Major new Monksland housing scheme gets go ahead

A major new housing development has been given the go-ahead for the Monksland area.

Planning permission was granted to KDM Contracts Ltd on Friday last, subject to 44 conditions, in connection with a planning application for 86 new homes.

The site is west of, and adjacent to, the Corran Riada and River Village housing developments, and north of the Cross River.

The project involves the demolition of two bungalows and one two-storey house, and the construction of 86 new residential units. These include nine two-bed semi-detached and terraced houses, 41 three-bedroom semi-detached and terraced houses, 16 four-bed semi detached houses, 12 one-bed apartments and eight two-bed apartments.

Also included is a creche, and associated outdoor play areas and parking, public open space as well as an access road and the construction of a footpath and cyclepath along the R362 (Tuam Road).

The planning application was lodged in late October 2023, and further information was sought by Roscommon County Council on December 22 last.

A separate planning application by the same company for land immediately to the south of the site for the 86-unit development was refused planning permission in February last.That application sought permission for the construction of 44 two and three-storey houses and apartments.

KDM Contracts Ltd was refused permission for three reasons, including that that application was dependent on access arrangements and road infrastructure proposed in the 86-unit development. Roscommon County Council said the application for 44 units was premature pending the satisfactory resolution of public safety issues highlighted in respect of the 86-unit project, which at that stage was subject to "an extensive request for further information".