·         Members approval of Section 85.

A/Director of Services Greg O’Donnell advised that approval was being sought for the Section 85 Agreement between Roscommon County Council and Westmeath County Council for the Lough Ree Greenway scheme.

Members spoke about the project, raising the following points:

• The is an opportunity to utilise the Monksland way and army lands to get connectivity to the Hodson Bay. 
• A question was raised enquiring when planning would be sought for the route.
• It was enquired if the greenway from Dublin to Longford side of Tarmonbarry would be connected with the Roscommon side, with connectivity to Rooskey using redundant BNM lands, with the potential to link to the Lough Key greenway.
• It was noted that this has huge potential for tourism in the west of Ireland.
• It was enquired whether the flooding on N61 is included in the plan, and whether the route is for walking and cycling.
• Information was requested on how much funding is there for the project, and when would work commence.
• It was asked whether connectivity to St. Brigid’s GAA should be considered.
• It was noted that existing walkways should be considered.
• It was enquired if this matter went across more than one municipal district, and if so, whether a Part 8 would be in order.

A/Director of Services, Greg O’Donnell responded as follows:

·         The project is at an early stage, and it is too early to confirm what the final route will be.

·         The project has gone through Stage 0 and Stage 1 of TII.  This is Stage 2, route selection.

·         Public lands are in consideration.

·         The Shannon Blueway is a separate project, BNM are looking at Just Transition funding potential. 

·         All of the projects are being looked at collectively, and the intention is for the schemes to link.

·         There may be separate Sections 85 agreements in due course for these projects.

·         At the N61 north of Ganly’s where flood relief works are identified, there may be some synergies with this and the footpath and cycle routes.

·         The funding for route selection is in 2025.  Thereafter it will be a number of years before construction is likely to commence, based on project timelines and funding window.

·         These are significant projects that will be transformative for the county when delivered.

·         When the project reaches design procurement stage, it will be subject to Part 8, which will be in front of the full council.

Greg O’Donnell thanked members and advised this will go to Westmeath County Council for ratification.

The Cathaoirleach welcomed the news and noted that these projects will have significant benefit for Co. Roscommon.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

            SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED that pursuant to Section 85 of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended), Roscommon County Council hereby agrees to make and enter into an Agreement with Westmeath County Council whereby Roscommon County Council will exercise and perform all the powers, functions and duties which may be (i) exercised or capable of of being exercised and (ii) performed or capable of being performed by Westmeath County Council in connection with Lough Ree Greenway Scheme.  It is hereby resolved under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended) to make and enter into this Agreement with Westmeath County Council as outlined above.