Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor was in Roscommon last week where she conducted a number of engagements.

The Minister was welcomed on her arrival by Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Liam Callaghan, accompanied by the Director of Services, Chris Flynn and Cathriona MacCarthy of Roscommon’s County Council’s Community and Enterprise Department.

The Minister was also accompanied by Deputy Martin Daly, Senator Gareth Scahill and Cllr. Sean Moylan on her visit, where she began by visiting the chamber of Roscommon County Council.

While present, Minister Murnane O’Connor spoke to Eamon Hannon of the HSE and Paul Clabby of the Roscommon Public Participation Network. Both are members of the Roscommon Health and Well-being sub-committee, attached to the county’s Local Community Development Committee LCDC).

The Minister subsequently met Majella Dodd and Bernie Kearney, of the Roscommon Older Persons Council, accompanied by Sheila Coyle, who is also attached to the local authority’s Community and Enterprise Department.

Speaking during the Minister’s visit, the Cathaoirleach said Roscommon “is a county built on community, and we are proud to shine a light on the fantastic work that has been achieved together. In October of this year, we launched three significant strategies that demonstrate our commitment to resilience, wellbeing, and inclusivity.

The Community Resilience Toolkit is the first of its kind in the country, which equips communities with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to respond effectively in times of emergency.

Roscommon’s Age Friendly Strategy, which ensures that older people are supported, valued, and empowered to live full and active lives within their communities.

And the Healthy Roscommon Community Wellbeing Strategy, which places health and wellbeing at the heart of community development, ensuring that every initiative is grounded in the needs of our people.

These strategies are not just policy documents—they are living commitments, shaped by the voices of our communities. They reflect the strength, compassion, and resilience of Roscommon people.

Together, we are building a county that is stronger, healthier, and more resilient—a county that values every generation and every voice.

On behalf of Roscommon County Council, I thank you all for your commitment and partnership, and I look forward to continuing this important journey together”, Cllr. Callaghan concluded.

Director of Services Chris Flynn said the recent launch of the three reports sets out ambitious targets in promoting the health and well-being of communities: “Over the past year, we’ve brought this focus together in a much more strategic way. The Healthy Roscommon Strategy sets out our ambitions for physical and mental health, social connection and active participation.

It aligns with Healthy Ireland and national policy, but it’s firmly rooted in what people here told us matters most – access to amenities, opportunities to be active, mental health supports and a strong sense of safety and belonging.

Crucially, these plans reflect the voices of our communities. This year we saw record engagement through our Public Participation Network. Hundreds of groups and volunteers fed into consultations and workshops, making these genuinely community-focused documents, not plans drafted in isolation.

Partnership is also central to how we work. Our Local Community Development Committee brings together the Council, the HSE, Tusla, An Garda Síochána, the Education and Training Board, our Local Development Company and more. I want to acknowledge Roscommon LEADER Partnership for their essential collaboration in supporting the delivery of high-level strategies into local action.

“Roscommon is a predominantly rural county, and dispersed communities mean higher costs and more complex delivery – from transport and access to services, to supporting volunteers and responding to growing needs around mental health, isolation and poverty.

“That’s why we strongly welcome the extension of Healthy Ireland Round 4 funding to 2026, and the decision to make the Healthy Ireland post a permanent Grade 7. It gives us stability, expertise and the ability to plan for the long term – a clear signal that Government views health and wellbeing as core business.

Looking ahead, our goal is simple to state, even if complex to achieve - we want every person in Roscommon – child, adult and older person – to feel safe, connected, active and valued in their own place. Our strategies, partnerships and community engagement are all geared toward that”, said Mr. Flynn.