No Disclosures

·        Minutes of MD Meeting held on 16^th September, 2025.

·        Minutes of Budget Meeting held on 16^th October, 2025

·        Minutes of Special Meeting held on 16^th October, 2025

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

On the Proposal of:   Cllr. E Kelly

         Seconded by:   Cllr. L Fallon

It was AGREED by all the Members to adopt the minutes of the Athlone Municipal District meeting held on 16^th September, 2025.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr L Fallon

         Seconded by:   Cllr. V Duffy

It was AGREED by all the Members to adopt the minutes of the Athlone Municipal District Budget meeting held on 16^th October, 2025.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr. V Duffy

          Seconded by:  Cllr. L Fallon

It was AGREED by all the Members to adopt the minutes of the Athlone Municipal Special meeting held on 16^th October, 2025.

Cllr. L Fallon expressed his disappointment that there was no correspondence from Bus Eireann in relation to the concerns raised at the last MD meeting of unreliable bus services for school children in south Roscommon area, which is still ongoing.

On the Proposal of: Cllr. L Fallon

         Seconded by: Cllr. V Duffy/Cllr D Connolly

It was AGREED by all the Members to send another letter requesting a comprehensive reply from Bus Eireann in relation to the issue.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr. E Kelly

         Seconded by:   Cllr. L Fallon

It was AGREED by all the Members to send a copy of the letter to all of the Oireachtas members representing Roscommon.

There was One Notice of Motion for discussion

“I am calling on  Roscommon County Council to remove two very dangerous bends on the R363 road at Cam, Brideswell and also to provide safety measures at this location.

I am calling on Roscommon County Council to start the programme of works at this location immediately in the interest of road safety”.

I am calling on and Roscommon County Council to remove two very dangerous bends on the R363 road at Cam, Brideswell and also to provide safety measures at this location.

I am calling on Roscommon County Council to start the programme of works at this location immediately in the interest of road safety.

REPLY:

Regarding the bend on the R363 at Cam, west of the junction with the L-7542-28, works were carried out at this location some years ago to widen and surface the verge. It is proposed to resurface this section of road including the widened hard shoulder. A review of the lining and signage at the location will be undertaken and relining and additional signage will be provided as identified.

A survey of the bend between the village and Community Centre has been undertaken.  The location of a residence on the inside of the bend limits any road realignment works that can be undertaken at this location. A review of the lining and signage at the location will be undertaken and relining and additional signage will be provided as identified.

Cllr. T Ward thanked the Members for their support and enquired if the Bond held by Roscommon County Council from Roadstone Quarries has been spent.  Members welcomed the proposed works.

There were two questions for noting

Does Roscommon County Council plan to review the safety and introduce new signage and warning lights in the lead up to and between the road ramps on the R446 at Summerhill, Drum, Athlone, given that these are quite challenging to see, particularly at night?

Does Roscommon County Council plan to review the safety and introduce new signage and warning lights in the lead up to and between the road ramps on the R446 at Summerhill, Drum, Athlone given that these are quite challenging to see, particularly at night?

RESPONSE:

The ramps in place at Summerhill are within a 60kph zone with public lighting, numerous signs and sharks teeth markings on the ramps. There are also pedestrian lights at this location between the ramps that act as an additional marker for traffic to slow on approach.

On approach form the South (Ballinalsoe) the following signage is in place:

• Large 60kph / Athlone signage to highlight the entry to a 60kph urban area
• Electronic speed limit feedback sign
• Children crossing warning sign x 2
• Ramp warning sign
• Traffic signals ahead warning sign
• 3 x Slow Stamps on the carriageway

On approach from the North (Monksland) the following signage is in place

• Children crossing warning sign
• Ramp warning sign
• Traffic signals ahead warning sign
• 3 x Slow Stamps on the carriageway

It is considered that adequate lighting and signage is in place at this location and no further signage is recommended.

What are the number of council houses in the Athlone MD area by parish/village/town e.g. Moore, Taughmaconnell, Creagh, Drum, Monksland, Kiltoom, Brideswell, Ballyforan, Lecarrow, Knockcroghery, Four Roads, Rahara, Dysart, Athleague, Donamon, Castlecoote, Fuerty, etc., and what are the plans to purchase additional homes in each of these areas in the near future?

What are the number of council houses in the Athlone MD area by parish/village/town e.g. Moore, Taughmaconnell, Creagh, Drum, Monksland, Kiltoom, Brideswell, Ballyforan, Lecarrow, Knockcroghery, Four Roads, Rahara, Dysart, Athleague, Donamon, Castlecoote, Fuerty, etc., and what are the plans to purchase additional homes in each of these areas in the near future?

RESPONSE:

There are currently 326 social housing units in Athlone Municipal District. This figure includes casual vacancies, occupied units, allocated properties, and Traveller-specific accommodation. Identifying houses by village/parish could potentially compromise tenant privacy.

The clear focus of Government in Housing for All is to increase the supply of new build social and affordable homes. Increasing the overall housing supply is key to addressing the housing challenge and in particular preventing and ultimately eliminating long term homelessness. In respect of acquisitions, it is necessary to avoid undue impact on the private housing market, including avoiding competition in second hand acquisitions with first time buyers or with other private individuals/families.

Therefore, acquisitions are very limited and considered on a case-by-case basis, such as in situations involving tenant-in-situ or where there is a risk of homelessness and are subject to specific criteria and Departmental approval.

There were two civic reception requests.

89.25.1  Cllr L Fallon

I am calling on Roscommon County Council to honour Emily Clyne who won an All Ireland  in the Community Games, High jump category at the next Civic Reception.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr. L Fallon

         Seconded by:   Cllr E Kelly   

It was AGREED by all the Members to honour Emily Clyne at the next Civic Reception.

89.25.2 Cllr. E Kelly

I am calling on Roscommon County Council to honour the Under14 Four Roads Camogie Team who won an All Ireland Medal in the Féile Competition this year at the next Civic reception. Their management are Cait Kenny and Marie Glennon.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr.E Kelly

         Seconded by:   Cllr L Fallon

It was AGREED by all the Members to honour the Under14 four Roads Camogie team at the next Civic Recepton.

The Members extended their congratulations to Annette Donlon, Roscommon County Council on her recent appointment as the Honorary Vice President of SIPTU.

On the Proposal of:   Cllr. L Fallon

         Seconded by:   Cllr. J Keogh

It was AGREED by all the Members to send a letter of congratulations to Annette Donlon.

Cllr. J Keogh enquired about the timeframe for works to be completed at the new signalised junction in Monksland. Cllr. Keogh also queried the number of units that are being built in the KDM site and an update on completion.

Susan Loughnane informed the Members that resurfacing works were planned for the coming week and that the traffic lights were ready to be connected. Susan Loughnane stated that she did not have the number of units being built to hand, and noted that queries regarding progress on the private development should be redirected to the developer.

Cllr. D Connolly raised the issue of recent traffic congestion at the Monksland Junction.

Susan Loughnane informed the Members that recent traffic congestion occurred during water and wastewater connection works.  The contractors carrying out the works were asked to leave the site, and a Traffic Management plan was agreed before any further works were carried out.