The Cathaoirleach welcomed the Members to the Budget Meeting and thanked the Chief Executive and all staff for their work in preparing the Budget. The Cathaoirleach proposed that the meeting would conclude by 1.00pm, outlining that each Director will present their areas of responsibility, and that each Member would be afforded four minutes to speak on the Budget.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connolly

SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED that the meeting would be concluded by 1.00pm, each Director speak about their areas of responsibility, and that each Member would be afforded four minutes to speak on the Budget.

 

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan stated that the Budget is a large amount of money, and that it is well spent to ensure benefits for the entire community. He highlighted several key areas, including the support provided to community groups and volunteers through Budget allocations. He mentioned the impact of the Regeneration projects which can be seen in our towns and villages, noting that these projects require considerable funding. He referenced the many tourism and outdoor events that were held during the summer, commended the recreational opportunities facilitated by Roscommon County Council. He acknowledged that funding is dependent on the Government, Local Property Tax and rate payers, emphasizing the need for respect for the income from these sources. He further noted that the change in Local Property Tax (LPT) valuations could impact rate payers and that the proposed 5% increase this year will only affect 4% of rate payers, protecting the small businesses and shops.

 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE REPORT

The Chief Executive Mr. Shane Tiernan welcomed the Elected Members and presented the Draft Budget for consideration, he highlighted the following key elements:

• The total proposed budget is €86 million, representing an 8% increase from 2025 and a 50% increase since 2019, reflecting significant growth and service delivery across Roscommon over the past six years.
• The Capital Budget is €442 million over the next few years which is a significant amount of money for the County of Roscommon. A considerable amount of this is for the N5 construction works.
• Over 50% of the revenue budget is funded through state grants and LPT allocations, demonstrating that Roscommon is heavily reliant on central Government funding.
• Roscommon County Council’s aim is to bring the county of Roscommon to the best place it can be, ensuring strong economic conditions, strong community growth and strong social cohesion. Achieving this requires significant capital investment and associated borrowings as raising funds alone would be insufficient to meet these needs.
• The Budget includes a 5% increase in Commercial Rates to ensure access to funding, in particular for capital projects, and to sustain progress made. This increase is not targeted at small businesses, allowing them to continue to thrive while creating additional funds.
• Significant allocations are directed toward housing and roads with over 4,000 kilometres of road within the county and an ongoing need to deliver social, affordable and private housing.
• The Croí Cónaithe scheme has successfully brought many derelict properties back into use. This scheme is having a positive impact on counties like Roscommon, with currently over 450 applications for the County of Roscommon.
• The N5 is the largest capital project currently underway, noting that it is ahead of schedule and expected to open earlier than planned.
• There are a number of significant upcoming projects aiming to benefit the economy, jobs, tourism and recreation in our towns and villages. These include the Lough Key Forest Park redevelopment in collaboration with Coillte, the 24/7 Boyle Library, Putting the Heart into Monksland, Spokes and Wheel in Roscommon town, rejuvenating Strokestown and multiple rural schemes such as CLÁR and community recognition funds across the county.
• He also noted the ambitious plans for County Roscommon, acknowledging the work of past members of staff and the work carried out by the Elected Members and Oireachtas members who advocate for Roscommon to receive adequate funding.

·         The Council now delivers over 1,100 services, requiring significant staffing and noted new units such as Community Integration, Climate Change, Energy, Assets, and Regeneration, which are essential for a modern local authority.

·         A major focus for the coming years will be addressing climate adaptation and the impact of extreme weather events on county infrastructure.

·         There is continued investment in digital transformation, enhancing IT services and customer engagement through digital platforms, strengthening cybersecurity, and advancing digital progress without compromising safety.

• The Adopted Budget 2026 has been prepared in accordance with section 102 of the Local Government Act to include statutory tables across service areas.

 

In conclusion, the Chief Executive thanked the Director of Finance, Sean Mullarkey, the Finance team including Cait O’Grady, the Management Team and the Elected Members for their input to the Budget and recommended it for adoption.

 

HEAD OF FINANCE REPORT

Sean Mullarkey, Director of Finance, summarised the main provisions of the Budget as follows:

 

Total Expenditure Budget                                       €86,074,800

Housing & Building                                                 €13,133,700

Road Transportation and Safety                            €32,965,100

Water Services                                                                     €4,803,000

Development Management                                     €12,366,300

Environmental Services                                                      €9,015,900

Recreation and Amenity                                         €7,057,000

Agriculture, Education, Health and Welfare                     €644,100

Miscellaneous Services                                                      €6,089,700

 

Income Highlights

• Increase of 8% in income/expenditure or €6.4m from €79.7m in 2025 to €86.1m in 2026
• Proposed Rates income increase of 5% which equates to €0.4m (with Small Business Support Scheme)
• ARV changes from 0.236 to 0.248
• Maintaining 15% LPT equates to €0.6m
• Building Momentum Agreement (Lansdowne Rd) increase in income of €0.8m is offset by salaries and pensions increase.
• Housing income increase of €2.1m offset by increase in expenditure
• Road’s income increase of €1.7m (based on 2025)
• Decrease in Water income by €1.3m

 

Local Property Tax maintained at 15% enables funding to the following areas in Municipal Districts:

• €300k: General Municipal Allocation (GMA)
• €90k: Graveyard Voluntary Grants
• €75k: Graveyard Major Repair Works
• €90k: Tidy Towns & Amenity Grants
• €45k: Taking in Charge

 

Rates Increase

• The €0.5m of rates income is ring-fenced for funding loan repayment required in order to obtain match funding for capital projects.
• Increase of €0.4m is a net adjustment of 5% for Small Business Support Scheme introduced and passed by the Council in June 2025.
• ARV will increase from 0.236 to 0.248 as a result of the increase

 

Divisional Expenditure Highlights

Housing and Building

• €560k: Increase in housing spend for social housing needs
• €640k: Increase in housing spend for long-term housing

 

Road Transportation and Safety

• €2m: Increase in maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads

 

Water Services

• €1m: reduction in Service Level Agreement

 

Development Management

Loan repayment for match funding capital projects included in the Development Management spend. Increases of spend across divisions include:

• €210k: Planning and development management
• €175k: Social inclusion
• €72k: Community projects
• €125k: Tourism promotion and festival and events scheme (includes National Famine Way promotion – important new tourism attraction in Roscommon)

 

Recreation and Amenity

• €220k: Recreational development
• €177k: Parks, pitches and open spaces
• €630k: Operations of Arts Programme (majority of increase offset by income)

 

Central Management Charge (CMC)

• €50k: Increased pension costs for staff/members
• €700k: IT security and hardware maintenance
• €963k: Increase in Corporate/Finance/HR overhead

 

Capital Programme 2026 – 2028

3-year Programme with a value of €442m to be funded as follows:

• €415m: State grants and subsidies
• €21.1m: Borrowings
• €0.4m: Development Contributions
• €6.1m: Other
•  

Proposed Capital Expenditure Highlights:

• €81m for social houses
• €2.7m for Local Authority Home Loans
• €11m Croí Conaithe Grant
• €12.6m for Housing Improvements / Assistant grants
• €220m for Road Projects
• €192m remaining on N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge. Total cost €462m
• €6.5m for Boyle Library – Grant funding of €5.2m, RCC €1.3m
• €3m for Hodson Bay Waterfront Park and Lough Key Strategic Plan
• €19.5m iRos Sport Complex in Roscommon Town. Grant funding of €13.8m, RCC funding of €5.7m
• €14.8m Monksland Community Hub – Grant funding of €13.3m, Loans €1.5m
• €3m for Lough Key Forest Park – RCC contribution of €3.5m
• €7.9m for Strokestown Public Realm – Grant funding of €7.3m, Loans €0.6m

 

DIRECTOR OF SERVICES - HOUSING, COMMUNITY, CULTURE AND INTEGRATION

Chris Flynn, Director of Services presented the Budget for his areas of responsibility to the Members:

 

Housing:

• Housing Budget increase of €2.2m to €13.1m which equates to 15% of the total Council spend
• €2.56m for maintenance and improvement of LA housing stock including Traveller accommodation, covering reactive repairs, pre-letting and refurbishment works
• NOAC report acknowledged RCC in reletting times at 14-15 weeks with national average at 35 weeks, as well as keeping costs at an average of €14,500 per unit with national average of €34,000
• LA rent due ranges from €538,000 - €570,000 per month with good collection rates reported under the Differential Rent Scheme
• Roscommon Is one of two counties undertaking a national pilot for stock condition surveys and the new Asset Management system driving additional 2026 investment to meet minimum standards and reduce void times
• Croí Cónaithe grants ongoing:
• 442 applications received to date
• €17m approved in principle to date
• Over €6m paid out and 105 homes back in use
• Housing Aid for Older People, Housing Adaptation/Mobility Aid expected to be similar to 2025 funding at €2m, reduction in Match Funding from 20% to 15%
• Disabled Persons Grants (DPG) expected similar funding as 2025
• Housing for All (2022-2026) target was 250 homes and on target to meet this. Transitioning to new plan – Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030
• Launch of the Affordable Housing Scheme – this is a first for Roscommon and plan to launch in Q1 2026 offering initially 6 x 3-bed homes in the Monksland area
• Prevention and Vacancy - continue the acquisition of houses under the Tenant in Situ programme with 10 to be completed by end of 2025, served 43 Derelict Notices to date in 2025, 6 properties completed under CPO with 64 properties on the derelict sites register

 

Local Authority Housing (€77.5M):

• All projects progressing under the Housing Capital Programme continue to be dependent on Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) for project and funding approval.

 

Traveller Accommodation (€3M):

The Traveller Accommodation Programme (2025-2029) commits to the following projects:

• Torpan Bed, Ballyforan – Construction of 3 extensions will proceed at an estimate of €1.1m
• Killerney, Roscommon – Revised design proceeding for 5 houses

 

Local Authority Home Loans (€2.76M):

Projections for 2026 to 2028are based on approved loans for 2025.

 

Croí Cónaithe Fund (€11.1M):

• This fund will see an investment in excess of €11.1m over 3 years for private and rented vacant properties.
• 442 applications received to date

 

Assistance to Persons Improving Houses (€6.15M):

• Roscommon County Council Contribution is listed in Revenue Budget and DHLGH Contribution is reflected in Capital Budget.

 

Energy Improvement Works to LA Dwellings (€4.8M):

• The revised programme provides for significant upscaling in the level of funding available. It is estimated that Roscommon will receive funding for upgrade works to an average of 45 units per annum in the order of €1.6m per annum

 

Library Services Capital Budget:

• Budget of €2.8m to go towards the provision of frontline library services including Branch Library, Mobile Unit, Outreach Programme, and HQ building in Roscommon Town.
• New local studies, archives, reading room and the appointment of an archivist as well as continued supports for language and learning
• Ballaghaderreen will fully roll out as a My Open Library in 2026 with opening times 8am-10pm 7 days a week which will be the first in the County
• Work is underway for the new Boyle Community Library, supported by RRDF with a delivery timeframe of 2027 expected
• National programmes such as the Right to Read, Healthy Ireland, Skills for Life will continue to be rolled out
• Digital services will continue to be delivered to support people literacy needs and dyslexia.
• Sense-Ability programme of events to support neurodivergent community, promotion of sensory spaces and extend the collection of loanable items

 

Arts and Culture:

• Arts expenditure in 2026 will be just over €2m with income from Arts Council and Creative Ireland supplemented by income generated from the Arts Centre and King House
• The Arts Office co-ordinates the Creative Ireland Programme
• Funding provided for awards, bursaries, residencies, training and mentoring for artists and arts organisations
• Public programmes will include Culture Night, Bealtaine Festival, Cruinniú na nÓg, Lirerary Development, Creative Ageing, Creative Places Ballaghaderreen, Youth Inclusion Programmes, Public Art on N5, World Circus Day
• Roscommon Arts Centre marks its 25^th year anniversary in 2026
• King House and An Ríoga will continue to provide tours and events
• Street performance – new addition to the budget which will be a stand-alone event 
• Roscommon Arts Centre provides Theatre, Gallery, Outreach & Engagement & Artist Supports

 

International Protection:

• Roscommon County Council oversees the Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT), Ukrainian Response Team and Community Integration Forum
• Co-ordinate support for beneficiaries of international protection, refuges and those with status
• Key pillar for the county in getting integration right to support inclusion and benefit the community
• Staffing posts are fully funded with an additional 25% to cover overheads

 

DIRECTOR OF SERVICES – ECONOMIC, PLANNING AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Mark Keaveney, Director of Services, presented the Budget for his areas of responsibility to the Members:

 

Roads Budget:

• Roads Total Budget €32,965,100, an increase of 7.3% on 2025
• The sum of €24,797,400 (75%) will be income generated as grants from DoT and TII.
• Expenditure for 2026 includes:
  • National Primary Maintenance and Improvement €767,400
  • National Secondary Maintenance and Improvement €756,200
  • Regional Road Maintenance and Improvement €6,322,000
  • Local Road Maintenance and Improvement €21,061,600
  • Public Lighting €1,385,700
  • Traffic Management Improvement €20,000
  • Road Safety Engineering Improvement €692,800
  • Road Safety Promotion and Education €68,900
  • Support to Roads Capital Programme €89,800
  • Agency and Recoupable Services €1,800,700

 

Capital Budget:

Roads Projects:

• N4 Carrick to Dromod Road Project – €15m
• N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Road Project – €291m
• N61 Tulsk to Clashaganny – €1.1m
• N61 Safety Schemes (St John’s and St Brigid’s) - €600,000

 

Greenways:

There are 3 major greenways in planning and the following have been budget for 2026:

• Lough Ree Greenway - Athlone to Ballyleague/Lanesborough
• Mid Shannon Greenway – Ballyleague/Lanesborough, Strokestown, Rooskey, Tarmonbarry
• Lough Key to Carrick on Shannon Greenway

 

Active Travel Projects:

• Active Travel projects are expected to be in the region of €7m
• Old N5 Active Travel projects €1.7m

 

Other Capital Works:

• Footpath upgrades/maintenance €1.2m
• Bridge rehabilitation works €600k
• Burial Grounds €300k
  • Columbarium Wall St Comans Roscommon -Tender published
• OPW flood relief works for Carrick
• OPW flood relief works at Bogginfin
• OPW flood relief works at Lough Funshinagh

 

Maintenance of Burial Grounds

• Cemetery Improvement & Maintenance Grant increased by €15k to €90k
• Burial Ground Major Repair Work – new fund to the value of €75k

 

Planning and Development:

The budget proposed for the provision of Planning Services (Development Management Programme) is as follows:

• Forward Planning €570,600
• Development Management €1,879,300
• Enforcement including debt collection €743,500
• Unfinished Housing Estates €513,200
• Main work includes variation of the County Development Plan and the Roscommon Local Area Plan
• Will finalise the Athlone Joint Urban Area Plan
• Preparation for the review of the County Development Plan

 

Tourism:

• Budget €549k – increase of €135k. Include new scheme to promote the National Famine Way with 6 other LA’s
• The County Roscommon Tourism Strategy 2025 – 2030 has been adopted and outlines the strategic vision for tourism in Roscommon
• Supporting major festivals and events - including Night and Day and National Hot Air Ballooning Competition
• Festivals and Events €60k – increase of €10k.

 

Economic Development, Regeneration and Placemaking:

• Substantial Capital Programme being implemented and developed.
• Broad spread of projects throughout the county in almost every town and village and many other rural areas
• Castlerea Town Centre First Plan is being finalised
• Health checks in Ballaghaderreen, Boyle and Monksland

 

Capital Budget:

 

Completed Projects €34.3m (138 projects)

 

Current Projects €56.3m (55 Projects)

 

Proposed Projects €186.3M (78 projects)

 

DIRECTOR OF SERVICES - CLIMATE ACTION, ENVIRONMENT, RESOURCES, PEOPLE, GOVERNANCE and ATHLONE MD AREA MANAGER

Caitlín Conneely, Director of Services, provided an overview of the Budget for her areas of responsibility:

 

Human Resources:

• Delivery of over 1,000 services - Oversees staff recruitment, management, support, training, and extending to superannuation upon retirement.
• Ongoing recruitment efforts – high rate of staff movement within the Council and across the sector. Launched a new online recruitment system this year and reduced vacancy rate greatly
• Lauch of the Strategic Workforce Plan

 

IS & Digital Transformation:

• Manages internal and external IT infrastructure and digital services.
• Continue to roll out enhanced digital services
• Working to maintain high security standards in service delivery around risk management and cyber security and additional funding has been allocated for this
• Committed to upskilling staff to ensure awareness of cyber risks.
• Digital Transformation Unit is working to deliver enhanced online and digital services with a target on 90% of digital services online by 2030
• Development of a new more intuitive website underway
• Increased support for internal IT systems to support more efficient and effective operations
• Advancing the My Online Services portal

 

Corporate Services:

• Handle Franchise – Register of Electors
• Provide support for Elected Members
• Civic Leadership Activities

 

Water Services:

• Uisce Eireann has assumed responsibility as the National Water Authority for the delivery of water and wastewater services throughout the county
• 30 staff who have yet to either transfer to Uisce Eireann or be redeployed within the Local Authority. This process should be complete in 2026
• Capital allocation of €150,000 has been included for the continued development and maintenance of the water quality lab. Roscommon is one of only six accredited labs in the sector and it is an important service
• Manage the Rural Water Programme with a Capital allocation of €3m (2024-2026) as well as subsidies of €900k to Group Water Schemes for operational and maintenance costs

 

Environmental Services:

• In 2024, 2 pivotal policy documents have been launched which outline vital functions for the Council to lead in Waste and Water quality, management, and enforcement activities:
  • Water Action Plan 2024 - €597.8K to carry out actions under this plan
  • Waste Management Plan for the Circular Economy - €728.8K
• Litter Management increased by €40k to €533.8k – includes 2 x Litter wardens, enforcement and awareness activities
• 2 Closed Landfills – Ballaghaderreen and Roscommon as well as 4 historic landfills. The LA has a requirement to carry out remediation and maintenance programme to limit any environmental harm. Budget of €456.8k with a Capital budget of €300k for significant works which will be undertaken to ensure compliance
• Civic Amenity sites and bring-bank networks – Budget of €941.9k (increase of €100k from 2025) to cover operational costs and a Capital Budget of €130k for infrastructural upgrades
• Strengthen enforcement and awareness activities to maintain a green and clean environment.

 

Climate Action:

• Roscommon Climate Action Plan 2024 was adopted – sets out areas for mitigation and adaptation in relation to climate actions
• Continue to work across all council functions to promote climate positive initiatives
• The Climate Action Budget remains at €421k, allocated an additional €100k to support the number of climate action initiatives
• Manages the Community Climate Action Fund (€402k) to support community groups in delivering climate actions locally
• Roscommon Town has been designated as a Decarbonisation Zone

 

 

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan thanked the Directors for their presentations and welcomed the Budget, acknowledging its significance. He highlighted key initiatives such as the N5 Road project, the Tulsk to Clashaganny project, various Active Travel projects to improve towns and villages, the Croí Conaithe scheme and Housing Adaptation Grants. He proposed that funding be allocated to the Elphin area and recommended that it should be a priority going forward. He also welcomed funding for graveyards and Tidy Towns committees. He emphasised the importance of the funding generated from Local Property Tax and rates and outlined the benefits of regeneration projects and amenity grants to communities. He acknowledged the issue of unfinished housing estates, noting that many remain in the Boyle Municipal District and questioned whether additional funding could be made available to complete these developments.

 

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan also referenced Storm Éowyn which occurred earlier this year, acknowledging the great work by Roscommon County Council but outlined the high cost associated with remedial works after the storm. He highlighted the Local Improvement Schemes as very important funding, and the rates increase. He proposed that a 50% increase in the Municipal District fund is included in the budget. He also highlighted ongoing challenges in housing, particularly in securing accommodation for those on waiting lists and recipients of the Housing Assistance Payment.

 

Members debated the budget and raised the following points:

• The budget was welcomed, and the executive team were complimented for their work in preparing it.
• Members acknowledged the 8% growth in the Budget, increasing from 2025 to €86 million in 2026.
• The Affordable Housing Scheme was welcomed, with interest expressed in expanding it to other areas. Members suggested that future schemes could consider a 50/50 mix of Social and Affordable Housing.
• Queries were raised regarding the income threshold for Social Housing in Roscommon (€30,000) compared to €35,000 in some border counties.
• Funding for the Safety Scheme was acknowledged, with requests to include street lighting and consider additional junctions. Members suggested greater engagement with residents in affected areas.
• The success of the Croí Conaithe scheme was noted, with 450 applications, highlighting its positive impact on housing.
• The Monksland Community Hub was welcomed, with hopes for DRCD funding to support the project.
• The need for Creagh to be included in a Joint Urban Area Plan for Ballinasloe with Galway County Council was highlighted.
• Strong support was expressed for the proposal to increase the Municipal District Fund by €50,000 per district, bringing the total to €450,000, with €25,000 ring-fenced for villages.
• Members welcomed the 5% increase in rates and acknowledged Cllr. Moylan’s efforts to raise the Small Business Support Scheme to protect small businesses.
• Recognition was given to significant investment in towns, with a call for greater focus on villages going forward.
• Queries were raised on whether the €20 million allocated for county projects is distributed equally across the three Municipal Districts.
• A suggestion was made to consider renewable energy solutions for the Roscommon Leisure Centre swimming pool to reduce costs.
• Appreciation was expressed for the Council’s investment in Castlerea swimming pool, which reported record numbers and income.
• Roads funding was welcomed to maintain safety and standards, with requests for updates on N60 funding, street cleaning, salt bins, and increased focus on regional/local roads and footpaths.
• Clarification was sought on the breakdown of footpath funding.
• Members acknowledged progress on unfinished housing estates.
• Funding of €12.6 million for the Home Improvement Scheme was welcomed.
• A suggestion was made to attract private builders to increase housing supply in Roscommon.
• Support was expressed for the N5 Road Project, with a recommendation to plan for towns that will be bypassed, including Elphin.
• Funding for footpaths, graveyards, repair grants, and Tidy Towns was welcomed.
• Tourism funding was welcomed, though disappointment was expressed at unsuccessful Bord Fáilte funding applications for festivals.
• Members acknowledged that Roscommon County Council is one of the largest employers in the county, with 500+ staff delivering over 1,100 services.
• Mobile libraries were welcomed, with suggestions to reinstate the permanent library in Elphin.
• Funding for Climate Action initiatives was welcomed.
• Concerns were raised about the lack of reimbursement from central government for Storm Éowyn costs.
• Requests were made for the reopening of the Fire Station in Castlerea.
• Requests were made for additional bins in towns.
• Queries were raised on whether County Roscommon projects can be included in the National Development Plan.
• Members acknowledged that Housing Delivery targets have been met, which is positive for the county.
• Questions were raised regarding the €1.1 million allocation for the Tulsk–Clashaganny road, specifically when and where it will be spent.
• The Safe Routes to School initiative was welcomed, with suggestions to install speed ramps outside every national school.
• It was questioned if it was possible to relocate the iRos Sports Centre to any other area in the county, such as Strokestown.

 

It was AGREED by members to extend the Standing Orders by 20 minutes.

 

• Areas for improvement were highlighted, including housing delivery, void turnaround, urban infill, footpaths where demand exceeds supply, slow project delivery, and issues relating to drainage and flooding.
• Concerns were expressed regarding the N61, noting its importance for safety and connectivity, particularly in light of Athlone’s future City Status, which will require a stronger road network.
• Cllr. Ward proposed the development of a dual carriageway from Athlone to Roscommon and from Roscommon to Boyle.
• A suggestion was made that commercial rates should be income-based.
• A query was raised regarding the Columbarium Wall, specifically whether Fairymount is the proposed location.

 

It was AGREED by members to extend the Standing Orders to 2pm.

 

• Cllr. Holland proposed to complete the feasibility studyonthecryptin Ballintubber.

 

Director of Services, Mark Keaveney clarified the following:

• A plan is being finalized in relation to the street cleaning under public realm works. He said he will follow up on the salt bins issue.
• Footpath funding is allocated through the Municipal Districts, but funding is limited. There is no external funding for footpaths except where included in an Active Travel or Road project.
• Queries were raised on a number of junctions. He advised that there is currently a request in for works on Ballinaboy junction with the hope to progress in 2026. The Strokestown junction is at preliminary design stage, and work is being done with TII and funding is applied for the junction at Kilbride.
• Roscommon County Council have applied for increased funding under the Local Improvement Scheme, which will be advertised if successful.
• The Tulsk to Clashaganny Road Project must go through planning and design before going to An Coimisiún Pleanála with an Environmental Impact Assessment. The planning and design are only beginning so could take up 1 - 1.5 years for this phase.
• Funding is being sought for the Ballintubber Crypt.
• The Columbarium Wallis a pilot project for St. Coman’s graveyard. Other areas can be considered in due course.

 

Director of Finance, Sean Mullarkey clarified the following:

• Roscommon County Council have submitted a claim of close to €1.1 million for the costs associated with Storm Éowyn and are awaiting an outcome on this.
• There is a larger focus on unfinished estates and extra funding has been committed to this through the revenue budget and the capital budget.
• In relation to Castlerea Fire Station, Roscommon County Council currently has over 150 fire fighters in Roscommon and surrounding counties, therefore meeting the National Standard. The cost associated with re-opening the fire station is €1.5 million, with annual operational costs forecast at €500,000. This is not in the budget.
• 96% of the ratepayers are protected under the Small Business Support Scheme from the increase in rates.

 

Director of Services, Chris Flynn clarified the following:

• On the request to expand the Affordable Housing Scheme, it has been looked at where this is viable and where the Department sanction it. There was a survey previously advertised to identify demand, but it is something the Council will continue to explore.
• Supporting cashflow for the Croí Conaithe Scheme was discussed with the Department and Roscommon continue to seek a possibility of staggered or staged payments.

 

Chief Executive, Shane Tiernan concluded with the following:

• He thanked members for their continued support and collaboration.
• He highlighted the Roscommon Leisure Centre as a valuable community resource, providing excellent services through its swimming pool and lifeguard facilities. The Centre reflects the Council’s commitment to social and recreational development.
• €1 million has been committed to and signed off on a contract for the development of the iRos Centre including lands. Relocating the project is not feasible, as costs could potentially double if restarted elsewhere.
• The €20 million funding is distributed across the County in every Municipal District not just Roscommon town – however Roscommon town is the preferred destination for the iRos Centre with footfall, access to bus and rail links. It is recommended by the Chief Executive to continue on the current path and urged the members to support the project.

 

A discussion was held regarding a proposed increase to the Municipal District Fund. Director of Finance, Sean Mullarkey, asked members to clarify where in the budget this money would come from. Members suggested that the additional revenue from the rates increase could be used; however, Mr. Mullarkey clarified that this increase is already accounted for in the budget and therefore unavailable. He proposed reducing the loan repayment provision by €150,000, noting that this could impact future borrowing capacity. Following consideration, members agreed to proceed with this adjustment.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Callaghan

             SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED that the Municipal District Fund is set at €450,000 for the 2026 Budget, specifically €150,000 per Municipal District, of that funding €25,000 per Municipal District Fund is ring fenced for villages in the County.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Byrne

SECONDED by Cllr. Moylan

It was AGREED that funding to be sought for Elphin under the old N5 Active Travel projects funding.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Holland

It was AGREED to allocate €3,000 to contribute to accreditation of training for lifeguards as a subvention.

 

Director of Finance Sean Mullarkey suggested taking the €3,000 from the swimming pool budget to cover these training costs and members agreed. Chief Executive Shane Tiernan expressed his support for this decision to train 15 lifeguards, stating it is a great resource for the County and thanked members for this decision.

 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Holland

SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED that money is sought to fund a feasibility study on thecrypt in Ballintubber.

 

The Meetings Administrator read the following resolutions for adoption:

 

ANNUAL ALLOWANCE - CATHAOIRLEACH AND LEAS CATHAOIRLEACH

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr.Fallon

SECONDED by Cllr. Conboy

It was AGREED that pursuant to Section 143(a) & 143(b) of the Local Government Act, 2001, that Roscommon County Council pay an Annual Allowance of €20,000 and €4,000 in 2026 to the Cathaoirleach and Leas-Cathaoirleach of the County Council respectively to cover the reasonable expenses incurred in respect of attendance at functions.                  

 

ANNUAL ALLOWANCE – CATHAOIRLEACH OF EACH MUNICIPAL DISTRICT

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr.Frain

SECONDED by Cllr. Connolly

It was AGREED that pursuant to the Local Government Act, 2001, and the Local Government Reform Act 2014 that Roscommon County Council pay an Annual Allowance of €6,000 in 2026 to the Cathaoirleach of the Athlone, Boyle and Roscommon Municipal Districts respectively to cover the reasonable expenses incurred in respect of attendance at functions.                  

 

ANNUAL ALLOWANCE – CHAIRPERSON OF EACH STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Conboy

SECONDED by Cllr. Frain

It was AGREED that pursuant to Local Government Reform Act 2014 that Roscommon County Council pay an Annual Allowance of €6,000 in 2026 to each Chairperson of the four designated Strategic Policy Committees.

 

SECTION 76 OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 -ENTERTAINMENT EXPENSES

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council authorise the incurring of reasonable expenditure in connection with receptions, entertainment and the making of presentations to distinguished persons and in connection with the holding of special events relevant to its functions during 2026.

 

ADOPTION OF ANNUAL RATE ON VALUATION

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Crosby

SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

That Roscommon County Council determine in accordance with the Budget, as adopted the rates set out in Tables A and C to be the annual rate on valuation to be levied for the financial year ending 31^st December 2026, for the purposes set out in those tables, as amended.

 

ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET 2026

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr.Connolly

SECONDED by Cllr. Holland

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council by resolution adopt for the financial year ending 31^st December 2026, the Budget as set out in Tables A, B, C, D, E & F.

 

ADOPTION OF RATE OF REFUND ON VACANT PROPERTIES

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Brennan

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council set the rate of refund in relation to vacant properties at 100% as per Section 31 of the Local Government Reform Act 2014 and The Local Government (Financial and Audit Procedures) Regulations 2014.

 

CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2026-2028

The Capital Program as set out in the Budget is for noting. 

That was AGREED by members.

 

The Chief Executive thanked the members for endorsing the Budget for 2026.