Cllr. Dominick Connolly, Chairperson of the Housing, Integration, Community and Culture SPC, introduced the Healthy Roscommon Wellbeing Strategy, which was adopted by the Roscommon LCDC in May 2025 and presented to the SPC in July 2025.

Aisling Dunne, Healthy Ireland Co-ordinator, delivered a presentation on the strategy. She outlined its vision to foster a community where wellbeing is a shared value and responsibility, aiming to create a healthier, more connected society and to make Roscommon a vibrant, inclusive place to live and work.

During her presentation, Ms. Dunne highlighted:

• The strategy builds on the Healthy Ireland Strategic Plan 2021–2025 and the Round 4 Local Strategy for Roscommon, focusing on both immediate and long-term health outcomes, and expanding beyond current Healthy Ireland funded areas.
• There are seven key focus areas: community, physical activity, social inclusion, mental health for all, safety for all, equity and equality, and evidence-based actions for improvement.
• Four cross-cutting themes support implementation: safe communities and pride of place; building partnerships for enriched communities; empowering and connecting communities; and healthy people, active communities.
• Governance and monitoring are overseen by Roscommon LCDC, with the Health and Wellbeing sub-committee managing Healthy Ireland Fund applications and funding.
• The Healthy Ireland Co-ordinator provides bi-monthly updates and publishes annual plans and reports to ensure ongoing oversight and accountability.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan commended Ms. Dunne for her presentation and referenced the impact of Storm Éowyn in highlighting social and rural isolation. He emphasised the importance of community connection, praised local clubs and organisations for their response during the storm, and queried whether any initiatives had been developed to continue this work.

The Members also praised Ms. Dunne for the presentation and discussed the following:

• Welcomed the strategy and acknowledged the work being undertaken.
• Praised the quality and availability of outdoor facilities across the county.
• Commended initiatives such as FitFarmers and cardiac screening.
• Raised concerns about ongoing social isolation and the need to engage affected individuals.
• Highlighted that mental health remains a significant issue requiring further attention.
• Suggested that the development of retirement villages could help address social isolation and mental health challenges, while also contributing to housing availability.
• Proposed consideration of the Blue Tree Project.
• Recognised the contribution of older, retired individuals to community work.
• Stressed the importance of the Local Link bus service.
• Expressed concern that the €75,000 annual budget is low in terms of meeting the strategy’s objectives.
• Acknowledged the positive collaboration with Roscommon Sports Partnership.

Cllr. Ward proposed the introduction of an initiative involving visits to individuals living alone to ensure their wellbeing and explain their entitlements. Cllr. McDermott seconded the proposal. However, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan clarified that this suggestion would be noted as an area for improvement rather than a formal proposal for inclusion in the strategy.

Ms. Dunne thanked Members for their feedback and informed them that work is ongoing with ALONE and LEADER to deliver socially prescribed visits to those living alone. In response to comments regarding Storm Éowyn, she noted that the work carried out during that time has been documented and is forming the development of a community resilience toolkit. She also assured Members that, while the budget is limited and not guaranteed beyond 2026, efforts are being made to maximise its impact.