Chief Executive, Shane Tiernan, notified members that Roscommon is a pilot county to provide insurance to Tidy Towns Committees which meet certain criteria. The insurance package will be included in the Council’s overall policy thereby allowing the Committees to have extra money for the towns and villages.

The qualifying criteria is:

·        that their primary activity and purpose is to improve and enhance the appearance and sustainability of the public realm of their community

·        that they are within the catchment area of the Local Authority

·        that they are a registered member of the Public Participation Network (PPN)

He stated that the scheme will cover the main cover requirements of Tidy Towns Committees up to the usual sums. He advised that an information leaflet will be circulated to members by Director of Services, Caitlín Conneely. The groups who have initially qualified for the scheme were listed.

Members discussed the insurance and made the following points:

• It was noted that this is fantastic news for the community groups as it brings clarity and will encourage them to continue their great work.

• They welcomed the great news on behalf on local Tidy Towns and community groups.
• They praised the tremendous work completed by local groups.
• It was noted that the cost of insurance for these groups should be not increased due to this scheme.
• It was said that all groups who apply for the Amenity Grant should be given serious consideration for this scheme.
• A question was asked regarding whether the use of lawnmowers and machinery is covered.
• A question was asked regarding whether the list provided is the complete list of groups included in the scheme.
• A question was asked regarding whether the groups were automatically chosen upon meeting the criteria, or if they applied, and if so, can other groups still apply.
• A question was asked regarding adding Fuerty Fair to the list of qualifying groups.
• A question was asked regarding whether the Town Teams covered and whether Monksland Tidy Towns is included in the list.
• A question was asked regarding whether the scheme will be coming into effect immediately or in 2025, so that some groups could claim money back for insurance paid for the coming year.

Director of Services, Caitlín Conneely, responded:

• The scheme has been piloted in respect of Tidy Towns Groups only and this is expected to expand in due course.
• Activities that are carried out by Tidy Towns Groups are covered, but confirmation regarding the inclusion of lawnmowers will be sought.
• Local groups were assessed whether they met the eligibility criteria, there was no application process. Any other groups who meet the criteria over the coming months can be assessed for inclusion on the list.
• Fuerty Fair doesn’t meet the criteria for the scheme.
• Town Teams were considered but they did not meet the criteria.
• The commencement date was Friday 22^nd November 2024, and a letter was issued to all the groups on the list.

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Fitzmaurice sought clarification on whether Tidy Towns groups need to respond to the letters and provided information in order to be included in the scheme.

Director of Services, Caitlín Conneely, responded in saying that information was provided to the groups with a follow up contact in due course. She clarified that there will be an additional charge to the Local Authority insurance.

Chief Executive, Shane Tiernan, clarified that the insurance is risk based, and it is important that the list is valid and other groups don’t assume they are insured. He clarified that fairs and festivals are not included in the pilot scheme.