·        Reports for July and August 2025

·         Management Report for July and August noted.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice referred to the August report, specifically the section on the National Planning Framework Implementation: Housing Growth Requirement (Ministerial Guidelines issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended), circulated on 29 July 2025. He highlighted concerns regarding the housing need element and queried the possibility of reviewing the Roscommon County Development Plan 2022–2028, given that it is now midway through its timeframe. He noted the requirement to zone up to 50% more land, contrasting this with the OPR’s direction six months ago to de-zone lands. He proposed a review of the Development Plan, particularly the Rural Design Guidelines. This proposal was seconded by Cllr. Crosby.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan proposed that the matter be included on the agenda for the October meeting, seconded by Cllr. Keogh, who added that the Rural Design Guidelines should be examined and queried whether they are being applied too restrictively.

Members raised the following issues:

• Leaving Certificate students facing difficulties securing placements in trades.
• Wastewater treatment systems (WWTS) in towns struggling to meet demand.
• A call to fast-track housing delivery, noting that the target for Roscommon is 392 units, while current delivery is under 200.
• Queries regarding additional staffing to address the housing crisis.
• Need for extra planning resources, including consideration of relaxing the need for those seeking Vacant Home’s Grants to apply for planning exemptions, which are not applied in other counties, to free up resources.
• Concern that the County Development Plan may be hindering economic growth.
• With increased zoning, the capacity of Uisce Éireann infrastructure in towns will be a critical issue.
• Although significant investment was announced for Uisce Éireann, 90% of funding is allocated to transferring water from the River Shannon to Dublin. Members requested clarification on funding allocation and infrastructure delivery.
• Cllr. Conboy proposed a joint presentation from the Planning Department, Uisce Éireann, and ESB to address local opportunities and challenges related to housing targets.
• Delays in responses from architects/engineers to further information requests, impacting rural one-off housing applications.
• A query was raised regarding the status of modular homes.

Chief Executive, Mr. Shane Tiernan, thanked Members for their contributions and clarified:

• The housing requirement in the current Development Plan is 392 units per annum, which remains unchanged under the new guidelines.
• Roscommon County Council is the largest housing developer in the county.
• Issues with Uisce Éireann and ESB in larger towns must be addressed.
• The Council will progress with land zoning but must adhere to statutory timelines and processes. A draft plan is expected early in the New Year.

Director of Planning, Mr. Mark Keaveney, added:

• There has been a noticeable increase in development commencements over the past 6–12 months.
• The Section 28 Guidelines are being reviewed, and variations to the County Development Plan and Local Area Plans are required to facilitate additional zoning.
• A formal review of the County Development Plan is scheduled to begin shortly, this is a two-year process. The Department’s guidance is to proceed with variations first.
• The new Planning and Development Act is being implemented in stages, with the next phase commencing in the New Year.
• The Department is working on updated Rural Design Guidelines, but no release date has been confirmed.
• A meeting will be held with the Housing Activation Office to address housing deficits in County Roscommon.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice reiterated his support for including the issue on the October agenda and again queried the feasibility of reviewing the Development Plan at its midpoint.

Cllr. Keogh questioned the lack of variation in housing targets despite increased demand.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice further queried the rationale behind Roscommon’s target of 392 units per year for a population of over 70,000, compared to Longford’s target of 428 units for a population of 46,000. He requested that clarification be sought for the October meeting.

Mr. Tiernan explained that the figures are based on projected population growth.

Mr. Keaveney added that the targets were set nationally under the National Planning Framework, with no input from Roscommon County Council, and that there has been no opportunity to engage with the Department regarding the methodology used.