No conflict of interests were declared by members.

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

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Keogh confirmed that a Special In-Camera Meeting held immediately preceding this meeting had, by resolution, confirmed the appointment of Mr. Shane Tiernan as the new Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council. He said he was delighted to recommend his appointment and said he brought a wealth of experience to the role, both in the public and private sectors.

Members echoed the comments of the Cathaoirleach, describing the new Chief Executive’s passion and enthusiasm for the county and wishing his wife and family well. Members also described Mr. Tiernan as a diligent public servant who engages effectively with the local elected representatives. They highlighted Mr. Tiernan’s role as Temporary Chief Executive since October 2022 as well as his previous role as Director of Services with responsibility for the Boyle Municipal Area. Members also cited Mr. Tiernan’s strong networking and people skills and his engagement with community and voluntary groups.

Members said the new appointment meant stability for the local authority going forward in terms of decision making and said Mr. Tiernan was someone who was direct and clear in communicating what can and cannot be done.

Mr. Tiernan’s management team colleagues, Caitlín Conneely, Greg O’Donnell, Fiona Ni Chuinn, Head of ICT Alan Burke and Patricia Bohan the Meetings Administrator congratulated Mr. Tiernan on his appointment.

Responding, the Chief Executive said he was humbled to take on his new role and said he was approaching the role with courage, integrity and ambition. He also paid tribute to his management colleagues and the elected representatives for their support and commitment.

Mr. Tiernan said there was a high public expectation for Roscommon County Council to deliver on projects and Councillors regularly parked party politics for the greater good of the county in terms of decision making.

He also paid tribute to the ambition of local community groups, who he said were well served by their elected representatives, the majority of whom, he noted, would be standing for election in next year’s local authority elections.

Citing the level of investment in the county in recent years including funding of €70m for Town and Village improvements, Mr. Tiernan said this funding was transforming the fortunes of towns such as Monksland, Castlerea, Boyle and Ballaghaderreen. He said that among his priorities were to untap the county’s tourism potential, in particular Lough Key Forest Park. He cited the planned multi-million investment in the county’s greenways and the ongoing enterprise plans for Boyle.

Mr. Tiernan said he joined Roscommon County Council in 2018. With almost five hundred staff, the local authority had a diligent and committed workforce. He paid tribute to his management team as well as his predecessors and former colleagues and his family for their support in his career to date.

·         Minutes of Annual Meeting held on 26.06.2023

·         Minutes of Plenary Meeting held on 26.06.2023

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. McDermott

            SECONDED by Cllr. Kelly

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Annual Meeting of 26.06.2023

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

            SECONDED by Cllr. Shanagher

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 26.06.2023

There were no matters arising.

-       Report for Quarter 2 2023

·         Management Report for Quarter 2 noted.

·         Disposal of Lands at Portrunny Td.

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:  0.575 Ha (1.421 acres) at Lackan Td., Portrunny, Co. Roscommon

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired: Not Known

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of: Inland Fisheries Ireland, 3044 Lake Drive, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin D24CK66

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €50,000 excl. VAT.

·         Land at Knockroe, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Councillor Dineen

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: Lands comprising 0.0125 ha (0.0309 acres) at Knockroe Td., Castlerea Co. Roscommon

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired: Unknown

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of: John and Olivia Burke, 5B Knockroe, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, F45 H344

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €1,850 incl. VAT

·         Disposal of Property at 6 Convent Court, Adrnanagh, Roscommon,

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Shanagher

SECONDED by Councillor McDermott

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:  6 Convent Court, Ardnanagh, Roscommon F42 FH70 Folio RN656L

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired: Gerard Nolan, Kilbride Development, Mullymux, Roscommon

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of: Gillian Hoare

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €92,564.77

·         Site comprising 3.125hA at “The Lough”, St Comans Pak, Roscommon

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Waldron

SECONDED by Councillor Shanagher

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 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:  Sites comprising 3.125 ha (7.722 acres) ‘The Lough’, St. Coman’s Park, Roscommon town, Co. Roscommon

The person(s) to whom the land is to be leased to: Roscommon Town Cricket Club, Company Ltd. By Guarantee, 47 The Courtyard, Oldwood, Roscommon

The consideration proposed in respect of the Lease: €10 per annum

Term of Lease: 6 Years

This schedule will supersede the Decision of the County Council 65.23 Lease of Lands dated 26^th June 2023

The Cathaoirleach welcomed the manager of the Farming Rathcroghan European Innovation Project, Mr. Richie Farrell who outlined the main features and benefits of the project which was established in 2019 for a five-year period at a cost of €984,000:

·         Rathcroghan is one of 23 EIP’s in the country but the only one focused on maintaining the archaeology and cultural heritage in the area under study. The project was earlier this year showcased at the Bloom Flower Show in Dublin.

·         The project is funded by the Department of Agriculture and supported by Teagasc and the academic sector as well as the Department of Housing and Local Government and the National Heritage Office.

·         The project has enabled farming practices, particularly dry stock farming to coexist alongside preserving the archaeology of the area. From an initial 31 participating, there are now 60 farmers engaged with 75% of the Rathcroghan complex managed by the project.

·         The Rathcroghan complex comprises 240 archaeological sites, of which 70 are national monuments. The pre-historic medieval area is current on the tentative shortlisting for UNESCO World Heritage site designation.

·         The project has a strong focus on grassland and water protection with an ever increasing focus on promoting local biodiversity, focusing on local habitats, field margins and wet areas.

·         A new walking trail is currently being designed at a cost of €450,000, which will be supported by a strong promotional campaign to promote the ancient Celtic Royal site.

·         Measures to protect the archaeology of the landscape include the introduction of ‘scratching posts’ for animals, dry stone wall repairs the instillation of newly designed gates and improvements to the local built heritage of the area.

·         A forthcoming conference, scheduled for August 18^th will feature contributions from Ministers of State Pippa Hackett and Malcolm Noonan in efforts to extend the duration of the project.

·         Among future plans for the project, if approved, are the creation of a Rathcroghan mobile app and the alignment of future local initiatives in line with Climate Action guidelines.

Concluding, Mr. Farrell said considerable knowledge and expertise had been generated under the five-year project with an application for a renewal of the project already underway and he appealed for the support of the Elected Members in lobbying for such an extension from the relevant Ministers.

The Members welcomed the timely presentation from Mr. Farrell and discussed as follows:

·         There has been a substantial body of work done on this project over the past 5 years and it needs to be continued so as not to lose the work done.

·         The walking trail has been a great success.

·         The N5 project will give better linkage to the project.

·         The farmers have bought in the project and are to be commended for their co-operation.

·         This project has huge potential for tourism and must be kept progressing.

·         There should be an automatic continuation of the scheme.

·         The site is of great national importance and has been protected by the locals for years.

·         All schoolchildren in the county should visit the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 102.23

No Chief Executive business.

That Roscommon County Council hire in additional verge trimming machines to address the serious safety issue with overgrown verges throughout County Roscommon, which are particularly bad at junctions and bends on the local and regional roads at present. 

“That Roscommon County Council hire in additional verge trimming machines to address the serious safety issue with overgrown verges throughout County Roscommon, which are particularly bad at junctions and bends on the local and regional roads at present”

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

Firstly, Roscommon County Council wish to remind landowners of their obligation, under section 70 (2) of the Roads Act 1993 as amended, to ensure that “all reasonable steps to ensure that a tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation on the land is not a hazard or potential hazard to persons using a public road and that it does not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of a public road or the maintenance of a public road”.

Roscommon County Council shall, as always and subject to resources, deploy plant and labour towards the maintenance of verges on roads where the highest risk of accidents exists. Resources shall firstly be deployed to roads with the highest vehicles numbers and then working down in that order. Priority shall be for the maintenance of grasses along junctions, bends and where visibility to signage is obscured. The maintenance of trees and shrubs in the closed season will be considered on a case by case basis and as determined by supervisors in the area.      

Cllr. Naughten welcomed the reply but stated he is aware of landowners’ responsibilities in relation to hedges, however he is receiving representations on a daily basis regarding junctions in particular where line of sight is impaired for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. There is a need to hire additional verge trimmers for the next 6-8 weeks to avoid serious accidents.

Cllr. Ward seconded the motion and appealed for all junctions to be cut back in the coming weeks.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Naughten

SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED that the A/Director of Services for Roads and Transportation meet with the Cathaoirligh of the three Municipal Districts to discuss the matter.

The members supported the motion and added:

·         From 1^st June all junctions should be kept trimmed.

·         This is an issue in all Municipal Districts.

·         This is a safety issue and must be addressed as it is an annual problem.

·         Issue with macadam being thrown on the side of the road.

·         The Council may need to change their approach to this matter and a Policy must be formulated - in the short term it has to be addressed.

·         A list of priority area should be compiled – every councillor should send a list of roads to be done.

The Chief Executive accepted that this is an annual matter. There is a combination of contractors and direct labour used for verge trimming and work is done as often as can be facilitated. Health and Safety requirements require overtime and he accepted that junctions are a priority matter. Within the budget available, all areas cannot be facilitated and we optimise what can be done.

The A/Director of Services Mr. O’Donnell agreed to hold a meeting and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 104.23

Acknowledgments to Resolutions from Roscommon County Council:

·         20^th July, 2023 - Acknowledgement of correspondence from Mr. Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Transport, regarding the N61 road.

Resolutions from other Local Authorities:

·         5^th July, 2023 – Resolution, South Dublin County Council

“South Dublin County Council backs the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and urges the Irish government to support the initiative for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.”

·         11^th July, 2023 – Resolution, Leitrim County Council

“That Leitrim County Council write to Bus Eireann to call on them to employ more school bus drivers, as the Bus Eireann system is full to capacity.”

·         11^th July, 2023 – Resolution, Clare County Council

“That Clare County Council communicate with both the Taoiseach’s office and the office of the Minister for Arts and Culture, to lend support to the application made in July 2022 by Ennis and County Clare Sopoptimist International, to have the stained-glass image of St Brigid created by a prominent County Clare female artist, Catherine O’Brien adopted as the official image of the saint in the context of our new St Brigid’s Day public holiday, which commenced 1^st February 2023.”

Other Correspondence:

·         28^th June, 2023 – Notice of Commencement of Local Government Audit from Mr. Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive

In accordance with the Local Government (Financial and Audit Procedures) Regulations 2014 the audit of the accounts of Roscommon County Council for the financial year ended on the 31^st day of December, 2022 will be commenced by Ms. Mary Keaney, Local Government Auditor, on the 10^th day of July 2023.

·         Approval of attendance at Conferences and Training Events

There were no payments for approval or conferences for attendance approval. The Meetings Administrator informed the members of two forthcoming AILG training events.

Cllr. Naughten stated that he has been contacted by a number of farmers in the Callows area of the River Shannon regarding the significant flooding of the area at present. The consequences of this is that meadows that would normally be cut for hay at this time of year are flooded and this will result in a significant loss of fodder to farmers in the area. He asked the members to send a letter to the Minister to introduce a Fodder Aid Scheme with Teagasc to supply funds to the farmers affected to buy feed. This is not confined to Roscommon but also counties Galway and Offaly and it was noted that this is also an issue along the River Suck.

The members agreed with the proposal and also suggested the setting up of a single River Shannon Authority, a call that has been made many times in the past.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Naughten

SECONDED by Cllr. Kelly

It was AGREED to call on the Minister of Agriculture to introduce a Fodder Aid Scheme with Teagasc to fund the purchase of feed by farmers in the Callows, River Suck and other areas affected by flooding that has prevented them from cutting meadows this summer.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Naughten

SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to call on the Taoiseach and OPW to set up a single River Shannon Authority to manage the Shannon water levels.