisheries Ireland to remove the Midland Fisheries Group Permit. The permit is unfair and acts as a barrier to the participation of children and adults fishing the River Suck and a barrier to the development of coarse angling tourism on the River Suck and its tributaries in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. “

“That Roscommon County Council calls on Inland Fisheries Ireland to remove the Midland Fisheries Group Permit. The permit is unfair and acts as a barrier to the participation of children and adults fishing the River Suck and a barrier to the development of coarse angling tourism on the River Suck and its tributaries in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. “

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This Motion requires a resolution of the Council

Proposing the Motion, Cllr. Leyden said the permit (€45 per annum) remins in place on the River Suck and is impacting upon local tourism and businesses such as bed and breakfasts, festivals and other activities. The permit also remains a disincentive to local angling. She added this is a legacy permit and now that the Inland Fisheries Board has been reconstituted with Prof. Tom Collins as chairperson, it was now time to write to the Inland Fisheries seeking a removal of the permit.

Cllr. Leyden also proposed a letter be sent to Minister Eamon Ryan to insist in developing angling locally in Roscommon.

The Members spoke in favour of the motion.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr. Waldron

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council calls on Inland Fisheries Ireland to remove the Midland Fisheries Group Permit. The permit is unfair and acts as a barrier to the participation of children and adults fishing the River Suck and a barrier to the development of coarse angling tourism on the River Suck and its tributaries in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

It was further agreed to write to Minister Eamonn Ryan and to circulate the motion to our Oireachtas members.

“That Roscommon County Council call on the Government to continue to fund (€300k) the Seeking Safety Ireland pilot programme. Roscommon Women’s Network (RWN) project are one of only five protects to be included in the programme.” 

“That Roscommon County Council call on the Government to continue to fund (€300k) the Seeking Safety Ireland pilot programme. Roscommon Women’s Network (RWN) project are one of only five protects to be included in the programme. “

In the absence of Cllr. Keogh, the motion was moved on his request by Cllr. Kelly.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This motion requires a Resolution of the Council,

Cllr. Kelly said the project was a therapeutic one for women, providing safety for women affected by trauma and addiction. She said the project empowered and supported women. It was initially as a national pilot programme in 2022 and is now run as a pilot project through Roscommon Women’s Network (RWN) which was successful and warranted renewal. The allocation of €300,000 was not an excessive amount and would ensure the continuation of the programme.

Members welcomed the notice of motion and supported it. Over the past twelve months, 55 women have been supported and a further 11 women received one to one support. The programme is an important support for women and their families, particularly women whose lives are affected by substance abuse and mental health issues.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Kelly

SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED That Roscommon County Council call on the Government to continue to fund (€300k) the Seeking Safety Ireland pilot programme. Roscommon Women’s Network (RWN) project are one of only five protects to be included in the programme

“That Roscommon County Council put in place an adequate budget for tourist information and marketing from Tarmonbarry To Ballaghadreen to include marketing, digital Information and road signage highlighting the many historical and tourist attractions on the N5 National primary road from Tarmonbarry to Ballaghadreen such as the River Shannon, National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park House, Rathcroghan, Percy French Birthplace the Douglas Hyde Centre etc. This promotion is urgent and essential for the Towns and Villages that will be by-passed along the route in order to reduce the severe economic impact of the new N5 by-pass.”

“That Roscommon Co put in place an adequate budget for tourist information and marketing from Tarmonbarry to Ballaghaderreen to include marketing, digital Information and road signage highlighting the many historical and tourist attractions on the N5 National primary road from Tarmonbarry to Ballaghaderreen such as the River Shannon, National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park House, Rathcroghan, Percy French Birthplace the Douglas Hyde Centre etc. This promotion is urgent and essential for the Towns and Villages that will be by-passed along the route in order to reduce the severe economic impact of the new N5 by-pass” 

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

The provision of signs including Tourist Signs on National roads is governed by TII policy as set out in the Traffic Signs Manual and TII’s policy document “Policy on the Provision of Tourist and Leisure Signage on National Roads (March 2011)”.

TII operates a three phase approval process namely Phase A, Phase B & Phase C which the local authority must comply with for any new road development. Phase C is completed as part of the detailed design.

In respect of the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge road project the approved signs package includes provision for Brown signs (Tourist).

The following documents were circulated to the members including

·         A list of the proposed tourist signs for this project (attached in Minutes)

·         Policy on the Provision of Tourist and Leisure Signage on National Roads

·         Approved Sign Location for N5

·         Approved Sign Faces

Proposing the Motion Cllr. Crosby said as work is ongoing with the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge bypass, there is a need to support businesses bypassed through increased signposting. He proposed a budget be put in place to increase signage along the new route.

Responding, Acting Director of Services Greg O’Donnell said Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have specific requirements in respect of signage on national primary routes including directional and information brown coloured signs for tourist attractions, the erection of  such signs dependant on footfall to that facility. He confirmed a package for 40 signs is already in place as part of a signage programme covering as many as nine to ten attractions located off the new bypass, the details having been circulated to the Members with the reply.

Replies to Resolutions from Roscommon County Council:

·        19th March 2024 - Reply from Minister for Mr. Ossian Smyth, T.D Minister of State with special responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy regarding the R- Turn scheme for Bottles and cans.

Replies to Resolutions from Other Local Authorities:

·        21st February 2024 – Resolution, Cork County Council

“Cork County Council agreed to write to the Minister for Finance Mr. Michael McGrath T.D.,

An Taoiseach, An Tánaiste and all Cork TD’s to ask that the hospitality VAT rate be reverted to 9% and that the collection programme be fair and sensible.”

·        21st February 2024 – Resolution, Cork County Council

“Cork County Council agreed to write to the Minister for Finance Mr. Michael McGrath T.D.,

An Taoiseach, An Tánaiste and all Cork TD’s to ask that the VAT rate for pubs should be reduced down from 23% to 17%.”

·        4th March, 2024 –Motion, Louth County Council

“That Louth County Council recognising the significance of the fact that the Joint Policing

Committee represents one of the few useful reforms of Local Government in 2014 this Council opposes the proposed legislation to abolish the JPC’s and replace them with repackaged Local Community Safety Partnerships. “

·        13th March 2024 – Resolution, Leitrim County Council

“That Leitrim County Council wish to get it across to all bodies controlling the Shannon water

levels that we are opposed to the flow of the Shannon & its tributaries being held back so that it causes floods which threaten houses, towns and farmland from Lough Allen to Limerick. We urge that Lough Allen be lowered, that all shallows be deepened, and rocky nick-points be removed and that the river be kept flowing fast when heavy rainfall is forecasted.”

·        13th March 2024 – Resolution, Clare County Council

“That Clare County Council requests Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, to

consider and implement a policy change that allows participants in Community Employment

schemes (CES), Rural Social Scheme (RSS), and Tús Programme to continue their valuable

contributions until the age of 70. This extension would not only acknowledge the dedication

and skills of these individuals but also contribute to the overall well-being of our community

and enhance the sustainability of these programs. These programmes play a crucial role in

fostering community development, providing essential services, and supporting those who may face challenges in securing traditional employment. Currently, participants in these valuable community-based employment programmes are required to retire at the age of 66 and considering the changing demographics and the desire of individuals to remain actively engaged in work programmes, I am asking you to make this important change to allow participants the opportunity to continue to contribute to their local communities.

·         Approval of attendance at Training Events and Conferences

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Shanagher

            SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

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

Cllr. Crosby sought an update to a previous notice of motion seeking the dedication of Irish War of Independence revolutionary figure, Dr. Bridget Lyons, who was born in Scramoge. He suggested the naming of a new roundabout on the new N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge bypass would be an appropriate way to remember Dr. Lyons and her legacy.

Responding, Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr. Cummins said it was estimated the new bypass would take at least two years to develop, therefore there would be an opportunity for Cllr. Crosby to raise the matter at a future date.

The Leas Cathaoirleach informed members that ‘Ireland AM’ on Virgin Media One television, will be broadcasting live from King House on March 26^th between 7am and 10am.  Cllr. Cummins said the live TV coverage would be a considerable opportunity to promote the tourism potential of Boyle and the wider county.