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

·         Minutes of Plenary meeting held on 25.03.2024

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cummins

            SECONDED by Cllr. Shanagher

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 25.03.2024

There were no matters arising.

·         Management Report for Quarter 1 (March) 2024

·         Management Report for Quarter 1 noted.

·         Cllr. Shanagher complimented the staff on the large range of services provided by the library service in addition to the traditional book loan facility.

Noel Feeley, CEO of Roscommon Sports Partnership gave a presentation to the Elected Members:

·         Role of the Sports partnerships

·         Sports participation rates across demographic groups.

·         Proportion of people meeting the National Physical Activity Guidelines – declined since 2021 but higher than 2019

·         Participation rates of primary and post primary children across the top 30 sports

·         Social participation in sport – event attendance has returned to pre-pandemic levels. However many club members and volunteers have not returned with rates declining.

·         Sports partnerships target primarily unemployed, older adults, young people, those with disabilities, women and girls, ethnic minorities and those living in disadvantages areas.

·         In 2022, 5,325 people participated in 145 RSP activities.

·         Their organisational structure includes community sports development, sports inclusion disability, ESF+ social innovation n sport, community sports hub and communications.

·         Future issues include volunteer retention, increasing the number of outdoor and sports activities, addressing the increased demand in outdoor recreation facilities and for personal activity opportunities and demographic changes.

·         The RSP also supports the proposed development of community sports hub for basketball/multi-sport arena in lisnamult.

The members welcomed the presentation and raised the following points:

·         Inability of men in particular to seek help on health matters – welcome the Fit Farmers programme, a great initiative that incorporates mental health issues.

·         Engagement between the Council and the Roscommon Sports partnership is important in particular in relation to new proposed projects such as the running track and multi-sport arena in Lisnamult.

·         Increase in programmes to encourage older people take part in physical activity

·         Should it be RSP role to support communities to run local sports centres?

·         Will annual sports awards be reintroduced?

·         Would a skate part be of benefit to Roscommon town?

Mr. Feeley welcomed the feedback and remarked that the sports awards will be reconsidered in the future, the RSP can assist groups but not with funding for running costs, activity programmes for the elderly are growing month on month and a skate park would be a welcome addition to the town. A proposed running track would be a very large infrastructure in the county and would assist those competing at a high level but everyone could use it while a multi sports arena would also greatly benefit a growing population and the schools in the town.

The Chief Executive thanked Mr. Feeley for his presentation and welcomed proposed investment in community sports facilities in the town under suitable funding streams that Roscommon County Council support.

Director of Services introduced Mr. Sean Garvey, GIS Officer who gave a presentation and demonstration on the Election Hub developed for the Council Website. This hub will provide information for the public, the voters and the candidates in the forthcoming local elections.

The Cathaoirleach and Members welcomed the initiative. 

Mr. Mark Keaveney, Director of Services gave an update to the Members on the Community Recognition Fund launched on 15^th March 2024.

·         County Roscommon allocated €1m from a €50m countrywide allocation

·         Grants will be minimum of €500,000 and maximum €500,000 and projects over €200,000 will require a business case.

·         Eligible projects include

o   Development, enhancement or refurbishment of community or cultural facilities.

o   Enhancement to school/parish facilities open after hours

o   Purchase of equipment for local clubs or community events

o   Community vehicles

o   Projects to address dereliction

o   Purchase of land for community facilities

·         Funding proposals can be submitted across three application windows up to 31^st Jan 2025 and one application per Local Authority per application window.

The Members welcomed the details of the scheme and queried if the fund was directly related to areas where refugees have settled. Mr. Keaveney confirmed that while there is potential for large areas of the county to be included, the new arrivals from 2022 will be a factor and that facilities receiving funding must be open to the public if funded.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to approve the allocation of €65,000 to 87 applicants under the Cemetery Improvement and Maintenance Scheme 2024.

·         County Management Acts 1940-1944 and Section 55(3) Part 10 of the Local Elections Regulations 1995.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Byrne

SECONDED by Cllr. Callaghan

It was AGREED to issue polling cards for the Local Elections 2024 as required by the County Management Acts 1940-1944 and Section 55(3) Part 10 of the Local Elections Regulations 1995

That Roscommon County Council enter into an agreement with Leitrim County Council under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 2001 concerning the design, construction and completion of the Roosky Bridge Active Travel Scheme with Leitrim County Council being the administering authority.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell, A/Director of Services presented the proposed agreement to the Members and updated them on progress to date in relation to the provision of pedestrian access across the River Shannon at Roosky. The Members said that the preferred option of Councillors from both counties is for a footbridge to be constructed. In response the Director confirmed that the Department will fund consultants to assess the options, and Part 8 planning would be a requiremen.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

SECONDED by Cllr. Cummins

It was AGREED to write to Leitrim County Council to request ongoing consultation with the Elected Members and Executive of Roscommon County Council in relation to the Roosky Active Travel Scheme.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Murphy

SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council enter into an agreement with Leitrim County Council under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 2001, to exercise its statutory powers, functions, and duties in respect of the Roosky Bridge Active Travel Scheme.

The Cathaoirleach informed the members that on 24^th April 1899, the first meeting of Roscommon County Council took place, 125 years to the day.

A copy of the first minutes taken was circulated to all of the members and the executive.

The Cathaoirleach read the names of the first members of Roscommon County Council and a photograph of the current members was taken to mark the occasion.

The Chief Executive informed the Members of the following:

·        The official opening of the Monksland Innovation hub and An Chistin. Castlerea by Minister Heather Humphreys will take place on Thursday 23^rd May

·        The National Famine Way Commemorative walk will take place from Monday 20^th May to Friday 25^th May from Strokestown to Dublin. This year’s walk will be led by the Irish Ambassador to Canada.

·        The launch of the LECP, CAP and LDS will be held jointly in Lough Key on Tuesday 23^rd April at 6.30pm.

·        The official opening of Elphin Fire Station upgrade, Housing estates in Monksland, Elphin and Roscommon and the Civic sculpture in Roscommon town will be performed by the Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien on Monday 13^th May.

“That this council support individuals /families who wish to live on their own or family lands through the provision of a dwelling (including modular homes) on lands provided by the person in need /applicant.”

“That this council support individuals /families who wish to live on their own or family lands through the provision of a dwelling (including modular homes) on lands provided by the person in need /applicant.”

The meetings administrator read the following reply:

All planning applications for housing proposals are assessed in accordance with the housing policy as set out in the Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028.  The local level policy has been developed to accord with regional and national policy. The rural housing policy is set out in Chapter 3 (People, Places and Housing) of Volume I of the Plan, with Policy Objective PPH 3.13 stating the following:

"Facilitate single houses in rural areas subject to appropriate siting and design criteria, including demonstration of adherence to the principles set out in the County Roscommon Rural Design Guidelines. In addition, in the case of proposals for single houses in defined Areas under Urban Influence, applicants will be required to demonstrate a social or economic link (as per Table 3.2) to the rural area in which they proposed to build.”

The Members discussed and supported the Motion. The Chief Executive confirmed that such a scheme as proposed by Cllr. Waldron no longer exists.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Waldron

SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED to send a letter to the Minister to request that the Department consider reintroducing a scheme whereby a Local Authority could build a house for a family member on a site owned by them.

"I am calling on Roscommon County Council to install a wheelchair swing in all council owned playgrounds. This will enable greater accessibility of the facilities to a wider population, encouraging and promoting inclusivity. The Irish Wheelchair Association Best Practice Guidelines states that "playground equipment should be chosen with due regard to children of differing abilities". 

"I am calling on Roscommon County Council to install a wheelchair swing in all council owned playgrounds. This will enable greater accessibility of the facilities to a wider population, encouraging and promoting inclusivity. The Irish Wheelchair Association Best Practice Guidelines states that "playground equipment should be chosen with due regard to children of differing abilities". 

The meetings administrator read the following reply:

There are currently 24 playgrounds in County Roscommon of which 16 are Council owned. Many of these playgrounds have been provided over an extended period of time and vary in size, scale and accessibility. Of the 16 RCC Playgrounds, 6 currently provide accessible play items (e.g. Inclusive Swing baskets, Cradle swings, Play Panels, Dish Rotator) with 5 containing wheelchair accessible equipment although not wheelchair accessible swings (e.g. Wheelchair Accessible Carousel, Wheelchair Accessible Play/Sensory board).

Roscommon County Council will take a universal design approach to inclusive playground provision where we consider disability to be part of everyday life. An inclusive playground provides for “the possibility for children with disabilities and/or developmental delays to play together on equal terms with children without disabilities[1]”. An inclusive playground addresses the needs of all people including those who have autism, intellectual disabilities, hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other disabilities. It also addresses the needs of typical children[2].

We will build any new playgrounds and play spaces in the assumption that they are places for everyone to play together. Roll-on swings may be provided wherever appropriate and where they do not lead to exclusion resulting in the play happening separately.

In relation to the 16 existing playgrounds, we will work to make these playgrounds accessible and more inclusive over time. We will use the various funding sources that become available periodically to achieve this.

The Motion was seconded by Cllr. Keogh.

The Members discussed and supported what they considered an important Motion. They referenced the need to include inclusive equipment that can be used by anyone, while accepting that the cost of equipment is very expensive. They also supported strategic placement of such equipment throughout the county.

Cllr. Kelly thanked her colleagues for their support.

“Roscommon County Council to give an update on the  implementation of the revised service model for retained firefighters in County Roscommon and use the revised service model to reopen Castlerea Fire Station”

Roscommon County Council to give an update on the implementation of the revised service model for retained firefighters in County Roscommon and use the revised service model to reopen Castlerea Fire Station.

The meetings administrator read the following reply:

The Revised Service Model for retained fire fighters created an additional 13 new positions in Roscommon, bringing staff numbers from 47 to 60 across 5 fire stations.  There are currently 7 new fire fighters undergoing training and an additional 12 new recruits still need to be recruited and trained. This recruitment process is currently live.

Payment to fire fighters will move from a quarterly basis to a fortnightly basis. The model involves moving to a rostered on duty period of 24 weeks per annum.  Castlerea fire ground continues to be adequately covered within national standards.  

“To give an update at the April Plenary meeting on a notice of Motion I had passed by  Roscommon County Council regarding honouring people who reach the age of 100 hundred years “

To give an update at the April Plenary meeting on a notice of Motion I had passed by Roscommon County Council regarding honouring people who reach the age of 100 hundred years.

The Meetings read the following reply:

In response to a notice of motion discussed last year to honour Roscommon citizens reaching 100 years of age, it was agreed that the matter be referred to the Planning, Environment, Climate Change and Corporate Governance SPC for consideration. A Draft protocol was presented to this SPC on 15^th April 2024 and discussed and agreed. The protocol will be included as an Agenda item at the May Plenary meeting.

Replies to Resolutions from Roscommon County Council:

·        21^st March 2024 - Reply from Mr. Stephen Donnelly T.D. Minister of Health, in response to Notice of Motion regarding Water Fluoridation.

·        26^th March 2024 – Reply from Mr. Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Transport, regarding Electric vehicle (EV) charging network.

Resolutions from other Local Authorities:

·        4^th  April, 2024 – Resolution, Westmeath County Council

“That Westmeath County Council supports the IFA “enough is enough” campaign, recognises the significant contribution that farming, and the Agri-sector make to the Irish and local economy and the farmers contribution to date on climate mitigations measures, and acknowledges the income challenge on Irish farmers arising from the significant increases in the cost of doing business, regulatory costs and cuts in Basic income Supports for farmers.

The Council calls on the Government to introduce no further regulations on farmers or any measures that may increase costs on farms without full negotiation and agreement with the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) and that the Council calls on the EU and the Government to provide additional standalone funding, separate to the Common Agriculture Policy, to support farmers in undertaking climate action and biodiversity measures. Furthermore, the Council calls on the Government to introduce a Land Regulatory Authority to assist and protect the farming community.”

·         Approval of payments for attendance at approved training and conference events.

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.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cummins

SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to  extend  standing orders after 5.30pm

Cllr. Byrne raised the matter of works being carried out at junctions that have affected the ability of lorries to turn at T Junctions. She said that this problem is particularly relevant where public realm works are being carried out in towns and is also stopping lorries from accessing towns and making deliveries.

Cllr. Cummins and Cllr. Murphy supported Cllr. Byrne in the matter. Cllr. Kilduff added that his understanding of the changing of the junction layouts is to make these safer for pedestrians and cyclists and he supports the changes.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Byrne

SECONDED by Cllr. Cummins

It was AGREED that a letter be sent to the Department and TII requesting that junctions not be narrowed as it is causing difficulty for lorries to turn.

It was further agreed that this letter be circulated to all Local Authorities.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice raise the matter of the reply he received to this Question on Castlerea Fire Station and that he had originally submitted it as a Notice of Motion. He said he was disappointed with the reply as the Department had allocated €1million to Roscommon under the new agreed structure of the fire service nationally and he had hoped that this would result in the reopening of Castlerea fire station. The Cathaoirleach stated that he would allow some latitude in relation to this question.

Cllr. Dineen, Cllr. Waldron supported the call to reopen the station in Castlerea.

Mr. Sean Mullarkey, Director for Emergency Services clarified that the revised model is increasing the number of firefighters required in the five Roscommon fire stations from 47 to 60 and that alone will cost €1million per year, plus an extra €582,000 for training for the additional  firefighters. If the Castlerea station was reopened, the number would increase to 72 firefighters in the county and it would cost an additional €600,000 to €700,000 per annum to open that particular station alone. He also noted that in the past seven years, Castlerea has positively exceeded turnout times and the overall cost of running the fire service in the county will be a matter for the Elected Members to agree in the next budget.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Callaghan

SECONDED by Cllr. Murphy

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council support Lyme Disease awareness during the Month of May and that signage and information be made available and that some public buildings be lit up in green.

This motion is in support of a request from Jennifer O’Byene who suffers from Lyme disease and is trying to promote awareness of it.

The Cathaoirleach notified the meeting of an event that will take place in Hodson Bay Hotel on 9^th May from 6.30pm to 9.00pm. This awareness event is facilitated by Thrombosis Ireland and called ‘Lets Talk Clots’.