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

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

            SECONDED by Cllr. McDermott

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 20.10.2025

Cllr. Fitzmaurice queried an excerpt from the minutes relating to the presentation on the National Planning Framework (NPF). He noted that Senior Planner Mary Grier had stated:
“The guidelines do not make provisions to expand to other rural towns or villages, but Roscommon has settlement boundaries, and any un-zoned land within these can be considered for development.”

He explained that his interpretation of this excerpt referred to the zoning of land for residential use, with a 50% target, which he understood to be the objective of Section 28 of the NPF. However, he pointed out that the guidelines for the NPF do not explicitly address this and sought clarification. He also referenced the requirement that at least 40% of all new housing nationally should be located within the built-up footprint of existing settlements to ensure compact and sequential growth. He stressed the importance of members understanding these provisions for informed decision-making on zoning.

Director of Services, Mark Keaveney, responded that he would seek clarification, but advised that his understanding is that the 40% requirement relates to development within built-up areas, not strictly within development boundaries. Regarding zoning, his interpretation is that where zoning exists, it can be extended, but this piece of the guidelines primarily address areas without zoning.

·        Report for October 2025

·         Management Report for October noted.

·         Lease of portion of Dillion House to the Western Development Commission and Northern and Western Regional Assembly.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Frain

SECONDED by Cllr Moylan

It was AGREED that the Council consent to the disposal of property pursuant to the provisions of Article 206 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, Section 211 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) and Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001 of particulars of property which it is proposed to lease at the location in County Roscommon and to the persons set out in the schedule hereunder.  Particulars of the property which the County Council proposes to lease:

The Property:  Portion of the Ground Floor & entire First & Second Floors of Dillon House, The Square, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.

The person(s) to whom the land is to be leased to: Western Development Commission (WDC) and Northern & Western Regional Assembly (NWRA), The Square, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.

The consideration proposed in respect of the Lease: €13,000.00 per annum plus service charges

Term of Lease: 3 years

Members commended the Council on the restoration of the building and the excellent facility it has become. Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan, echoed these sentiments and asked whether an opening date had been arranged for the new library within the building.

Director of Services, Chris Flynn, advised that while a date has not yet been set, it is expected to take place early next year.

Noted as circulated in advance of the meeting.

Cllr. Conboy expressed her support for a letter received from Alice Wright, Chairperson of the Roscommon Branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign outlining their request to present to the Council.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan advised that several presentations are being scheduled for the new year and confirmed that this request can be considered.

That Roscommon County Council make an urgent submission to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) seeking immediate and comprehensive safety measures at Scramogue Crossroads where the R371 crosses the N5.

This dangerous junction is widely recognized as a major accident blackspot, with fatalities, serious injuries and collisions over the years. There is inadequate signage, road markings, and no public lighting, making it especially dangerous at night.

With the new N5 bypass due to open within 12 months and traffic expected to increase significantly, urgent action is required to prevent further loss of life.

That Roscommon County Council make an urgent submission to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) seeking immediate and comprehensive safety measures at Scramogue Crossroads where the R371 crosses the N5. This dangerous junction is widely recognized as a major accident blackspot, with fatalities, serious injuries and  collisions over the years. There is inadequate signage, road markings, and no public lighting, making it especially dangerous at night. With the new N5 bypass due to open within 12 months and traffic expected to increase significantly, urgent action is required to prevent further loss of life.

The Meetings Administrator read out the following reply:

TII is legally obliged to carry out road safety assessment(s) of the entire national road network in accordance with applicable legislation. The N5 route is subject to this assessment. Based on this ongoing assessment, it is noted that this junction has not been identified as a high collision location.

An analysis of the available road collision data (over the eleven-year period 2014 to 2024 inclusive) indicates that the vast majority of recorded collisions involve material damage only (i.e. no injuries) and occur during daylight hours. Over this period 3 Minor Injury collisions and 12 Material Damage Only collisions were recorded in the immediate vicinity of the junction. All 3 Minor Injury collisions and two thirds (8 no.) of the Material Damage Only collisions occurred during daylight hours. There is no record of any collision involving fatal or serious injury during this period.

An inspection of the road signage and marking at this location has been carried out and confirms that both road markings and road signage at this location are consistent with current requirements. See attached photographs which record existing road markings and road signage on the immediate approaches to the N5 from the R371 Regional Road.

Notwithstanding the above, further improvements to the existing N5 / R371 junction will be undertaken as part of the ongoing N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge project which is scheduled to open to traffic in Q4 2027. The improved junction will comply with current TII Standards and will be subject to road safety audit.

The improved junction will as per current arrangement comprise a Right / Left Staggered Ghost Island Priority junction with right turning lanes for both minor roads (R371). The stagger distance between the minor junction arms will be increased to 50m. The R371 northern arm of the junction will be realigned and a 3m channelising island will be sited at the junction to direct right turning vehicles from the N5 mainline. The R371 southern arm of the junction will be re-graded locally at the junction mouth to tie-in to the new N5. A 3m wide channelising island will be constructed to aid drivers making the right turn from the ghost island on the N5 mainline. Road markings and signage will be provided in accordance with the current Traffic Signs Manual.

Consideration of the requirement for Public Lighting

The provision of public lighting at this location was initially considered as part of the planning  ...  view the full minutes text for item 159.25a

I am calling on Roscommon County Council to revise, update, and create a new Creagh Area Plan.  The current plan was previously developed to cover the years 2008 - 2014.  Recognising that this work will take time, given new legislation since 2014 and also the need to consult and engage with Galway County Council, it would be important to put a realistic timeline together to move on this issue.

I am calling on Roscommon County Council to revise, update, and create a new Creagh Area Plan. The current plan was previously developed to cover the years 2008 - 2014.  Recognising that this work will take time, given new legislation since 2014 and also the need to consult and engage with Galway County Council, it would be important to put a realistic timeline together to move on this issue.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

The area of Creagh is immediately adjacent to the town of Ballinasloe, which is designated as a Key Town in the Northern and Western Regional Assembly’s ‘Regional and Spatial Economic Strategy’ (RSES). Given that Creagh predominantly functions as part of Ballinasloe, it is considered that the most appropriate way to plan for the future of Creagh is in conjunction with Ballinasloe.  Significant changes to planning legislation have been introduced in the Planning and Development Act 2024 and Part 3 of the Act (relating to plan making) is expected to commence in the early part of 2026.  Future plans will be prepared in accordance with the new legislation. 

Timelines will be developed for future plan preparation, including the County Development Plan and any Co-Ordinated Area Plans that may be jointly undertaken with neighbouring Authorities, following the commencement of the new legislation. At that time it would be opportune to engage with the NWRA and Galway County Council on this matter. As per Section 73 of the 2024 Act, a Co-Ordinated Area Plan would be required for an area identified in a ‘Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy’ as requiring such a plan. 

Cllr. Duffy thanked the Executive for the response and highlighted that the immediate Creagh area comprises 13 townlands, along with numerous new developments and small businesses providing employment. She noted recent significant works, including the refurbishment of the Beagh roundabout, and stressed that further improvements are needed. She called for a review of planning in the area in line with the North West Regional Assembly’s (NWRA) direction to identify area’s with potential for increasing urban footfall.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Duffy

           SECONDED by Cllr. Connolly

It was AGREED to revise, update, and create a new Creagh Area Plan.

Members supported the motion, stating that it has been too long for an area of this size to be without an up-to-date Local Area Plan. They suggested developing a joint plan for Ballinasloe, incorporating Creagh, in collaboration with Galway County Council, and agreed that now is an opportune time to bring stakeholders together for a meeting. Members also referenced the rapid development of Athlone and Ballinasloe, emphasising the future importance of the Creagh area.

Director of Services, Mark Keaveney, advised that the Forward Planning section has engaged with Galway County Council on the matter, but no timeline has been set. He noted that under new legislation, a coordinated area plan will be required, involving several steps.

Cllr. Duffy thanked members for their support and requested that the Notice of Motion be circulated to Galway County  ...  view the full minutes text for item 159.25b

That Roscommon County Council write to the ESB requesting a detailed report outlining the measures undertaken in County Roscommon since Storm Eowyn.

This report should include:

The steps taken to maintain and strengthen electricity lines. 

Whether the ESB has engaged with forestry companies to put in place a joint approach to managing the impact of future storms. 

Whether there has been any re-examination of the Vulnerable Customer Register.

That Roscommon County Council write to the ESB requesting a detailed report outlining the measures undertaken in County Roscommon since Storm Eowyn.

This report should include: The steps taken to maintain and strengthen electricity lines.  Whether the ESB has engaged with forestry companies to put in place a joint approach to managing the impact of future storms.  Whether there has been any re-examination of the Vulnerable Customer Register.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This Motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan suggested that correspondence should also be sent to Coillte.

Cllr. Cull highlighted that, following Storm Amy, North Roscommon again experienced power outages. She noted Roscommon is often excluded from severe weather warnings by Met Éireann despite neighbouring counties being included. She questioned what measures have been implemented since Storm Éowyn and called for a Roscommon-specific report, given the county was among the worst affected. She raised concerns about trees being planted under powerlines and queried the effectiveness of the Vulnerable Customer Register, particularly for those reliant on electricity for medical equipment. She commended the Council’s recently published Community Resilience Toolkit.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cull

             SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED to write to the ESB requesting a detailed report outlining the measures undertaken in County Roscommon since Storm Eowyn. This report should include: The steps taken to maintain and strengthen electricity lines.  Whether the ESB has engaged with forestry companies to put in place a joint approach to managing the impact of future storms.  Whether there has been any re-examination of the Vulnerable Customer Register.

Members supported the motion and raised the following points:

• Lessons from Storm Éowyn must inform future measures.
• Responsibility for maintaining forests and overhead lines needs clarity.
• Praise for ESB staff who worked tirelessly during recent storms.
• Calls to review tree planting near powerlines.
• Suggestion to meet with ESB and EirGrid.
• Query whether outages are due to capacity issues.
• Vulnerable Customer Register needs improvement and enforcement during outages.
• Poor communication from ESB.
• ESB, Coillte, and the Department of Forestry should outline current and future actions.
• Criticism of Met Éireann’s warning system.
• Storms continue to strain Council resources.
• Query if SEAI solar schemes include battery provisions.
• Three ESB regions cover Roscommon, making information access difficult.
• Praise for local farmers, clubs, and volunteers during Storm Éowyn.
• Duration of outages is unacceptable.
• ESB infrastructure is outdated.
• Electricity prices in Ireland are among the highest in Europe.
• ESB passing costs to Local Authorities is unacceptable.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Frain

             SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED to request that representatives from ESB and Coillte are invited to present to Elected Members on this matter. ESB area managers for Cavan, Tuam and Longfors are also requested to attend.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Duffy

             SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED to write to SEAI to request a detailed report outlining the scope of the solar power grant for vulnerable customers and whether batteries are included as part  ...  view the full minutes text for item 159.25c

Nothing to note.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connolly

            SECONDED by Cllr. Frain

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

Expressions of Sympathy

• Members extended their sympathies to Cllr. John Keogh and his family on the recent passing of his aunt, Maureen Ryan.
• Sympathies were also expressed to the family of Joe Carroll, a former employee of Roscommon County Council for over 40 years who recently passed away.
• The Chief Executive, Shane Tiernan, joined in expressing condolences to both families.

Congratulations

• Members congratulated Strokestown GAA Club on winning the Connacht Intermediate Football Final, securing the Gene Byrne Cup, named in memory of the late husband of Cllr. Valerie Byrne.
• Congratulations were also extended to:
  • St. Barry’s/Kilglass and Oran/St. Croan’s U20 teams
  • St. Ronan’s/St. Michael’s football teams on their recent successes.
• Members wished St. Brigid’s GAA Club the best of luck in the upcoming Connacht Senior Football Final and extended good wishes to all participating in Scór na nÓg.
• The Chief Executive also congratulated Strokestown GAA on their achievement and wished St. Brigid’s GAA Club the best of luck.

Cllr. Conboy expressed disappointment that the agenda did not include an item on housing or development, noting that it is the number one priority nationally. She had expected plenary meetings to provide regular updates from the Executive on this matter. In her seven months as an Elected Member, there has only been one item on homelessness, one on planning, and one notice of motion in relation to housing. She felt the issue is not being prioritised and proposed adding a brief monthly agenda item on housing and development to include targets, comparisons, year-to-date data, and other relevant information.

Director of Services, Chris Flynn, advised that housing information is published quarterly in the Management Report and that providing monthly updates would be challenging, but he agreed to review the proposal.

Director of Services, Caitlin Conneely, noted that adding a standing item would require approval from the Standing Orders Committee and could significantly impact meeting business.

Chief Executive, Shane Tiernan, agreed, adding that while the reporting of housing information in the Management Report can be reviewed, a standing agenda item would considerably prolong meetings. He reminded members that Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) exist for detailed discussions on specific areas.

Director of Services, Mark Keaveney, highlighted that this month’s Management Report includes an update on the Section 28 variation of the County Development Plan, which will continue to be included in the Management Report monthly.

Cllr. Brennan informed members of the Roscommon Christmas Festival taking place in Roscommon Town on 6^th and 7^th of December and encouraged everyone to promote and support the event.