Cathaoirleach Liam Callaghan welcomed Ms. Majella Hunt, Director of Services, Adrian Kielty, Executive Engineer, Brian Farragher,A/Executive Planner, and Nollaig Whyte, Administrative Officer to the Boyle Municipal District Meeting.  This group made a presentation on the Part 8 Boyle Enhancement Scheme.

 The specified development as proposed is for the development of a public realm enhancement project, including the provision of a new layout to the Crescent in the town centre and new car parking layout in the existing car park in Shop Street in Boyle, Co. Roscommon.  The scheme also includes the provision of redesigned paving, lighting, soft and hardscaping in the Bridge Street and Shop Street area of the town centre.

 Pursuant to the provisions of Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Article 81 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), consultation responses were received from the TII and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. An internal response was received from the Planning Department.  The Chief Executives report has noted these.

  A total of seven submissions in respect of the proposed development were received.  Each submission in its entirety has been fully considered in preparation of this Chief Executives Report.  Having regard to the issues raised in the submissions in respect of proposals relating to the Crescent area, regarding traffic movement and car parking provision, it is the opinion of the Chief Executive that further consideration of the proposed layout for this area is required.  It is considered that any proposed amendments to this area would not be of a minor nature which could be facilitated under the current Part 8 process, in line with Part XI (Development by Local and State Authorities etc.), Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

It is therefore recommended that the proposed Crescent phase of works be postponed and subject to a separate Part 8 proposal in the future.  It is further recommended that the remaining works as set out in the development description be proceeded with under this current Part 8 Development proposal.

It is recommended that the development hereby presented, inclusive of amendments as set out in Appendix E and in line with the recommendations (reflected in plan detail in Appendix F (Revised Plan detail of Extent of works proposed under this Part 8 of this report be proceeded with.

Cllr Liam Callaghan thanked Mr. Brian Farragher, Acting Executive Planner, for his presentation stating the Members must now decide.

Cllr J Cummins noted the difficulty presented by the short time frame between the Members decision today and the date for the lodgement of the application (1^st December, 2020) for funding.  He stated that the people of Boyle want to see the town improved but that greater consultation is needed in respect of the Crescent.  He stated it is prudent to postpone the decision for the Part 8 in respect of the Crescent and proposed that the remainder of the Part 8 should go ahead.

Cllr T. Crosby agreed that the time frame was short between the Members decision and the final date for lodging the application for funding.  He stated that rate payers need to be acknowledged and that we must also respect the need for a location for casual trading.

Cllr Byrne stated that it is great to be able to proceed with a section of the Part 8 Project and to be able to revisit the remaining section, dealing with the Crescent, at a later date. 

Cllr M. Mulligan noted that the most obvious issue in relation to the Crescent was the reduction of parking spaces.  Cllr Mulligan queried what the Chief Executive meant by the postponement of the section of the Part 8 dealing with the Crescent. 

Cllr J. Murphy stated he supported the plan with amendments adding this is an opportunity which cannot be lost.

Cllr L. Callaghan complimented the staff of the Community and Enterprise Section for their hard work.  He stated that the hill on the Crescent is a big factor in the scheme and that ample parking will be need to be provided.

Ms. Majella Hunt, Director of Services stated that submissions relating to the Crescent could not be deemed minor and a new Part 8 would be required to deal with the changes.  Ms. Hunt, Director of Services, stated that rather than miss an opportunity with this Part 8, the application will go forward inclusive of amendments as set out in Appendix E and in line with recommendations (reflected in plan detail in Appendix F).  Ms.  Majella Hunt, Director of Services, stated that a new Part 8 in respect of the Crescent will be drafted sometime next year.  Cllr. V. Byrne queried the possibility of looking at off street parking in the future.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr J. Cummins

SECONDED by Cllr T. Crosby

It was AGREED

That the Elected Members of Boyle Municipal District in accordance with Part XI of Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended and Part 8 (Article 81) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), having considered the Chief Executive’s Report and Recommendation, proceed with the Boyle Town Centre Public Realm Enhancement Scheme.

Cllr Liam Callaghan queried the current position regarding the Royal Hotel.  Ms Majella Hunt, Director of Services, stated that the Council are awaiting full clearance from the Department and there is no definite time given for this decision.  Ms. Majella Hunt, Director of Services stated work due to take place in the Pleasure Grounds is going through the tender process.