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

·         Minutes of Plenary Meeting on 25.09.2023

Cllr. Shanagher requested that an amendment be made to the minutes of the previous meeting. She said a reference to a Roscommon Lions Club presentation should refer to the publication of a magazine, rather than a newsletter.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Shanagher

            SECONDED by Cllr. Leyden

It was AGREED to adopt this amendment to the minutes.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

            SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 25.09.23

There were no matters arising.

·         Report for Quarter 3 2023

·         Management Report for Quarter 3 was noted.

·         0.62 Ha at Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon to Spaulding Systems limited

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Naughten

SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

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 0.62 ha (1.53 acres) at Monksland Td., Co. Roscommon - Folio RN41636F

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired: Eamon and Dolores Conneely, Stradbally North, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of: Spaulding Systems Limited.

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €100,000

·         0.047 Ha at Rockfield, Oran, Co. Roscommon to Oran GAA

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Shanagher

SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

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 0.047 Ha (0.116 acres) at Rockfield, Oran, Co. Roscommon - Folio RN 41132F

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired: Unknown – First Registration with Roscommon County Council February 1953

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of:Iontaobhas Corparáideach Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Cuideachta Faoi Theorainn Ráthaíochta (Oran GAA)

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €2,000

·         0.88 Ha at Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon to Greener Ideas limited

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

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:  Lands comprising 0.88 ha (2.17 acres) at Monksland, Athlone,  Co. Roscommon

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired: Folio RN30295F - Unknown

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of: Greener Ideas Limited

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €500.00 per week

Term of Lease: 12 Months

·         0.043 Ha at Rockfield, Oran, Co. Roscommon to Oran GAA

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Leyden

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 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:  Lands comprising 0.043 ha (0.106 acres) at Rockfield, Oran, Co. Roscommon

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired: Folio RN41132F- Unknown. (First Registration with Roscommon County Council, February 1953)

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of:Iontaobhas Corparáideach Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Cuideachta Faoi Theorainn Ráthaíochta (Oran GAA)

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €1,000 and €10 per year thereafter

Term of Lease: 99 years

·         6 Convent Road, Ardnanagh, Roscommon F42FH70

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Shanagher

SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

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 Road, Ardnanagh, Roscommon F42FH70 (Folio RN22545F)

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: €81,922.63 (Council’s Rental Equity)

Director of Services Caitlín Conneely introduced the Draft Climate Action Plan - a statutory plan that has been discussed and approved at the Planning, Environment, Climate Change and Corporate Strategic Policy Committee and is now ready to proceed to public consultation. She said the draft plan is now before Members for approval at the meeting to go to the next stage – public consultation. It is anticipated the final plan would be considered for adoption by the end of February.

The Climate Action Co-Ordinator Aoife Moore presented an overview of the plan to the members:

·         Advance planning for the document commenced last year with an initial pre-draft public consultation phase running from April to October in 2023

·         The document will go on public display for six weeks for public submissions and it is anticipated to have the completed plan in place by March 2024 if adopted by the Members.

·         The plan will be in force for five years with a two-year preparation phase which will be informed by EU and National legislation governing climate change.

·         There are four stages to the plan:

o   Full Accountability - delivering o actions within RCC remit

o   Influence – directly through procurement etc; regulatory through policy decisions and broad through provision of services.

o   Advocate - engaging with communities by creating awareness and capacity building

o   Coordinate and Facilitate - creating bridges between different stakeholders in identifying funding and collaborate and engage in partnerships

·         Climate Risk is a continuing issue as new and adverse weather trends continue to intensify resulting in increased temperatures and more rainfall in winter.

·         The vision of the plan is that within its five-year lifetime Roscommon would deliver a carbon neutral economy and have targeted carbon actions as part of its plan.

·         Five themes were identified as part of the plan, under which goals and objectives would be realised - governance, the built environment, the natural environment and infrastructure; communities, resilience and transition and sustainable resource management.

·         The development of a Decarbonisation Zone in Roscommon town would be an exemplar or ‘test bed’ of the plan for learning and knowledge sharing

·         The actions contained within the plan would be broad in scope.

·         To deliver Climate Action objectives, there is a need for stakeholder engagement from communities and local businesses to realise the terms of the completed Climate Action Plan, noting the objectives of the Plan were broad in scope to take advantage of initiatives that become available during the life of the plan

The Chair of the SPC, Cllr. Naughten thanked the Director, the Climate Action Unit and the members of the SPC for the work they have put into the plan to get to this stage noting significant feedback had been obtained in the development of the Draft Plan, resulting in Roscommon becoming a leader on Climate Action when it is adopted. However significant funding will be required from central Government if the plan is to deliver on actions by local authorities, communities, the farming sector and industry.

Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 136.23

The Chief Executive informed the Members of the launch this morning by the of “Your guide to Household Waste Management and Recycling in County Roscommon” published by the Environment Unit.

Director of Services Caitlín Conneely  said the guide gave valuable advice on waste segregation to householders and is being distributed to the public through area offices, libraries, public events and Civic Amenity sites and it is also available online.

The Director also informed the members of forthcoming event ‘Orchards for Farmers’ taking place in the Kilbride Community Centre on Tuesday, October 31^st. The event is organised by the National Federation of Group Water Schemes and the Mid-Roscommon and Curracreigh Group Water Schemes. The event is focused on encouraging farmers to plant orchards as a means of improving and enhancing water quality in communities throughout the county as well as featuring information and trade promotions.

The Chief Executive then informed members of the appointment of Mr. Mark Keaveney as Director of Services with responsibility for Regeneration, Economic Development, Community, Tourism and Heritage as well as being the Roscommon Municipal District manager.

Mr. Tiernan also outlined the other Directorates to members -

Mr Sean Mullarkey, Head of Finance, Procurement, Enterprise, Building Control and Emergency Services.

This Directorate includes the following:  Finance, Motor Tax, Internal Audit, Rates, Procurement, Local Enterprise, Building Control, Fire Services and Civil Defence

Ms Caitlín Conneely, Director of Climate Action, Environment, Resources, People, Governance and Athlone MD Manager.

This Directorate includes the following:  Climate Action, Environment, Rural Water, Water Services, Laboratory, Information Systems, Corporate Services, Assets & Energy Management, Health & Safety and Human Resources

Ms. Fiona Ni Chuinn, Acting Director of Housing, Culture and International Protection.

This Directorate includes the following:  Housing, Arts Centre, Arts Office, King House, Library, Ukraine and International Protection

Mr. Greg O’Donnell, Acting Director of Roads & Active Travel Infrastructure, Planning and Boyle MD Manager

This Directorate includes the following:  Roads, Active Travel, NRRO Regional Office and Planning.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. J. Keogh wishes Mr. Keaveney and all of the Directors well in their respective roles.

The ‘Arizona Colleen’ Mackenzie Shane was welcomed to the chamber by the Cathaoirleach. He also welcomed MEP Maria Walsh and Senator Aisling Dolan who accompanied Ms. Shane who is on a visit to Ireland as part of her promotional duties during her tenure.

A resident of Scotsville, Ms. Shane said Arizona was known for his desert type landscape but had strong and enduring ties with Co. Roscommon. She said the local Chamber of Commerce, where she works has over 2,400 members. she was presented with the Arizona Colleen award by the Irish Cultural Centre which requires the recipient to act as an ambassador, promoting business and cultural ties between Arizona and Ireland and is an important networking tool.

Ms. Shane said the Irish Cultural Centre in Phoenix was one of only two west of the Mississippi River. Citing Arizona as one of six sister cities, she highlighted the origins of the city of Tuscon, which was founded by Hugh O’Connor who has strong Roscommon roots and is a sister city of Roscommon town.

The Members welcomed Ms. Shane claiming her visit should be a catalyst for Roscommon to be outward looking in terms of seeking twinning opportunities.2025 will mark the 750^th anniversary since the founding of Tucson.

Ms. Shane was commended for visiting Strokestown Park House as well as the commemorative stone, marking the links between Tucson and Roscommon as ‘sister cities’. Reference was made to the many links between Roscommon and Tucson over many years which have continued to endure. It was suggested that it may be worthwhile considering moving the stone that commemorates Tucson with Roscommon as Sister Cities from outside the Courthouse to a location at Áras an Chontae.

Members also highlighted the links between both locations as an opportunity to strengthen economic and tourism links between both locations.

The Cathaoirleach said it was important the Council continued to foster strong links with our Roscommon diaspora which should be part of the county’s new Tourism strategy including student exchange programmes and share technological advances.

He thanked Ms. Shane for coming to the Chamber to address the members and made a suitable presentation to her to mark the occasion of her visit.

“That Roscommon County Council consider the significant social and economic value of Social Enterprises for communities across County Roscommon and that Social Enterprises have dedicated support and assistance when required from a designated senior council official, and that that person preferably a Director of Service.”

“That Roscommon County Council consider the significant social and economic value of Social Enterprises for communities across County Roscommon and that Social Enterprises have dedicated support and assistance when required from a designated senior council official, and that that person preferably a Director of Service.”

As Cllr. Naughten was not present to move the motion, this notice of motion was deferred to the next Council meeting.

“That Roscommon County Council appropriately commemorate the victims of An Gorta Mór by devising a heritage development plan to remember the people of Roscommon buried in Bully’s Acre in the townland of  Slevinagee off Antogher Road in the town of Roscommon.”

“That Roscommon County Council appropriately commemorate the victims of An Gorta Mór by devising a heritage development plan to remember the people of Roscommon buried in Bully’s Acre in the townland of Slevinagee off Antogher Road in the town of Roscommon.”

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

There is an existing famine memorial in Roscommon town at the site of the former Workhouse (now Sacred Heart Home) to commemorate victims of the famine.

The National Famine Museum in Strokestown is only 20 km away and this is a highly interactive visitor destination, which addresses and commemorates local and national stories from the famine period. A national famine commemoration day is held annually and locally events can be organised as part of National Heritage Week held in August.

Cllr. Waldron said the site was a sacred one and proposed Fr. Francis Beirne, Parish Priest of Four Roads and Chairman of the Roscommon Cemetery Committee to make a presentation to members on the site.

The Cathaoirleach responded that any presentation to the Plenary meeting should first be considered by the CPG.  Cllr Waldron agreed to bring his proposal to the next CPG meeting.

Cllr. Waldron’s motion was seconded by Cllr. Ward.

Cllr. Leyden, supported the motion, claiming there should be a commemoration of the graves which are unmarked at the site referenced by Cllr. Waldron. She stated we have a responsibility, as a Council, in the knowledge that the graves are in Bully’s Acre, to do something about it.

Cllr. Byrne supported the motion as every old graveyard in the county have people buried from the famine. She suggested this should be done in every graveyard in the county. She also asked if anyone could confirm why this site is called Bully’s Acre as there is a Bully’s Acre in Elphin also.

Cllr. Dineen suggested that the CPG should look favourably on the request for the presentation.

Cllr. Ward stated that every case is different in relation to people buried all around the county as a result from the famine. This is a good motion and should be supported.

Cllr. Fallon commented this as an interesting motion and would welcome a presentation from Fr. Beirne as a noted authority on the famine and who has carried out considerable research in this area.

The Cathaoirleach suggested that Cllr. Cummins motion is a good one. He also suggested the erection of a plaque or other commemoration would mean the erection of a plaque on all burial grounds, noting that this may not be feasible and suggested that a policy must be adopted with appropriate criteria agreed and this should be done by the relevant SPC.

Cllr. Leyden again stated that the graveyard needs to be marked and suggested that this should be included in the forthcoming Roscommon Local Area Plan that is currently being prepared.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cummins

SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED that this matter be considered at the cemetery workshop proposed at the last meeting by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 141.23

Acknowledgments to Resolutions from Roscommon County Council:

·        28^st September, 20223 - Acknowledgement of correspondence from Ms. Heather Humphreys T.D., Minister for Social Protection regarding Tus and Rural Employment Schemes.

Replies to Resolutions from Roscommon County Council:

·        29^th September, 20223- Reply from Minister for Social Protection Ms. Heather Humphreys T.D., in response to Notice of Motion regarding Tus & Rural Social Scheme (RSS)

Resolutions from other Local Authorities:

·        20^th September, 2023 –  Motion, Cork City Council

“That Cork City Council notes with concern the upward turn in road deaths, in particular the exponential growth in pedestrian deaths, and calls upon national authorities to review policies that can help reverse this trend.” (Proposer: Cllr. D. Boyle 23/399)

·        26^th September, 2023 –  Resolution, Limerick City and County Council

“That Limerick City and County Council calls on the Minister for Housing to reconsider the Government’s position in relation to the tax placed on residentially zoned land.”

·        27^th September, 2023 –  Resolution, Limerick City and County Council

“That Limerick City and County Council call on the Minister Stephen Donnelly, TD, Minister for Health, and Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath, and TD, to raise the funding support for the Chuin Mhuire Association in Bruree, and also in their Centres throughout the country, from ten euro per bed per night to fifty euro per bed per night.”

·        27^th September, 2023 –  Resolution, Limerick City and County Council

“That Limerick City and County Council call on the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, TD, and Minister of State at the Department of Health, Mary Butler, TD, to provide the necessary funding to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to stop further nursing home closures and bring fees payable in line with the reality of nursing homes care costs. It must also bring into effect a Fair Deal pricing mechanism that reflects the reality of resident’s care needs.”

·        9^th October, 2023 –  Resolution, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council 

“That Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council formally 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”.

·        13^th October, 2023 –  Resolution, Clare County Council 

“That Clare County Council proposes in future housing developments and as part of the planning process, there should be a planning condition to all new housing applications stating that part of the conditions would be that traffic calming measures would be part of the developments, as a matter of safety for all concerned.”

·         Approval of Payment for Elected members for attendance at Conference Event

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cummins

            SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

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

The county’s twenty-eight Tidy Town groups and committees were acknowledged following the announcement of results for this year’s Supervalu Tidy Towns competition.

The Members acknowledged the achievements of groups who won two golds, a silver, a bronze and an endeavour award.

Reference was made to one of the county’s newest entrants in the competition, Rahara who received the most improved marks in the competition. Members also urged citizens to volunteer an hour or two per week on average to contribute to the overall upkeep of their respective areas.

Cllr. Crosby raised the matter of peat transportation of peat at Cloonshannagh. His concern is in relation to the impact on road conditions following the transportation of Bord na Mona peat from Cloonshannagh between Roosky and Tarmonbarry to a company in County Tyrone. He claimed up to 80,000 tonnes of moss peat had been transported on local roads by vehicles in excess of the maximum three tonnes of material per load that is permitted to be carried on local roads.

Members said the impact of the transported loads was having an adverse effect on the surface condition of roads as well as affecting access for local motorists and farmers. It was argued the material being transferred should instead be used locally and create local employment as a result.

Appeals were made to hold Bord na Mona to be held to account on the issue and encourage the company to use their existing rail carriage network to transport and load the material locally, instead of using local roads.

Members queried if the company required a road licence from the local authority to transport the peat, particularly if stock piling material. An appeal was made for Ministerial intervention on the matter to prevent the peat being removed from the local bog which would cease extraction of peat.

Responding to the concerns raised, Acting Director of Services Greg O’Donnell said Bord na Mona had in the past, permission in place to extract peat but was unsure if the company had planning permission to do so presently from the site. He said there were also environmental issues to consider.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. T. Crosby

            SECONDED by Cllr. V. Byrne

It was AGREED to contact Bord na Mona over concerns over the transfer of peat from its site at Cloonshannagh and determine if there are planning requirements governing the movement of peat from the site.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. O. Leyden

            SECONDED by Cllr. K. Shanagher

 It was AGREED Roscommon County Council would write to Environment Minister Eamon Ryan seeking a Ministerial Order, prohibiting further removal of peat for transportation, setting out the background to the removal of peat.

Cllr. Kilduff raised the matter of Waterways Ireland and their proposed Bye Laws.

He raised concerns about the negative impact on boating and tourism in general in the county – the proposed abolition on winter mooring and that a boat could not moor for no longer than 5 days. He suggested the Council’s Tourism Officer make a submission on behalf of the local authority prior to the closing date for submissions of October 27^th.

Cllr. Kilduff also suggested a letter could be sent to the Minister Malcolm Noonan who will be reviewing the Bye-Laws requesting these bye laws not be adopted if the Members agreed.  

The Cathaoirleach said recent consultations heard concerns over winter moorings whereby it was suggested time limits be put on winter moorings to prevent abuses of boats mooring. He said it was felt greater enforcement was needed, rather than any changes required and said he was not in favour of reducing the five-day mooring period to three for boats. He noted that while there was an availability of private berthing spaces, this did not mean these spaces were located where they were needed. Boat owners very often avail of moorings at locations because of the lack of facilities where they require them.

Cllr. Keogh encouraged submissions from the Elected Members to reflect the importance of the county’s waterways.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Kilduff

            SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED that a submission would be made on behalf of the local authority in respect of the proposed bye-laws to Waterways Ireland.