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

The awards for the Dermot Earley Bursary 2025 were presented. Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan extended a warm welcome to Paula Earley, daughter of the late Dermot Earley, as well as this year’s recipients, Niall Henegahan of Michael Glavey’s GAA Club and Aisling Shanagher of Kilbride LGFA Club.

He stated that the Council is proud to continue its support for sporting excellence and highlighted the value of sport in all its forms, particularly its contribution to wellbeing and healthy living.

The Cathaoirleach also welcomed Gerry Fitzmaurice, former county footballer and All-Ireland winner, acknowledging his involvement with the bursary committee. He paid tribute to the Earley family and recognised the impact that Dermot Earley has had across the county, as well as the family’s long-standing contribution to the GAA community.

Cllr. Callaghan congratulated Aisling Shanagher and Niall Henegahan on their selection as recipients of the Dermot Earley Sports Bursary for 2025, wishing them every success in their future academic and sporting pursuits.

A presentation was also made to Paula Earley and the Cathaoirleach thanked Paula for representing the Earley family on this occasion.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

            SECONDED by Cllr. McDermott

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Plenary Meeting of 23.02.2026.

There were no matters arising.

·        Report for February 2026

·        Management Report for February noted.

Cllr. Conboy requested that additional data be included in the Planning section of the Management Report for monitoring purposes. While the number of applications approved is currently reported, she asked that these figures be further broken down to show the number of housing units associated with both approvals and refusals. She also requested that a year?to?date total be included in each monthly report, and that quarterly reports include a monthly breakdown for greater clarity.

Cllr. Conboy further requested a once?off Chief Executive’s Report for 2025 outlining detailed planning information, including:

• The number of successful versus unsuccessful applications following pre?planning meetings, to assess whether the pre?planning process is having a positive impact.
• The number of applications that received a decision within 6 months and 9 months, for timeline analysis.
• An overview of common reasons for refusal such as challenges relating to national routes, wastewater treatment systems, and other recurring issues.
• And that all figures be provided per Municipal District, rather than the current North/South Roscommon format.

Director of Services, Mr. Mark Keaveney, advised that the request would be reviewed and aim to provide as much of the information as possible.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan noted that a revised Management Report structure had been approved at the recent CPG meeting and noted that it would enhance the information going forward.

Chief Executive, Mr. Shane Tiernan, added that data would be provided where possible. He reminded Members that the preparation of planning reports is an executive function, and that planning decisions must align with national policy and the County Development Plan. He also reiterated that discussions cannot be held in relation to individual planning applications.

Noted as circulated in advance of the meeting.

Cllr. Duffy referred to correspondence received from the Office of Minister Browne regarding the proposed review of income thresholds in early 2026. She requested that a follow?up letter issue to the Minister’s office seeking an update once this review has been completed.

·        Presentation by Emmet Major, Planet Youth Coordinator and Michéal Durcan, WRDATF Coordinator.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callagahan welcomed Mr. Emmet Major, Planet Youth Co-Ordinator, and Mr. Michaél Durkin, Co-ordinator with the Western Region Drug & Alcohol Task Force (WRDATF).

Mr. Major outlined his role as Planet Youth Co?ordinator and advised that the WRDATF is the coordinating body for the regional delivery of the National Drugs Strategy. He noted that a new draft strategy is currently being prepared and is due to commence this summer for a four?year period, with consultation still open through the Department of Health.

He advised that the WRDATF was established in 2003 and operates across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, and is one of ten Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces nationally, which meet eight times annually. Its core function is to identify regional substance?use challenges and coordinate effective responses. In Roscommon, engagement includes nine post?primary schools and two Youthreach centres, with areas of work spanning policy and collaboration, training and capacity building, rehabilitation and recovery, family support, prevention and early intervention.

Mr. Major explained that Planet Youth is the WRDATF’s flagship programme and is a public health?led prevention initiative based on the Icelandic Prevention Model, addressing alcohol and drug use, excessive screen time, mental health and sleep. He noted that the model emerged following exceptionally high adolescent substance?use rates in Iceland 25 years ago and has since achieved some of the lowest rates globally, with the approach now recognised internationally as best practice.

He outlined that biennial surveys of 15 and 16 year olds provide detailed insight into young people’s behaviours, environments and experiences. The data informs targeted interventions across the home, peer group, school and leisure settings, with an emphasis on keeping young people active, engaged and connected.

Following each survey, information booklets are issued to parents of First Year students in September and Junior Cycle students in November, with a new booklet for parents of pre?school children to be introduced this year. These resources focus on family time, communication, routines, bedtimes, screen use, interests and sleep.

Mr. Major advised that detailed reporting is provided on substance use, binge drinking, parental tolerance and alcohol supply, with data available at school, municipal district, county and agency level. He highlighted that sleep deficit is a significant concern, with only 4–5% of young people achieving sufficient sleep.

Additional supports include the Step?Up website, parental information sessions and SPHE teaching resources. While bullying and cyber?bullying are not identified as major issues, social exclusion is a significant concern and shows correlations with mental health challenges and substance use, leading to the development of a dedicated teaching module.

Approximately 800 students in Roscommon participate annually. Current trends show a decline in cannabis use, a minor reduction in lifetime alcohol use, but an increase in reported drunkenness in the previous 30 days, later bedtimes, worsening sleep deficits and increased night?time phone use. While overall mental health indicators show improvement, outcomes for female students remain lower than for males.

Mr. Major concluded by noting that Planet Youth data  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.25

Ms. Mary Grier, Senior Planner, and Mr. Brian Farragher, Senior Executive Planner, delivered a presentation on the Chief Executive’s Report relating to the implementation of the National Planning Framework (NPF) Housing Growth Requirements.

Ms. Grier advised that the presentation followed an earlier briefing to Members in October, which introduced the NPF Housing Growth Guidelines issued in July 2025, requiring Planning Authorities to take action to implement revised housing targets. She explained that the guidelines respond to population growth since 2018 significantly exceeding projections, with Ireland’s population now expected to exceed 6 million by 2040, necessitating revised approaches to accommodating housing demand nationwide. The guidelines assess housing demand to 2040 for each local authority and support delivery of approximately 50,000 additional households per annum nationally.

Ms. Grier outlined that Planning Authorities are required to review and amend their Core Strategies, including zoning of additional serviced or serviceable lands, and that the guidelines facilitate an “additional provision” of up to 50% above baseline housing targets. She referred to Appendix 1 of the guidelines, noting that for Roscommon the baseline housing target for 2025–2034 remains at 392 units, consistent with the 2022–2028 County Development Plan (CDP). Applying the additional provision allowance results in a revised target of 588 units, with a slightly reduced total of 534 units for the period 2035–2040.

Mr. Farragher outlined the preparatory work undertaken to date, including a comprehensive Core Strategy review; analysis of permissions granted; uptake of zoned land; assessment of remaining available zoned lands; identification of additional lands potentially suitable for zoning; settlement capacity audits considering water services, roads, footpaths and public lighting; and preparation of a draft revised Core Strategy and zoning maps, undertaken in collaboration with the GIS Section.

He advised that the next steps include preparation of the Chief Executive’s Report in accordance with the Section 28 Guidelines, drafting the Proposed Variations to the Roscommon CDP 2022–2028 and the Roscommon Town LAP 2024–2030, and completion of statutory environmental assessments (AA, SEA and SFRA) by external consultants. Subject to consultant timeframes, the statutory plan variation process will then commence.

Mr. Farragher advised that the revised Core Strategy increases overall settlement allocations from 1,726 units to 3,012 units countywide. The variation will include updates to CDP Volume I to reflect the NPF requirements, revised zoning maps in Volume II, a new settlement plan for Boyle, a new land?use zoning strategy for Cortober, and a new settlement plan for Roscommon Town, replacing the existing LAP.

He outlined the proposed statutory process, noting that public consultation on the Draft Variation is expected to commence in late April/early May 2026 for a minimum four?week period. A Chief Executive’s Report on submissions will then issue approximately eight weeks after commencement of consultation, with Members required to consider the report within six weeks thereafter. The overall post?consultation process will take approximately 14 weeks, subject to material alterations.

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Callaghan, thanked Ms. Grier and Mr. Farragher for their presentation and noted the scale and ambition of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.25

Chairperson of the Roads, Planning and Emergency Services SPC, Cllr. Crosby introduced the Draft Policy and Procedure for Allocation and Administration of Burial Ground Major Repair and Emergency Repair Budgets 2026, which had been presented to the SPC on 25th February.

He outlined that the policy sets out the processes for administering, prioritising and approving and delivering works funded through the major repair works budget (€25,000 per MD annually) and the emergency repairs works budget (€7,500 per MD annually). It is designed to ensure compliance with statutory obligations, local bye-laws and the schedule of MD works as provided for under Section 103A of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended).

This policy applies to all burial grounds managed by Roscommon County Council across the three Municipal Districts (Boyle, Athlone and Roscommon) and extends to council staff, caretakers, engineer personnel, Elected Members and community groups.

Major repair works are defined as construction related activities such as structural repairs, drainage improvements, significant tree surgery beyond routine maintenance and repairs to gates, boundary walls or other structural elements. Such works are defined as urgent interventions required to address hazardous conditions including storm damage, unstable structures or failures that pose risk to public safety or burial operations.

The SPC had considered the draft policy and recommended it for approval and adoption. Cllr. Crosby requested that Members adopt the policy.

Members welcomed the policy and funding being made available and raised the following:

·        Acknowledgment for the voluntary work undertaken by community members in graveyards.

·        Concerns regarding overgrown trees and incidents of falling trees across graveyards; a request was made for a review and survey of trees that may pose risks.

·        An update was sought on the Crypt in Ballintubber which was damaged during Storm Éowyn.

·        It was queried whether preventative works are covered under the tree surgery provisions.

·        A recommendation to amend the policy to include damage to headstones/graves following storms such as the example of Castlerea graveyard following Storm Éowyn and lack of communication from IPB regarding insurance cover.

Cllr. Keogh, as representative on the IPB board, offered to raise the matter at the IPB AGM in May.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan advised that the proposed policy is separate from works covered by insurance.

Director of Services, Mr. Mark Keaveney, confirmed that storm?related damage to headstones and graveyards falls under insurance and must be submitted accordingly. He advised that the Castlerea case is progressing and reiterated that the policy relates to non?insurance works. He further confirmed that preventative works are covered within the policy, but requests will be prioritised as they arise. He added that the Ballintubber crypt is a Protected Structure, requiring a feasibility study, which is currently underway.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby
            SECONDED by Cllr. Moylan
It was AGREED to adopt the Draft Policy and Procedure for Allocation and Administration of Burial Ground Major Report and Emergency Repair Budgets 2026

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Dineen
            SECONDED by Cllr. Conboy
It was AGREED to extend Standing Orders until 6.20pm.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.25

Director of Services, Ms. Caitlín Conneely, advised that the 2025 Local Authority Climate Action Plan Implementation Report was included in the agenda pack. She noted, however, that due to the length of the agenda, the full presentation would be deferred to the April meeting, while the report itself must be submitted to the Department before the end of March. She outlined that this is the second implementation report of the Climate Action Plan, which was adopted in January 2024. The report summarises progress made on actions during 2025, reflects a whole Council approach, and includes examples of implementation across all service areas, along with case studies. She noted that significant progress has been achieved to date and sought the Members’ approval to adopt the report.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

            SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED to adopt the 2025 Local Authority Climate Action Implementation Report.

Notice of motion calling on Roscommon County Council to surface dress the area set back outside houses on roads which are on the roads program when requested by the homeowner. 

Notice of Motion from Cllr. Fitzmaurice

Notice of motion calling on Roscommon County Council to surface dress the area set back outside houses on roads which are on the roads program when requested by the homeowner. 

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, etc are completed by the Council as part of the road project.

2. Drainage Considerations:

Resurfacing set-back areas would introduce drainage responsibilities for each individual property, which should have been addressed during the original planning and design of the dwelling. This would be a considerable burden on the Council, in terms of funding and risk (including claims), in some circumstances.

3. Resource Allocation:

Extending resurfacing to include all such areas would significantly reduce the funding available for the main carriageway network, which serves  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.25a

We, the 6 councillors in South Roscommon, strongly feel that the proposed wind farm development at Cornafulla is not in keeping with the County Development Plan and its associated strategies. We propose that any planning bodies involved with the process are made aware of the sensitivities of the area and give a detailed outline of acknowledging these in their decision-making.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan welcomed those in the public gallery including Martin Daly TD and friends of Clonmacnoise, Cornafulla and Shannon Callows.

Notice of Motion from Cllr. Connolly, Cllr. Duffy, Cllr. Fallon, Cllr. Kelly, Cllr. Keogh & Cllr. Ward

We, the 6 councillors in South Roscommon, strongly feel that the proposed wind farm development at Cornafulla is not in keeping with the County Development Plan and its associated strategies. We propose that any planning bodies involved with the process are made aware of the sensitivities of the area and give a detailed outline of acknowledging these in their decision-making.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

The Planning Authority has not, to date, had any approach from prospective applicants in relation to the development described in this Notice of Motion.

The process provides that the applicant must seek determination from An Coimisiún Pleanála as to whether the proposed constitutes a SID.

In the event of a proposal of the nature referenced being the subject of a planning application submitted to Roscommon County Council as Planning Authority, a comprehensive assessment will, as always, be undertaken, including identification of all relevant designations etc. with the assessment and conclusions reached being detailed in a Planning Report and a decision on the application being made as part of the executive functions of Roscommon County Council.  

In the event of a development of the nature referenced constituting a Strategic Infrastructure Development, a planning application would be made directly to An Comisiún Pleanála.  In such an instance, Roscommon County Council, as a prescribed body, would be consulted and under Section 37E of the Planning and Development Act 2000 would be required “to prepare and submit to the Board a report setting out the views of the authority on the effects of the proposed development on the environment and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area of the authority.” The Chief Executive is required, prior to the submission of a report to An Comisiún Pleanála, to submit the report to Members of the Authority in order to seek their views on the development proposal. In the event that Members decide, by resolution, to attach further recommendations to the report, irrespective of the recommendation of the Chief Executive, those recommendations would be attached to the Chief Executive’s Report for overall submission to An Comisiún Pleanála.

Cllr. Connolly introduced the motion, describing it as an appeal for all planning bodies involved in the proposed windfarm development to recognise the sensitivities of the area. He stated that the proposal is not in keeping with the County Development Plan (CDP). While acknowledging the importance of renewable energy for climate action, he emphasised that the location is a distinctive mid?Shannon landscape, close to the Shannon floodplains, the Shannon Callows and Clonmacnoise. He noted that the CDP highlights the need to balance environmental protection, heritage and community wellbeing, and that the nearby Athlone area is entering a significant phase of development under Ballymore’s masterplan. He stressed the environmental value of Cornafulla Bog  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.25b

I call on this Authority, to request the Minister for Housing and Local Government, to establish a Commission for the Validation of Planning Objections.  This Commission should be Independent of the Department and chaired by a retired High Court Judge / Senior Counsel.  This Commission would be responsible for the validation and scrutiny of objections to large scale projects at local and national level.  The Commission would examine these objections thoroughly and would scrutinize the bona fides of the objection and of the objectors. This would eliminate delays and would discourage vexatious and spurious objections by third parties with personal agendas.

With the agreement of Cllr. Frain, this motion was postponed until the April meeting.

Director of Services, Mr. Mark Keaveney, informed the meeting that Section 1 of the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue Project, the Frenchpark Bypass, will be officially opened on Thursday, 26th March at 12.00 p.m. by the Cathaoirleach and the Minister for Transport, Mr. Darragh O’Brien. He noted that Members should have received their invitations, including details and instructions regarding access to the site.

The Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan added that the opening would be a significant and positive day for the area and one he is very much looking forward to.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connolly

            SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

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

Sympathies were expressed to Cllr. Frain, on the recent passing of both his mother & father-in-law Olive & Tim Dowd.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan congratulated the local towns & villages across the county on their St. Patricks day parades and acknowledged all those involved in organising and participating in the events.

He advised that he had travelled to New York for St. Patrick’s Day, accompanied by the Chief Executive, Mr. Shane Tiernan, and Director of Services, Ms. Caitlín Conneely. He expressed his appreciation to the welcoming committee and to the New York–Roscommon Association for their hospitality throughout the visit. He also acknowledged the Castlerea Brass Band for their attendance and valued contribution to the festivities.

The Cathaoirleach noted their attendance at the launch of the extension of the Famine Trail to New York, an initiative led by Roscommon native Mr. Hilary Beirne. He reported that very productive meetings were also held with IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, and representatives of the tourism board.

He noted that the trip was a great honour and a wonderful experience.

There was no further business.