There were declarations of conflict of interest by Members on Item no 3 “Athlone MD Funding 2023”. They each left the meeting during the discussion of the relevant application:

1       Ballyforan Hall – Cllr. E Kelly

2       Rahara Tidy Towns and Development – Cllr L Fallon

3       St. Johns Community Centre – Cllr D Kilduff

4       Taughmaconnell Development Company – Cllr D Kilduff

·         Minutes of Meeting held on 21^st March, 2023.

The Cathaoirleach Cllr. J Naughten welcomed everyone to the meeting.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr. E Kelly

         Seconded by:   Cllr. L Fallon

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Athlone Municipal District meeting held on 21^st March, 2023.

Caitlin Conneely, Director of Services informed the Members that following a review of all outstanding allocations of Athlone MD funding, there was a substantial amount of money de-committed and available for re-allocating today. This brings the total amount available for allocating to €130,600.

She also informed the Members that St. Brigid’s GAA application was not eligible for funding, as the proposed project does not align with the strategic priorities of the Municipal District Funding Scheme. Sixteen applications were received. The Members AGREED that all applications were eligible except St. Brigid’s GAA application which was deemed not eligible for consideration

The following allocations were unanimously agreed by all the Members.

Caitlín Conneely, Director of Services informed the Members that the MD has reviewed all previous allocations to determine if the projects are progressing or if the money can now be decommitted.  Following the review it was determined that a number of projects will not progress and their allocations have been decommitted.  There are a number of projects that have not yet been completed.  These have been contacted by MD staff and progress is being made on them- all expect to be completed during this year.  The projects awarded in 2022 are not yet completed but all are progressing and expect to be completed in the coming months.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr. J Naughten

         Seconded by:   Cllr. E Kelly

The Members AGREED to extend the date for completion of all outstanding projects until 31^st October, 2023.

1.The Members expressed their well wishes and congratulations to Paul Browne in his new role with Westmeath County Council. They thanked him for the courteous manner extended to all during his time as MD Co-Ordinator in the Athlone MD and for the excellent work ethic he applied to all projects and efficient delivery of the Road Programme each year.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr. J Naughten

         Seconded by:   Cllr. J Keogh

It was AGREED by all the Members to send a letter of acknowledgement and thanks to him.

2. Cllr. J Naughten inquired about an update on the request for Directional Arrows on bends on R363 between Ballymullavill and Brideswell

Seamus Lough, Executive Engineer informed the Members that investigations and procuring for signage at these locations are ongoing at the moment.

3. Cllr. J Keogh looked for clarification on the Estate name in an answer given to a previous question no 5.23 for the next meeting.

Caitlín Conneely, Director of Services agreed to get clarification.

4. Cllr. T Ward looked for an update on any progress with Active Travel on a motion put forward by him in relation to removing a dangerous bend at the Brideswell Community Centre, he spoke with landowner who is willing to co-operate. Seamus Lough, Executive Engineer to follow up on this for the next meeting.

5. Cllr. J Keogh also added the need to address the bad bends coming into Dysart Village. Seamus Lough, Executive Engineer to check if Low Cost Safety or Specific Improvement Scheme may be available.

6. Cllr. D Kilduff asked if there were any correspondence from the Minister of Transport in relation to request for a feasibility study to explore the possibility of re-opening the old railway station in Knochcroghery and provision of adequate bus shelters for Knockcroghery and Lecarrow. Seamus Lough, Executive Engineer informed the meeting that correspondences would be issued inside the next week and Members will be updated at next MD meeting

No Correspondence for Discussion.

Cllr. J Naughten inquired if there was any response yet from TII in relation to Rest Areas on the M6. It was confirmed that there has been none to date.

Three Notice of Motions for discussion

“That Roscommon County Council request TII to undertake a review of the number of accidents over the last three years on the M6 motorway between the Kilbegly overbridge and Junction 14 both East and Westbound where there seems to be significant issues with aquaplaning when we received heavy rain.”

If the results of this review could be reported to Roscommon County Council and possible solutions.

"That Roscommon County Council request TII to undertake a review of the number of accidents over the last three years on the M6 motorway between the Kilbegly overbridge and Junction 14 both East and Westbound where there seems to be significant issues with aquaplaning when we received heavy rain."

If the results of this review could be reported to Roscommon County Council and possible solutions.

Response:

The Notice of Motion requires a resolution by the members of the Athlone Municipal District to write to the TII to undertake a review of the issue.

On the Proposal of:  Cllr. J Naughten

         Seconded by:  Cllr. J Keogh

It was AGREED by all the Members to send a strongly worded letter to TII to have this investigated and report back to the Members as a matter of urgency.

“I am calling on Roscommon County Council to remove a very dangerous junction at Derrygald, Curraghboy.   This junction is situated on the R362 Curraghboy -Athlone road.   On approaching the junction travelling from Carrowkeeny to Curraghboy, L2018 and upon turning left for Athlone, there is no visible view of oncoming traffic and this is extremely dangerous.

I am calling on Roscommon County Council to include this extremely dangerous junction in the Low Cost Safety Improvement Scheme for 2023.”

“I am calling on Roscommon County Council to remove a very dangerous junction at Derrygald, Curraghboy.   This junction is situated on the R362 Curraghboy -Athlone road.   On approaching the junction travelling from Carrowkeeny to Curraghboy, L2018 and upon turning left for Athlone, there is no visible view of oncoming traffic and this is extremely dangerous.

I am calling on Roscommon County Council to include this extremely dangerous junction in the Low Cost Safety Improvement Scheme for 2023.

Response:

Roscommon County Council will carry out a review of this location with a view to developing options available to improve the visibility for road users. Upon completion the optimum scheme will be costed and funding opportunities will then be explored.

The Motion was supported by all the Members.

On the Proposal of:  Cllr. D Kilduff

         Seconded by:  Cllr. J Naughten

It was AGREED by all Members to send a letter to the Minister seeking addition funding for Low Cost Safety Schemes.

Cllr. J Naughten requested a review of the applications for Low Cost Safety Schemes still outstanding for the Athlone MD, for the next MD meeting. He also stated that the lack of funding for these schemes needs to be addressed in the future.

“Mount Talbot National School continues to increase pupil numbers year on year.   The school is situated on the busy N63 Roscommon to Galway Road.   There is a very small car park to accommodate both teacher’s cars and parent drop off point.  There is ample space to extend this car park to make access to the school safer.

I am calling on Roscommon County Council to liaise with the TII and the School Board to extend the car park in the interest of both pupil and public safety.”

“Mount Talbot National School continues to increase pupil numbers year on year.   The school is situated on the busy N63 Roscommon to Galway Road.   There is a very small car park to accommodate both teacher’s cars and parent drop off point.  There is ample space to extend this car park to make access to the school safer.

I am calling on Roscommon County Council to liaise with the TII and the School Board to extend the car park in the interest of both pupil and public safety.”

Response:

Extending the existing parking which is on the opposite side of the road to the school would create an increased hazard to both those accessing the school and users of the N-63.

Roscommon County Councilwould encourage the school to acquire additional lands adjoining the school to develop a new carpark and drop off area and where feasible will assist them in this regard.

The Motion was supported by All the Members. They agreed that there is an urgent need to find a solution in the interest of safety.

On the Proposal of:  Cllr. E Kelly

         Seconded by:  Cllr. T Ward

It was AGREED by all the Members to send a letter to the Minister for Education requesting that funding be made available to schools to purchase land for car park and recreational areas as schools of this size are not in a position to fund this themselves.

Also the Members AGREED with Cllr. L Fallon, requesting a Motion to be sent back to Roads Section requesting them to consider the possibility of re-aligning the road to allow for a car park. The school is inside the speed limits but there is no traffic calming or pedestrian crossing in place, which urgently needs to be considered through Active Travel or Town & Village renewal schemes.

Three Questions for noting

Can Roscommon County Council confirm if the necessary safety checks (for dry rot and decay) were carried out on the overhanging roadside trees on the approach roads into Curraghboy village, the R362 and L2018, in the interest of road safety?

Can Roscommon County Council confirm if the necessary safety checks (for dry rot and decay) were carried out on the overhanging roadside trees on the approach roads into Curraghboy village, the R362 and L2018, in the interest of road safety?

Reply:

Roscommon County Council has visited the locations indicated by Cllr Ward and from an initial visual inspection can see no evidence that the tress adjacent to the R-362 and L-2018 are a hazard to road users as per the Roads Act 1993. There are however numerous trees in this area and we would ask Cllr Ward to indicate the precise locations of the trees he is concerned about to the Area Engineer. Upon identification, Roscommon County Council will notify the owners of the trees confirming their obligations under Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Roscommon County Council however is not resourced to engage an arborist to investigate the health of every tree reported by a member of the public.

Can Roscommon County Council confirm if Solar Radar Speed Sign lights were installed on the N61 in conjunction with the traffic calming on that road?

Can Roscommon County Council confirm if Solar Radar Speed Sign lights were installed on the N61 in conjunction with the traffic calming on that road?

Reply:

Roscommon County Council are still awaiting the delivery of the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) funded study of the N-61 between Roscommon and Athlone been prepared by Roughan O’ Donovan Consulting Engineers. The report produced on foot of the study is due to be delivered by the end of June 2023.

The road improvement strategies that emerge from the report may or may not include the installation of solar radar speed signs.

Could I ask Roscommon County Council what plans it has to repair the badly damaged road sides on R362.   The road edge has been seriously damaged and we now have long sections of verge with a shear drop of up to 200mm.  When vehicles meet on this narrow road the risk of slipping into the damaged road edge is very high.  There has already been a number of recent incidents reported on this road? I would appreciate an urgent response

Could I ask Roscommon County Council what plans it has to repair the badly damaged road sides on R362.   The road edge has been seriously damaged and we now have long sections of verge with a shear drop of up to 200mm.  When vehicles meet on this narrow road the risk of slipping into the damaged road edge is very high.  There has already been a number of recent incidents reported on this road? I would appreciate an urgent response.

Reply:

The Athlone Municipal District have commenced an assessment of the damage to the road sides on the R-362 between Ballymuavill and Lisnagirraand are preparing a cost estimate for consideration.

Restoration improvement works on a 1km section of the road between Mullagh and Derryglad which will include the repair of the adjoining roadside will be completed under the adopted 2023 Roads Programme. A further 1.15km restoration improvement works on the R-362 identified to be completed in 2024 is included in the 3-Year Roads Programme.

Additional funding will be sought by the Municipal District to complete repairs outside these areas.

Two nominations proposed by Cllr. T Ward.

Five nominations proposed by Cllr. L Fallon

Eight Nominations for Civic Reception were proposed, One was not eligible No 2.23.

It was AGREED by all Members to honour the following at the next Civic reception.

On the Proposal of: Cllr. L Fallon

         Seconded by: Cllr. E Kelly

3.23        Proposed by Cllr. T Ward

“I am calling on Roscommon County Council to honour Ms. Avril Egan, Liscam, Curraghboy, Athlone, Co. Roscommon at the next civic reception.  Local artist Avril Egan has been awarded a prestigious award in Italy for her art work.  The award ceremony took place in the Museum of Science and Technology, Leonardo da Vinci in Milan on Thursday 6^th April. 2023.  Avril’s artwork “the falling and calling of our lady” has been published in Contemporary Celebrity Master’s Vol. 11 compiled by Salvatore Russo.

4.23        Proposed by Cllr. L Fallon

I wish to propose the following Group for recognition at the next civic reception.” I am calling on Roscommon County Council to honour Evan McNeill and Joshua McCormack who emerged all Ireland winners at the Student Enterprise awards Finale.”

5.23        Proposed by Cllr. L Fallon

I wish to propose the following Group for recognition at the next civic reception. “I am calling on Roscommon County Council to honour the Roscommon Minor Camogie Team who claimed All-Ireland B Championship beating Laois 1-14 to 1-5.”

6.23        Proposed by Cllr. L Fallon

I wish to propose the following Group for recognition at the next civic reception. “I am calling on Roscommon County Council to honour Gemma Casey, St. Dominic’s GAA club won the solo singing category at the All-Ireland Scór na nÓg final in Killarney.”         

7.23        Proposed by Cllr. L Fallon

I wish to propose the following Group for recognition at the next civic reception.  “I am calling on Roscommon County Council to honour Jane Casey, Evan Hanley, Joe McDermott, Amy Murray, Amy Reynolds, Ben Chloe and Hannah O’Connor who were declared the All-Ireland champions in the Novelty act section of the GAA Scór na nÓg in Killarney supported by their mentors, Anita Hanley and Aileen O’Connor.”

8.23        Proposed by Cllr. L Fallon

I wish to propose Eva Rose Beattie for recognition at the next civic reception. “I am calling on Roscommon County council to honour Eva Rose Beattie 10 year old pupil of Rahara National School and a member of the Roscommon Academy of Irish Dance.  In April she participated in the World Irish Dance Association International Grade Féis. She was crowned World International Under 11 Champion 2023.”

On the Proposal of:  Cllr. J Keogh

         Seconded by:  Cllr. J Naughten

9.23     Proposed by Cllr. J Keogh

“I am calling on Roscommon County Council to honour the Under 15 St. Joseph Football team and their Managers who won the SFAI All Ireland final at the next civic reception.”

One vote of Congratulations;

The Members extended their congratulations to Paul Browne on his promotion and new role with Westmeath County Council.

It was AGREED by the Members that the July MD meeting be brought forward to June to facilitate the briefing from the consultants on the Athlone ATBA. Date to be agreed.

Cllr. J Keogh enquired when the MD Co-Ordinator post would be filled. Caitlín Conneely, Director of Services informed the Members it would be filled in the near future.