On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connolly

            SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to approve the Cemetery Maintenance Grant Scheme 2025, as circulated.

The Members discussed the following points:

• The funding allocated was welcomed but it was noted that the amount was not sufficient and should be increased in line to what it was previously, up to €150,000.
• There was widespread appreciation for the cemetery committees, along with the Tidy Town committees throughout the county.
• There was also widespread appreciation for those on social employment schemes who contribute to the work carried out in cemeteries throughout the county.
• It was noted that not all committees received the same amount and yet all were expected to carry out the same work.
• A concern was raised regarding the committees needing their own insurance and the burden it puts on those committees.
• It was queried if cemetery committees could be covered under the insurance pilot scheme for Tidy Town committees which was recently launched.
• The Council staff were thanked for their work since Storm Éowyn, particularly in regards to the damage to cemeteries.
• It was queried what the process was in relation to damage on cemeteries from Storm Éowyn.
• It was queried if insurance cover includes ride on lawnmowers which is a huge expense to committees.

Director of Services, Caitlín Conneely, outlined that the Tidy Town committee insurance scheme is a pilot, over 25 groups have expressed interest in the scheme and while the hope is to expand it, the Council would have to cover the cost. Ms. Conneely added that members of the public could claim any damage to cemeteries from Storm Éowyn to IPB, they would be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and could not guarantee that all claims would be paid. She also clarified that lawnmowers are not covered under the pilot scheme and Tidy Town committees will have to get separate cover for same.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fitzmaurice thanked the cemetery committees and Tidy Town committees for their hard work.

Chief Executive Shane Tiernan also thanked the committees and noted their importance. He noted that the insurance scheme with IPB was pilot, and it will be reviewed in due course.

  On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Byrne

            SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

It was AGREED that the pilot insurance scheme for Tidy Town committees should be expanded to include cemetery committees.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

            SECONDED by Cllr. Frain

It was AGREED to write to the Minister of Rural Affairs to seek a review of the Community Employment Scheme, to make it more attractive for people to participate in, and to also allow people to participate in the scheme for longer periods of time.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

            SECONDED by Cllr. Connolly

It was AGREED to follow up with IPB in relation to insurance for lawnmowers for Tidy Town committees.

Cllr. John Keogh advised he would raise the issues discussed including insurance for cemetery committees and insurance for lawnmowers at the IPB AGM this Friday, 2^nd May, as Roscommon County Council’s representative on the IPB committee.