A brief round-up of the main Roscommon news stories which occurred during the past week.
Monday June 27th
Independent Councillor Tony Ward was elected as the new Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council at Monday’s Council AGM. Full details of that and related news here.
Roscommon County Council staff said that the recent flooding of homes adjacent Sliabh Bán was not caused by Coillte’s development of a Wind Farm on the mountain.
Orla Connolly from Runnamoat NS was announced as the runner-up in the recent Waterways Ireland “Young Journalist” Schools Competition. More here
Tuesday June 28th
The Minister for Housing Simon Coveney and the Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar announced an increase in Rent Supplement, including a a 25% increase in County Roscommon. The change came into effect on Friday (July 1st).
Eugene Murphy TD expressed his concerns that Bord na Mona workers in South Roscommon and Lanesboro could be redeployed.
An Taisce has lodged an objection to plans by the local Hodson Bay Hotel Group to build a new Hotel in Dublin City Centre.
Wednesday June 29th
It was announced that farmers in Roscommon would receive their Final Basic Payment Scheme monies.
The Roscommon Minor Footballers suffered a 10 point defeat to Galway in the Connacht Semi-Final.
The ongoing dispute between management and staff at Roscommon County Council, regarding changes to work practices, is being referred to the Labour Court.
Thursday June 30th
The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced plans to de-designate 39 Natural Heritage Areas and part de-designate 7 Natural Heritage Areas, including the Bell bridge, Cornaveagh, Derrycanan, Lisnanarriagh and Tullaghan areas of Roscommon. Once passed, Turf can be cut in these areas again.
Castlerea Swimming Pool opened for the Summer Season. It will be open from Wednesday to Sunday inclusive and during the following times: 11am – 1:30pm, 3pm – 4:50pm and 5:10pm – 7:30pm.
Five County Roscommon properties sold at the latest Allsop Auction in Dublin.
Friday July 1st
The HSE and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) began a three month pilot of a pharmacy-based Minor Ailment Scheme in Roscommon town. The scheme will allow Medical Card Holders to receive some treatments direct from their Pharmacy rather than going to their Doctor. Full details here.
Gaelectric launched their new Wind Farm near Ballaghaderreen. The facility will generate sufficient electricity to meet the annual needs of approximately 2,200 homes.
Kiltoom resident Lorna Conway Hynes became the 10 millionth passenger to use Ireland West Airport.
Ballinagare man Paddy Ryan received the prestigious Ard Ollamh na Fleadh Award at the Connacht Fleadh in Strokestown.
Saturday July 2nd
Fiona Tully took the Girls 17 & Under title at the National One Wall Handball Championships which were held at Breaffy House, Castlebar.
There were wins for Four Roads and Roscommon Gaels in the Senior Hurling Championship. Catch up on all of the weekend’s results here
Sunday July 3rd
Outgoing Chairperson Senator Frank Feighan and Senator Terry Leyden attended the 52nd Plenary Session of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly in Malahide.
Did you know?
A number of TDs including Roscommon-Galway TD Eugene Murphy have been filling in as Leas Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil until the position is permanently filled on Wednesday.
When asked to consider relocating RTE to a Dublin City Centre location the Minister for Communications Denis Naughten suggested “maybe we could even bring it back to its home in Athlone where it was originally broadcast from. I would be quite positively disposed to that.”