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

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan welcomed all Members back following the Summer recess. He began by acknowledging the recent passing of Mr. Paulo Roberto (RIP), beloved husband of former Councillor Orla Leyden. On behalf of the Members, he extended heartfelt condolences to Orla, their daughter Donata Maria, and the extended Leyden and Roberto families.

Members joined in expressing their sympathies, reflecting on Paulo’s character and contributions. They spoke of him as a true gentleman and a passionate advocate for tourism and fishing in the Castlecoote/Fuerty area. His sudden passing was described as a profound loss and a tragic shock to the local community.

Chief Executive, Mr. Shane Tiernan, on behalf of the management and staff, also conveyed sincere condolences to Orla, her family, and friends during this difficult time.

As a mark of respect, a minute’s silence was observed.

·        Minutes of Plenary Meeting 28^th July 2025

·        Minutes of Special Meeting 15^th September 2025

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

            SECONDED by Cllr. Connolly

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 28.07.2025

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

            SECONDED by Cllr. Moylan

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Special Meeting of 15.09.2025

There were no matters arising.

·        Reports for July and August 2025

·         Management Report for July and August noted.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice referred to the August report, specifically the section on the National Planning Framework Implementation: Housing Growth Requirement (Ministerial Guidelines issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended), circulated on 29 July 2025. He highlighted concerns regarding the housing need element and queried the possibility of reviewing the Roscommon County Development Plan 2022–2028, given that it is now midway through its timeframe. He noted the requirement to zone up to 50% more land, contrasting this with the OPR’s direction six months ago to de-zone lands. He proposed a review of the Development Plan, particularly the Rural Design Guidelines. This proposal was seconded by Cllr. Crosby.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan proposed that the matter be included on the agenda for the October meeting, seconded by Cllr. Keogh, who added that the Rural Design Guidelines should be examined and queried whether they are being applied too restrictively.

Members raised the following issues:

• Leaving Certificate students facing difficulties securing placements in trades.
• Wastewater treatment systems (WWTS) in towns struggling to meet demand.
• A call to fast-track housing delivery, noting that the target for Roscommon is 392 units, while current delivery is under 200.
• Queries regarding additional staffing to address the housing crisis.
• Need for extra planning resources, including consideration of relaxing the need for those seeking Vacant Home’s Grants to apply for planning exemptions, which are not applied in other counties, to free up resources.
• Concern that the County Development Plan may be hindering economic growth.
• With increased zoning, the capacity of Uisce Éireann infrastructure in towns will be a critical issue.
• Although significant investment was announced for Uisce Éireann, 90% of funding is allocated to transferring water from the River Shannon to Dublin. Members requested clarification on funding allocation and infrastructure delivery.
• Cllr. Conboy proposed a joint presentation from the Planning Department, Uisce Éireann, and ESB to address local opportunities and challenges related to housing targets.
• Delays in responses from architects/engineers to further information requests, impacting rural one-off housing applications.
• A query was raised regarding the status of modular homes.

Chief Executive, Mr. Shane Tiernan, thanked Members for their contributions and clarified:

• The housing requirement in the current Development Plan is 392 units per annum, which remains unchanged under the new guidelines.
• Roscommon County Council is the largest housing developer in the county.
• Issues with Uisce Éireann and ESB in larger towns must be addressed.
• The Council will progress with land zoning but must adhere to statutory timelines and processes. A draft plan is expected early in the New Year.

Director of Planning, Mr. Mark Keaveney, added:

• There has been a noticeable increase in development commencements over the past 6–12 months.
• The Section 28 Guidelines are being reviewed, and variations to the County Development Plan and Local Area Plans are required to facilitate additional zoning.
• A formal review of the County Development Plan is scheduled to begin shortly, this is a two-year process. The Department’s guidance is to proceed with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 122.25

·       Proposed Exchange of 0.017 ha in Monksland, Co. Roscommon.

This item was withdrawn.

Noted as circulated in advance of the meeting.

Cllr. Crosby enquired whether a response had been received from the Minister for Housing and Local Government, James Browne, regarding the letter issued following a Notice of Motion on Wind Turbines.

Meetings Administrator Karen Hanley confirmed that no response had been received to date.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED that a follow-up letter be issued to the Minister for Housing and Local Government.

Cllr. Dominick Connolly, Chairperson of the Housing, Integration, Community and Culture SPC, introduced the Healthy Roscommon Wellbeing Strategy, which was adopted by the Roscommon LCDC in May 2025 and presented to the SPC in July 2025.

Aisling Dunne, Healthy Ireland Co-ordinator, delivered a presentation on the strategy. She outlined its vision to foster a community where wellbeing is a shared value and responsibility, aiming to create a healthier, more connected society and to make Roscommon a vibrant, inclusive place to live and work.

During her presentation, Ms. Dunne highlighted:

• The strategy builds on the Healthy Ireland Strategic Plan 2021–2025 and the Round 4 Local Strategy for Roscommon, focusing on both immediate and long-term health outcomes, and expanding beyond current Healthy Ireland funded areas.
• There are seven key focus areas: community, physical activity, social inclusion, mental health for all, safety for all, equity and equality, and evidence-based actions for improvement.
• Four cross-cutting themes support implementation: safe communities and pride of place; building partnerships for enriched communities; empowering and connecting communities; and healthy people, active communities.
• Governance and monitoring are overseen by Roscommon LCDC, with the Health and Wellbeing sub-committee managing Healthy Ireland Fund applications and funding.
• The Healthy Ireland Co-ordinator provides bi-monthly updates and publishes annual plans and reports to ensure ongoing oversight and accountability.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan commended Ms. Dunne for her presentation and referenced the impact of Storm Éowyn in highlighting social and rural isolation. He emphasised the importance of community connection, praised local clubs and organisations for their response during the storm, and queried whether any initiatives had been developed to continue this work.

The Members also praised Ms. Dunne for the presentation and discussed the following:

• Welcomed the strategy and acknowledged the work being undertaken.
• Praised the quality and availability of outdoor facilities across the county.
• Commended initiatives such as FitFarmers and cardiac screening.
• Raised concerns about ongoing social isolation and the need to engage affected individuals.
• Highlighted that mental health remains a significant issue requiring further attention.
• Suggested that the development of retirement villages could help address social isolation and mental health challenges, while also contributing to housing availability.
• Proposed consideration of the Blue Tree Project.
• Recognised the contribution of older, retired individuals to community work.
• Stressed the importance of the Local Link bus service.
• Expressed concern that the €75,000 annual budget is low in terms of meeting the strategy’s objectives.
• Acknowledged the positive collaboration with Roscommon Sports Partnership.

Cllr. Ward proposed the introduction of an initiative involving visits to individuals living alone to ensure their wellbeing and explain their entitlements. Cllr. McDermott seconded the proposal. However, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan clarified that this suggestion would be noted as an area for improvement rather than a formal proposal for inclusion in the strategy.

Ms. Dunne thanked Members for their feedback and informed them that work is ongoing with ALONE and LEADER to deliver socially prescribed visits to those living alone. In response to comments regarding Storm Éowyn, she noted that the work carried out during that time  ...  view the full minutes text for item 125.25

·         To approve Roscommon Age Friendly Strategy 2025-2030

Cllr. Dominick Connolly, Chair of the Housing, Integration, Community and Culture SPC, introduced the Draft Age Friendly Strategy 2025–2030, which has been adopted by the Age Friendly Alliance and endorsed by the SPC.

Sheila Coyle, Age Friendly Programme Manager, delivered a presentation outlining the strategy’s aim to enhance the quality of life for older people in Roscommon. Key points included:

• Roscommon’s vision to be a vibrant, inclusive county that promotes active ageing.
• The strategy is guided by respect, participation, and intergenerational collaboration, and aligns with the WHO Age-Friendly Cities Framework.
• Roscommon’s population aged 65+ has grown by 21% since 2016, exceeding the national average.
• The strategy is built around eight Age-Friendly Domains: Outdoor Spaces & Buildings, Transportation, Housing, Social Participation, Respect & Social Inclusion, Civic Participation & Employment, Communication & Information and Community Support & Health Services.
• Public consultations highlighted needs such as accessible transport, digital training, and community involvement.
• Implementation will be led by the Age Friendly Alliance and Older People’s Council, with actions assigned to partner agencies.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan thanked Ms. Coyle and commended Age Friendly ambassadors Bernie Kearney and Paddy Joe Burke. He also highlighted the need to revise the home improvement grant scheme.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Callaghan

            SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED to write to the Department of Housing regarding the eligibility criteria for housing adaptation grants.  In the instance where occupants have life-long occupancy, that that income of the owner of the property should not be used in assessing the eligibility for grants in relation to housing adaptation for elderly and or disabled people.

Members expressed strong support for the strategy and raised the following points:

• Retirement villages could free up housing and benefit older residents.
• Appreciation for Ms. Coyle’s regular updates on Age Friendly initiatives.
• Importance of supporting those living alone.
• Community centres are vital social hubs.
• The Open Library model in Boyle should be considered for other libraries.
• Road crossings in towns and villages need assessment, though funding is limited.
• Age Friendly parking requires improvement.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connolly

            SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED to adopt the Age Friendly Strategy 2025-2030.

Noted.

Director of Finance, Sean Mullarkey, outlined the following dates for the Municipal District Budgets and the Budget Meeting:

Boyle MD – Tuesday 14^th October @ 2.30pm in Boyle MD office

Roscommon MD - Tuesday 14^th October @ 11.30am in the Loughnanane Suite

Athlone MD – Thursday 16^th October @ 10am in the Council Chamber

Budget Meeting – Wednesday 19^th November @ 10.30am in the Council Chamber

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connolly

SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

It was AGREED to approve the dates for the Municipal District Budgets and the Budget Meeting.

At the request of the Cathaoirleach,

on the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connolly

           SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED to extend standing orders until 18.00pm.

I am calling on Roscommon County Council to write to the Minister for Local Government to request that development fees be waived for all applicants who served a commencement notice prior to the required deadline in 2024. Some applicants served the notice within the required timeframe, but failed to submit the required waiver form, resulting in them receiving an invoice for development charges. Many applicants were unaware of the need to complete the form, despite meeting all other guidelines of the scheme. 

20:25   Development Fees Waiver

Notice of Motion from Cllr. Kelly

I am calling on Roscommon County Council to write to the Minister for Local Government to request that development fees be waived for all applicants who served a commencement notice prior to the required deadline in 2024. Some applicants served the notice within the required timeframe, but failed to submit the required waiver form, resulting in them receiving an invoice for development charges. Many applicants were unaware of the need to complete the form, despite meeting all other guidelines of the scheme.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This Motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

Cllr. Kelly emphasised the urgency of the issue.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Kelly

           SECONDED by Cllr. Callaghan

It was AGREED to write to the Minister for Local Government to request that development fees be waived for all applicants who served a commencement notice prior to the required deadline in 2024. Some applicants served the notice within the required timeframe, but failed to submit the required waiver form, resulting in them receiving an invoice for development charges. Many applicants were unaware of the need to complete the form, despite meeting all other guidelines of the scheme.

Members widely supported the motion.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

           SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to write to the Minister for Local Government to propose that the waiver of development fees should be reintroduced for rural Ireland.

Director of Planning, Mr. Mark Keaveney, clarified that the second form is a departmental requirement, and without it, Roscommon County Council cannot recoup the charges.

Cllr. Kelly thanked Members for their support and welcomed the second letter and requested that both letters be circulated to other Local Authorities.

That Roscommon County Council amend its policy on road surfacing to ensure, in line with other local authorities, that all street sections to the front of residential properties are included in the resurfacing and road construction programme. The current exclusion of these sections has caused difficulties for property owners, including raised road levels and surface water entering homes. As this is a policy matter and a reserved function of the elected members, I propose that all such street sections be included in future Roads Programmes. This is the only tangible benefit rural property owners may receive from paying the Local Property Tax.

21:25   Road Surfacing

Notice of Motion from Cllr. Crosby

That Roscommon County Council amend its policy on road surfacing to ensure, in line with other local authorities, that all street sections to the front of residential properties are included in the resurfacing and road construction programme. The current exclusion of these sections has caused difficulties for property owners, including raised road levels and surface water entering homes. As this is a policy matter and a reserved function of the elected members, I propose that all such street sections be included in future Roads Programmes. This is the only tangible benefit rural property owners may receive from paying the Local Property Tax.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

Section 103A(1) of the Local Government Act 2001, as amended, provides that “As soon as may be following the adoption of the local authority budget, a schedule of proposed works of maintenance and repair to be carried out during the financial year in each municipal district shall be prepared under the direction of the chief executive, having regard to the availability of resources”

Section 103A(2) states “A schedule prepared for the purposes of subsection (1) shall be considered by the municipal district members concerned and be adopted by resolution, with or without amendment by it, within such time limit and in accordance with such conditions and requirements as may be prescribed by the regulations made by the Minister.”

Section 103A(3) goes on to state “In making an amendment under subsection (2) the municipal district members shall have due regard to the local authority budget adopted”.

Roscommon County Council’s Roads & Transportation Unit, on behalf of the Chief Executive, prepares the Annual Roads Programme in accordance with engineering best practice, available funding, and established operational procedures. This programme outlines the funding available and the routes to be included in the works schedule for consideration of the members.

If adopted by the District, it then falls to the Roads Department to implement the Schedule of Municipal District Road Works in accordance with all standards and funding requirements in an efficient and effective manner to obtain maximum value for money.

While the area between the edge of the carriageway and the boundary wall of individual dwellings may, in some cases, fall within the public road, it is generally not included in resurfacing works for the following reasons:

1. Planning and Design Responsibility:

In rural areas, property owners were often required under planning permission to set back boundary walls to facilitate sightlines, provide pull-in areas, prevent runoff onto the public road, provide adequate drainage, etc. These works were to be constructed to an appropriate standard at the time of development. Retrospective resurfacing of these areas—especially where standards were not met—would represent a poor use of public funds and could be contrary to their planning permission. Road levels are not typically raised outside residential properties. In cases where this occurs, accommodation works are agreed with the landowner and necessary surfacing and drainage works,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 129.25b

I am seeking the support of my fellow Councillors and Roscommon County Council to write to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin; to the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, and to Tony Canavan of the HSE, to request them to reconsider the removal of care and maternity services for high risk pregnant women at Portiuncula University Hospital, to request a timeline for the reinstatement of all services, and to ensure that full resources are allocated to maintain and improve the quality of maternity care at the hospital.

22:25   Maternity Services Portiuncula Hospital

Notice of Motion from Cllr Duffy

I am seeking the support of my fellow Councillors and Roscommon County Council to write to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin; to the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill; and to Tony Canavan of the HSE, to request them to reconsider the removal of care and maternity services for high risk pregnant women at Portiuncula University Hospital, to request a timeline for the reinstatement of all services, and to ensure that full resources are allocated to maintain and improve the quality of maternity care at the hospital.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This Motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

Cllr. Duffy highlighted that, following a recommendation based on clinical advice, approximately 25% of pregnant women—equating to 200–300 annually—are now being referred to other hospitals due to being deemed as high-risk. This requires them to travel longer distances for maternity care. She added that an external management team have been placed at the hospital to help implement over 50 recommendations. She expressed concern for affected families and warned that prolonged service disruption may hinder recruitment of skilled staff. The issue is also being raised at the Regional Health Forum.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connolly

            SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to extend standing orders until 18.20pm.

Members supported the motion and raised the following:

·         Redirecting patients to already busy hospitals is not a viable solution.

·         Lack of clarity around high-risk classification and referral procedures.

·         GPs are uncertain about referral pathways.

·         Services must be safely reinstated with appropriate resources.

·         This is not the first instance of regional hospital downgrading.

·         Prolonged uncertainty risks eroding public confidence in PUH.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Duffy

            SECONDED by Cllr. Kelly

It was AGREED to write to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin; to the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill; and to Tony Canavan of the HSE, to request them to reconsider the removal of care and maternity services for high risk pregnant women at Portiuncula University Hospital, to request a timeline for the reinstatement of all services, and to ensure that full resources are allocated to maintain and improve the quality of maternity care at the hospital.

It was also agreed that this motion is circulated to all Local Authorities in the region that are covered by services at Portiuncula University Hospital.

I propose that this Council will adopt a rights based Ethical Procurement Policy (EPP), ensuring that every endeavour is made to ensure that Council tender processes are consistent with the principles of the UN guiding principles on Business & Human Rights, OECD, Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises & the Global Sullivan Principles (1999) - to promote respect for human rights by companies with which they do business.  

The EPP will establish clear international standards and implementation methods to ensure human rights obligations are acknowledged and respected throughout the procurement process.

23:25   Council Tender Processes

Notice of Motion from Cllr. Cull

I propose that this Council will adopt a rights based Ethical Procurement Policy (EPP), ensuring that every endeavour is made to ensure that Council tender processes are consistent with the principles of the UN guiding principles on Business & Human Rights, OECD, Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises & the Global Sullivan Principles (1999) - to promote respect for human rights by companies with which they do business. 

The EPP will establish clear international standards and implementation methods to ensure human rights obligations are acknowledged and respected throughout the procurement process.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

Roscommon County Council has a Procurement policy that is constantly evolving. This policy and underlying procedures are governed by National Procurement Legislation which is grounded in EU Directives (2014/24) – principally the EU Procurement Directive.

The Department of Enterprise and Trade advise that neither Ireland nor the EU currently have restrictive measures above and beyond the current trade sanctions in place. Ireland does not impose any unilateral sanctions regimes but implements UN and EU sanctions. The Council of the European Union adopts EU sanctions through Council decisions, which must be agreed unanimously. Ireland has given undertakings as part of its WTO membership to grant non-discriminatory access to its markets in goods and services and has joined the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), expanding its commitments regarding market access. The Department has previously indicated that any move by a public authority to act outside of any agreement may be seen to breach our international trade commitments and may be seen as discriminatory in relation to goods and services, otherwise legally saleable within the Union.

Changes to how Roscommon County Council treat economic operators in prohibiting the importation or sale of goods or services originating in occupied territories need to be made nationally by way of an amendment to regulations, similar to the amendment made in April 2022 in relation to a prohibition on the award of public contracts with Russian nationals and entities or bodies established in Russia (EU Regulation 2022/576).

Under the current Irish and EU Procurement regime, suppliers in a country outside of the EU that has signed up to the World Trade Organisation's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) are eligible to submit tenders for Irish public sector contracts. It would not be appropriate to interfere with contract law in the way proposed by the motion in relation to the exclusion of economic operators of sale of goods or services originating in occupied territories, above and beyond current regulations, as this could potentially leave Roscommon County Council open to a specific performance court action and costs.

However, the motion also calls on this Council to exclude companies involved in human rights and international law violations when tendering bids. The Roscommon County Council Procurement Policy has guiding principles and corporate procurement values. We will seek guidance and advice from the Office of Government Procurement and refer to the OGP’s Information Note Incorporating Social Considerations into Public Procurement with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 129.25d

Are there any streams of funding available to support communities with Christmas lights this year?

Response to the question was circulated to members in advance of the meeting.

Nothing further to note.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connolly

            SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

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

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan reminded the Members to contact the Corporate Services Department to enquire about funding for training and conferences.

Following the sympathies already extended to former councillor Orla Leydon on the death of her husband Paulo Roberto at the start of the meeting, congratulations were extended to Aoife O’Rourke on winning the gold medal at the World Boxing Championships at the weekend.

Congratulations were also extended to Ed Payne on running across Scotland and Wales.

No further business.