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

·        Minutes of Budget Meeting 19/11/2025

·        Minutes of Plenary Meeting 24/11/2025

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Kelly

            SECONDED by Cllr. Brennan

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Budget Meeting of 19.11.2025

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Frain

            SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 24.11.2025

Cllr. Brennan proposed that Ballymore Properties be invited to attend a meeting in Roscommon to outline their proposed development in Athlone, as well as the possible positive impact this will have for County Roscommon. Members showed their support for this proposal, expressing that the development is a great opportunity for the region and welcomed the opportunity to meet and discuss the development with Ballymore Properties.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Brennan

            SECONDED by Cllr. Holland

It was AGREED to write to Ballymore Properties inviting them to a meeting of Roscommon County Council to outline the masterplan for Athlone as a new sustainable city.

Cllr. Crosby expressed his disappointment at the response received from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in relation to Scramogue Crossroads. He stated that there was full support from Members and agreement that this was an urgent matter. He also acknowledged that the CPG had agreed a delegation will go to meet representatives from TII.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan, in response, assured Cllr. Crosby that it was agreed at the CPG to write to TII requesting an in-person meeting.

Cllr. Dineen sought clarification and follow up as to whether a response was furnished from the ESB following Storm Éoywn. He requested a progress update regarding the arrangements for the ESB and Coillte presenting to the Members.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan informed Cllr. Dineen that any updates were circulated in the correspondence pack.

Cllr. Ward reiterated a concern previously raised regarding the N61 being no longer fit for purpose citing the excessive number of junctions within a built-up area. He further acknowledged that any improvement works will require considerable time and funding. Cllr. Ward proposed writing to TII to get the N61 on the agenda for upgrade works. He also referred to a proposal previously discussed for new road infrastructure in the form of a link road from Ganley’s Hardware to Monksland. He remarked that this would greatly improve traffic conditions.

In response, the Director of Services, Mr. Mark Keaveney, confirmed that funding had been sought from the Department to commence the Planning and Design phase for the proposed link road, with an outcome expected in the New Year. He also advised that a submission had been made to TII and the Department in relation to the N61, and that work was ongoing on a further submission to upgrade the N61 to National Primary Road status.

·        Report for November 2025

·        Management Report for November 2025 noted.

This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

Noted as circulated in advance of the meeting.

Director of Services, Mark Keaveney, presented the periodic speed limits indicating that a report had been circulated to the Members. He outlined that funding had been received from TII in 2025 to deliver Road Safety Improvement Schemes. He outlined the periodic speed limits are proposed in two locations at schools – Ballyleague NS, Ballyleague and St. Marys NS, Strokestown. This is a variation of the current bye laws which will see an introduction of a 30km speed limit at school drop off times.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Byrne

           SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED to adopt Periodic Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws.

Cllr. John Keogh, Chairperson of the Economic Development & Enterprise Support SPC, introduced the scheme. He stated the purpose of the scheme was to tackle dereliction and to encourage new businesses to occupy vacant premises. The scheme is expected to generate extra income which will be ring fenced for specific projects. Vacant properties must meet certain criteria to avail of a discounted rate – the premises must be available for letting, up for sale or undergoing renovation/remedial works. Cllr. Keogh showed his support for the scheme and proposed its adoption.

Director of Finance, Sean Mullarkey, delivered a presentation outlining the Rates on Vacant Properties Scheme outlining some key points:

• The objectives of the scheme are to tackle dereliction, encourage commercial activity, and generate additional revenue.
• The scheme targets properties that are unlikely to return to retail units.
• Although there is limited information available on the Vacant Above the Shop Grant of €140,000 per unit, it is expected that, alongside the introduction of rates on vacant properties, the scheme will encourage property owners to address vacant premises.
• He acknowledged that it would cost the Council to implement these new proposed rates, as they have historically been written off.
• He proposed the introduction of the scheme in 2027, using 2026 as a year to publish the scheme, share information on the changes which will be introduced and outline the options for property owners.
• Below is the proposed rate on vacant property for 2027

• Efforts from owners to sell or let the premises, or undergoing renovation will be taken into consideration for a rate wavier.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan queried if a business that is closed but the owner or family is living in the house are liable under this scheme and highlighted the need to be sensitive in certain cases, in particular family businesses, where the owner may still be residing on the premises. He also queried whether it was a significant task to delist a property.

In response, Director of Finance Sean Mullarkey confirmed that where rates are payable on the premises, such properties would be liable for the vacancy charge. He emphasised that this scheme is an incentive to regenerate vacant premises and that it is not a significant task to delist a property.

Chief Executive, Shane Tiernan, remarked that it is possible for owners to have a property delisted through the process and it be reflected as a rejuvenated residential premises. It could also encourage the owners to rent out the retail aspect and continue to reside in the property. The scheme is to encourage action on the retail part which will be charged rates under the current system.

Members made the following observations and comments on the scheme:

• The scheme was welcomed, as dereliction can be seen in all towns and villages. Online shopping has had a major impact and left  ...  view the full minutes text for item 171.25

·        To nominate one (1) Councillor to serve on the Board of Roscommon Sports Partnership and, in that capacity, act as a Director of the Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG).

Director of Services, Mark Keaveney expressed that Roscommon Sport Partnership were seeking a board nomination to ensure full representation. He explained that Members will be a Director of the company as it is a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG).

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connolly

           SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED to approve nomination of Cllr. Ruth Conboy to the board of Directors for Roscommon Sports Partnership.

Cllr. Connolly, Chairperson of the Housing, Integration, Community and Culture SPC introduced the Draft Scheme of Priority for Affordable Dwelling Purchase Arrangements. Members were advised that the adoption of a Scheme of Priority is a reserved function of the Local Authority and is subject to Ministerial review prior to final approval.

The following key points from the Draft Scheme of Priority were presented:

Regulation 5 of S.I. No. 21/2023 – Affordable Housing (No.  2) Regulations 2023) provides that in relation to 70% of the homes advertised by a housing authority, homes must be prioritised based on suitability first:

1.         Households of at least 3 persons to be given priority for four-bedroom homes and households of at least 2 persons to be given priority for three-bedroom homes, and then.

2.         First come, first served.

For the remining 30% of homes, the housing authority must firstly prioritise based on household size as set out above. After that, the Local Authority can apply additional criteria as it sees fit.

In relation to the 30% of dwellings, where the number of applicants exceeds the number of affordable dwellings for sale, the housing authority will prioritise households in the following manner:

1.         Priority given to households whose accommodation needs would be adequately catered for by the type of dwelling in question as per section 5.1 of the scheme.

2.          Priority to be given to eligible households whose current address as given in the application form is within the Municipal District of the relevant affordable scheme for a minimum period of 2 years on the date of application.

3.          Priority to be given to the eligible applicants in the date and time order that their applications were received.

Director of Services, Chris Flynn, explained that The Affordable Housing Scheme is a first for Roscommon with 6 units expected in Q1 2026. A survey was carried out to establish demand and the scheme of priority needs to be established initially.

Members made the following observations on the scheme:

• Welcomed the scheme, remarking the high construction costs and house prices currently.
• It was proposed that 10% of Part V developments would be allocated as Affordable Housing and 10% as Social Housing, and if the Affordable Houses were not allocated, the units could return to Social Housing.
• Affordable Housing is an alternative to get on the property ladder and limits over saturation of Social Housing.
• Members expressed the view that the scheme may assist in reducing the Social Housing waiting list.
• Members stated that they would like to see Affordable Housing delivered across the county to ensure that no towns are overlooked.

In response, Director of Services, Chris Flynn stated that currently the Department fund the 20% allocation of social housing, and they may not fund 10% allocation of affordable. He also reminded Members of the First Choice Homes Scheme which is also available for prospective homeowners.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connolly

           SECONDED by Cllr. Holland

It was AGREED to approve The Scheme of Priority for Affordable  ...  view the full minutes text for item 173.25

To ask Roscommon County Council as Fire Authority, to write to the Minister for Housing and Local Government and the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management, and enquire as to what measures have been taken to ensure that the "National Mobilizing  and Communication System" will have its own independent power supply to deliver Fire Services Emergency Communications ( TETRA ) in the event of further storms?   

During Storm Éowyn, the system relied on third party sites without any back up power supply, resulting in the failure of this critical infrastructure.

Notice of Motion from Cllr. Frain

Notice of motion calling on Roscommon County Council as Fire Authority, to write to the Minister for Housing and Local Government and the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management, and enquire as to what measures have been taken to ensure that the "National Mobilizing and Communication System" will have its own independent power supply to deliver Fire Services Emergency Communications ( TETRA ) in the event of further storms? During Storm Éowyn, the system relied on third party sites without any back up power supply, resulting in the failure of this critical infrastructure.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply: This Motion requires a Resolution by the Council.

Cllr. Frain outlined how the communication system for the Emergency Services went down during Storm Éowyn, and expressed his disappointment that the system relies on third party sites without any back up power supply. He also noted how Local Authorities pay upwards of €300k per annum for this service which does not appear to have an effective system.

Members showed their support for this Notice of Motion and highlighted the great work of Roscommon County Council, the ESB and all community groups throughout during Storm Éowyn. Members acknowledged the importance of the TETRA system and back up power is vital for the effectiveness of this system.

Chief Executive, Shane Tiernan advised that he sits as one of the Chief Executives nominated to the board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management and added that this issue has been discussed extensively. He informed Members that most recently a presentation was made on the resilience of the TETRA network. TETRA claims the network and towers are resilient but that the power wasn’t, and the battery back up died. TETRA reported 91% of vehicle mobile coverage was maintained throughout the storm. He concluded stating that the board has raised this issue and sought answers for future storm events.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Frain

           SECONDED by Cllr. Holland

It was AGREED to write to the Minister for Housing and Local Government and the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management, and enquire as to what measures have been taken to ensure that the "National Mobilizing and Communication System" will have its own independent power supply to deliver Fire Services Emergency Communications ( TETRA ) in the event of further storms? During Storm Éowyn, the system relied on third party sites without any back up power supply, resulting in the failure of this critical infrastructure.

Nothing further to note.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Conboy

            SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

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

Expressions of Sympathy

• Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan extended his sympathies to Cllr. Connolly and his family on the passing of his sister Carmel Brady. Members and the Management Team also extended their sympathies to Cllr. Connolly.
• Sympathies were extended by the Members to Roscommon County Council employees Breege and Tom McDermott on the passing of their mother.
• Sympathies were extended to the family of Mary Cribbin, Castleplunkett, who passed away recently.
• Sympathies were also extended to the family of Helen O’Brien, Athlone, who recently passed away. Helen was in the B&B business for over 25 years and it was remarked she was a great community person.

Congratulations were offered to John McDermott from Boyle who was a member of the relay team who broke the over 80’s 4 x 400m 2011 world record recently.

Members wished St Brigid’s GAA and Strokestown GAA good luck in their All-Ireland Semi Finals coming up.

Cllr. Crosby congratulated colleague Cllr. Fallon on his appointment to the Chairperson of the LCDC.

Creevy Road

Cllr. Holland requested an update on Creevy Road. He believed the developer met with Roscommon County Council on site and sought the outcome of this meeting.

Director of Services, Mark Keaveney, in response confirmed there was a meeting, but he did not have the information to hand and follow up with Cllr. Holland on this.

Mercosur Deal

Cllr. Fallon raised concerns regarding the Mercosur Deal, stating that stringent controls apply in Ireland in relation to the use of animal remedies, which must be prescribed by a veterinary practitioner. He further stated that approximately 99,000 tonnes of beef enter Ireland at low tariff rates from countries where regulatory standards and traceability systems are not considered equivalent to those in Ireland. Cllr. Fallon expressed the view that the meat element of the deal should be removed, noting that several countries have already rejected the agreement.

Members, including Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan, expressed agreement with Cllr. Fallon’s concerns and supported his proposal, stating that, at a minimum, imported meat should meet standards equivalent to those applied to Irish beef production.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

            SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED to write to the Minister to express serious concerns about the inclusion of beef imports within the Mercosur trade agreement.  It is requested to at least reject the meat element of the Mercosur deal, and if this is not possible to reject the deal in its entirety. 

The level of control of imported beef is not at a level we deem acceptable for human consumption.

Therefore, the beef element of the Mercosur deal should be removed from the current trade discussions until such time as the countries in South America implement systems comparable to Ireland’s in terms of traceability and animal welfare.

Wind Farms

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Duffy

            SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to formally request Bord na Móna and An Coimisiún Pleanála to meet with Members to discuss the introduction and operation of wind farms.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan thanked the Management Team and the Members for their support and work throughout 2025. He wished all the people of County Roscommon a Happy Christmas.