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

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

            SECONDED by Cllr. Kelly

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 22^nd September 2025.

Cllr. Crosby asked if a response was received from the Minster in relation to Wind Turbine Planning Applications. He also queried a response to the original Notice of Motion by Cllr. Kelly and subsequently by Cllr. Crosby with regards to the wavier of Development fees and water charges in Roscommon and rural counties. Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan informed members that both letters were in the correspondence pack.

Cllr. Crosby enquired if the minutes of the September plenary meeting could be amended to reflect that the Notice of Motion by Cllr. Crosby 21:25 Resurfacing was agreed by members.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

            SECONDED by Cllr. Kelly

It was AGREED to amend the minutes of the meeting to reflect the Notion of Motion which was agreed by members.

·        Report for Q3 2025

·         Management Report for Q3 2025 noted.

·         0.0314Ha at Lisroyne, Strokestown to Paul Moylan.

Cllr. Moylan expressed a conflict of interest and exited the meeting for this item.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Byrne

SECONDED by Cllr. Frain

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 0.0314 hA (0.0776 acres) at Lisryone, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

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

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of: Paul Moylan

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €20,000

·         0.123Ha at Rathra, Tibohine, Ballaghaderreen to John and Phil Butler.

Cllr. Moylan rejoined the meeting.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Moylan

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 0.123hA (0.304 acres) at Rathra, Tibohine, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

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

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of: John and Phil Butler

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €2,000

·         0.0315Ha in Monksland, Co. Roscommon to Greener Ideas Ltd.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

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 0.0315hA (0.0778 acres) at Monksland, Co. Roscommon

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

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of: Greener Ideas Ltd.

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €1,200

Noted as circulated in advance of the meeting.

·        Housing Growth Requirements – Guidelines for Planning Authorities, issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

Cllr. Callaghan, Cathaoirleach introduced the presentation by Mary Grier, Senior Planner on Housing Growth Requirements – Guidelines for Planning Authorities, issues under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). This presentation follows from the request from the Minister for Planning Authorities to revise their County Development Plan to allow for the revised National Planning Framework.

The following keys points were made:

• The purpose of these guidelines is to outline the implications and required actions following the issue of an updated Section 28 Guidelines on Housing Growth Requirements by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. These guidelines were first issued in July 2025 to replace the 2020 Housing Supply Target Methodology and align with the National Planning

            Framework

• The Local Authority have a legal requirement under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) to have regard to Ministerial Guidelines
• The guidelines forecast housing demand to 2040, estimating an additional 50,000 units will be required, they mandate a review of Core Strategies in current County Development Plans and allow provisions of up to 50% above baseline housing growth. The current Core Strategy in Roscommon allows for 2,353 new residential units which is equivalent to 392 units per annum
• The guidelines recommend a baseline figure for Roscommon for the provision of housing units from 2025-2034 is 392 units per annum and between 2035-2040 356 units per annum – so what is currently in the County Development Plan already accommodates for this
• The guidelines request Local Authorities to distinguish between serviced and serviced lands, conduct a Settlement Capacity Audit to identify these lands and follow the criteria set out in the 2022 Development Plan guidelines
• Implementation of the guidelines require Roscommon County Council to review its Core Strategy, look at housing growth figures, land zoning requirements, survey potential land for zoning, begin the Settlement Capacity Audit and revise the zoning maps
• The revisions above will impact the Athlone Joint Plan, Roscommon Town LAP, Carrick-on-Shannon JLAP, New Boyle Area Plan (advised that this should be incorporated into the County Development Plan) and multiple revisions to the Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028
• The timeline for the Plan variation process is expected to commence in early 2026. There is a 14-week statutory process including minimum 4-week Public Consultation, CE report issued 8 weeks after consultation starts and a final decision 6 weeks after the CE report.

Members raised the following observations and questions following the presentation:

• Members thanks Mary for her comprehensive presentation and noted that these revisions will bring a considerable amount of work to the Planning Department
• It was expressed that the plan will have to take into consideration the new census figures as the figures used were based on the 2016 census data. The Housing development requirements should also reflect these census figures. The housing growth figures for other counties with similar or lower population appear to be higher and what is the reasoning for Roscommon figures
• Questions were asked as to whether Uisce  ...  view the full minutes text for item 143.25

·        Adoption of Roscommon County Council Tourism Strategy.

Cllr. John Keogh, Chairperson of the Economic Development & Enterprise Support SPC introduced the presentation of the County Roscommon Tourism Strategy 2025-2030. The strategy sets out the vision for growth and development of tourism in County Roscommon. The strategy has been developed through collaboration with Roscommon County Council, tourism business, community groups and stakeholders as well as aligning with regional and national tourism policies.

Lisa Joy, Tourism Officer, delivered a presentation outlining the County Roscommon Tourism Strategy 2025-2030. The overall objective of Roscommon Tourism is to develop and promote County Roscommon as a year-round tourist destination. Lisa outlines how they worked alongside local community groups, elected members, tourism providers and businesses throughout County Roscommon. The strategy aligns with National Tourism Policy Framework and Failte Ireland – Irelands Hidden Heartlands brand. The goals of Roscommon are to grow tourism numbers, increase overnight stays and support local jobs and enterprise while safeguarding our communities and quality of life.

The presentation highlighted the Tourism Vision for Roscommon:

• A year-round immersive tourist destination with quality attractions
• A well-connected county with authentic and meaningful experiences
• A sustainable tourist destination through rich biodiversity and eco-tourism experiences
• A county with strong outdoor recreation offering – Greenways, Walking Trails and Cycleways
• A destination with vibrant festivals and events for all to enjoy

To achieve the Tourism Vision the strategy sets out five key strategic pillars:

1.    Destination Management – enhance public spaces, improve transport and access, build strong partnerships with tourism bodies and local businesses

2.    Visitor Experience Development – Engaging and Cultural activities, expand outdoor infrastructure, consider immersive technology for historical sites, improve visitor facilities

3.    Marketing and Communications – digital marketing, live stream of events, collaboration with influencers, journalists, TV production companies, strengthen the Roscommon brand

4.    Industry Support and Collaboration – Tourism network, engage local communities, grants, funding, support to businesses

5.    Accessible Outdoor Recreation - Enhance and expand existing outdoor recreation, expand water based- tourism, promote wildlife and biodiversity

Ms. Joy highlighted two Strategic Vision Projects – Hudson Bay Waterfront Park funded by the EU Just Transition and Lough Key Forest and Activity Park Masterplan led by Coillte in partnership with Roscommon County Council.

Members thanked Ms. Joy for the informative presentation and praised the work of her and her team promoting and enhancing tourism in Roscommon in recent years. The members mentioned many events, projects and festivals which have been a huge success. They agree that Roscommon has a lot to offer – low crime rate, longest shoring access, served by three major railway lines, heritage, walkways, cycleways.  The members discussed the following to further support tourism in Roscommon:

• Increasing accommodation as this is a major barrier with very little options for tourists
• Ensuring tourist attractions are accessible
• Holding family events
• Promoting tourist attractions in smaller towns and village
• Increase the use of the water in attracting tourists to Roscommon

Cllr. Cull asked if there was anything to direct members of the public to the start of the Miners Way walking trails. She asked  ...  view the full minutes text for item 144.25

·         Adoption of Roscommon County Council 2024 Annual Report.

Sean Mullarkey, Director of Finance, presented the draft Annual Report for 2024. The Annual Report outlines key actives and achievements of the Council over the past year. The report also reflects the Council’s commitment to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement in the delivery of services and key strategic priorities. Sean acknowledged the work of the elected members, staff and stakeholders in their contribution over the past year.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Holland

It was AGREED to adopt the Roscommon County Council 2024 Annual Report

·         To approve nomination of Donal Walsh as GRETB interim member.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Frain

SECONDED by Cllr. Conboy

It was AGREED to approve the nomination of Donal Walsh as GRETB interim member.

Notice of motion calling on Roscommon County Council to enact a lakeshore by-law and a parks, playgrounds and open spaces by-law to create regulations governing activities and behaviour near lakeshores, playgrounds and open spaces which are specific to the Local Authority or created by the Local Authority including Council owned lands and Council lands leased to community groups. 

Notice of Motion from Cllr. Fitzmaurice

Notice of motion calling on Roscommon County Council to enact a lakeshore by-law and a parks, playgrounds and open spaces by-law to create regulations governing activities and behaviour near lakeshores, playgrounds and open spaces which are specific to the Local Authority or created by the Local Authority including Council owned lands and Council lands leased to community groups.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

Currently Roscommon County Council has bye-laws in place, made under Part 19 of the Local Government Act 2001, as amended, specific to the Loughnaneane Park, Roscommon Town and the Boyle Pleasure Grounds, Boyle. In both cases the bye-laws cover both parks and the recreational playgrounds within the parks. The byelaws are intended to control, regulate, protect, and manage the operation and day to day use of the parks. Prohibited acts governed by these bye-laws include litter, graffiti, traffic, bicycles, skateboards, animals, public disorder/nuisance, vandalism, drugs and intoxicating liquor, trading, musical performances etc.

Consideration can be given to the development of all-inclusive bye-laws for parks and open spaces to include playgrounds, skateparks, multi-games areas (MUGA), public realm, waters, sport pitches and recreational playing grounds under the control of Roscommon County Council.  A draft bye-law(s) will be prepared and brough through the relevant Strategic Policy Committee(s). Note that a public consultation process will also be required.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice welcomed the reply and expressed his support for community groups. He proposed the Notice of Motion to go to the SPC and that the SPC not only look at lands under the control of Roscommon County Council but include land where community groups are running the facilities on the lands own by Roscommon County Council.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Brennan

It was AGREED that the Notice of Motion – Lakeshore & Public Spaces By-Laws would be brought forward to the SPC.

Given the various Roscommon Associations in existence around the world, and recognising the importance of our diaspora abroad, would Roscommon County Council consider bringing representatives of these associations together to meet in Roscommon in the near future, for the purpose of connection, relationship-building, and addressing potential social, economic and tourism opportunities that would benefit the County, and what would the undertaking of this cost?

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

None.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr.Fitzmaurice

            SECONDED by Cllr. Conboy

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

Sympathies were extended by the members to the families of James Tully, Frenchpark and Caroline Kennedy Cunnane, Tulsk who passed away recently.

Cllr. Crosby expressed his concern over the bridge in Rooskey – a dangerous bridge for traffic and pedestrians and a risk for public safety. Funding was previously sought and approved but subsequently pulled prior to commencement works. He is requesting an enquiry as to why this funding was withdrawn.

Cllr. Callaghan in response to Cllr. Crosby stated that this matter had been dealt with at a MD meeting and three proposals put in place but no firm reaction had been received from the public.

Members showed their support for Cllr. Crosby around this issue.