Members discussed the issues relating to the Ballaghaderreen Public Realm Part 8 Project.

Cllr. Tom Crosby informed the meeting that the Public Realm Works were halted following protests and objections by the local people.

Members raised the following issues:

·        Issues need to be resolved and correct information available obtained regarding street layout, etc.

·        Ballaghaderreen Public Realm project is 50% completed on a project worth €4.5m.  Funding from Dept is at risk if project is not fully completed.  Financial burden would fall on Roscommon Co. Council.

·        The impact of the project not proceeding could lead to huge financial implications for Roscommon Co. Council and impact on future Public Realm projects.

·        Contractors have a fixed-price contract within a timeframe and their contract will have to be honoured.

·        The Ballaghaderreen Public Realm Part 8 cannot be reversed as Plan has already gone through Planning.

·        The safety of the community should be a priority and concerns regarding access to school for Fire Engine or Ambulance, etc. should be addressed to reassure the public.

·        Members discussed plans for the town including roundabout on square, provision of off-street parking for the elderly and disabled, turning circle at Flannery’s Corner, location of bus stops on Pound Street.

·        The issue of car park spaces, how many were lost to the centre of the town and how many would be replaced at alternative locations adjacent to the town centre.

·        Members agreed public statements relating to the Project should be based on facts.

·        Businesses in the town are hanging on by a thread and it’s important their concerns are listened to.

·        Part 8 in other towns have similar concerns regarding car parking and lorries having to mount footpaths, etc.

·        Members called for mediation as the way forward to address those areas of concern of the Community and to enable the Project to proceed.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell responded as follows:

·        It’s very difficult to reverse a Part 8.  RCC will endeavour to work within the existing Part 8

·        He stated that if RCC cannot complete the Project, could leave Council financially liable for reimbursement of monies claimed from Department. It would set a precedent for other public realm works in the county as there are contractual obligations given to the funding body.

·        He informed meeting that RCC has given an undertaking to buy land at The Plots close to the Square to accommodate 50 car parking spaces. He agreed there has to be compromise.

·        Corrections/tweaks of issues are allowed within the confines of the plan. Safety Audit done post works will pick up any issues.

·        Mediation is on-going and meetings have already taken place.

·        He reiterated that stopping the works for a new Part 8 is not really feasibly – current funding would be lost and current project would be incomplete. In addition, Part 8s would be undermined. Funding is given based on Planning which provides certainty for funding and stopping this Part 8 could impact on future projects.

Elphin to Strokestown Lugby Cross

Cllr. Valerie Byrne raised concerns regarding the blind hill on this section of road especially as it’s the main road to new N5.

Mr. Ivor Kilcline stated that this will be looked at as part of the Works Programme.

Members noted that this was Mr. Greg O’Donnell’s last meeting with the MD.  Members complimented him on being very approachable and very supportive of them during his tenurs as Acting Director of Service.

Members welcomed Mr. Kevin Nally as the newly appointed Area Engineer for Strokestown and wished Mr. Anthony McDermott well in his post as Area Engineer for Ballaghaderreen.