Tidy Towns and Amenity Grant Scheme Allocation 2025

Director of Services Chris Flynn sought approval for the allocations for the Tidy Town and Amenity Grant Scheme 2025 which was circulated at the meeting. He advised that 73 eligible applications were received from community groups and voluntary organisations who have been granted aid to assist the undertaking of small-scale amenity projects in their local area. €60,000 was allocated as the total budget for the scheme.

Members welcomed the funding and thanked Mr. Flynn and his team for their work on the scheme.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Dineen

            SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED to approve the recommended allocations under the Tidy Town and Amenity Grant Scheme 2025.

Proposed Application for an IPAS Centre at Academy House, Goff Street, Roscommon Town

Cllr. McDermott raised the issue in relation to an application for an IPAS Centre at Academy House, Goff Street, Roscommon Town that was submitted to the Planning department as a Section 5 Declaration of Exempted Development. Cllr. McDermott outlined that there has been widespread speculation in the media on the subject, and it was his understanding that the application had been rejected and subsequently appealed to An Bord Pleanála. He explained that while he understood it was no longer an issue of the Council, he asked if the Director of Housing had received any information on the matter.

Director of Planning Mark Keaveney explained that an application for a Section 5 Declaration of Exempted Development had been made for same, but the planning department concluded that the application constituted development that was not exempt development, and the application had been appealed to An Bord Pleanála. He outlined that the outcome of the appeal has not been determined at this stage.

Director of Housing Chris Flynn outlined that the Housing department had not received any correspondence on the matter.

Cllr. McDermott thanked both for their responses and asked that he be notified of any clarity they might receive.

A number of members spoke further on the issue:

·         Cllr. McDermott was commended for raising the issue in the correct forum.

·         The planning department were praised for making the correct decision in relation to the Section 5 Declaration of Exempted Development.

·         There was widespread concern raised regarding social media being used to spread misinformation and commentary on issues such as the IPAS centre being used as a publicity tool.

·         It was outlined that statements or comments cannot be made on live planning applications.

Cllr. Holland stated that he has no involvement in the proposed IPAS Centre, despite commentary made on social media linking him to the director who sought the application.

Bully’s Acre

Cllr. Ward raised an issue that was mentioned at the Special Meeting during the election of Cllr. Holland in relation to a project at Bully’s Acre, which was being worked on by the late Cllr. Anthony Waldron (RIP). He asked if any progress had been made to erect a fence at the site and questioned if the Council were committed to see the project through to completion.

Director of Services Mark Keaveney explained that there are ongoing talks with the landowner and assured that provisions had been made to follow through on the project.

Cathaoirleach’s Last Meeting

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fitzmaurice stated that as the next meeting would be the AGM, this was his last meeting as Cathaoirleach and thanked the members, the Chief Executive, staff and the Meeting Administrator Karen Hanley for their help throughout the year.

Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr. Larry Brennan also thanked his fellow colleagues and stated that it was an honour to serve the role for the past year.

Members thanked both the Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach for their work in their respective roles.

Chief Executive Shane Tiernan also thanked both the Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach for the great impact they had made in their roles representing the people of Co. Roscommon.