M5.25  Cllr Tom Crosby - Motion

That Roscommon County Council prioritise the immediate provision of a footpath and public lighting along Ballytoohey Road, which serves four large housing estates, numerous one-off houses, and provides a vital link between the village and the local national school. This matter has been raised for several years without progress, despite over €70,000 having been spent in 2003/2004 on the preparation of plans and related works. In the interests of road and pedestrian safety the Council now resolves to advance this project as a matter of urgency.

M6.25  Cllr. Sean Moylan - Motion

 I call on Roscommon Co. Co. to make every effort, to acquire the small parcel of land that is available free of charge beside Kilmore Graveyard, as soon as possible.

M7.25 Cllr. Leah Cull – Motion

I propose that Roscommon County Council undertake road safety measures on the R361 (Frenchpark road out of Boyle)

The increasing traffic flow and safety concerns expressed by local residents have highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures. This should include:

- ?A continuous white line marking outside Kingsland NS

- 50-kilometer signage at the appropriate location

- Speed indicator sign as you approach Silveroe Estate

Cllr. Sean Moylan read out the Motions and the Responses received.

M5.25  Cllr Tom Crosby - Motion

That Roscommon County Council prioritise the immediate provision of a footpath and public lighting along Ballytoohey Road, which serves four large housing estates, numerous one-off houses, and provides a vital link between the village and the local national school. This matter has been raised for several years without progress, despite over €70,000 having been spent in 20023/20024 on the preparation of plans and related works. In the interests of road and pedestrian safety the Council now resolves to advance this project as a matter of urgency.

Response:

Roscommon County Council engaged consultants to assist in progressing the Tarmonbarry Footpath link from the village to Whitehall National School along the L-1416 in 2022.  The Feasibility and Options Selection Report for the project was prepared by the consultants in 2023.  The project is with the National Transport Authority (NA) Phase 2: Concept Development and Options Selection, however, no funding was received in 2024 or 2025 to progress the project onto the preliminary design phase.

Members supported the motion and made the following points:

·        Footpaths should be a priority to facilitate families and the elderly.  In addition, footpaths needs on R368 across from the Westward Strokestown.

·        Strokestown Public Realm budget – any money left over should be spend on these footpaths.

·        Footpaths connecting housing estates to town/existing footpaths should be part of the whole development.

·        Appears installation of footpaths not a priority in the County and this should be queried further by members.

·        Similar concerns in Cootehall.  There are limitations on funding for footpaths.

·        When Active Travel Programme set up, it’s intention was for the development of the smaller towns and villages but focus appears to be on the large towns and installation of cycleways.  This needs to be looked at again.

·        The purpose of development charges includes funding for footpaths – where is this funding being directed.

·        RCC commended for installing footpaths at Forest View in Boyle funded from Active Travel Safety Scheme.

M6.25  Cllr. Sean Moylan - Motion

 I call on Roscommon Co. Co. to make every effort, to acquire the small parcel of land that is available free of charge beside Kilmore Graveyard, as soon as possible.

Response:

Roscommon Co. Council Asset Management Section is dealing with this and will meet with Area Staff on-site over the next few weeks.  The site in question had trial hole investigation works carried out last year and sheet rock is located less than one meter down.  This is not ideal and, as a result, the lands may not be suitable for burials as the rock would have to be removed and replaced with topsoil at considerable cost.

Members supported the motion and made the following points:

·        RCC should avail of the free site and be grateful the offer of free land.

·        Local people have offered to supply soil to fill over rock rather than rock being dug up.  Would be provided free of charge.  Elderly people concerned about grave plots. Would give solace to people of Kilmore if a solution could be found.

·        Graveyards are filling up across the County and new initiative like columbarium walls should be installed.  Cremation more and more in demand.

·        Not all of the ground at the new cemetery in Elphin is consecrated intentionally to allow individuals of different faiths to be buried there.

·        Issue regarding water connections and maintenance across all graveyards.

·        RCC commended for its work at Caldra Cemetery. Works completed to a high standard.  Mr. Sean Mullarkey, Mr. Ivor Kilcline, Mr. Colm Kelly and Mr. Patrick Brides specifically mentioned for their work on the project.  

M7.25 Cllr. Leah Cull – Motion

I propose that Roscommon County Council undertake road safety measures on the R361 (Frenchpark road out of Boyle)

The increasing traffic flow and safety concerns expressed by local residents have highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures. This should include:

- ?A continuous white line marking outside Kingsland NS

- 50-kilometer signage at the appropriate location

- Speed indicator sign as you approach Silveroe Estate

Response:

In 2025 at Kingsland National School, Roscommon Co. Council carried out road marking works to highlight the presence of the school to drivers. It would not be appropriate to install a full time 50 kph speed limit at this location, however, if the Area Office wishes to propose a low-cost safety scheme to the Roads Safety Engineer for the school, then periodic speed limits at school times could be considered as part of it. With reference to Silveroe Estate, there is a 60 kph speed limit in place which the Roads Safety Engineer feels is appropriate for this location and is consistent with other similar urban approach roads in the county. If speeding is considered to be an issue, then perhaps enforcement by An Garda Siochana would be effective.

Members supported the motion and made the following points:

Speeding along this road an issue as is speeding in general across the county.  Put in for a Low Cost Safety Scheme in 2026.

Speed ramps at Mockmoyne Road welcomed.  More needed.

Road lay out and poor sightlines challenging.

An Garda Siochana should be enforcing speed limits more.

Similar situation at Kiltrustan NS.

Loughglynn NS is a good example of effective speed control.

Speeding on the Frenchpark Road, Boyle (R361)/Silveroe is an issue. Bridget at Kingsland should be rebuilt and traffic calming would slow traffic approaching school.

Residents at Silveroe has requested return of speed van at the 50k/h stretch.

Mr. Ivor Kilcline confirmed the Area Office will follow up on a periodic speed limit linked to the opening times of the school.

Lack of school car park, bus pull ins is more of an issue for Dept. of Education than RCC.