·         List to be circulated

Ms. Majella Hunt, Director of Services presented the Allocations under the Tidy Towns and Amenity Grants Scheme for 2022:

The total budget for 2022 is €60,000. The scheme is available to community groups and voluntary organisations wishing to undertake small scale projects in their local area.

A total of 84 applications were received of which 80 were deemed eligible. In accordance with the scheme, funding for Tidy Towns Associations who enter the National Tidy Towns competition is prioritised. Funding of Local Development Associations who are carrying out small scale enhancement works is recommended. An allocation to Roscommon Community Games and two sub aqua clubs involved in search and rescue in Roscommon is also recommended.

The Cathaoirleach thanked the Director for the presentation on the scheme and the allocations proposed which will be very welcome to all the groups.

The members discussed as follows:

·         Can the time be extended to spend the allocation and submit the invoices – to October or November,  and can there be more flexibility with regard to the spending of the money so that no unspent money had to be handed back?

·         This scheme is a great asset to visitors to the county and a great return for efforts of groups, especially those who have won national medals and it is an encouragement to them going forward.

·         This allocation is well spread throughout the county.

·         There is a need for a fresh look at allocations as insurances are an issue for a lot of groups – can a quotation be got by the Council for a block insurance policy for groups?

·         Can insurance costs be included in the claim application as it is not currently included?

·         The PPN could be asked to assist in the proposal to get a block insurance.

·         In last year’s budget, there was a proposal that unspent councillors conference budget be allocated to this Grant fund. Can this be clarified if it has been included?

The sum of €10,000 was proposed and seconded that it should be included in this year’s allocation. Can this be done now?

Mr. Sean Mullarkey responded that the it was his understanding that if there was an unspent allocation for councillor’s conferences it would be carried forward in the AFS and this was done so it will be available for next year.

The Director of Services noted that if an extra allocation was to be awarded then all applications would have to be revisited and the extra money allocated on a pro rata basis and consideration of the fact that some groups have already received the maximum allocation.

In response to the query on insurances the Chief Executive noted that the Council have assessed the viability of insuring the playgrounds through the council’s insurance but the inspection regime is quite onerous and would take resources we do not have at present. It would be preferable that the groups have their own insurance and if this can be done on a groups basis it could be an answer.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Byrne

SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED that a sum of €10,000 be included in the next Budget to increase the Tidy Towns and Amenity Grant Scheme allocation by that amount next year.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Waldron

             SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED that the Council review the Amenity Grant Scheme to include insurance costs.