Monksland community park plan moves forward

Councillors in South Roscommon have given full support for the go-ahead of the development of a community park for the Monksland area.

The councillors gave the green light for planning approval of the public amenity area, which will consist of many facilities including a walking track and outdoor exercise area.
There was on submission during the Part 8 process by which local authorities consult with the public on their own projects.
The proposed site is north west of the Daneswell Business Park, to the rear of The Dancing Soul Centre and to the west of the Suits District premises.
Roscommon County Council recently invited tenders for the design and construction of the park covering an area of approximately 1,000 sq m. Tenders will be sought later for a separate contract to build a walking path and outdoor gym as part of a wider community park on the site.
It is envisaged the construction work will be completed by March 2020 and will have a maximum budget of €180,000.
Chairman of the Athlone municipal district of Roscommon, Cllr Tony Ward proposed that the plan would be accepted.
“The problem that people in Monksland have is the lack of facilities in the area,” said the Independent councillor.
Fine Gael’s Cllr John Naughten, in seconding, said that it was a positive development for the area, and he said he was part of the Town Team which secured funding for the skateboard park, but he was happy that the project wasn’t just going to be a skateboard park.
“There will be more community activities going on there, and over the next five to ten years as the next County Development Plan takes place, it’ll be a central focal point for community facilities in the area, which I’m looking forward to in the long term,” said Cllr Naughten.
He acknowledged the help of Fianna Fail’s Cllr John Keogh, who he said was involved in the project from the start.
Independent Cllr Laurence Fallon said that the project will “give a centre and heart,” into the Monksland development.
“It’s a great boost for the Town Team and for Town Teams in general, which are working well, and they should be supported and this will give a centre and heart to the town of Monksland,” said Cllr Fallon.
Cllr Donal Kilduff asked about the design of the project and was told by Cllr Naughten that the final design hasn’t yet been decided.