Agenda and minutes

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Contact: Patricia Bohan  Email: pbohan@roscommoncoco.ie; 090 66 37172

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Items
No. Item

31.21

Adoption of Minutes

·         Minutes of Plenary Meeting dated 22nd March 2021

·         Minutes of Special Meeting dated 7th April 2021

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

            SECONDED by Cllr. Shanagher

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 22.03.2021

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

            SECONDED by Cllr. Murphy

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Special Meeting of 07.04.2021

 

32.21

Matters Arising

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Meetings Administrator confirmed to Cllr. Dineen that there was no reply received to date in relation to a Notice of Motion submitted to Coillte on Sliabh Bawn.

 

Cllr. Ward enquired if there is an update in relation to Lough Funshinagh since the last meeting and when will the planning application be submitted to install overflow pipe.

 

The Cathaoirleach referenced a letter received by Roscommon County Council from the Flood Committee raising serious concerns about the lake. As of this morning the lake is 840mm higher than this day last year. There is an urgent need to find a rapid permanent solution and in the intervening period it needs to be ensured that no house or farm is flooded. Urgency is important in this matter and a lot of work is ongoing to resolve this issue.

 

Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services reported that the Council is actively working on the public roads and the protection of dwellings. There is a team in place actively working on the long term environmental solution in preparation for the Part 8 application. Some site Investigation works are ongoing this week and expected to be completed in 7-10 days.

 

Cllrs. Ward, Keogh, Dineen, Crosby, Mulligan and Kilduff welcomed the progress report:

·         The Part 8 application must come before the Council before the summer recess. The Director of Services clarified that the application will go directly to An Bord Pleanala and not the Council.

·         The application must be expedited when it is submitted to an Bord Plenánla and a swift decision made so works can commence as soon as possible.

·         Preparations must be in place to ensure no houses and farms are flooded next winter.

·         The cause of the problem should be assessed in tandem with the preparation of the application.

·         Emergency legislation is required to deal with this type of situation.

·         The Part 8 application requires very rigorous assessments to be carried out and the time and space must be afforded to the Local Authority to carry out this work.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

SECONDED by Cllr Dineen

It was AGREED to write to the Ministers for Agriculture and Finance to provide compensation for farmers affected by the flooding at Lough Funshinagh.

33.21

Management Report

·         Quarter 1 – March 2021

Additional documents:

Minutes:

·         Management Report for March 2021 noted.

 

34.21

Disposal of Lands - Assets

·         0.1972 hA at Ballyboughan Estate, Ballyboughan Td, Roscommon

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Shanagher

SECONDED by Councillor Leyden

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 dispose 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 dispose:

 

The Property:  Site comprising 0.1972 hA (0.487 acres) at Ballyboughan Industrial Estate, Ballyboughan Td., Co. Roscommon

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired: Eircom Ltd.

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of: J. Horan Construction Ltd.

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €35,000 plus VAT

 

 

35.21

Presentation from Waterways Ireland - Tourism Masterplan for the Shannon Navigation and Shannon Erne Waterways

·         Shannon Tourism Masterplan for the Shannon Region

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Mr. Eanna Rowe from Waterways Ireland gave a presentation to the Members on the proposed Tourism Masterplan. This is the first time a single plan is to be put in place for the Shannon and Erne Waterways which is 370 linear km in length. He thanked the contribution of the Chief Executive, Director of Services Majella Hunt and Tourism Officer to the plan.

 

·         Waterways Ireland, in association with Fáilte Ireland and the 10 Local Authorities within the region, including County Roscommon, commissioned SLR Consulting and partners to develop a Tourism Masterplan for the Shannon.

·         This is the first time a single, holistic and dedicated plan of any type is being undertaken on the Shannon and Shannon Erne.

·         The objective is to reposition the Shannon as a destination of international scale and singularity at the centre of Ireland’s hidden heartlands.

o   To Identify and deliver a co-ordinated strategy and proposals that reposition the Shannon and Shannon Erne as a key tourism destination, identify world class visitor experiences; Establish a framework for tourism development; Define the areas unique tourism offering; formulate a Destination Vision; establish key themes and products for the area and identify key Strategic Initiatives to realise the tourism offering.

·         Ways to interact with the Shannon and Shannon Erne Waterways include:

o   On the water activities – cruising, boating etc

o   Exploring the Shannons culture through music, arts people and events

o   Activities and Adventures including swimming, angling, canoeing etc.

o   Exploring unspoilt hinterlands including peatlands, greenways and blueways

o   Exploring harbours, towns and villages on the river including cafes and restaurants.

·         The River Shannon has three large lakes and three distinct discovery zones.

·         There are seven interlinking strategic initiatives to catalyse the recommendations

1.       Clear messaging-  Integrated interpretation strategy (IIS) and design guide; A Shannon Signature Points Project; An interpretation Plan aligned to the IIS, a visitor experience and interpretation toolkit, an environmental code of conduct and additional marketing resources.

2.       Enhancing the On-Water Visitor experience – rejuvenating cruising experience; day boating; enhanced berthing and marina facilities; Waterbased activities; angling; blueways; tranquillity zones; small scale accommodation.

3.       Enhancing waterside visitor experiences including harbourside amenities infrastructure and development; nature viewing in forests and hinterlands; rejuvenation of lesser used waterways and enhanced usage of historic buildings along the Shannon

4.       Shannons Towns and Villages – Killaloe/Ballina, Portumna, Clondra/Tarmonbarry, Lanesboro/Ballyleague Carrick on Shannon and Drumshanbo

5.       Protecting and enhancing environmentals including adopting an ecotourism approach to future development, destination, development and rewilding plan, UNESCO Biosphere designation for Lough Ree and environs and implementing biosecurity measures for the Shannon.

6.       Improving connectivity by encouraging sustainable and slow travel, priority network of walking cycling trails, enhanced public access transport, encouraging on-water slow travel, improved local link services and developing a Shannon Discovery bus route.

7.       Building Enterprise and Community Networks by creating commercially driven tourism networks within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, building the Shannon 100 Enterprise Network and supporting building the Shannon Community

The Cathaoirleach welcomed the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.21

36.21

Unaudited Annual Financial Statement 2020

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Unaudited Annual Financial Statement 2020 was noted by the members.

 

Cllr.  Cummins referenced the reopening of businesses shortly and that the rates waiver scheme that is in operation until 30th June.

 

 

On the  PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cummins

SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

It was AGREED to write to the Minister for Finance to request that the rates waiver scheme be extended to the end of the year allow businesses trade out of difficulties after reopening following closure due to Covid restrictions. This would incentivise businesses to reopen again that may not otherwise be possible.

 

It was further agreed to circulate this notice of motion to all Local Authorities.

37.21

Approval of Over Expenditure and Transfers between

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED to approve the over expenditure and transfers between revenue and Capital accounts as circulated

38.21

Cemetery Improvement and Maintenance Grant Scheme 2021

·         To be circulated

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

Mr. Shane Tiernan, Director of services presented the proposed grants for 2021:

 

Roscommon County Council allocated €35,000 in the 2021 budget for the maintenance of burial grounds in County Roscommon. The scheme was advertised on 5th February 2021.

 

A total of 93 applications were received from voluntary groups with requests for funding of €205,475 for ongoing maintenance and improvements of burial grounds in County Roscommon.  At the March Plenary Meeting Members agreed a further allocation of €35,000, on a once off basis, (funded from the General Municipal Allocation carryover) to assist groups seeking grant assistance as fundraising efforts have been negatively impacted by Covid 19 restrictions.  The total grant allocation is now €70,000. 

 

The grant allocations were noted and welcomed by the Members.

39.21

Tidy Towns and Amenity Grant Scheme 2021

·         To be circulated

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Ms. Majella Hunt, Director of Services presented the proposed allocations for the Tidy Towns and Amenity Grants 2021.The Tidy Towns and Amenity Grant Scheme is available as grant aid to community groups and voluntary organisations wishing to undertake small scale amenity projects in their local area. In accordance with the terms of the Scheme, funding for Tidy Towns Associations who are entering the National Tidy Towns Competition is prioritised.  Funding of Local Development Associations who are carrying out small scale enhancement works in their local areas is recommended.  In addition, an allocation to Roscommon Community Games and the two Sub-Aqua Clubs that are active in Search and Rescue in County Roscommon is also recommended. 

 

The total budget available is €60,000 and there were 87 successful applicants from 89 applications submitted.

 

The list was circulated to the Members who noted and welcomed the allocations.

40.21

All Ireland Pollinator Plan Framework Agreement

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Ms. Majella Hunt Director of services introduced the Framework Agreement and Cllr. Orla Leyden, Chair of the Economic Development & Enterprise Support (including Tourism, Culture & Libraries) Strategic Policy Committee presented a report to the Members:

 

Further to the ‘Climate Change and Biodiversity Emergency’ declared at the Roscommon County Council Plenary meeting in June 2019, it was agreed at Economic Development & Enterprise Support (including Tourism, Culture & Libraries) SPC Meeting held on the 10th of December 2019 that Roscommon County Council should consider signing up to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.

 

The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is a strategy that addresses the decline of our pollinators.  It is a shared plan of action supported by more than 90 governmental and non-governmental organisations. By helping our pollinators, we are improving biodiversity across the island. Most Councils/ Local Authorities are already taking actions to support pollinators on public land. Many are also working with local community groups, residents’ associations and schools to help raise awareness of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.

 

Support of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan offers Roscommon County Council a suite of benefits in addition to biodiversity enhancement, including:

 

Partnership with an internationally renowned strategy to reverse declines in biodiversity.

A framework outlining options with the flexibility to choose from a variety of low/cost-neutral evidence-based actions that will have a positive impact.

Access to training, guidance documents, support materials, case studies, etc. to help staff decide on appropriate actions.

Helps demonstrate compliance with statutory requirements such as the Council’s Biodiversity statutory responsibilities.

Enhancing the local landscape for pollinators supports local food producers

A framework to help support the delivery of key plans:

- National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021

- County Development Plan (protecting natural habitats and plants objectives)

- Green Infrastructure Plan (protecting and managing natural wildlife corridors and habitats)

- Climate Change Adaptation Measures (resilience to climate change)

- Local Biodiversity Action Plan

- County Heritage Plan (biodiversity/pollinator actions)

- EU Habitats Directive (ecological networks and buffer areas)

A demonstration of our biodiversity credentials to local residents who are increasingly concerned with supporting environmentally friendly initiatives.

Actions to support community engagement and strengthen relationships with local groups who are also working to protect our pollinators, e.g. Tidy Towns groups.

Actions to support Local Agenda 21.

Actions to support the Green Schools Programme (Biodiversity Theme).

 

To better support these efforts and to better promote the work being undertaken, the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan have developed a framework to recognise Councils as partners of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.

In becoming an All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Partner, Roscommon County Council agrees:

1. That Roscommon County Council supports the ethos of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and will consider the Plan in their policies, plans, and management decisions where possible.

 

2. To consider the evidence-based actions in the guideline document Councils: Actions to help Pollinators, and to carry out one pollinator-friendly action in the first year of signing up and plan to carry out at least three more within the following five years. The guideline document lists 30 possible actions,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.21

41.21

Proposed selection of a Decarbonizing Zone in Co. Roscommon

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Mr. Pat Murtagh, A/Director of Services presented a recommendation to the Members for the selection of a Decarbonizing Zone for County Roscommon.

This Zone is a spatial area identified by the local authority, in which a range of climate mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity       measures and action-owners are identified to address local low carbon energy, greenhouse gas emissions and climate needs to contribute tonational climate actiontargets.

 

The following criteria was applied in selection of a proposed decarbonizing zone for County Roscommon:

             electricity sourcing;

             heat management;

             reducing needs for travel and shifting travel modes towards active and public transport;

             enhanced building energy efficiency;

             carbon sequestration; and

             energy storage and management systems.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. McDermott

            SECONDED by Cllr. Leyden

It was AGREED to select Roscommon Town as the first Decarbonizating Zone for County Roscommon in accordance with Circular Letter LGSM01– 2021of 10thFebruary, 2021.

 

Cllr. Leyden requested that Roscommon Transition town and all relevant groups in the town  be consulted in relation to the plan.

 

Cllr. Naughten as Chair of the Environment and Planning SPC welcomed the selection of the decarbonisation zone and complimented the ongoing work of Roscommon County Council in relation to climate action.

42.21

Appointment of PPN Environmental Network Rep to SPC

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. McDermott

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED to approve the nomination from the Public Participation Network of Mr. Alan Moran (Environmental Network) to the Economic Development and Enterprise Support Strategic Policy Committee.

43.21

Notice of Motion

07.21 Appointment of independent Meat Regulator – Cllr. Connaughton

08.21 PPN Handbook and Elected Members – Cllr. Ward

09.21 Derelict Sites Act – Cllr. Naughten

10.21 Post Office Network – Cllr. Crosby

11.21 Property Registration Authority Decentralisation – Cllr. Waldron

Additional documents:

43.21a

07.21 Appointment of Independent Meat Regulator - Cllr. Connaughton

Additional documents:

Minutes:

“That Roscommon County Council call on the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to appoint an independent 'Meat Regulator' with immediate effect to regulate the meat industry. The viability of the family farm is of utmost importance to thousands of farm families and all employed in the industry throughout Ireland. The Meat Regulator must be given legislative powers to investigate possible anti-competitive behaviour to ensure full transparency and farmers confident that they achieve a fair price for their produce”

The motion was proposed by Cllr. Connaughton and seconded by Cllr. Dineen.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

The members fully supported the motion and commented as follows:

·         A fair price is demanded for farmers for its meat – simple rules need to be applied. A beef task force set up in 2019 has only met on four occasions.

·         The factories need to give a fair price and an independent regulator needs to oversee this.

·         There is a large amount of feed currently imported and costs to farmers have increased over the past year.

·         A level playing field is crucial for the agriculture sector and there is a huge division between farmers and factories.

·         There is an ongoing issue with how meat is marketed and sold without taking into account what farmers are paid – the farmer bears the cost. This is not tolerated in any other industry.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connaughton

SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council write to the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to appoint an independent 'Meat Regulator' with immediate effect to regulate the meat industry. The viability of the family farm is of utmost importance to thousands of farm families and all employed in the industry throughout Ireland. The Meat Regulator must be given legislative powers to investigate possible anti-competitive behaviour to ensure full transparency and farmers confident that they achieve a fair price for their produce.

 

 It was further agreed to circulate the motion to all Local Authorities.

44.21

Correspondence

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Replies to Resolutions from Roscommon County Council:

19th Mar, 2021– Acknowledgement of correspondence dated 16/03/2021 to Charlie McConalogue T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding notice of Motion Roscommon County Council.

 

20th Apr, 2021 – Acknowledgement of correspondence dated 19/04/2021 to Heather Humphreys T.D., Minister for Rural and Community Development regarding the motion agreed at Plenary meeting of Roscommon County Council 21.21.b to immediately establish an annual fund for necessary capital works at our nations cemeteries.

 

Resolutions from other Local Authorities:

25th Mar, 2021 – That Galway County Council make a formal submission to the

Minister for Housing Local Government & Heritage outlining our complete opposition to the proposed provisions of the Land Development Agency Bill 2021.

26th Mar, 2021– That Louth County Council call on the Minister of Housing and or the Oireachtas members to amend the I-DA Bill to remove s.49 and 56 of the bill as it is ultra virus the programme of Government and is a direct stripping of Local Government Councillors executive powers.

 

29th Mar, 2021 – That Mayo County Council would formally outline its complete opposition to the proposed provisions of the Land Development Agency Bill 2021

 

31st Mar & 20th April, 2021 Limerick City and County Council 

·         That, Limerick City and County Council request Iconic Newspapers Ltd. to recognise the National Union of Journalists and engage with the NUJ worker representatives to address concerns of their employees working in the Limerick Leader newspaper.

·         That, Limerick City and County Council reject the provisions contained in the Land Development Agency Bill, 2021, published by the Government, removing the role of the Elected Members of Local Authorities in approving the transfer or sale of lands to the Land Development Agency.

·         That, Limerick City and County Council call on Mr. Darragh O'Brien, TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, to retain the existing policies in relation to one-off rural housing as per the adopted Limerick County Development Plan 2010-2016 (Section 3.9 Rural Settlement Policy and including the Rural Settlement Strategy Map) in the emerging Limerick City and County Development Plan 2022-2028.

6th Apr, 2021 – That Monaghan County Council records it's support for the World Health Organisation's plea for the equitable global distribution of all vaccines, treatments and therapies developed to combat Coronavirus.

8th Apr, 2021 – That Cork County Council send a letter of support which condemns the racial and misogynistic abuse being inflicted on the Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr. Hazel Chu.

16th Apr, 2021 – Resolutions from Sligo County Council

·         That Sligo County Council write to An Tánaiste and ask him to intervene on the crisis facing our community sector in relation to insurance.

·         That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohue following his recent remarks stating that taxes will rise after Covid and ask him not to increase taxes but instead borrow money to stimulate the economy over the next decade.

16th Apr, 2021  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.21

44.21a

Correspondence - Resignation of Cllr. Connaughton

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cathaoirleach informed the members that correspondence had been received by the Meetings administrator from Cllr. Connaughton last week indicating that he was resigning from the Council after this meeting.

 

Cllr. Connaughton addressed the meeting and stated that it was an honour to have served on Roscommon Co Council since 2014 replacing his father and together they had given 22 years of service to the community they represented. He served as Cathaoirleach of the Galway Roscommon ETB, Cathaoirleach of the Athlone Municipal District and Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council and is the current Chair of the Roscommon Sports Partnership. The highs of his political career included representing County Roscommon in New York and China and accompanying the late Tracy O’Hara along with Aine Morgan and Vicky Phelan to a meeting with Government in Leinster House to lobby for equal access to the Pembro drug for women diagnosed with cervical cancer. He will not miss some of the rhetoric at Council meetings and expressed disillusionment with red tape both locally and nationally and the efficiency of some meetings. The decision at the March meeting by the Executive not to support his motion to call a meeting to discuss a pumping solution for Lough Funshinagh expedited his decision to resign. He will continue to be involved in his community and support local projects, and promote Roscommon with regard to tourism, employment and investment. He has put in place the requisite process for a nominee to be co-opted in his place and following an interview, 21 year old Emer Kelly from Ballyforan will be nominated to replace him. She will bring a new energy to the Council and will represent the next generation. He thanked the Executive, present and past, the staff of Roscommon County Council, both indoor and outdoor, his election team and campaigners and the Members he served with over the past seven years. He has been involved in politics since he was 16 years old and gained great life experience and did not rule out a return to public life in the future.  He hopes that more business people and people with different backgrounds become involved in politics. He thanked everyone who has sent good wishes to him.

 

Cathaoirleach said it brings no joy to lose a colleague on the Council.  He thanked him and for his contribution and he represented the county well and has always been a team player and wished him well for his future and congratulated him on his choice of successor.

 

The members all paid tribute to Cllr. Connaughton and his contribution to County Roscommon over the past seven years:

·         His passion for the job and his personal achievement in topping the poll on two occasions.

·         He was noted as a very good colleague to work with on the Council.

·         The members welcomed the fair and transparent process to co-opt his successor

·         He was full of enthusiasm and has done great things in his seven years in the chamber

·         His departure is a great loss  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.21a

 

Original text