Over 50 new social housing units planned for Monksland site

Roscommon County Council is pushing on with plans for a major new social housing project in Monksland.

The council has commenced the Part 8 planning process, by which local authorities and other public bodies consult with the public over proposed developments, for a 51-house scheme in Monksland.

The proposed development, which would be one of the biggest housing projects of its kind in the South Roscommon area for some time, is to be located on a site at Slí an Choiste in Monksland, and comprises mainly of two and three-bed semi-detached houses, with nine two-storey two bed terraced houses and two detached houses.

The plans also make provision for the widening of the existing site entrance, construction of access paths, footpaths, cycle paths, car parking, public and private open spaces, a pedestrian link, an ESB substation and the removal of existing trees and planting of new native trees, hedges and shrubs.

Under the Part 8 process, a report is prepared on the planning process by the Chief Executive and presented to councillors at a monthly meeting of Roscommon County Council for their approval.

A decision is due to be made by February 19 next.

Local councillor John Keogh said he welcomed the proposals and looked forward to seeing them developed sooner rather than later.

He said the project, "along with the community hub for Monksland, when it's developed, will make Monksland a very attractive place to come to live and work in."

He added that the area needed further services provided including an additional supermarket.