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

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice opened the meeting by paying tribute to former colleague Cllr. John Naughten (RIP), who first became a Councillor in Roscommon in October 2003.  He noted that Cllr. Naughten was an excellent politician and colleague, who had a significant impact as a Councillor, and that he will be missed by his colleagues in the Council.  The Cathaoirleach thanked all members, former members, politicians and staff for attending his funeral and supporting his family.  On behalf of all members the Cathaoirleach expressed condolences to Cllr. Naughten’s family.

At the invitation of the Cathaoirleach, the Council stood in silence for one minute as a tribute to Cllr. Naughten (RIP).

All members paid tribute to Cllr. Naughten (RIP), and noted his significant contribution to Roscommon County Council, and the County as a whole.  It was also noted that he was known as a dedicated politician and did the best for his community.  His support of fellow Councillors and staff was acknowledged, and his respectful approach to people was appreciated.  He garnered respect across the Council chamber, staff, and from his constituents.

The Chief Executive paid tribute to Cllr. John Naughten, and expressed the sympathies of the Council management and staff to the Naughten family.

He acknowledged that Cllr. Naughten was an exemplary public representative and worked to deliver significant projects for south Roscommon.  He noted that Cllr. Naughten will be remembered for the wonderful contribution he made to County Roscommon. 

The Cathaoirleach suspended the meeting for twenty minutes as a mark of respect to Cllr. John Naughten (RIP).

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

            SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 23^rd September 2024.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice noted for the record that in the meeting of 23^rd September he stated there were 62 Gardaí in the Boyle and Castlerea District in 2012, and there are now 31. He clarified the information provided to state that there were 62 uniformed frontline Gardaí in Boyle and Castlerea in 2012 and there are now 31.

·         Report for Q3 2024

Management Report for Q3 2024 noted.

·        0.027 Ha. at Kilbegnet Creggs to Michael and Benedicte Ward.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Keogh

SECONDED by Councillor Brennan

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 0.027 Ha at Kilbegnet, Creggs, Co. Roscommon

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired: Roscommon County Coucil

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of: Michael and Benedicte Ward

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: Exchange

Cathriona MacCarthy Administrative Officer, Community Section, delivered a presentation on the LCDC Annual Report. The approved Roscommon LCDC Annual Report 2023 was circulated to members before the meeting.

Ms MacCarthy outlined the following:

·        Under Statutory requirement, each LCDC must prepare, adopt, and submit an Annual Report to the Local Authority in respect of the performance of its functions for the previous year.

·        The Annual Report submitted is in relation to the functions and activities carried out by Roscommon LCDC in 2023.

• One of the main functions of the LCDC is to review the previous Economic and Community Plan (LECP), prepare and implement the community elements of the new 6 year LECP, consider a draft of the economic elements of the plan, and adopt a statement for consideration of the Council.
• Public consultation took place in March-May 2023, via social media platforms, community focus groups, public surveys, and Public Participation Network (PPN) survey, with over 7,000 people engaging with the process.
• The plan was adopted and launched in March 2024.
• The SICAP Programme 2018-2023 supported 48 community groups, and supported 535 individuals, and the 2023 budget was €810,978.
• The LEADER Rural Development Programme supported 26 projects to completion in 2023 with total funding drawn down of €1,843,677.82.
• Roscommon County Council were allocation €279,884 for the Community Support Fund.
• The Health and Wellbeing sub-committee of the LCDC facilitated the funding for Healthy Ireland Round 4; and partnered up with Roscommon Sports Partnership for the delivery of programmes such as Fit Farmers, Age Friendly Activity Programme, and Children’s Multisport Camps.
• They also partnered with Roscommon LEADER Partnership on the delivery of Woodlands for Health and Health and Wellbeing Support Events.
• The Social Inclusion Capital Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024-2028 is aimed at promoting social inclusion, community development, and the well-being of disadvantaged individuals and communities.  SICAP provides funding for training to enhance skills and employment, access to services for all, and addresses local needs.
• The new LEADER Programme is now underway with a budget of €6.8m over 5 years. Roscommon Leader Partnership is the implementing partner and Roscommon County Council is the Financial Partner.

Members responded favourably to the report.

• Cllr. Fitzmaurice praised the previous LEADER Programme as beneficial to many community groups in Roscommon; and praised the flexibility of the time frames to apply for funding.
• The new programme moved seamlessly from the old programme.
• Organisations are finding significant inflation in costs and some projects may not go ahead due to the level of funding available to them, which may require a discussion.
• A proposal was made to send a letter to Minister Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys to thank her for her generosity and involvement in projects.
• An issue was raised with match funding as projects must be completed to acquire the funding which makes it difficult to acquire funding to complete projects.
• It was mentioned that funding and bridging funding is available from the WDC where the LCDC pays the WDC once the project is completed. It was noted that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 134.24

Director of Services Mark Keaveney sought the approval to appoint two new representatives to the LCDC.

The first proposed representative from the Environmental Pillar which is voted by the PPN.  Following the passing of Mr. Michael Ewing (RIP), the PPN proposed Mr. Kevin Coyle, recently nominated by the LCDC Committee.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

            SECONDED by Cllr. Scahill

It was AGREED to appoint Mr. Kevin Coyle to the LCDC.

The second proposed representative from Teagasc is to replace a recent resignation.  Mr. Gabriel Trayers, Regional Manager for Roscommon, was nominated by Teagasc.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Callaghan

            SECONDED by Cllr. Moylan

It was AGREED to appoint Mr. Gabriel Trayers to the LCDC.

Director of Finance, Sean Malarkey, discussed Budget 2025, and invited all Councillors to an in-committee meeting on Monday, 4^th November to explain the budget process, in advance of the Budget Meeting on 28^th November 2024.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Callaghan

            SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to adopt the Audit Committee Annual Report.

Delays in the roll out of Fibre Broadband in some Urban and Rural areas of County Roscommon.

I request that this Local Authority write to Eir and National Broadband Ireland (NBI) as to why delays are occurring in the roll out of Fibre Broadband in some areas of the County. 

It has been brought to my attention that Eir who have responsibility for Fibre Broadband in most larger towns, are not prioritizing fibre broadband in areas where there is a broadband connection using the old narrowband copper connection. For example, if the old narrowband connection has a speed of 20 / 30 megabit per second, Eir are not providing or prioritizing a fibre connection. This is not an adequate solution for most businesses that rely on a fast broadband connection for most day-to-day operations.  

In rural locations where Natural Broadband Ireland (NBI) are faring a lot better with targeted connections, there seems to be a number of delays arising of late where the fibre connection is made to the nearest pole of a house but the actual connection to the house is taking weeks and in some cases months to complete. 

With remote working and a blended model the new normal, this issue is causing serious concerns to people in certain remote areas of our County.

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Fitzmaurice, stated that Cllr. Frain has agreed to defer the Notice of Motion to the next Plenary Meeting in October.

Correspondence was circulated to members in advance of the meeting.

No further business.

Circulated to members in advance of the meeting.

Cllr. Ward congratulated Padraig Pearses on winning the Roscommon Senior Football Championship.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice congratulated Lisa O’Rourke who became an Under 23 European Champion.

No other business.