The Archives objective is to collect, preserve, promote, and make available the archival heritage of Roscommon County Council, the county, and its people.

Statutory provision for the protection of local authority archives was introduced in the Local Government Act in 1994. Section 65 of the Act requires local authorities to make provision ‘for the proper management, custody, care and conservation of local records and local archives and for inspection by the public of local archives’.

As well as records of the local authority that are over thirty years old and in various formats, the Archives also collects material of private origin - architectural drawings, solicitors' papers, maps and plans, photographic collections, film, and sound recordings, and other relevant material. A 100-year rule typically applies as a maximum closure period for records, particularly if they contain sensitive, identifiable personal information.

The Archives is based in Library Headquarters in Roscommon where it shares a Reading Room with Local Studies.

Due to the unique and irreplaceable nature of archive collections all users must apply for use of the archives service, and must, prior to gaining access to the material formally register and give a written undertaking to abide by the rules governing access. Access is by appointment and ideally, a week’s notice is preferred. To make an appointment, contact archivist@roscomoncoco.ie

Some of the most important records in the archives includes the minutes books of the Council. These provide a glimpse into the decision-making process and reflect how the county is shaped today in terms of housing, roads, planning, infrastructure, sanitation and other local concerns. Roscommon Archives also holds some of the records of the Grand Jury, the predecessor of Roscommon County Council, as well as Board of Guardian Minute Books and records of Boards of Health and Public Assistance.

Opening hours for research

Tuesday-Friday by appointment only

Contact

Clare Doyle

Roscommon County Library H.Q.

Abbey Street, Roscommon, F42 RP49

archivist@roscommoncoco.ie

09066 37276

Archives Application Form 

Archives Access Policy

Rules for Readers