Uisce Éireann can confirm that, following consultation with the Health Service Executive, customers on this supply can now resume normal use of the public water supply.

The notice was issued on Saturday, 22 February, due to increased turbidity impacting the treatment process at the Longford Springs Water Treatment Plant. It impacted all customers on the supply including the areas of Ballintober, Trien, Kilmurray, Castleplunkett and surrounding areas.

Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann worked to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible. Following satisfactory water sampling results, the notice has now been lifted.

Uisce Éireann’s Ger Greally acknowledged the impact of a Boil Water Notice on customers and thanked the community for their support while the notice was in place.

“Uisce Éireann’s primary focus remains the protection of public health and we worked with our stakeholders to lift the notice as quickly as possible. We are grateful to customers, elected representatives, and the media for their assistance in sharing information on the Boil Water Notice.”

Uisce Éireann has launched a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at www.water.ie

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At this meeting, which was very well attended by the public, Roscommon County Council sought public input to shape the Integrated Urban Strategy. The public is also being asked to consider how a historic space could be used to address community or other town centre needs.

In January, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien announced this year’s THIRVE funding.

“I very much welcome the launch of the new €85m THRIVE call under the ERDF Regional Programmes.

“This funding gives local authorities the tools to bring Ireland’s heritage buildings into the 21st century, not only preserving and protecting these important heritage assets but also ensuring their sustainable re-use for future generations.

“I look forward to seeing the regeneration benefits that will arise out of this funding, which will strengthen the vibrancy of towns and cities throughout Ireland.”

THRIVE funding is available to support the redevelopment of historic properties owned by Roscommon County Council to assist in the future prosperity of Roscommon Town. The council has been asking the public to complete a questionnaire to determine which building should be selected – the former National Bank property on Abbey Street, or Edenville House (also known as Black’s House/former Roscommon Military Barracks) in Lisnamult.

The eleven-question survey is available for completion until March 7th. Those who wish to respond to the questionnaire can access it on the roscommoncoco.ie website.

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Melissa is described as being approximately 5 feet 6 inches in height, with a slim build. She has long, black hair and blue eyes.

It is believed that Melissa may have travelled to the Dublin city centre area.

It is unknown what Melissa was wearing when last seen.

Anyone with any information on Melissa’s whereabouts is asked to contact Mullingar Garda Station on 044 938 4000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

The post Missing Person Appeal – Melissa McDonnell, 17 Years, Mullingar appeared first on Roscommon People.

Under the national scheme, Roscommon Co Council has been granted €2,295,000. This includes €500,000 for the Athlone to Lanesborough greenway, €400,000 for the Lough Key to Carrick-on-Shannon greenway, and €300,000 for the Lough Ree greenway. Additionally, nearly €1.5 million will fund active travel improvements in villages bypassed by the N5, benefiting local pedestrians and cyclists. These developments are part of a broader effort to link major tourist destinations across Ireland through greenways. 

The funding announcement has been welcomed by local representatives. Deputy Frank Feighan highlighted the €400,000 allocated to the Lough Key to Carrick-on-Shannon greenway, a project poised to bolster both transport links and tourism. Feighan noted that this investment will help advance the greenway, which promises to connect Lough Key, Carrick-on-Shannon, and Boyle town.

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The emergency reserve will be in the form of a Floating Storage and Regassification Unit (FSRU), to be owned on behalf of the State by the system operator, Gas Networks Ireland (GNI). This is a similar approach to that used for oil security by the National Oil Reserves Agency.

In identifying this as the optimal approach, the Department has built upon the extensive review of security of Ireland’s gas and electricity systems which was approved by Government in the ‘Energy Security in Ireland to 2030’ plan in November 2023. The plan sets out Ireland’s ambition to transform our energy system and support our climate objectives. The plan includes 28 actions, under the pillars of sustainability, affordability and security. Under Action 17 of that plan, GNI was tasked with reviewing and recommending the optimal approach to deliver the strategic gas emergency reserve.

The development of a state-led reserve in the form of an FSRU is consistent with Ireland’s climate law. It is a transitional measure – reducing the risk of stranded fossil fuel assets, for emergency use only, and does not support increased gas demand.

Minister Darragh O’Brien said: “The approval of this approach represents the culmination of extensive research, analysis and engagement in relation to Ireland’s energy security needs. As a small island nation reliant on interconnection, our exposure to potential disruption to gas supplies presents a significant risk to our energy security, and the continuity of supply to businesses and households across Ireland. This emergency reserve will provide an alternative source of gas at an appropriate scale if Ireland was to experience such an interruption.

“Our view remains that long-term energy security is best achieved through substantial growth in indigenous clean, renewable energy; improvements in energy efficiency; electrification of heat and transport; and increased electrical interconnection with our European neighbours. This will minimise the imports of fossil energy in the long-term. In the meantime, the development of a state-led, strategic reserve will ensure the continuity of gas supply as an essential transitional energy security measure.”

The post Government approves development of State-led strategic gas emergency reserve appeared first on Roscommon People.

Open to applicants born on or before June 1, 2008, the four-year paid programme combines college-based learning and hands-on experience within the organisation. Upon completion, apprentices obtain a QQI Advanced Level 6 Electrical Trade Certificate, which is recognised internationally.

With a blend of classroom-based education and practical training, apprentices will benefit from a hands-on learning experience while enjoying the versatility of working both indoors and outdoors, gaining exposure to various electrical systems and environments.

Speaking about the announcement of this year’s programme, Nicholas Tarrant, Managing Director, ESB Networks, said: “It is a great time to join our organisation as we are growing our investment in electricity infrastructure to support Ireland’s transition to a clean energy future. Apprentices are essential in ensuring we have the expertise required to deliver the electricity network and meet the goals outlined in our Networks for Net Zero Strategy. Our apprenticeship programme offers hands-on experience and equips participants with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this dynamic industry.”

Aimie Mallon, an apprentice on the ESB Networks’ programme, shared what drew her to the apprenticeship and her experience to date: “I was drawn to ESB Networks because of the opportunity to work in and outdoors, the variety of the job, the organisation’s prestigious reputation, and its record for health and safety.  Since joining, I’ve appreciated the blend of practical and theoretical work. Working as a team to restore electricity to customers after a storm is incredibly rewarding. I highly recommend this apprenticeship to anyone seeking an engaging and adventurous career in the electrical industry.”

For more information and to apply, visit esbnetworks.ie/apprenticeships 

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This increased funding will allow for a significant programme of acquisitions in 2025 for priority categories of need such as:

• Tenant in Situ Acquisitions
• Older persons and persons with a disability
• Exits from homeless services and
• Buy and Renew acquisitions which tackle vacancy

The introduction of mandatory eligibility criteria for tenant in situ acquisitions for 2025 will ensure that the priority categories of need outlined above can benefit fairly from the second hand acquisitions programme and that the funding available will be targeted at those most in need.

Speaking today, Minister Browne emphasised: “Homelessness is a top priority for me. It is important that we help those in emergency accommodation to exit to a permanent setting as soon as possible. It is even more preferable to help people to avoid entering homelessness in the first instance where we can. Housing acquisitions have proven to be effective in this regard where no other options exist for social housing supported tenants who are at risk of losing their home.

“With the funding announced today, we will be targeting priority needs such as families and children, older people, persons with a disability and where the opportunities exist turning vacant properties into viable homes.”

Local authorities will receive a capital funding allocation for second hand acquisitions and this will be communicated directly to local authorities by the Department.

The post Minister Browne announces extra €265m in funding for housing acquisitions appeared first on Roscommon People.

It is envisaged that the Lough Ree Greenway will facilitate sustainable economic development within Athlone, Ballyleague/Lanesboro, Roscommon Town and the surrounding communities through improved connectivity and increased tourism potential.

Additionally, it will support a modal shift from cars to active travel while promoting sustainable transportation; environmental appreciation and preservation; and economic growth and revitalisation.

As part of the second Public Consultation and in accordance with the Code of Best Practice National and Regional Greenways, members of the public and interested parties are invited to participate in the public consultation phase.

This second Public Consultation will take place in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone on Tuesday, March 11^th from 3pm to 8pm.

The purpose of the second public consultation is to present Route Corridor Options and hear feedback from the public, such as feedback on route corridors; the need for the project; locations, attractions, or facilities that may benefit the greenway and/or be attractive to greenway users, constraints or barriers to a greenway and any concerns or issues .

Speaking ahead of the event, Niall Morrissey, Senior Executive Engineer with Roscommon County Council said the consultation was “seeking to continue engagement at the public consultation, and I urge everybody with an interest to attend,” he said.

Members of Roscommon County Councils Greenways Team based in National Roads Regional Office along with Project Consultants (RPS) will be in attendance.  Mapping will be displayed and feedback encouraged.”

Closing date for receipt of feedback forms is Wednesday 02nd April 2025. Further information on the Lough Ree Greenway is available at: www.loughreegreenway.ie . The project team can be contacted at info@loughreegreenway.ie.

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From 31^st March 2025 it will be an offence for any insurance provider or broker to issue a motor insurance policy where the driver number has not been supplied. This means that anyone in Roscommon who does not provide the driver numbers for all named drivers on their respective policy will not be legally able to receive motor insurance.

Every motorist has their own unique Driver Number which stays with them for life, regardless of changes to their vehicle, insurance policy and even when they renew their driver’s licence. It is listed under section 4(d) of every person’s driver’s licence.

This road safety measure was included in the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 and is aimed at further enhancing road safety. The driver number details for Roscommon and the rest of the country will be added to the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID), the tool already used by the Gardaí to detect and apprehend uninsured drivers.

Already An Garda Síochána receive insurance details for more than 3 million vehicles and 5 million drivers which are updated on a daily basis. The addition of the Driver Number will act as a unique identifier for each specific driver. This will provide An Garda Síochána with a more comprehensive insight into any offences individuals may have committed and make it even more difficult for drivers who act illegally on Irish roads to evade detection.

The addition of the Driver Number will represent the final data phase of the Irish Motor Insurance Database project, a joint initiative between the Department of Transport, An Garda Síochána, Insurance Ireland, the MIBI and insurance providers. The project was established to help clamp down on the high levels of uninsured driving in the State, with figures from the MIBI showing there were approximately 188,000 uninsured private vehicles on Irish roads in 2022, representing one in every 12 private vehicles.

The MIBI is a not for profit organisation that was established to compensate the victims of road traffic accidents caused by uninsured and unidentified vehicles.

“From 31^st March onwards this legislative requirement will be a necessity for anyone in Roscommon who is looking to renew their motor insurance or to take out a new policy,” said David Fitzgerald, CEO of the MIBI. “For most Roscommon people this will just mean they will have to take a quick look at their driver’s licence and provide the correct number, listed under point 4(d) on their licence as part of their renewal process. If they have additional drivers listed on their policy, then the driver numbers for those individuals will also have to be provided.

“This is an important measure that will help bring more safety to Irish roads and greater accountability to anyone who breaks the law. Every licensed driver has their own unique driver number which stays with them regardless of the vehicle they are using. This new legal requirement provides An Garda Síochána with a more comprehensive insight into any offences a driver may have committed, making it even more difficult for drivers who act illegally on Irish roads to evade detection.

“When combined with the impact the database is already making, allowing the Gardaí to identify uninsured drivers in seconds, this will further enhance the policing of Irish roads. We all want safer roads in Roscommon and across this country. This adds another layer of effectiveness to IMID, aiding the battle against illegal driving activity,” Mr. Fitzgerald concluded.

Further information on Driver Numbers and the new requirements are available on https://www.understandinginsurance.ie/driver-number

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The app, launched by Fine Gael TD and Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, is now available for download on Google Play and the App Store.

Senator Scahill described the launch as “a game-changer in how people in Roscommon/Galway will engage with their health information, offering a seamless and secure way to access key health services and personal records at their fingertips.”

Key Features of the HSE Health App include:

• Digital versions of Medical, GP, Drug Payment Scheme, and European Health Insurance Cards
• Vaccination records – COVID-19 & Flu
• Details of reimbursed medications and a safe place to store personal medication lists
• Information on HSE services, including Emergency Departments and Injury Units
• Health & Wellbeing resources, including easy access to the HSE’s health guides
• Maternity service appointment access for expectant mothers

Speaking on the launch of the app, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill emphasised: “This app is just the beginning. We are committed to expanding its capabilities to give people better access, control, and convenience in managing their health. By embracing technology, we are making healthcare more accessible for everyone.”

Senator Scahill added: “The HSE Health App will continue improving, with ongoing updates in 2025. These will include access to public hospital and screening appointments for public patients, as well as new self-care tools for quitting smoking and managing chronic conditions. I will work with our local rep’s Cllr. Liam Callaghan, Cllr Domnick Connolly and Cllr Valerie Duffy to guide people on downloading and using this great resource”

The HSE Health App is free to download from the HSE website, Google Play, and the App Store by searching “HSE Health”. It is available in both Irish and English, with step-by-step guidance provided for easy setup.

For further details, visit www.hse.ie.

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