Specified developments under Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Article 81 of Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)

SPECIFIED DEVELOPMENT:

Location: Ballaghaderreen Town including Main Street, Market Square, Cathedral Street, Chapel Street, Barrack Street and Pound Street.

Proposed Ballaghaderreen Town Public Realm Enhancement Project on Main Street, Market Square, Cathedral Street, Chapel Street, Barrack Street and Pound Street to include provision of: a new pedestrianised public space at Market Square, a one-way traffic system on Cathedral Street and Chapel Street, new footpaths and pedestrian crossings, bus stops at Pound Street and Market Street, new parking arrangements and enhanced pedestrian civic spaces, tree planting and green spaces and all other associated site and ancillary works.

At this point Cllr. Michael Mulligan declared that he had a business premises adjacent to the proposed development but that the premises is in the ownership of his son and he wished to speak on the matter.  However, the Cathaoirleach said that under the Disclosure of Conflict of Interest (Section 177 of the Local Government Act 2001 as amended) he would have to withdraw from the meeting for this agenda item as this would appear as a conflict of interest and Cllr Mulligan the withdrew from the meeting.

Mr. John Quigley, Executive Engineer, Regeneration, presented the Chief Executive’s Report on Ballaghadereen Town Public Realm Enhancement Project.  Cllr Crosby confirmed that the Chairman of Ballaghadereen Town Team had confirmed to him that they are fully in favour of the project.

Cllr Crosby, Cllr Callaghan, Cllr Byrne, Cllr Cummins and Cllr Callaghan acknowledged that there is an issue in relation to car parking spaces.  Cllr Callaghan stated that there would be a need to regulate short term parking.  Cllr Cummins asked if byelaws would need to be put in place to allow for regulated parking not just in Ballaghadereen but in the whole of the County.  Cllr Cummins together with Cllr Crosby acknowledged that Roscommon is the only county that does not have paid parking.  Cllr Murphy stated that accessibility to the carparks provided and public lighting would need to be improved.  Cllr Byrne thanked Roscommon County Council stating that the Part 8 was a marvellous opportunity.

Ms Majella Hunt, Director of Services stated the Council may have to consider a scheme under which byelaws could be introduced for regulated parking.  Ms |Majella Hunt, Director of Services stated that a commitment had been given to upgrade accessibility and lighting re carparks and collaboration would take place with a group in Ballaghadereen who are installing CCTV in the area.

Ms Majella Hunt, Director of Services advised that Call 1 for the RRDF has not yet commenced.  It will be announced in October.  The Part 8 must be in place before the application can be made.

Ms Majella Hunt, Director of Services added that in order to encourage the upgrading of derelict buildings in towns it is necessary to have an upgraded public realm eg. parking, lighting and safety measures.  Ms Majella Hunt, Director of Services stated the fallout from Covid is becoming evident and people are returning to rural towns and public realm enhancement will encourage this. Ms Majella Hunt, Director of Services stated that all submissions received by the Local Authority have to be included in the report.

Cllr Crosby stated that when the public see the completed project it will be welcomed.

     On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Tom Crosby

                  SECONDED by Councillor J. Murphy

It was AGREED

That the Elected Members of Boyle Municipal District in accordance with the 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 SPECIFIED DEVELOPMENT at  Ballaghaderreen Town including Main Street, Market Square, Cathedral Street, Chapel Street, Barrack Street and Pound Street for the proposed Ballaghaderreen Town Public Realm Enhancement Project on Main Street, Market Square, Cathedral Street, Chapel Street, Barrack Street and Pound Street to include provision of: a new pedestrianised public space at Market Square, a one-way traffic system on Cathedral Street and Chapel Street, new footpaths and pedestrian crossings, bus stops at Pound Street and Market Street, new parking arrangements and enhanced pedestrian civic spaces, tree planting and green spaces and all other associated site and ancillary works.