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

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

            SECONDED by Cllr. Brennan

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 27.04.2026.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice sought an update on his previous query whether provision could be made for a mix of Affordable Housing and Cost Rental Schemes within the Tarmon Manor housing project.

Director of Services, Mr. Chris Flynn, advised that conversations with the Department are ongoing but no confirmation has been received as of yet.

Cllr. Crosby sought an update on the National County Museum feasibility study discussed at the April Plenary.

Director of Services, Mr. Mark Keaveney, advised that although the commitment was given to seek funding for the feasibility study, no appropriate scheme is available at this time, and that the Council would continue to seek funding should it become available.

·         Management Report for April 2026 noted.

Noted as circulated in advance of the meeting.

Cllr. Crosby expressed support for the correspondence received from Longford County Council outlining a resolution to write to the Minister regarding the extension of the Just Transition Tourism Activators initiative. He requested that Roscommon County Council also write to the Minister seeking an extension of the Just Transition Fund. He further noted that a BNM project aimed at linking the north and south Greenways has stalled and expressed concern that the project may be lost entirely if action is not taken.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

           SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to write to the Minister requesting that the duration of the Just Transition Fund be extended by a minimum of one year, in order to provide sufficient time for the submission of significant and large scale projects seeking support under the Fund.

Cllr. Fallon expressed disappointment with the response from the SEAI in relation to its grant scheme, particularly with regard to the 24-month waiting period.

Assistant Engineer, Mr. Brian Finneran, delivered a presentation on the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (VPRG) as well as the newly introduced Vacant Above the Shop Grant and Expert Advice Grant.

During the presentation, Mr. Finneran outlined the following:

·         An overview of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (VPRG) introduced in 2022, supporting the refurbishment of vacant/derelict properties, and its subsequent expansion.

·         Its success in Roscommon, with 522 applications, 380 approvals, and 149 homes brought back into use, with over €8.7 million paid to date.

·         The 2026 scheme expansion, including the Above the Shop Grant and the Expert Advice Grant, aimed at increasing housing supply and regenerating vacant properties.

·         The Above the Shop Grant, which supports the conversion of vacant space above commercial premises into residential units, providing up to €95,000 for one unit, with additional €20,000 top-ups for each additional unit. Conditions include that the commercial element must remain in place and the space must be vacant for at least two years.

·         Expansion of the VPRG to include former commercial/public use properties, with top-ups of €20,000 for two units and a further €20,000 for three or more units (maximum €40,000).

·         The requirement for planning permission or exempted development status, and compliance with building regulations, fire safety regulations, and building control regulations where applicable.

·         The Expert Advice Grant, which provides up to €5,000 (maximum 67% of costs) for professional advice (e.g. architect/engineer) in relation to Above the Shop projects and the conversion of former commercial/public buildings into two or more residential units.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan commended the scheme and its uptake throughout the county and encouraged Members to continue to promote it.

Members thanked Mr. Finneran for his comprehensive presentation and raised the following points:

·         The success of the scheme and its impact in addressing vacancy and dereliction in Roscommon, noting that it has contributed to additional housing and rejuvenation of towns and villages.

·         Concern regarding the length of time required to obtain a Declaration of Exempted Development (DED) and/or planning permission.

·         Calls for the Above the Shop Grant to be expanded to allow limited companies to apply.

·         Concern as to whether sufficient staffing resources are in place to manage the expanded scheme.

·         Queries as to whether inspections and reporting could be outsourced to assist with resourcing.

·         Praise for the team and their helpfulness to applicants.

·         The expansion of the scheme was welcomed, particularly in light of increased costs and the potential to attract additional applicants.

·         Queries regarding whether there is a limit on the number of applications an individual may submit.

·         Queries regarding time limits relating to how long a commercial unit must be vacant.

Mr. Finneran thanked the Members for their comments and clarified the following:

·         Planning requirements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

·         Since October, a DED is no longer required at application stage; inspections and approvals in principle are carried out, however compliance must be demonstrated prior to drawdown of funding.

·         There is no limit on the number of applications an individual may submit.

·         The Expert Advice Grant  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.26

Director of Services, Mr. Chris Flynn, sought approval for the allocations under the Tidy Towns and Amenity Grant Scheme 2026, as circulated at the meeting. He advised that 58 eligible applications had been received from community groups and voluntary organisations, and that funding was being provided to support the delivery of small-scale amenity projects in their local areas. A total budget of €75,000 has been allocated to the scheme. The recommended allocations are as follows:

Director of Finance, Mr. Sean Mullarkey, presented the Unaudited Annual Financial Statements for 2025 in detail, in particular the Income and Expenditure Account and the Transfers between the Revenue Account and the Capital Account.

Members raised the following points:

·        Queries regarding the reported over expenditure of €10 million.

·        Queries on the number of outdoor staff to be recruited following recent advertisements.

·        Acknowledgement that the Council’s overall financial position remains healthy.

·        The increase to €250,000 for Unfinished Housing Estates was welcomed, with queries as to whether costs could be recouped.

·        Concerns regarding rising costs, particularly in the Roads section, and the impact on delivery of the Roads Programme.

·        Queries regarding the percentage of uncollected rates.

Director of Services, Ms. Caitlín Conneely, advised that outdoor staff recruitment will be dependent on vacancies as they arise.

Mr. Mullarkey clarified that the overspend reflects spend of additional funding allocations in certain areas rather than overspending of the Council’s own resources. He noted that staffing levels, particularly in outdoor staff, remain a challenge, with further clarity expected following completion of the Uisce Éireann staffing programme. He further advised that approximately €1 million in rates is written off annually in respect of vacant units, with a collection rate of approximately 92% from a total of €12 million deemed collectable.

In relation to Unfinished Housing Estates, Mr. Mullarkey advised that cost assessments have been carried out for approximately 50 outstanding estates, noting that some will be particularly challenging to complete, and may be beyond the Council’s current financial capacity. Expenditure incurred cannot be recouped. He noted that the majority of such estates are located in the Boyle Municipal District and are not “ghost estates” but require taking in charge. Annual funding has increased from €150,000 to €250,000, and progress is ongoing. He also indicated that borrowing for such works would be difficult, given the nature of the projects and existing loan commitments for regeneration, while bonds for new developments fall under planning.

Chief Executive, Mr. Shane Tiernan, added that Unfinished Housing Estates represent a significant cost to the Council with complex infrastructure connections required. He encouraged Members to make representations to central Government seeking additional funding.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

               SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to write to the Minister to request for the provision of the recoupment of costs incurred by the by Local Authority in taking in charge unfinished housing estates.

Roscommon County Council, like most other Local Authorities, now has a list of housing developments, including unfinished housing developments, where the residents have requested, in accordance with the relevant legislation, that their housing estate be taken in charge by the LA. In many cases, the development bond is either not available or is insufficient to meet the current cost of carrying out the extent of works required. This has left LAs with a significant financial burden, of the order of several million euro in Roscommon’s case, through no fault of the LA or the residents. The members of Roscommon County  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.26

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

              SECONDED by Cllr. Brennan

It was AGREED to adopt the Audit Committee Annual Report 2025.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Holland

              SECONDED by Cllr. Frain

It was AGREED to adopt the Audit Committee Charter 2026.

·         Proposed ‘Carrigeen Renewable Energy Development’ – wind energy development and associated infrastructure, including grid connection.

Senior Planner, Ms. Mary Grier, delivered a presentation on the proposed Carrigeen Renewable Energy Development, which is a Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) application submitted directly to An Coimisiún Pleanála. Ms. Grier outlined the SID process, noting that Roscommon County Council, as a prescribed body, acts as a consultee in the process and An Coimisiún Pleanála will determine the application. While Members may, by resolution, contribute comments to the Chief Executive’s recommendation, the Council is not the decision making authority.

The proposed development is comprised of 11 wind turbines and associated infrastructure, including a 110kV onsite substation, access roads and grid connection works across a number of townlands between the Bellanagare, Frenchpark and Mantua areas.

The rationale for the proposed site selection was noted as including consistent wind speeds, low population density, a ‘Moderate Value’ landscape character classification, limited potential for impacts on national and European designated sites, proximity to the national electricity grid, and the availability of sufficient unconstrained land to accommodate the number and spacing of turbines. Potentially affected designated sites include Cloonshanville Bog SAC, Bellanagare Bog SPA, Lough Gara SPA, and the River Moy SAC.

Ms. Grier outlined the key issues and conclusions, having regard to the County Development Plan 2022-2028 and its associated Renewable Energy Strategy, the regional Spatial and Economic Strategy and the National Planning Framework. She noted that the site is located within an area designated as ‘Less Favoured’ for wind energy development. She further indicated that the Chief Executive’s recommendation would find that there is insufficient justification for locating the proposed development in a ‘Less Favoured’ area, as opposed to a ‘Most Favoured’ area, and that the potential impact on the Rathcroghan Archaeological Complex appears to have been underestimated.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan thanked Ms. Grier for the presentation. He referred to a recent public meeting held in Bellanagare in relation to the proposed development, at which significant concerns were raised regarding the impact on surrounding boglands, the ongoing N5 project, and the surrounding landscape. He stated that any potential threat to the Rathcroghan Archaeological Complex would be detrimental. He also referenced historical difficulties experienced by local residents in obtaining planning permission and highlighted the presence of nearby heritage sites, including local graveyards, O’Connor’s Castle, Mount Druid, and other significant areas.

Members discussed the proposal and raised the following points:

·         General agreement that the proposal is not justified, having regard to its scale and location.

·         The need for a review by Government of current guidelines and regulations relating to wind energy developments.

·         Concerns that the development could adversely affect Rathcroghan’s bid for UNESCO World Heritage status.

·         A query regarding a similar development in Laois that was overturned by the Supreme Court, and whether a refusal on the basis of zoning designations would be upheld in similar instances.

·         Observations that residents in the Rathcroghan area have been subject to strict planning controls in recent years for housing and agricultural developments, and that a development of this scale should have to face the same level of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.26

·         Athlone Municipal District Annual Meeting                 16^th June  3.00pm

·         Boyle Municipal District Annual Meeting                    23^rd June 10.30am

·         Roscommon Municipal District Annual Meeting        25^th June  9.30am

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

           SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED to aprove the following dates of the Municipal Disctrict Annual Meetings:

Director of Services, Mr. Chris Flynn, stated that approval is sought for the appointment of a sectoral representative to the LCDC committee as circulated.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

           SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED to approve the following sectoral nominee for the LCDC committee.

·         To consider and, if deemed appropriate, approve Roscommon County Council entering into an agreement with Mayo County Council under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 2001 for Mayo County Council to carry out the supervision and advisory role on the EirGrid North Connacht 110kV project.

Director of Services, Mr. Mark Keaveney, provided an overview of the project and outlined Roscommon County Council’s proposal that Mayo County Council would act as the lead authority for the duration of the project.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Frain

              SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to approve the Section 85 Agreement between Roscommon County Council and Mayo County Council for the EirGrid North Connacht 110kV project.

Roscommon County Council should introduce a policy and provide funding to engage a qualified heritage and colour design specialist to prepare coordinated colour schemes for towns and villages benefiting from Public Realm enhancement works.

This would improve the visual appearance, heritage character and overall presentation of these areas while complementing public investment in regeneration projects. Strokestown, where major upgrade works are underway on Church Street and Bawn Street, is an ideal example.

Funding should support the preparation and implementation of suitable colour schemes for affected properties to create a more cohesive, attractive and heritage sensitive streetscape for residents, businesses and visitors.

Roscommon County Council should introduce a policy and provide funding to engage a qualified heritage and colour design specialist to prepare coordinated colour schemes for towns and villages benefiting from Public Realm enhancement works. This would improve the visual appearance, heritage character and overall presentation of these areas while complementing public investment in regeneration projects. Strokestown, where major upgrade works are underway on Church Street and Bawn Street, is an ideal example. Funding should support the preparation and implementation of suitable colour schemes for affected properties to create a more cohesive, attractive and heritage sensitive streetscape for residents, businesses and visitors.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

Roscommon County Council has, over the years, availed of a number of Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht supported funding schemes to provide streetscape enhancement (including painting) scheme in our towns and villages. This has generally been well received and supported by communities. We would encourage owners, where possible, to continue investing in the upkeep and painting of their own properties.

Roscommon County Council will seek funding for the preparation of heritage informed colour coordination scheme for some of our Towns and Villages, and particularly those that have completed significant public realm works with a view to seeking further funding to assist in implementing painting schemes. It should be noted that, like previous schemes, any future scheme would need to strike an appropriate balance between public investment and private commitment.

Cllr. Crosby welcomed the response, noting that Strokestown, as a heritage and planned town, is undergoing significant improvement works. He commended the level of investment being made, despite initial public reservations. He suggested that initiatives such as a coordinated painting scheme, restrictions on inappropriate signage, and roof cleaning would further enhance local towns.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan expressed support for the motion, noting recent signage improvements in Castleplunket and welcoming initiatives that enhance towns and villages.

Members supported the motion and raised the following points:

·         The need to review signage in towns and villages, particularly in areas of historical or heritage significance.

·         Consideration of such measures as part of larger projects or grant schemes.

·         Reference to previous colour scheme analyses undertaken by paint companies, which could be utilised.

·         Positive outcomes of similar painting schemes implemented elsewhere.

·         The importance of securing community buy-in for such initiatives.

·         The complementary role such measures would play alongside Tidy Towns groups.

·         The positive impact of improved streetscapes on tourism and social media visibility.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

            SECONDED by Cllr. Callaghan,

It was AGREED to support the motion.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

            SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh,

It was AGREED to support the review of signage specifications in towns and villages.

None.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

              SECONDED by Cllr. Brennan

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

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Callaghan, extended congratulations to the family of Detective Sergeant Michael Egan, Fairymount, who was posthumously awarded the Scott Medal for his actions during an infamous 1975 siege.

Members expressed their sympathies on the recent passing of former long-serving Roscommon County Council employee Frank Mullen, with the Chief Executive, Mr. Shane Tiernan, also conveying condolences on behalf of the Management Team and staff.

Sympathies were also extended to the family of Mick Brehony, Roscommon Town.

Members congratulated the Roscommon senior football team on their Connacht title, as well as the successful U20 and minor teams.

Members further extended their sympathies to the Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan, and the Callaghan family on the passing of his brother, Ollie Callaghan, with the Chief Executive also expressing condolences on behalf of the Management Team and staff.

The Cathaoirleach thanked the Members and staff for their support to his family during this time.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice raised concerns regarding the 3-tonne weight limit signage currently in place on certain roads. He proposed that these restrictions be reviewed and removed, noting that the majority of vehicles now exceed this limit. He further highlighted that the existing restrictions are causing difficulties for minibuses transporting children to school, as these vehicles are legally prohibited from using the affected roads. Cllr. Moylan seconded the proposal.