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

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Brennan

            SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 25.05.2026

Cllr. Fitzmaurice sought an update on his previous query regarding 3-tonne vehicles, which was raised at the May Plenary meeting. Director of Services, Mr. Mark Keaveney, advised that the roads department is currently reviewing the matter and will provide an update once the review is complete.

·        Management Report for May 2026 noted.

·        Lease of 0.0605 Ha – Castlerea Demesne

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Dineen

SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

It was AGREED that the Council consent to the lease 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 of 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:  Site comprising 0.0605 hA (0.150 acres) at Demesne, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired: Unknown (First registration to Roscommon County Council)

The person(s) to whom the land is to be leased to: Trustees of the Castlerea Musical Society: John Mitchell, Corrastoona, Ballintubber, Castlerea, Mary Heaney, Cloontrask, Castlerea, Frances Cooke, Highfield Road, Knockroe, Castlerea, Connie Gannon, 23 Cashel Park, Castlerea.

The consideration proposed in respect of the lease: €1 per annum for 25 Years

Noted as circulated in advance of the meeting.

The report was noted.

Chairperson of the Roscommon LCDC, Cllr. Fallon, noted that the Annual Report 2025 has been prepared to deliver on the requirement set out in Chapter 2 Section 128 B(1)(i) of the Local Government Act 2001, as inserted by the Local Government Reform Act 2014, which states that one of the functions of a LCDC is to prepare, adopt and submit to the local authority, a report in relation to the performance of its functions during the year, immediately preceding the year in which the report is submitted.

He further advised that the report outlines progress in respect of the various functions of the LCDC during 2025. The past year has seen the successful implementation of a number of strategic programmes, including the rollout of the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 2023–2029, the continuation of the SICAP Programme 2024–2028, and the ongoing delivery of the LEADER Rural Development Programme.

He noted the committee also administered vital supports through initiatives such as the Local Enhancement Programme, Community Recognition Fund (CRF) and Healthy Ireland, ensuring that local needs and priorities were met in a responsive and inclusive manner. He added that he looked forward to progressing the objectives and goals set out in the report and expressed his appreciation to the Director of Services, Mr. Chris Flynn, Ms. Fiona Ní Chuinn and Ms. Bridie McHugh for their work.

·        Revised Loan Approval for the construction of 6 units of age-friendly bungalows at The Meadows, Longford Lower, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon to meet the elderly social housing needs in the area.

Director of Services, Mr. Chris Flynn, advised that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have approved a revised budget of €1,564,282 for the construction of 6 new social homes at the Meadows, Longford Lower, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon by Tuath Housing Association for the purpose of assisting the provision of housing accommodation under Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992. This is an increase of €48,497 on the initial CAS Loan approved by the Elected Members on 28^th April 2025. The increased loan was for the following:

1. Road Reinstatement
2. Road Opening Licence Conditions
3. Utility Provider Requirements

The Scheme involves the construction of 6 no. 2-bedroom age-friendly bungalows currently being built in 3 semi-detached blocks within the existing The Meadows Estate in Castlerea meet elderly needs.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Conboy

            SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council approve the making of a loan of €1,564,282 to Tuath Housing Association, 33 Lesson Street Lower, Dublin 2 D02 KD68 pursuant to the provisions of Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992 and in accordance with the terms of Circular/Memorandum VHU2/02 for theconstruction of 6 new age-friendly social homes at the Meadows, Longford Lower, Castlerea, Co. Roscommonto meet elderly social housing needs.

Cllr. Dineen queried the timeline of the project, Mr. Flynn advised that it was due to start at the end of July or start of August.

·        To appoint members to fill any potential vacancy or vacancies.

If a vacancy arises due to a sitting Chairperson being elected as Cathaoirleach or Leas-Chathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Connolly advised that, following his election as Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, he was resigning from his position as Chairperson of the Housing, Integration, Community and Culture Strategic Policy Committee. He then invited proposals for the appointment of a new Chairperson.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Conboy

           SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to appoint Cllr. Liam Callaghan as Chairperson of the Housing, Integration, Community and Culture Strategic Policy Committee.

·        Notice of motion calling on Roscommon County Council to install speed ramps in the vicinity of all schools in towns and villages over the next 3 years and allocate funding through the annual budget and low cost safety schemes. 

Notice of motion calling on Roscommon County Council to install speed ramps in the vicinity of all schools in Towns and Villages over the next 3 years and allocated funding through the annual budget and low-cost safety schemes. 

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

The Roads and Transportation Section acknowledges the intent of the Notice of Motion, which is to enhance road safety in the vicinity of schools across the county. Road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users is a key priority for Roscommon County Council.

However, the proposal to install speed ramps at all schools in towns and villages over a three-year period would present significant practical and financial challenges. The scale of such a programme would require substantial funding, far in excess of currently available resources under the annual roads budget and more specifically the Low Cost Safety Improvement Schemes. As such, it would not be feasible to implement on a blanket basis.

It is important that road safety interventions are evidence based and targeted. For National Roads the TII’s & Council’s approach aligns with national best practice, whereby collision data, traffic speeds, pedestrian movements, and site-specific risk factors are analysed to identify locations where intervention is most warranted. This ensures that limited funding is directed towards schemes that will deliver the greatest safety benefit.

Furthermore, engineering solutions must be tailored to the specific characteristics of each location. While speed ramps can be effective in certain circumstances, they are not suitable for all roads or environments. Alternative measures such as traffic calming layouts, pedestrian crossings, improved signage, road markings, or reduced speed limits may be more appropriate depending on site conditions.

It is also noted that a national review of urban speed limits is currently underway, which includes consideration of a standardised approach to the provision of reduced and/or periodic speed limits in the vicinity of schools. This process is expected to inform future policy and funding priorities at a national level. It would be prudent to consider the outcome of this review before committing to significant capital expenditure in this area, to ensure alignment with emerging national standards and best practice. The Roads & Transportation unit has recently met with elected members to update them on this process.

Notwithstanding the above, the Council will continue to prioritise safety improvements at school locations where specific verifiable risks have been identified. In doing so, the Roads and Transportation unit will have regard to representations and concerns raised by elected members and local communities, and where appropriate, will act in the interests of vulnerable road users. Applications for funding under relevant national and regional schemes will continue to be pursued where appropriate, and the Council remains committed to working collaboratively with elected members to improve road safety outcomes.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Connolly noted that this was an area of significant concern and, in light of the Council’s response, suggested that each Municipal District Cathaoirleach would identify three or four suitable locations where safety measures are required. He proposed that these agreed locations  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92.26a

Chief Executive, Mr. Shane Tiernan, advised that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has approved a 27km section of the proposed Galway to Athlone Greenway, extending from Athlone to Shannonbridge. He noted that this was a welcome development and would be a valuable addition to the County’s infrastructure.

Members welcomed the announcement and raised the following points:

• The importance of the project from a tourism perspective.
• A preference that non-agricultural lands be utilised where possible, and that existing farms would not be adversely impacted or divided.
• The importance of progressing onward connections in due course.
• The hope that further greenway developments elsewhere in the County would be announced.
• A query regarding the proposed timeline for the project.

Mr. Tiernan advised that progression of the project is contingent on a number of factors and that it would be difficult to provide a definitive timeline at this stage.

Director of Services, Ms. Caitlín Conneely, acknowledged the work of Roscommon Tidy Towns and commended the significant progress achieved.

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.

Congratulations were extended to all young people involved in Community Games across the county and especially those who will now represent Co. Roscommon at national level over the coming months.

Sympathies were extended to Cllr. John Keogh on the recent passing of his partner Cormac’s mother Marie Nolan, Tipperary.

Cllr. Crosby raised the issue of payments to graveyard caretakers. Cathaoirleach Cllr. Connolly advised that this matter is an executive function.