Match Funding for Projects

The Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fitzmaurice met the Taoiseach at the Night & Day Festival and raised the issue of local authority match funding requirements for capital projects, and asked for a reduction in requirement for match funding.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED to send a letter to the Taoiseach calling for a reduction in match funding requirements for major capital projects applied for by Roscommon County Council. 

Members supported the proposal:

·         It was agreed to circulate letter to all other local authorities in the NWRA region.

·         It was enquired if the local authority can look for support of funds from the Western Development Commission Western Investment fund.

Director of Services Mark Keaveney informed members that on recent schemes, including RRDF, match funding requirement has reduced from 20% to 10% for local authorities in the North West region.

The Chief Executive supported the motion, he stated:

·         There is significant commitment of match funding throughout the county, and that is difficult to sustain going forward.

·         Projects are expensive, 10% of project cost is going to consultants to get to planning stage.

·         The letter should recognise the current reduction for the North West, while explaining that in light of increasing costs and consultancy costs, even 10% is not sustainable going forward for smaller local authorities.

Events

The Cathaoirleach extended complements and thanks to all the people organising the following events and all other events across Co. Roscommon:

·         Night and Day Festival

·         Connacht Fleadh

·         Percy French Festival

·         Boyle Arts Festival

·         Castlerea Festival

·         Ballaghaderreen Festival

·         Agricultural Shows

Dr. Bridget Lyons Thornton

Cllr. Crosby raised this in relation to a notice of motion from 2013 to recognise Dr. Bridget Lyons Thornton, which brought about the Civic Memorials Policy, adopted in the May meeting of Roscommon County Council.

It was proposed by Cllr. Crosby to consider naming a roundabout on the new N5 roundabout in her honour, as recognition of her contribution.  This was seconded by Cllr. Keogh.

Director of Services, Mark Keaveney welcomed the proposal and stated:

·         The proposal would have to come through the new Memorials Policy.  A copy will be sent to Cllr. Crosby with an application form.  This will then go to the evaluation committee and then to the Council. 

·         A previous notice of motion called for the erection of a plaque in honour of Ms. Lyons Thornton, which he said, has been approved by the Council’s Heritage Officer, subject to proceeding through the policy process.

The Cathaoirleach stated that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) would have input into the naming of roundabouts.

The Chief Executive confirmed that TII had previously objected to roundabouts being named after public figures.

N5 Construction Works

Whilst confirming their support of the project, members raised the following concerns from residents affected by the construction of the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue bypass:

·         Noise from pile driving and rock blasting

·         Deterioration in condition of roads due to works

·         Insufficient notice of works

·         Excess dirt and dust affecting crops, pets and livestock

·         Uncovered lorries removing material from site, spreading dust and dirt

·         Dust and dirt on cars and homes

Acting Director of Services Greg O’Donnell responded as follows:

·         This can be managed through the MD Co-ordinator and MD meetings.

·         The contractor conditions on time of activities can be checked.

·         Dust suppression sweepers should be deployed when necessary – this can be checked.

·         There is an on-site Project Liaison Officer and through the MD Co-ordinator the local authority will follow-up with the contractor in respect of the concerns raised by members.

VAT rate on Hospitality Sector

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

It was AGREED to send a letter to the Minister for Finance Jack Chambers and Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin seeking the reintroduction of the 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sector.  It was agreed to circulate this letter to all other local authorities.

This was supported by the members.

Best Wishes

·         Cllr. Connolly extended best wishes to the Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Fitzmaurice and his wife Ann on recently celebrating their 25^th wedding anniversary.

AOB Matters Going Forward

·         Concluding the meeting, the Cathaoirleach advised members to submit items as either a Notice of Motion or to the Municipal District, rather than dealing with a considerable amount of items under AOB.