35.23  Any Other Business

35.23 (a)         (i)  Ballaghaderreen Regeneration Plan

                              (ii)  Ballaghaderreen Library

Cllr. Liam Callaghan requested an update on the Regeneration Plan for Ballaghaderreen and for Ballaghaderreen Library.  He understood there was an issue with heating in the current library building and asked if alternative premises were available.

(i)                   Ballaghaderreen Regeneration Plan: Mr. Greg O’Donnell informed meeting that this project came under the Active Travel and the NTA reviewed the final design.  Design has been accepted.  Classed as a High Priority Scheme – will take bulk of Active Travel Budget of €2m.  Council are negotiating with NTA how to fund this and keep the other projects which were earmarked for completion.  Plans are ready to go to tender.

(i)                  Ballaghaderreen Library:  Development of the Library building comes under the Library Services.  Plan includes energy and heating upgrades.  Scope of project has increased.  Revised specification is being finalized for tender in June 2023.  Expect contract in place August 2023.  Works will take approximately 28 weeks so mid 2024 likely completion target.  Weekly Mobile Library Service in place for town and schools.  Assets & Energy Section with the legal team are looking at locations for temporary library in the town.

Cllr. Liam Callaghan welcomed the response and in particular plans for the library as the library would be a central facility in the town.

Cllr. Michael Mulligan asked for clarification regarding temporary premises for library.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell confirmed that the Legal Team are looking at leasing a suitable building.

35.23 (b)         Strokestown Exit to Elphin Road

Cllr. Tom Crosby raised the issue of large stones/rocks falling onto this road coming from ditch which appears to have been undermined following water repair works and stated that road bank would need to be rebuilt.

Cllr. Valerie Byrne supported Cllr. Tom Crosby and stated that road banks were becoming compromised due to a higher volume of large lorries on narrow roads and repair of same falling to the landowner.  She asked if Council could assist and help fix the problem in conjunction with the landowner.

Mr. Ivor Kilcline stated that the ditch is the responsibility of the land/house owner but that he would

follow up.

 35.23 (c)  2023 Roads Programme

Cllr. John Cummins complimented the staff of the Boyle MD for their work on the current roads programme.

35.23 (d)  Staffing Strokestown AO

Cllr. Tom Crosby asked for update on the appointment of Area Engineer for the Strokestown Area.

Mr. Greg O’Donnell confirmed that there was no update at present.

35.23 (e) King House Lane Programme

Mr. Ivor Kilcline informed the meeting that the Tourism Project for King House Lane started on 5^th June and works are expected to be completed by 9^th July in time for the Boyle Arts Festival but no later than 20^th July. King House Lane is closed to the public until 20^th July 2023.   Painting and stone work repair will continue until early August but this does not require closure of the lane.

Before Close of Meeting, Mr. Greg O’Donnell informed the meeting that this was Cllr. John Cummins’ last meeting as Cathaoirleach of the Boyle MD.  He stated that Cllr. Cummins was a very fair, calm and democratic Chair and managed meetings in a timely and efficient manner.