·         Minutes of Meeting held on 20^th May, 2024.

·         Minutes of AGM meeting held on 27^th June, 2024.

The Cathaoirleach Cllr. J Keogh welcomed everyone to the Meeting.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr. E Kelly

         Seconded by:   Cllr. J Naughten

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Athlone Municipal District meeting held on the 20^th May, 2024.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr. J Naughten

          Seconded by:  Cllr. E Kelly

It was AGREED to adopt the minutes of the Athlone Municipal District Annual meeting held on 27^th June, 2024.

No Disclosures.

Cllr. J Naughten enquired about update on Motion he had raised at an earlier meeting in relation to installing a filter lane at the roundabout at junction 13. Roscommon County Council were requested to carry out a Feasibility and Options Report to examine solutions to elevate traffic congestion and following that a proposal to go to TII.  He proposed an “In Committee Meeting” to take place early September in relation to this issue and also to discuss the proposed link road from R362 at River Village roundabout across to N61 at Barymore.

Susan Loughnane informed Members that an initial meeting regarding Junction 13 was held with TII recently and is awaiting a reply, following this a further meeting is due to be scheduled.

On the Proposal of: Cllr J Naughten

           Seconded by: Cllr D Connolly

Members AGREED that an in committee meeting between the Athlone MD and Athlone-Moate MD, Westmeath County Council should take place in early September to discuss the Athlone Area Joint Urban Area Plan as well as other issues effecting both Municipal Districts.

Cllr J Naughten raised issue under minutes of last meeting 44.24 – funding for Road programme 2024. Due to the increase in Tender pricing he would prefer if the roads were cut back rather than transferring some roads to next years programme.

Susan Loughnane informed the Members that Athlone MD had received additional money for the road programme that will go towards the shortfall in funding.  As works progress the budget and programme will be reviewed with a view to completing the maximum number of roads on the programme. Susan Loughnane informed Members that the R357 Clonshask is in need of urgent repairs which will be delivered usng the additional funding, Cllr. J Naughten requested that the R446/R357 link road to Shannonbridge also be considered for resurfacing.

Cllr J Naughten enquired if the meeting with Westmeath County Council and Bus Eireann had been secured. Cllr J Keogh informed the Members that he had raised the issue with Barry Keogh of Westmeath County Council and that he was not aware that there was an issue with Bus times. There is a lot of roadworks going on in the town centre that may be contributing to delays.

Cllr J Keogh said he would endeavor to arrange a meeting with Westmeath County Council and Bus Eireann for early September.

There were four Notice of Motions for discussion

“I am calling on Roscommon County Council to write to TII to request confirmation that any proposed noise reduction works by TII on the N6 will include the Athlone bypass, up to and including, junction 13. There is a working group proposed in Westmeath to examine solutions to high noise levels along the N6, however it is unclear if the group will incorporate County Roscommon. The current noise levels are affecting the quality of life for nearby residents and devaluing properties as a result. Any works being examined or funded, should include the section of bypass in County Roscommon.”

I am calling on Roscommon County Council to write to TII to request confirmation that any proposed noise reduction works by TII on the N6 will include the Athlone bypass, up to and including, junction 13. There is a working group proposed in Westmeath to examine solutions to high noise levels along the N6, however it is unclear if the group will incorporate County Roscommon. The current noise levels are affecting the quality of life for nearby residents and devaluing properties as a result. Any works being examined or funded, should include the section of bypass in County Roscommon

Response:

The above NOM requires a resolution by the members of the Athlone MD to write to TII.

Caitlín Conneely, Director of Services informed the Members that Roscommon County Council have commenced the process to develop a Noise Action Plan for Roscommon County and will be liaising with other bordering Councils as part of the process. The Draft Plan will be available for public consultation later this year.

Cllr E Kelly thanked the Members for their support and welcomes any measures that will addressed the issues in the Plan.

“That Roscommon County Council immediately move to install additional speed tables on the Old Tuam Road as there are ongoing concerns over the levels of speed, on what is essentially a residential road.”

“That Roscommon County Council immediately move to install additional speed tables on the Old Tuam Road as there are ongoing concerns over the levels of speed, on what is essentially a residential road.”

Response:

Speed surveys will be undertaken on the old Tuam Road to determine speeds on the road. The outcome of these surveys will be examined with regard to traffic calming.

Members should note that the delivery of traffic calming is subject to available funding and resources.

Cllr. J Naughten requested clarification on a timeline for the Survey to be carried out on Old Tuam Rd. Monksland.  He acknowledged the improvement works carried out  to date, which have helped to reduce the speed but there is a need for more speed tables and traffic calming measures on this road.

Members supported the Motion.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr J Keogh

         Seconded by:   Cllr J Naughten

Members AGREED to send a letter to the Superintendent, An Garda Siochana, Athlone requesting an increase in Garda presence and speed van on the Old Tuam Rd. Members requested Roscommon County Council to explore any avenue of funding available for additional Pedestrian Crossing and Speed Tables.

Susan Loughnane informed the Members that speed surveys will be carried out as soon as possible.

“I am calling on Roscommon Co, Co. roads division to work with the TII to restore the original road markings to the continuous white line as was the position before the resurfacing of the N61  between the Purts junction and Kiltoom Cemetery  and also both sides of the Barrybeg junction.  The changed road markings at both junctions is creating a very dangerous situation and needs urgent attention.”

I am calling on Roscommon Co, Co. roads division to work with the TII to restore the original road markings to the continuous white line as was the position before the resurfacing of the N61 between the Purts junction and Kiltoom Cemetery  and also both sides of the Barrybeg junction.  The changed road markings at both junctions is creating a very dangerous situation and needs urgent attention.

Response:

TII have been contacted with regard to the above NoM. Following representation TII undertook a review of the road markings at the two locations outlined above.

Following a review of the road markings between Purts junction and Kiltoom Cemetery and in the vicinity of the Barrybeg junction it was confirmed that the road markings in place are in accordance with current standards. Therefore no change is proposed at either location.

Cllr L Fallon thanked the Members for their support with regard to the Motion.  Cllr. L Fallon noted that he was not happy with reply.  Cllr, L Fallon  proposed writing to invite a representative of TII to come down and meet the Members at these sites during busy hours.

Cllr J Keogh asked Susan Loughnane to get clarification if this issue was identified in the Audit report already done on the N61.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr L Fallon

         Seconded by:   Cllr D Connolly

Members AGREED to write a letter to TII and invite a representative to come down and meet the Members at these locations during the busy hours.

Susan Loughnane informed the Members that the two projects along the N61 at St Brigid’s and St John’s for examination this year, issues have been identified in the report.

“That Roscommon County Council carry out maintenance works in the form of grass cutting and weeding at Judy’s harbour and do so on an annual basis. The area is a tourist spot and complaints are being made by visitors to the area. The lack of maintenance undermines the county’s tourism strategy”

That Roscommon County Council carry out maintenance works in the form of grass cutting and weeding at Judy’s harbour and do so on an annual basis. The area is a tourist spot and complaints are being made by visitors to the area. The lack of maintenance undermines the county’s tourism strategy.

Response:

The Athlone MD will carry out maintenance works in the area on an annual basis.

Susan Loughnane informed the Members that maintenance works have been carried out during the week and there is a landscaper coming later in the week to address the issues there.

Cllr J Keogh thanked Members for their support and they agreed that a long term maintenance of the amenities needs to be put in place with appropriate funding made available to maintain these facilities.

Cllr J Naughten requested that maintenance works is also carried out on the Cushla Greenway in Monksland.

No Civic Reception Requests

There were two Questions for noting

“Can Roscommon County Council submit a number of dangerous bends located at Coolfree Taughmaconnell section on the R357 for low-cost safety measure, as there are currently significant safety concern among local residents ?”.

“Can Roscommon County Council submit a number of dangerous bends located at Coolfree Taughmaconnell section on the R357 for low-cost safety measure, as there are currently significant safety concern among local residents ?”.

Response:

The R357 between Coolfree and Taughmaconnell will be examined and locations identified that may be eligible for Low cost safety improvement works.

“I am calling on Roscommon Co. Co. to provide a progress report on the restoration of Castlestrange Bridge and the expected date for the completion of the project.”

“I am calling on Roscommon Co. Co. to provide a progress report on the restoration of Castlestrange Bridge and the expected date for the completion of the project.”

Response:

Design ID Consulting Ltd. where appointed in 2023 to undertake the design of the remedial works required and to project manage the works through the construction stage.

The detailed design is now complete and construction tender documents are nearing completion. It is expected that construction on the project will commence in Q3 2024 with completion of the project in early 2025

1 NRDO Roscommon- Reply to Motion 21.245 – Junction at St Johns Church

Correspondence from Alan Mulryan, NRDO, Roscommon in relation to Motion 21.245 was circulated to the Members. Cllr L Fallon expressed the need to include  Nolan’s Corner in this Project with a Right Turning Lane in interest of safety.

No votes of Congratulations/Sympathy

Cllr. J Naughten requested an update on a previous Motion regarding Aqua Planning on the M6. Works were planned to be done in Q2 2024.

Susan Loughnane, MD Co-Ordinator informed the Members that a letter was sent following last MD meeting , but no response has been received to date.

Cllr L Fallon requested that the two roads still closed at Lough Funshinagh be re-opened as soon as possible.

Cllr. J Keogh requested the Members to make submission to the Director of Services or Officials in advance of the proposed meeting for September with Westmeath County Council, regarding issues relating to both Councils. At St Peter’s Soccer Pitch public lighting, footpaths and road widening issues needs to be addressed in the interest of safety for road users and pedestrians.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr J Naughten

           Seconded by: Cllr E Kelly

The Members AGREED to Clonown Community Ltd. request for extension of the MD funding granted to them until March 2025

Members welcomed Caroline Menton, Assistant Engineer to the Athlone MD and look forward to working with her in the coming year.

Members AGREED that some of the MD meetings should take place in Community Centres around the MD area in the coming year. They agreed that associated costs will need to be monitored. Cllr L Fallon suggested that Communities should have the opportunity to engage with Members after meeting.

Caitlín Conneely, Director of Services acknowledged that this was a good suggestion, but recommended in according with Standing Orders that engagement with Communities takes place separate to the MD meeting as only Members and Officials can engage in discussion at meetings.