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

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connolly

            SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 28.04.2025

Cllr. Crosby raised the matter of the proposed letter to the government regarding unfinished housing estates. He queried whether a reply had been received

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

             SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to write again to the Department of Local Government to highlight that national funding is required to address the challenges posed by unfinished housing estates, to support local authorities in managing and remediating these developments.

On this matter, Cllr. Callaghan informed the meeting that the Fine Gael members met with Minister for State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage John Cummins and highlighted the issue of unfinished housing estates and the need for additional funding.

Cllr. Moylan raised a matter in relation to the discussion of the Public Realm Works in Ballaghaderreen under AOB at the previous meeting. Cllr. Moylan stated that he did not name any Deputy during the discussion.

·        Report for April 2025

·         Management Report for April 2025 noted.

·        0.0347 Ha in the townland of Alderford, Ballyfarnon, Boyle, Co.Roscommon.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Byrne

SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

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 0.0347 hA at Alderford Td., Ballyfarnon, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

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

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of: Peter Banks as Legal Personal Representative of Philomena Banks, deceased. 10 Lios an Ri, Cloghairanka, Co. Kildare

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €9,863.66

Noted as circulated in advance of the meeting.

Climate Action Coordinator Aoife Moore delivered a presentation outlining the Implementation Report for the Climate Action Plan (CAP), which was circulated in advance of the meeting. The CAP was adopted in February 2024.

Director of Services Caitlín Conneely introduced the presentation, advising that this was the first progress report on the CAP. She thanked all the staff across the services in the Council for their input.

Cllr. McDermott, Chairperson of the Climate Action, Environment, Rural Water SPC, also outlined that this report had been agreed at a recent SPC meeting and also thanked staff for their input.

During the presentation, Ms. Moore outlined the following:

• The report fulfils the reporting requirements set out in the CAP across three areas, Governance and Leadership, Climate Adaptation and Mitigation and Engagement with Communities.
• In the CAP, there are 44 individual actions across 5 thematic areas. The actions are categorised as adaptations (current climate change issues), mitigation (preventative measures) and combined (mix of both). Roughly half are combined, and the other two types account for roughly one quarter each.
• There is a decarbonising zone in Roscommon Town which has 18 specific action areas associated with it, mostly mitigation.
• The CAP aligns with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, an account of which is detailed in the implementation report.
• Leadership and Governance: A structure has been put in place within the Council, consisting of the Climate Action Team (senior management and oversight of the dedicated SPC and Council), working groups, Climate Action unit, specific sub committees deal with individual actions.
• The climate objections have been embedded into the Corporate Plan 2024-2029 and the related Annual Service Delivery Plans.
• Risk Management: Climate Action risks are incorporated into the risk management processes as they are identified.
• Budgetary provisions have been made in line with the CAP, details of which are in the implementation report.
• Training and capacity building has been a key area for implementation to staff, Elected Members and communities.
• Mitigation and Adaptation: The report deals with case studies showing how these actions are taking place, including emission reduction and energy efficiency targets, and how the energy management team regularly report to the SEAI. These reports show that RCC are on target to meet the targets set out.
• There are three case studies relating to mitigation in the report, the refurbishment of Dillion House, the Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Programme, and the installation of EV Charging Infrastructure.
• Adaptation case studies in the report include the local biodiversity fund for the park for Roscommon Town, the successful EV Wind Turbine Course developed in conjunction with GRETB funded by the Just Transition Fund and the Rise and Thrive project.
• The Climate Change risk assessment is ongoing, as information is made available at national level, it is reviewed and taken into account into local authority processes.
• The Community Climate Action Programme is currently underway, €402,000 has been allocated for 15 projects across the county along with an additional €117,00 for two cross boarder cooperation projects. Phase 2 is set  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74.25

The Administrative Officer of Corporate Services, Karen Hanley, delivered a presentation of an update on the Electoral Register. The presentation summarised the recent Electoral Commission Report and gave an update on the upcoming voter.ie project.

Oversight Report on the Electoral Register

• The report was published on the 1^st May 2025 by the Electoral Commission (EC).
• The EC was ‘deeply concerned’ at the legacy accuracy issues on the electoral registers nationally and has recommended a plan for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the 31 local authorities to address this issue before the next round of electoral events in 2029.
• The EC stated that “Roscommon’s register appears to be one of the more accurate registers’’.
• Roscommon ranks 2^nd nationally for elector date of births, 10^th for elector Eircodes, 4^th for combined DOB and Eircodes, and 31^st for elector PPSNs recorded (the national average is low for this metric and PPSNs can be hard to obtain due to GDPR).
• Overall Roscommon County Council is noted by the Electoral Commission as having one of the more accurate registers, with high levels for DOB, Eircode and combined DOB/Eircode records.
• Roscommon had fieldworkers in 2023 and are employing them again for 2025, from June to August 2025.
• The findings from the EC include a recommended increase in funding for each local authority to enable maintenance and the updating of their registers, they also recommend that local authorities should develop and publish plans setting out their activities on the register. The EC have committed to carryout annual assessments on electoral registers nationally. The move to one single electoral register nationally should also help improve accuracy on the register.

Changes in Electoral Registration 2025-2026

• Three electoral events were held in 2024 (March, June and November). There was over 9% increase in the number of Electors in Roscommon, 10,762 electoral records added, deleted or updated and as of 17^th December 2024, there were 53,724 electors on the register.
• Registration Activities in 2024 included 400 new register applications following school’s roadshows, library visits in Strokestown & Castlerea, advertisements on Facebook, X, Instagram and through printed media, seminars in schools, communities and online to encourage increasing the participation of women and diversity in Local Government including voter registration.
• In 2025 and 2026, there will be increased activity due to online applications and rolling registration, data cleansing work being carried out prior to moving to a single National System (voter.ie) and carrying out the recommendations of the EC.
• Local Government Electoral Registration System (LGERS) Project: The Electoral Reform Act 2022 mandated the creation of a single national database for the electoral register to make it easier for electors to register online and improve the accuracy of data.
• Each local authority will still be responsible for the accuracy of its own register.
• Data cleansing will take place until early 2026, after which the national roll out of voter.ie will be carried out.
• The term of office of the current President expires on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.25

Director of Finance, Sean Mullarkey outlined the draft Annual Service Delivery Plan, which was circulated in advance of the meeting, and sought approval of same.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

            SECONDED by Cllr. Kelly

It was AGREED to adopt the draft Annual Service Delivery Plan.

Director of Services Mark Keaveney outlined the Planning Department’s Report which includes the Planning Authority’s recommendation on the proposed deletion from and additions to the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) with respect to Cargin Demesne contained within Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Moylan

            SECONDED by Cllr. Callaghan

It was AGREED to approve the proposed deletions from and additions to the Record of Protected Structures.

Cllr. Connolly, Chairperson of the Housing, Integration, Community & Culture Strategic Policy Committee, presented the Draft West Regional Homeless Action Plan Presentation.

The Draft West Regional Homeless Action Plan 2025-27 was prepared in consultation by the West Regional Homeless Management Group which comprises of Galway City Council, Galway County Council, Roscommon County Council and Mayo County Council.

Cllr. Connolly outlined the Strategic Vision of the West Region Homelessness Action Plan is to work towards the eradication of homelessness in the West through:

• the provision of sufficient appropriate affordable housing
• a focus on preventing homelessness
• supporting those who are most vulnerable to empower them to access and sustain appropriate accommodation which meets their needs with a holistic, compassionate and proactive approach.

In Roscommon, this includes.

• continued development of the housing delivery pipeline
• strengthen of the Homeless team with Roscommon to provide supports
• provision of Community Based Housing (a shared housing model) supported by NGO’s
• Provision of dedicated homeless accommodation with in-reach supports including a cold weather response unit

Cllr. Connolly advised that the draft Action plan was presented to the members of the Housing, Integration, Community & Culture SPC on 1^st May 2025. The members of the SPC raised a number of queries in relation to the implementation of this policy, the queries were responded to by the Senior Executive Officer and Director of Services for Housing.

Members supported the Draft West Regional Homeless Action Plan and raised the following points:

·         Suggestion that emergency accommodation should be provided in each of the major towns in County Roscommon, not just Roscommon Town, which is currently the case. This disenfranchises people from their area and services such as doctors etc.

·         Currently 18 people in emergency accommodation.

·         Highlighted the need to provide housing units relative to the need, e.g providing a single unit to a single person, rather than a 3-bedroom unit to a single person.

·         Acknowledge of the work of the Council in acquiring 60 houses which saved 60 families from homelessness.

·         Stated that Roscommon is lucky not to have the high numbers of homelessness that other counties have.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connolly

            SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to adopt the West Regional Homeless Action Plan 2025-2027.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fitzmaurice welcomed the plan and mentioned the difficulty of families facing high rents or when a landlord rented decides to sell the rented house or move into it themselves. He acknowledged that the local authority will be responsible for building the majority of houses over the coming years. He expressed his delight that an expression of interest application had recently been advertised in relation to the Affordable Housing Scheme.

That Roscommon County Council write to the Minister for Health and the HSE in relation to the parking arrangements at Roscommon University Hospital. People having to park nearly half kilometre away from the hospital is very unfair. I am asking the HSE to consider development of the considerable holding of land directly behind the hospital as a car parking facility. This current situation for patients and visitors is placing a undue burden. 

That Roscommon County Council write to the Minister for Health and the HSE in relation to the parking arrangements at Roscommon University Hospital. People having to park nearly half kilometre away from the hospital is very unfair. I am asking the HSE to consider development of the considerable holding of land directly behind the hospital as a car parking facility. This current situation for patients and visitors is placing an undue burden.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This Motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

Cllr. McDermott outlined that the current situation is very unfair as Roscommon University Hospital is a centre of excellence and should have appropriate facilities.

Members supported the motion and made the following points:

• It was expressed that the issue has been raised several times previously and is yet to be resolved.
• Concerns that people have to park long distances from the hospital and walk to it, often on their own or in great difficulty.
• Views that a multi storey car park at the back would be sufficient to address the issue.
• Residents near the hospital are constantly complaining of cars blocking their driveways due to the lack of parking.
• HSE have, in the past, used the excuse of wanting to expand services first to delay addressing car parking concerns but that has not yet happened either.
• Views that Roscommon University Hospital are carrying out great work and it is a very busy hospital for procedures, yet the lack of car parking is letting it down.
• Members who are sitting on the HSE forum will raise the issue at their next meeting.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fitzmaurice also expressed his support for the motion and asked Cllr. McDermott if he agreed to revise the motion to suggest a multi-storey car park as the solution to the issue. Cllr. McDermott thanked the Members for their support and agreed to the amendment to the motion. Cllr. Keogh seconded the amendment.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. McDermott

            SECONDED by Cllr. Connolly

It was AGREED to write to the Minister for Health and the HSE in relation to the parking arrangements at Roscommon University Hospital asking the HSE to consider development of the considerable holding of land directly behind the hospital as a multi-storey car parking facility.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

            SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to write to the government to request new standalone services be made available at the rear of Roscommon University Hospital, particularly a new psychiatric unit, which would free up space for a new car park and entrance to the hospital.

I am calling on the Government, the Minister for Finance, Mr. Jack Chambers, T.D. and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Mr. Martin Leydon 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.  I am also calling on the Government to carry out a survey on the amount of damage done to boundary walls and fences, and all trees are dead.

I am calling on the Government, the Minister for Finance, Mr. Jack Chambers, T.D. and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Mr. Martin Heydon 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.  I am also calling on the Government to carry out a survey on the amount of damage done to boundary walls and fences, and all trees are dead.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This Motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

Cllr. Ward added that he raised a similar motion three years ago but had yet to receive a reply. He explained that over the last 10 years, the farmers in the area had dealt with a significant loss of income. He praised the recent work that has been carried out by Roscommon County Council to reduce the water level; however, the land is still unusable for farmers.

Members supported the motion and made the following points:

• A full assessment of damage needs to be carried out as the water levels decrease with input from multiple agencies.
• Widespread agreement that farmers should be compensated for the devastation that they have had to deal with.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

            SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon (who stated for the record that he is a landowner in the area)

It was AGREED to write to the Government, the Minister for Finance, Mr. Jack Chambers, T.D. and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Mr. Martin Heydon 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. It was also agreed to ask the Government to carry out a survey on the amount of damage done to boundary walls and fences, and all trees.

Cllr. Ward thanked the Members for their support and reiterated the point that farmers will continue to lose significant income until the water levels are reduced to 2012 levels.

Notice of motion calling on Roscommon County Council to reassess the level of fire service in all parts of County Roscommon and take into account factors of risk including the numbers of fires in each area, population and response times and set up a working group to recommend to Government to fund a fire service in areas like Castlerea. 

Notice of motion calling on Roscommon County Council to reassess the level of fire service in all parts of County Roscommon and take into account factors of risk including the numbers of fires in each area, population and response times and set up a working group to recommend to Government to fund a fire service in areas like Castlerea.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

Roscommon County Council Fire Service continuously monitor the risk factors to assure that the provision of Fire Services in County Roscommon meets National Standards.

Since the emergency response performance of Fire Services in County Roscommon are compliant with the National Standards, special additional funding is not justified.

It is important to note that the outcome of the recent Firefighters industrial dispute commits Roscommon County Council to pay an additional €1.1 million per annum in Firefighter costs.

In summary, the continuous monitoring of risk factors and adherence to National Standards ensures that the Fire Service operates effectively and efficiently, providing a high level of service to our communities.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fitzmaurice stated that he was disappointed with the reply. He outlined that the fire station in Castlerea shut 8 years ago despite being one of the busiest in the county. He explained that he lodged this motion on the 11^th May, and on 18^th May a serious bog fire broke out in the Gortaganny area, the worst of its kind in the county. He stated that there was also a serious house fire in Castlerea town in recent weeks. He stated that this was a huge issue for the area and that he has attended several public meetings on the matter. He stated that Castlerea had too big a population, not to have a fire station and stated that Elphin and Strokestown are much smaller, yet they both have fire services. He stated that Castlerea was one of the biggest towns in Ireland without a fire service. He concluded that he hoped the executive would reconsider and that he would continue to raise the matter with TDs, Ministers and the Taoiseach, and ask the government to fund the reopening of the fire station.

Members also expressed their disappointment at the reply, and made the following points:

• Funding shouldn’t come into it when people’s lives are at stake.
• The house fire that happened in Tarmon Manor could have been saved if there was a fire station in Castlerea town.
• A lot of dialogue on social media regarding the recent fires are incorrect. The fire service from Ballaghaderren only took 14 minutes to get on the scene of the house fire in Tarmon Manor.
• Agreement that a working group would be very beneficial to tackle the issue.
• Expressions of gratitude towards neighbouring fire services Ballaghaderreen and Ballyhaunis who service the Castlerea area and their work on the recent bog fires and house fire.
• Praise for emergency services personnel and the hard work that they do.
• Calls that the government should intervene on the matter.
• Neighbouring  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.25c

No further business.

Noted.

Circulated at the meeting.

Tidy Towns and Amenity Grant Scheme Allocation 2025

Director of Services Chris Flynn sought approval for the allocations for the Tidy Town and Amenity Grant Scheme 2025 which was circulated at the meeting. He advised that 73 eligible applications were received from community groups and voluntary organisations who have been granted aid to assist the undertaking of small-scale amenity projects in their local area. €60,000 was allocated as the total budget for the scheme.

Members welcomed the funding and thanked Mr. Flynn and his team for their work on the scheme.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Dineen

            SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED to approve the recommended allocations under the Tidy Town and Amenity Grant Scheme 2025.

Proposed Application for an IPAS Centre at Academy House, Goff Street, Roscommon Town

Cllr. McDermott raised the issue in relation to an application for an IPAS Centre at Academy House, Goff Street, Roscommon Town that was submitted to the Planning department as a Section 5 Declaration of Exempted Development. Cllr. McDermott outlined that there has been widespread speculation in the media on the subject, and it was his understanding that the application had been rejected and subsequently appealed to An Bord Pleanála. He explained that while he understood it was no longer an issue of the Council, he asked if the Director of Housing had received any information on the matter.

Director of Planning Mark Keaveney explained that an application for a Section 5 Declaration of Exempted Development had been made for same, but the planning department concluded that the application constituted development that was not exempt development, and the application had been appealed to An Bord Pleanála. He outlined that the outcome of the appeal has not been determined at this stage.

Director of Housing Chris Flynn outlined that the Housing department had not received any correspondence on the matter.

Cllr. McDermott thanked both for their responses and asked that he be notified of any clarity they might receive.

A number of members spoke further on the issue:

·         Cllr. McDermott was commended for raising the issue in the correct forum.

·         The planning department were praised for making the correct decision in relation to the Section 5 Declaration of Exempted Development.

·         There was widespread concern raised regarding social media being used to spread misinformation and commentary on issues such as the IPAS centre being used as a publicity tool.

·         It was outlined that statements or comments cannot be made on live planning applications.

Cllr. Holland stated that he has no involvement in the proposed IPAS Centre, despite commentary made on social media linking him to the director who sought the application.

Bully’s Acre

Cllr. Ward raised an issue that was mentioned at the Special Meeting during the election of Cllr. Holland in relation to a project at Bully’s Acre, which was being worked on by the late Cllr. Anthony Waldron (RIP). He asked if any progress had been made to erect a fence at the site and questioned if the Council were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 83.25