Mr. Pat Murtagh, A/Director of Services presented a recommendation to the Members for the selection of a Decarbonizing Zone for County Roscommon.

This Zone is a spatial area identified by the local authority, in which a range of climate mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity       measures and action-owners are identified to address local low carbon energy, greenhouse gas emissions and climate needs to contribute tonational climate actiontargets.

The following criteria was applied in selection of a proposed decarbonizing zone for County Roscommon:

•             electricity sourcing;

•             heat management;

•             reducing needs for travel and shifting travel modes towards active and public transport;

•             enhanced building energy efficiency;

•             carbon sequestration; and

•             energy storage and management systems.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. McDermott

            SECONDED by Cllr. Leyden

It was AGREED to select Roscommon Town as the first Decarbonizating Zone for County Roscommon in accordance with Circular Letter LGSM01– 2021of 10^thFebruary, 2021.

Cllr. Leyden requested that Roscommon Transition town and all relevant groups in the town  be consulted in relation to the plan.

Cllr. Naughten as Chair of the Environment and Planning SPC welcomed the selection of the decarbonisation zone and complimented the ongoing work of Roscommon County Council in relation to climate action.

On the PROPOSAL Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED to approve the over expenditure and transfers between revenue and Capital accounts as circulated

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. McDermott

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED to approve the nomination from the Public Participation Network of Mr. Alan Moran (Environmental Network) to the Economic Development and Enterprise Support Strategic Policy Committee.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Shanagher

SECONDED by Councillor Leyden

It was AGREED that the Council consent to the disposal of property pursuant to the provisions of Article 206 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, Section 211 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) and Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001 of particulars of property which it is proposed to dispose of at the location in County Roscommon and to the persons set out in the schedule hereunder.  Particulars of the property which the County Council proposes to dispose:

The Property:  Site comprising 0.1972 hA (0.487 acres) at Ballyboughan Industrial Estate, Ballyboughan Td., Co. Roscommon

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired: Eircom Ltd.

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of: J. Horan Construction Ltd.

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €35,000 plus VAT

Ms. Majella Hunt Director of services introduced the Framework Agreement and Cllr. Orla Leyden, Chair of the Economic Development & Enterprise Support (including Tourism, Culture & Libraries) Strategic Policy Committee presented a report to the Members:

Further to the ‘Climate Change and Biodiversity Emergency’ declared at the Roscommon County Council Plenary meeting in June 2019, it was agreed at Economic Development & Enterprise Support (including Tourism, Culture & Libraries) SPC Meeting held on the 10^th of December 2019 that Roscommon County Council should consider signing up to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.

The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is a strategy that addresses the decline of our pollinators.  It is a shared plan of action supported by more than 90 governmental and non-governmental organisations. By helping our pollinators, we are improving biodiversity across the island. Most Councils/ Local Authorities are already taking actions to support pollinators on public land. Many are also working with local community groups, residents’ associations and schools to help raise awareness of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.

Support of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan offers Roscommon County Council a suite of benefits in addition to biodiversity enhancement, including:

Partnership with an internationally renowned strategy to reverse declines in biodiversity.

A framework outlining options with the flexibility to choose from a variety of low/cost-neutral evidence-based actions that will have a positive impact.

Access to training, guidance documents, support materials, case studies, etc. to help staff decide on appropriate actions.

Helps demonstrate compliance with statutory requirements such as the Council’s Biodiversity statutory responsibilities.

Enhancing the local landscape for pollinators supports local food producers

A framework to help support the delivery of key plans:

- National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021

- County Development Plan (protecting natural habitats and plants objectives)

- Green Infrastructure Plan (protecting and managing natural wildlife corridors and habitats)

- Climate Change Adaptation Measures (resilience to climate change)

- Local Biodiversity Action Plan

- County Heritage Plan (biodiversity/pollinator actions)

- EU Habitats Directive (ecological networks and buffer areas)

A demonstration of our biodiversity credentials to local residents who are increasingly concerned with supporting environmentally friendly initiatives.

Actions to support community engagement and strengthen relationships with local groups who are also working to protect our pollinators, e.g. Tidy Towns groups.

Actions to support Local Agenda 21.

Actions to support the Green Schools Programme (Biodiversity Theme).

To better support these efforts and to better promote the work being undertaken, the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan have developed a framework to recognise Councils as partners of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.

In becoming an All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Partner, Roscommon County Council agrees:

1. That Roscommon County Council supports the ethos of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and will consider the Plan in their policies, plans, and management decisions where possible.

2. To consider the evidence-based actions in the guideline document Councils: Actions to help Pollinators, and to carry out one pollinator-friendly action in the first year of signing up and plan to carry out at least three more within the following five years. The guideline document lists 30 possible actions, many of which are low cost or cost-neutral.

3. To update the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Team (within the National Biodiversity Data Centre) on the positive pollinator actions you have planned, implemented or maintained at the end of each year, when contacted, to help us promote your work.

Roscommon County Council will receive a copy of the Pollinator Plan’s Council/Local Authority Partner logo, for use in Council documents/reports. Along with the benefits that come from partnership with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, Roscommon County Council will receive a Certificate of Partnership, which can be displayed at our offices.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr. Shanagher

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council become an All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Partner and agrees to support the ethos of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and will consider the Plan in their policies, plans, and management decisions where possible. It further agrees to  consider the evidence-based actions in the guideline document Councils: Actions to help Pollinators, and to carry out one pollinator-friendly action in the first year of signing up and plan to carry out at least three more within the following five years and to update the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Team (within the National Biodiversity Data Centre) on the positive pollinator actions you have planned, implemented or maintained at the end of each year, when contacted, to help us promote your work.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

                SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED in accordance with Section 106 of the Local Government Act 2001 to approve the raising of a loan in the sum of €1,500,000 in respect of House Purchase and Improvement Loans.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

           SECONDED  by Cllr. Leyden

It was AGREED to work with neighbouring counties to participate in the Womens Caucus initiative as recommended by the Corporate Policy Group. The purpose of the initiative is to increase women’s participation in local democracy.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED to approve the nomination from the Public Participation Network of Ms. Faye Hayden from the Roscommon Young Carers Project to the Local Community Development Committee.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Fallon

SECONDED by Councillor Keogh

It was AGREED that the Council consent to the lease of property pursuant to the provisions of Article 206 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, Section 211 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) and Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001 of particulars of property which it is proposed to lease at the location in County Roscommon and to the persons set out in the schedule hereunder.  Particulars of the property which the County Council proposes to lease:

The Property:  Site comprising 0.1385 hA at Glebe Td.,Athleague, Co. Roscommon

The person(s) to whom the land is to be leased to:Athleague Tidy Towns, Athleague Co. Roscommon

The consideration proposed in respect of the lease: €1.00

Term of Lease: 12 Months from 27^th January 2021

Mr. Martin Lydon Director of Services presented the Review of the Audit Committee Charter 2021 and the Audit Committee Annual Report 2020 to the members for consideration:

The Audit Committee Charter has to be presented to the members for consideration annually and it sets out the governance requirements of the Audit committee.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Byrne

SECONDED by Cllr. Cummins

It was AGREED to adopt the Audit Committee Charter 2021

Mr. Lydon gave an overview of the activities of the Audit Committee as detailed in the Annual Report of 2000:

·         Membership of the Audit Committee

·         The Audit committee held four meetings in 2020 as is required

·         The report details the agenda items dealt with and audits undertaken in 2020

·         Briefings to the Audit committee from Management included the Risk Register, Annual Financial Statement and Digital Transformation.

·         The Local Government Auditor met with the Committee to discuss 2019 AFS

·         The five functions to be delivered on in 2020 as follows:

o   To review financial and budgetary reporting practices and procedures – 2021 Budget process

o   To foster the development of best practice in the performance of the internal audit function – SICAP Audit

o   To review the Audited Financial statement and Auditors Report – done on 16^th December 2020

o   To assess and promote efficiency and Value for Money – Digital Transformation projects.

o   Review systems for Management of Risk – Risk Register.

The Audit Committee is satisfied it has carried out all its functions and obligations as required.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cummins

SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED to adopt the Audit Committee Annual Report 2020.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED to approve the of Cllr. Marty McDermott to the Joint Policing Committee to replace Cllr. Orla Leyden.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Shanagher

SECONDED by Councillor Dineen

It was AGREED that the Council consent to the disposal of property pursuant to the provisions of Article 206 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, Section 211 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) and Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001 of particulars of property which it is proposed to dispose of at the location in County Roscommon and to the persons set out in the schedule hereunder.  Particulars of the property which the County Council proposes to dispose:

The Property:  Site comprising 0.331 hA at Ballydooley Td.,Dunamon, Co. Roscommon

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired: James Lawless, Ballydooley, Dunamon , Co Roscommon

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of: Ann & Joseph Shaughnessy, Dunamon, Co. Roscommon

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €1

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Murphy

SECONDED by Cllr. Callaghan

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council does hereby rescind in its entirety its resolution dated 23^rd November 2020 which approved the disposal of land of 0.14ha in the townland of Killappoge, Boyle, Co. Roscommon to Anthony Beirne, Portabello, Croghan, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

the PROPOSAL of Councillor Cummins

SECONDED by Councillor Callaghan

It was AGREED that the Council consent to the disposal of property pursuant to the provisions of Article 206 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, Section 211 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) and Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001 of particulars of property which it is proposed to dispose of at the location in County Roscommon and to the persons set out in the schedule hereunder.  Particulars of the property which the County Council proposes to dispose:

The Property:  0.14hA under Folio RN41223FF Plan 15A in the Townland of Killappoge, Barony of Boyle, Co. Roscommon

The person(s) from whom the land was acquired: Anthony Lee

The person(s) to whom the land is to be disposed of: Anthony Lee

The consideration proposed in respect of the disposal: €7,250

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Callaghan

SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

It was AGREED to appoint the following nominees from the PPN to the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC):

It was further AGREED that Muireann Boyles, representing the Brothers of Charity replace Jody Healy on the LCDC.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Cummins

SECONDED by Councillor Byrne

It was AGREED that the Council consent to the lease of property pursuant to the provisions of Article 206 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, Section 211 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) and Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001 of particulars of property which it is proposed to lease at the location in County Roscommon and to the persons set out in the schedule hereunder.  Particulars of the property which the County Council proposes to lease:

The Property:  Lands/Building at Termon Td. Boyle, Co Roscommon

The person(s) to whom the land is to be leased to : Boyle Courthouse Development CLG, Boyle., Co. Roscommon

The consideration proposed in respect of the lease: €500/annum for period 12^th August 2015 to 11^th August 2018 and 100/annum from 12^th August 2018

Term of Lease: 20 years from 12^th August 2015