UPDATE 15/2/22
Roscommon County Council spent a total of €4.3m on purchasing 29 new homes in the county in 2020.
According to the audit of the Council's finances, more than 60% of the money spent by the Council in 2020 was on large scale projects.
The audit completed in the third quarter of last year, shows the local authority, in a stable financial position, despite the impact of Covid 19.
A loss of rates was made up through government supports, while collection yields on rents were steady, but the Chief Executive did note that they may come under pressure as Covid supports are wound down this year.
2020 saw the Council spend a total of €5.9m on costs associated with Irish Water services- with the money recouped from the utility.
62% of all money spent by the Council in 2020 was on capital projects - including 17.2million on the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Longford road,, €5.2m on the N60 Oran realignment and €1.9m for purchase of land in Monksland as well as the construction of seven homes costing €1.5m.
The Roscommon leisure centre was also badly affected by the pandemic - incurring accumulated losses of €203,000 to the end of 2020 - despite the Council providing a subvention of €263k which allowed the firm to return a surplus of €12k in the year.
The auditors also encouraged the Council to update its agreement with Coillte and the firm which runs the Lough Key Forest Park.
The Council's Internal Audit Unit has also notified gardaí on foot of an investigation into a cheque payment.
UPDATE 15/2/22
Following an assessment of the original complaint, including supporting documentation, there was insufficient evidence to support an allegation that any criminal offence may have occurred. A Garda investigation did not take place.
