No Disclosures

·         Minutes of Meeting held on 22^nd July, 2025.

The Cathaoirleach Cllr. D Connolly welcomed everyone to the meeting.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr L Fallon

         Seconded by:   Cllr T Ward

It was AGREED by all the Members to adopt the minutes of the Athlone Municipal District meeting held on 22^nd July, 2025.

No Matters Arising

There was one Notice of Motion for discussion.

“I am calling on Roscommon County Council to review the safety outside of Newtown National School to identify what measure can be implemented to improve safety for road users and people. Two main concerns raised are the speed of vehicles passing the school during drop offs and pickups, and the lack of parking outside the school. Cars are abandoned on the road during drop off and collection times”.

This is a joint Motion by Cllr E Kelly and Cllr J Keogh

“I am calling on Roscommon County Council to review the safety outside of Newtown National School to identify what measure can be implemented to improve safety for road users and people. Two main concerns raised are the speed of vehicles passing the school during drop offs and pickups, and the lack of parking outside the school. Cars are abandoned on the road during drop off and collection times.

REPLY:

Several signs have been provided by Roscommon County Council at Newtown school. There are flashing school warning signs in place on both approaches to the school. There is also a school warning sign and on road school ahead markings in place on the westbound approach from the R357. With the current signage in place the school is very visible from both approaches.

Additional signage on the eastbound approach like that in place on the westbound approach can be provided to ensure maximum visibility on both approaches.

The Safe Routes to School Programme aims to improve safety at school gates and increase active travel to schools. The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme launched in March 2021 and all schools in Ireland were invited to apply to take part. Newtown NS did not apply at that time. While The SRTS Programme is not currently open for new schools to apply where new schools are invited to apply in the future it is strongly recommended that Newtown National School take up the opportunity.

Regarding parking the provision of parking at schools is a matter for the School Board and/or Department of Education.

Cllr E Kelly and Cllr J Keogh welcomed the additional proposed signage on the eastbound approach. Cllr E Kelly requested clarification on date for reopening of applications for SRTS programme.

Cllr J Keogh requested if possible that the grass verges could be moved back to help elevate some of the parking issues. Cllr J Keogh asked if speed limit stamps could be marked on the road.

Susan Loughnane informed the Members that on road ‘School Ahead’ are the most appropriate intervention at this location.   Susan Loughnane noted that any reopening of the SRTS programme will be decided by the Department of Transport and National Transport Authority.

Motion was supported by all the Members. Cllr E Kelly and Cllr J Keogh thanked the Members for their support.

There was one question which was addressed under Agenda Item 7.25

"What is the updated position with regard to taking in charge the road off the L2018 which leads to eircode N37 HH79. I understand that a request was submitted about a year ago from all 4 households ?.

"What is the updated position with regard to taking in charge the road off the L2018 which leads to eircode N37 HH79. I understand that a request was submitted about a year ago from all 4 households ?.

RESPONSE;

An agenda item addressing the above issue is included in the September MD Meeting Agenda.

There were Two Civic Reception Requests

I am calling on Roscommon County Council to honour the Roscommon Hurling Team who beat Mayo, to win the Nickey Rackard cup final this year. This was a significant milestone for the team management and players, many of whom are within the Athlone MD.

“I am calling on Roscommon County Council to honour the Roscommon Hurling Team who beat Mayo, to win the Nickey Rackard cup final this year. This was a significant milestone for the team management and players, many of whom are within the Athlone MD”.

Proposed by:Cllr E Kelly

Seconded by:Cllr D Connolly

It was AGREED by all the Members to honour the Roscommon Hurling Team that won the Nickey Rackard Cup at the next civic reception.

I am calling on Roscommon County Council to honour the U12 Taughmaconnell Girls Soccer team at the next Civic reception. They are the winners of the All Ireland Community Games U12 Indoor Girls Soccer final 2025. Team Members-  Meabh Finneran, Ella Grehan, Kayla Galvin, Robyn Brooks, Aiobheann Daly, Laura Lyons, Amy Grehan,Roisin Cleary, April Fox, Alice Galvin. Coaches: Catherine Lyons and Louisa Brooks. 

“I am calling on Roscommon County Council to honour the U12 Taughmaconnell Girls Soccer team at the next Civic reception. They are the winners of the Community Games U12 Girls Soccer All Ireland final 2025. Team Members - Meabh Finneran, Ella Grehan, Kayla Galvin, Robyn Brooks, Aiobheann Daly, Laura Lyons, Amy Grehan,

Roisin Cleary, April Fox, Alice Galvin. Coaches: Catherine Lyons and Louisa Brooks.” 

Proposed by:Cllr J Keogh

Seconded by: Cllr L Fallon

It wasAGREED  by all the Members to honour the Taughmaconnell U12 Girls Soccer team at the next Civic reception.

Susan Loughnane, Athlone MD Co-Ordinator provided a report following a request  from residents to take in charge a road at Cornaseer, Kiltoom, Co Roscommon. This report recommended that the road is not taken in charge. Susan Loughnane informed the Members that the road itself is in separate ownership and that the owner is not included in the application for taking in charge.  The residents have a right of way over the road, however a public right of way does not appear to be in place as required under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993.

On the Proposal of:  Cllr J Keogh

          Seconded by:  Cllr T Ward

Members AGREED that, following clarification regarding a public right of way on the road, a supplementary application be sought in order to progress the application.

Members extended their congratulations to Aoife O’ Rourke , Castlerea on her recent World Boxing Title. They paid tributes to her and her sister Lisa as great ambassadors for the County and Country.

No AOB