Leas Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Cummins took the chair as the Cathaoirleach was delayed at another engagement. He welcomed everyone to the last meeting of the current term of the Council before the Local election on 7^th June.

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

·         Minutes of Plenary Meeting held on 22^nd April 2024

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

            SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 22.04.2024

There were no matters arising.

·        Report for April 2024

·         The Management Report for April 2024 was noted

·         To approve Draft Polling Scheme pursuant to S28 of Electoral Act 1992 and SI 648 of 2021 - Electoral (Polling Scheme) Regulations 2021

Pursuant to S28 of the Electoral Act 1992 and SI 648 of 2021 – Electoral (Polling Schemes) Regulations 2021, it is proposed to make a change to the current Roscommon County Council Polling Scheme.

The new polling scheme will see the transfer of the Ashwood estate from the Scregg Electoral Division (Athlone Municipal District) to the Mote Electoral Division (Roscommon Municipal District).

The proposed effective date of the new scheme is Tuesday 28^th May 2024.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. McDermott

SECONDED by Cllr. Shanagher

It was AGREED to adopt the Draft Roscommon County Council Polling Scheme 2024 pursuant to S28 of the Electoral Act 1992 and SI 648 of 2021 – Electoral (Polling Schemes) Regulations 2021,

Cllr John Naughten, Chairperson of the SPC presented the Draft Protocol to the Members for consideration.

Cllr. Naughten said the draft proposal was on foot of proposal in July last year from Cllr. Waldron at the Corporate Policy Group meeting. The protocol was discussed and recommended for approval at the at the SPC meeting on 15^th April 2024. The protocol details the procedure to be followed including the advertisement of the scheme on an annual basis.

Cllr. Waldron proposed an amendment to the adoption of the protocol, stating that all persons over one hundred years of age should be honoured with a certificate.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Waldron

SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to adopt the Draft Protocol for Citizens turning 100 years of age subject to the amendment that all persons over one hundred years of age should be honoured with a certificate.

·         To be Circulated

Mr. Mark Keaveney, Director of Services Members circulated the Draft Policy to the Members for consideration.

Cllr. Leyden said the document had been approved by the Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) and sent for approval by all members. The  document had been subject to public consultation. She also requested an update on recommendations made at a previous meeting for the refurbishment of the Bully’s Acre Famine Memorial in Roscommon town, which she said, was proposed by the SPC.

Cllr. Leyden acknowledged the work of Director of Services Mark Keaveney, Cllr. Waldron and Fr. Francis Beirne for their work in ensuring the compilation of the Policy.

Responding, Director of Services Mark Keaveney said the local authority had agreed to fence off the boundary of the Bully’s Acre site as well as tidying up nearby scrub land areas. He said the clean-up would be carried out on an annual basis. He added that the Council was actively working on establishing access and would also work with the County Roscommon Famine Committee.

The Director outlined the terms of reference of the policy document and the membership of a Civic Memorials committee. Mr. Keaveney said a number of submissions were received during the public consultation process which were outlined in the document.

Members were supportive of the Policy and discussed as follows:

·         The Policy should acknowledge the contribution of people like Bridget Lyons Thornton, a leading revolutionary figure from Scramoge who was active during the War of Independence.

·         The criteria for Civic Memorial as stated, should honour someone of county, national or international significance.

·         It was felt the person commemorated must have been born or lived in Roscommon and had a strong and enduring connection with the county.

·         Reservations were expressed in respect of the criteria suggesting a person must be deceased for twenty years of more, before getting recognition. The case of former All-Ireland winning captain Jimmy Murray, was cited as someone who achieved a significant achievement earlier in their life following which there was a considerable time period since they excelled in their particular field.

·         It was felt the Council should keep ‘an open mind’ on the development of new Famine Memorials under the policy.

·         It is important the recommendations contained in the document did not become law, particularly in relation to matters of planning permission.

Responding, the Director of Services said the wording of the policy was broadly for a person who enjoyed success in their field twenty years ago or more. He added that the Civic Memorials Committee will make recommendations on applications and these recommendations will be brought to the full Council for consideration.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED to adopt the Draft Civic Memorials Policy.

Director of Finance Sean Mullarkey presented members with the Unaudited Annual Financial Statement for 2023:

·        Total Expenditure €72,883,658 and total Income €55,322,013.

·        Net Cost of Divisions funded from Rates and LPT = €17.561m

·        Rates Income = €12.464m and LPT = €10.756m

·        Transfers from reserves = €5.632m with over surplus for the year of €27,120

Transfers from Revenue Account to Capital Account (€5.045m)

·        Matched funding for Government projects - €1.429m

·        New Civil Defence Centre - €800,000

·        Funding for energy plans to bring buildings up to recognised environmental and climate change standards - €640,000

·        Machinery Account  - €481,000 (to part fund purchase six lorries at a cost of €1.2m.)

·        Housing Grants - €301,000.

·        Commitments to An Bealach Project - €300,000

·        Roscommon Swimming Pool - €300,000

·        Public lighting - €250,000.

·        General Municipal Allocation - €220,000.

·        Castlerea Toddler Swimming Pool - €150,000

·        Other Capital Projects - €73,000

·        Library Van - €50,000

·        Town Teams (5 No.) - €50,000

Cllr. Cummins said that as a member of the outgoing Audit Committee, all of the members of the committee are very satisfied with the way Roscommon County Council manage its finances.

Members responded favourably to the report and discussed as follows:

·        What is the annual cost of the mortgage on Aras an Chontae and the savings in comparison to renting office space?

·        A proposal was made for a supplementary increase for the roads budget which should take allowance of inflation.

·        A proposal was made to write to the Minister seeking extra funding in the light of inflation for roads projects.

·        Members enquired if equipment had been purchased for street cleaning.

·        A request was also made seeking funding for drainage works along roads, to prevent ‘flash flooding’.

·        Will the €2m allocated for the purchase of vehicles be spent locally?

Mr. Mullarkey responded to issues raised:

·        The Council is fortunate in that it is costing approximately €600,000 per year to service the loan for Áras an Chontae at a low level of interest.

·        The big challenge for the local authority is financing the 20% cost of matched funding for projects.

·        The €5.9m loan secured in 2019 has not yet been drawn down.

·        Of the revenue received in respect of the Local Property Tax (LPT), €7m of this was coming from the exchequer.

·        There has been no rates increase for the past twenty years.

·        The purchase of new equipment has to be publicly procured, noting six lorries are being purchased this year.

Acting Director of Services Greg O’Donnell said a street cleaner has not yet being purchased which may result in such equipment having to be rented. A provision of €300,000 was available in this year’s budget for such equipment. He also noted that the issue of drainage works for individual houses along roads was a matter solely for householders to consider, but where the Council can assist it will. He stressed the Council’s priority was to get value for money in providing road surfacing.

Cllr. Cummins suggested a report be compiled in respect of the local contributions required  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.24

The report was noted by the Members.

There was no Chief Executive business.

Acknowledgments to Resolutions from Roscommon County Council:

·         8^th May 2024 - Acknowledgement of correspondence dated 24/04/2024 from Minister for Health, Mr Stephen Donnelly T.D., regarding Notice of Motion Roscommon County Council - Seeking Safety Ireland Pilot Programme.

·         8^th May, 2024 - Acknowledgement of correspondence dated 29/04/2024 from the Chairman, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Professor Tom Collins regarding Notice of Motion Roscommon County Council – Remove the Midland Fisheries Group Permit.

·         9^th May 2024 - Acknowledgement of correspondence dated 20/02/2024 from the Chief Executive, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Mr. Peter Walsh regarding Notice of Motion Roscommon County Council – N61 Reclassification Proposal from National Secondary status to National Primary.

Replies to Resolutions from Roscommon County Council:

·         14^th  May, 2024 – Motion, Fingal County Council

 “That Fingal 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, if passed, a letter should be sent to all Local Authorities, An Taoiseach, An Tánaiste and the Minister for the Environment.”

·         14^th  May, 2024 – Resolution, Clare  County Council

“ThatClare County Councilare calling on the Taoiseach of the day Mr. Simon Harris and the coalition partners Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Green Party to address the huge failures in the reconfigured health services established by the Government some years ago and the establishment of the HSE for responsibility in implementing the policy. Health services for the public in Ireland has been led by Health Ministers from Fianna Fail, Progressive Democrats, and Fine Gael for over 24 years and the current model of reconfiguration has been a filature. Recent reports indicate that rural parts of Ireland have been impacted the most and have a higher risk of poor outcomes and this is borne out by the experience of people from Clare attending overcrowded emergency departments and at times having tragic outcomes. People in need of health services from Clare are suffering and there is no evidence to suggest that the reconfigured health service has delivered improved outcomes. I am calling on the Government to urgently address the serious consequences for the public in Clare from the current government’s model of health care.”

·         15^th  May, 2024 – Resolution, Monaghan  County Council

“ThatMonaghan County Councilwrites to Minister for Education, Ms. Norma Foley, T.D., urging that the procurement of materials for the fulfilment of the “Free Education Scheme” will be at the autonomy of each individual school to tender for their own supplier. For ETB schools to have one centralised supplier it will have an enormous impact on local suppliers who depend on the back-to-school season to keep their doors open.”

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Shanagher

SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED to support the notice of motion as circulated by Monaghan County Council.

·         21^st   May, 2024 – Motion, Wicklow County Council

 “ThatWicklow County Councilcalls on the Governmentdue to the very worrying  ...  view the full minutes text for item 84.24

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

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cummins

            SECONDED by Cllr. Murphy

It was AGREED to approve the list of payments for attendance at training and conferences as circulated.

That Roscommon County Council call on Minister Roderic O’Gorman to postpone the introduction of the Draft Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Childminding Regulations 2024 until such time as a comprehensive consultation with childminders has taken place and amendments to the regulations have been made to the draft Regulations to address the concerns of services operators of the unintended consequences of the draft regulations if introduced. Whilst the safeguarding of children is of paramount importance, the proposed Regulations will have an adverse impact on childminding services in the country, by putting financially burdensome and administratively onerous requirements on childminders, particularly those who operate on a small scale. The proposed regulations will not safeguard children and will not allow them to be cared for in a nurturing environment in a home-setting. The proposed Regulation will have the effect of driving small scale childminders out of the industry, at a times when there are considerable pressured on securing childcare services for children whose parents who wish to return to employment.

“That Roscommon County Council call on Minister Roderic O’Gorman to postpone the introduction of the Draft Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Childminding Regulations 2024 until such time as a comprehensive consultation with childminders has taken place and amendments to the regulations have been made to the draft Regulations to address the concerns of services operators of the unintended consequences of the draft regulations if introduced. Whilst the safeguarding of children is of paramount importance, the proposed Regulations will have an adverse impact on childminding services in the country, by putting financially burdensome and administratively onerous requirements on childminders, particularly those who operate on a small scale. The proposed regulations will not safeguard children and will not allow them to be cared for in a nurturing environment in a home-setting. The proposed Regulation will have the effect of driving small scale childminders out of the industry, at a times when there are considerable pressured on securing childcare services for children whose parents who wish to return to employment.”

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

“This motion requires a resolution of the Council”

Cllr.Keogh said he had received correspondence from local childminder and member of Childminders Ireland Marie Gillooly in respect of the notice of motion raised.

He said there were approximately 35,000 childminders in the county, of which 600 are affiliated to Childminders Ireland who would be adversely affected by the Minister’s proposal and many would not be aware of the impact of proposed regulation. The Minister is attempting to bring in new regulations which would bring pressure on childminders, many of whom may have to cease operation. With parents attempting to go back to work and shortages in the labour market, the Minister’s proposals would have unintended consequences. He urged members to review the correspondence issued to members on behalf of Ms. Gillooly and acknowledged Cllr. Shanagher who raised the issue.

Members supported the motion and agreed of the importance of regulating the sector but warned the Minister’s legislation threatened to be burdensome for childcare providers and would particularly impact upon families in rural areas. It was felt the over-regulation of the sector would lead to increased costs being passed onto parents. Members said it was important the concerns of the sector were being listened to.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council call on Minister Roderic O’Gorman to postpone the introduction of the Draft Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Childminding Regulations 2024 until such time as a comprehensive consultation with childminders has taken place and amendments to the regulations have been made to the draft Regulations to address the concerns of services operators of the unintended consequences of the draft regulations if introduced. Whilst the safeguarding of children is of paramount importance, the proposed Regulations will have an adverse impact on childminding services in the country, by putting financially burdensome and administratively onerous requirements on childminders, particularly those who operate on a small scale.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.24

I am calling on the Government, the Minister for Finance, Mr. Michael McGrath T.D and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Mr. Charlie McConalogue T.D. to provide the necessary compensation to the farmers that have lands on or adjacent to Lough Funshinagh that re badly affected by the flooding since 2015.

 ‘I am calling on the Government, the Minister for Finance, Mr. Michael McGrath T.D and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Mr. Charlie McConalogue T.D. to provide the necessary compensation to the farmers that have lands on or adjacent to Lough Funshinagh that are badly affected by the flooding since 2015.’

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

“This Motion requires a resolution of the Council”

Proposing the motion, Cllr. Ward said the concerns of farmers were being completely ignored by the Minister and the matter is ongoing since 2015. He said the loss of farm payments meant farmers’ income had dropped substantially in that time and he wished to see farmers being compensated for monies they had lost through flooding.

Members supported Cllr. Ward’s notice of motion, particularly as water levels remained high on Lough Funshinagh with flooding advancing towards Curraghboy. The meeting was told both the Taoiseach and Tainiste had recently visited the area and both were both aware of the urgency of the problems affecting local landowners.

Members said compensation was not only required for land under floodwater but also for the destruction of fencing, hedging and re-seeding land. They also felt that that unless water levels were reduced, the payment of compensation to farmers would have little impact but the current emphasis should be on finding a permanent solution to flooding in the area.

Cllr. Ward said it was important to clarify that the issue was more of loss of incomes, rather than compensation being provided to farmers.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

SECONDED by Cllr. Kilduff

It was AGREED to call on the Government, the Minister for Finance, Mr. Michael McGrath T.D and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Mr. Charlie McConalogue T.D. to provide the necessary compensation to the farmers that have lands on or adjacent to Lough Funshinagh that are badly affected by the flooding since 2015 and necessary compensation should be paid to farmers who have lost farm payments since 2015.

That Roscommon County Council review the policy on restricting the putting in place of speed ramps In Residential Housing Estates throughout the County, as fear is widespread with uncontrolled vehicles speeding entering and leaving these densely populated areas.

‘That Roscommon County Council review the policy on restricting the putting in place of speed ramps In Residential Housing Estates throughout the County, as fear is widespread with uncontrolled vehicles speeding entering and leaving these densely populated areas.’

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

“Roscommon County Council currently has no specific policy in relation to the provision or otherwise of Speed Ramps in Residential Housing Developments. However from a technical viewpoint, they are in themselves considered to be the measure of last resort in relation to the control of speed within built up areas. The reasons for this are;

·        Emergency Response Times. Speed ramps can significantly slow down emergency vehicles, potentially delaying critical response times for fire, ambulance, and police services.

·        Alternative Traffic Calming Measures. There are other effective methods to manage speeding, such as increased signage, road markings, and the implementation of speed limit enforcement zones.

·        Cost and Maintenance. The installation and maintenance of speed ramps involve substantial costs. Given our limited resources, we believe it is more prudent to invest in broader, more sustainable traffic management solutions.

·        Resident Concerns. While speed ramps can reduce vehicle speed, they also often lead to increased noise and discomfort for residents due to frequent braking and acceleration.

We are committed to ensuring the safety and quality of life for all our residents and will continue to explore and implement effective traffic management strategies on a case by case basis. We encourage residents to report specific instances of speeding to both Roscommon County Council and An Garda Síochána so that appropriate actions can be taken.”

Moving the motion, Cllr. Crosby said speeding was a huge problem in certain housing estates which he had come across recently - speeding vehicles are a major issue both entering and exiting estates. Where used, ramps are highly effective and would be a positive deterrent. against speeding.

Members welcomed the motion for discussion: 

·        A preference was expressed for gradual, rather than high speed ramps.

·        Concerns were expressed for the safety of children where speeding cars were using roads in built-up areas.

·        However, footpaths were often damaged where speed ramps were in place. Fears were also expressed that ramps may slow down emergency vehicles

·        Members felt the instillation of speed ramps was the best option but some argued residents did not always want them in their own areas.

·        Driver behaviour was the biggest factor contributing to speeding vehicles due to concerns over the instillation of ramps.

·        Speed ramps should only be considered as a traffic calming measure, and only if there is demand from affected residents groups.

·        It was suggested that new plans for new residential areas should include conditions that allow for effective planning.

·        There is a lack of uniformity in respect of speed ramps in different estates.

Acknowledging the support of colleagues, Cllr. Crosby said the provision of ramps in certain estates was critical.

Acting Director of Services, Greg O’Donnell said Roscommon County Council does not have a policy on speed ramps but follows best practice  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.24

This council resolves to write to the OPR and ask them that the members of the council are consulted with and become active participants in the ongoing review of the planning section being carried out by the OPR

“This Council resolves to write to the OPR (Office of the Planning Regulator) and ask them that the members of the council are consulted with and become active participants in the ongoing review of the planning section being carried out by the OPR”

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

“This Motion requires a resolution of the Council”

Proposing the motion, Cllr. Waldron stated that the elected members must be consulted about the review of the Office of the Planning Regulator.

Members agreed with Cllr. Waldron’s motion, saying it was important elected members were being briefed on an issue that directly impacted upon them, in particular a review of the planning process by OPR.

The Cathaoirleach said the OPR’s review process did not involve any engagement with Councillors but noted that the elected members do have a reserved function in relation to Part 8 planning, the County Development Plan and Local Area Plans.

It was suggested members should be able to avail of the services of an independent planner to support them in the review process.

Members enquired if the planning section of the local authority had an input in the review process.

Responding to the concerns raised, Acting Director of Services Greg O’Donnell said the review was a larger procedural, rather than a policy matter to observe how policy is applied. The information to be suppied by the Council as part of this review is prescribed. The OPR consider all submissions but do not engage directly with the Elected Members as part of the process.

In respect of the Local Area Plan, Mr. O’Donnell said the OPR are involved and can over-rule decisions made by members and the Council in respect of planning.

The Chief Executive said the review was an audit of executive functions in respect of planning. He said his job as Chief Executive is to advise elected members correctly in respect of planning matters and their implications. The planning process is open and transparent with the Council already providing independent advice to members. The planning code must at all times be independent and impartial and would not be budgeting for further advice to elected members.

Can an update be provided policy for the honoring of Heroic Roscommon native Dr Bridget Thornton Lyons?

“Can an update be provided policy for the honoring of Heroic Roscommon native Dr Bridget Thornton Lyons?”

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

The Roscommon County Council Draft Civic Memorials Policy was endorsed by SPC at its April meeting for bringing forward to plenary meeting in May. It is anticipated that the policy will be approved at the Plenary given the SPC endorsement.

As this proposal was considered in advance of the Civic Memorials Policy, the Council can then move to provide an appropriate plaque at an appropriate location.

It is understood that Cllr Crosby will seek the agreement of the property owner and the Council will support (subject to planning compliance) the erection of a small commemorative plaque on the site (or other agreed location).

The Leas Cathaoirleach extended his sympathies to the family of the late Michael Coyne from Boyle who had passed away last week aged 107 years of age.

Tributes were paid to the late former councillor Martin Connaughton whose death occurred recently. The deceased was a member of the local authority from 1999 to 2014 and served as Mayor during that period.

Mr. Connaughton recently celebrated his 80^th birthday and all of the Councillors remembers him fondly as a larger than life character.

He was described as diligent and hard-working who knew how to talk to people and was one of life’s gentlemen.

He had the distinction of being recognised as All-Ireland Macra na Feirme Stock Judging winners. He fondly referred to the road from Athleague to Roscommon as ‘the Connaughton highway’ but his priority as a councillor was to help people.

The Chief Executive said that though he hadn’t worked with the late Mr. Connaughton, he was aware of the deceased’s ‘passion and ability’ claiming the large crowds that attended his funeral were testament to the standing in which he was held.

Sympathy was expressed to his son former councillor, Ivan and all of his family and friends.

Tributes were paid to each of the six retiring Councillors who were not standing in the forthcoming local authority elections – Cllr. Kilduff, Leyden, Cummins, Shanagher, Murphy and Mulligan.

The Chief Executive also paid warm tributes to the Members said each of the retiring Councillors were efficient, prudent and effective decision makers, alluding to their 88 years of cumulative experience serving the local authority.

Each of the retiring Councillors in turn acknowledged the best wishes of their colleagues and management.

·        Cllr. Leyden thanked her colleagues and management for their best wishes as well as her family, stating her father, Terry was elected to Roscommon County Council 50 years ago this year. She also thanked her canvassers and supporters, claiming it was a huge honour to represent her area.

·        Cllr. Cummins acknowledged the support of staff and management. He said anyone who was elected to the local authority was elected for the betterment of the county. He said it was refreshing to have been part of a Council that delivered new civic offices for the county before thanking his wife, daughters and family as well as those who worked for him.

·        Cllr. Mulligan complemented the Council staff he engaged with throughout his years on the local authority and conceded it was a difficult transition for him in his first year as an elected member. He also paid tribute to his family.

·        Cllr. Murphy said he was first co-opted to serve on the local authority in 2016 before being subsequently elected in 2019. He described his fellow Councillors and staff as friends.

·        Cllr. Kilduff said one of his highlights as an elected representative was securing funding under Town and Village Renewal initiatives. He described his experience as a Councillor as being very positive, but conceded it was difficult to combine a career as an elected representative, a father and running a business.

·        Cllr. Shanagher said one of her enduring ambitions as a Councillor was to secure an apprenticeship site for Roscommon town, which despite her retirement, she was hoping would be delivered.

Each of the retiring Councillors was presented with a framed photograph of a local county landmark in appreciate of their years of service to the local authority.

The Members and Chief Executive also paid tribute to Meetings Administrator Patricia Bohan, who was attending her last plenary meeting in her current capacity.

Acknowledging the tributes of management and members, Ms. Bohan paid tribute to the elected representatives for their support and co-operation during her eight years in her current role. She also acknowledged the support of her colleagues and the Management Team.