The Chief Executive, Mr. Cummins informed the members that a submission on the Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES)for the Northern and Western Region was made on 8th February and there is a significant issue to be brought to the Members’ attention.

Mr. Martin Lydon highlighted the issues raised in the submission and invited members to seek any clarifications required from him and to bring issues to the Planning SPC that will discuss the matter on 8^th March.

·         The current draft RSES does not provide a practical and credible framework for the development of the North West Region and is not consistent with the NPF

·         It does not provide a sufficiently clear vision to set it apart from the other two Regions

·         There is a disproportionate bias in favour of some areas especially regional growth areas – there needs to be more balance so Athlone is on a par with Sligo, Letterkenny

·         In the Council’s original submission to NRWA and EMRA there is a need for the same type of language to be used in both Regional documents for consistency

·         The document brings a lot of localised detail that is not required for this level of strategy – this is more relevant to a county development plan

·         It is not addressing infrastructural constraints, the generic nature of renewable energy, and excessive replication of National Policy documents

·         As a stands it is inconsistent with the National Planning Framework and not treating Athlone fairly.

·         The Bealnamullia/Monksland area also known as West Athlone is an integral part of the future development the growth centre

·         The downgrading of the N61 Athlone to Sligo is not acceptable. There is lack of reference to N6/M6

·         There is a need for the NWRA to deliver regional specific energy renewal strategy

The Chief Executive stated that in his submission he wanted to highlight that the RSES must recognise and respect the National Planning Framework as the overarching legislative framework and governing policy and wholly reflects this National Strategy. The document currently is inconsistent with the NPF and in particular its treatment of Athlone Regional Centre. He has called on the NWRA to give serious reconsideration to the content and strategy in the document and make all necessary amendments. It is very important that having defined Athlone as regional growth centre, we demand that this is implements in the strategy. He asked that the two Members of the Council on the Assembly be aware of the concerns highlighted in the submission.

The Members commented on the submission as follows:

·         Cllr. Murphy and Dineen as members of the NWRA confirmed they have highlighted the upgrade of the N61 and the status of Athlone as issues to be addressed in the strategy.  They will express these concerns again at the next meeting of the Western Counties of the Assembly on 10^th March.

·         Athlone was designated as a regional centre without any definition and not a growth centre when the National Planning Framework was agreed and this has now led to this situation with Athlone. Roscommon and Westmeath must do everything to ensure that Athlone area does not suffer.

·         The councillors from Athlone in Roscommon and Westmeath have met recently as part of the Boundary process.  Concern to leave Athlone, the centre of Ireland out on a limb and need to aim high. There needs to be a new N61 developed – a motorway.

·         It is positive that both Westmeath and Roscommon county councils are working together and Athlone can benefit the two regions of NWRA and EMRA.

·         It is very worrying that Athlone is not included in this plan as it should be as we have come a long way. There is adequate opportunity to grow Athlone for the next 20 – 30 years and we need to take whatever steps are necessary to achieve this.

·         There were calls previously to have Athlone designated city status and this is still a realistic consideration.

·         Politicians who have power do not want Athlone to succeed and Mullingar and Tullamore get priority.

·         The Board of Governors of Athlone IT are seeking University status for the college and want Athlone to succeed

·         Acknowledge the work of the CE and Executive have undertaken in relation to the matter

The Cathaoirleach acknowledged the work done to date by the Athlone Councillors in both Westmeath and Roscommon. In agreeing with the upgrade of the N61, he also suggested that the dangerous junctions on the road between Athlone and Roscommon be considered for upgrade in the short term.

The Chief Executive confirmed that he has also made a joint submission with the Chief Executive of Westmeath and it is consistent with this submission. There is complete unity with regard to the approach being taken on this matter and the importance of the status of Athlone being recognised in the RSES.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

                SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to write to the North and West Regional Assembly that Roscommon County Council and formally reject the Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

                SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED that the N61 be upgraded to motorway status at least from Athlone to Boyle and that the NWRA be informed of this proposal.