Provision of Vertical Walkway Viewing Structure at Mote Park, Mote Demesne and Lissanisky

Brian Farragher gave an outline of the project comprising of the provision of a vertical walkway viewing structure at Mote Park.  The proposed development involves the construction of a 13.5m high timber and steel viewing tower and all associated works.  The consultation process took place and one submission was received regarding car parking and anti-social behaviour.  The project corresponds with the National Planning Framework, Regional Strategy, Roscommon County Development Plan and Roscommon Town Plan. Nollaig Whyte confirmed that concerns regarding adequate car parking will be taken into consideration.  Nollaig also assured the members that Roscommon County Council, propose to engage the services of a qualified ecologist to oversee and monitor all the works.  We will also work in partnership with Coillte, however we expect that very few trees will need to be felled.  This project is well placed to position Roscommon Town and area as a visitor attraction and will address the need to have a resource of this nature in County Roscommon.

The members welcomed the project and a discussion took place with the following matters raised

• Concerns regarding adequate car parking at Mote Park with members concerned that the car parking allowed for will only cater for existing demand and are in favour of providing extra car parking spaces for the development at this stage 
• The project is based on the need to position Roscommon Town as a visitor attraction area
• Concerns regarding anti-social behaviour and if CCTV is being considered as a deterrent
• Concerns regarding the safety of the structure if children climb up on it
• Concerns that projects of this nature only come before the elected members at approval stage and request that members are brought into the process at an earlier stage to facilitate more involvement

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Leyden

             SECONDED by Cllr. Shanagher

It was AGREED that significant regeneration projects are placed as an agenda item for the Municipal District meeting so that members can contribute to the development of a project at an earlier stage in the process.  Cllr. Leyden clarified if there was something to report, placing it as an agenda item will create the space to inform members earlier allowing everybody to work in collaboration and discuss projects as they come on board in addition to keeping everyone updated on any new or potential funding streams.

• Cllr. Leyden enquired if the works on the road from Hannon’s Hotel to the Golf Links road will be eligible under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.  The members voiced their concerns on the urgency of these works for health and safety reasons.

Nollaig Whyte responded to the items raised

• The development includes 45 car parking spaces in the immediate vicinity made up from surface dressed road side parking on both sides of the road at the two entrances to Mote Park.  Parking is not an easy area to source funding at the moment but improvements in cycling infrastructure will be considered under the URDF.
• The presence of more people in Mote Park should help prevent anti-social behaviour and we will continue to work closely with Mote Park Conservation group, however, CCTV is not being considered at the moment
• As regards the safety of the structure, Roscommon County Council will involve a structural engineer in the build to ensure that the design meets all standards and regulations to satisfy health and safety requirements
• This whole project is based around cycling, walking and outdoor recreation.  Cycling is an integral part of the project with the expectation that many people will cycle to Mote Park and cycling racks will be provided.  There will be a signed route linking visitors over to the Visitor Centre in Athleague, with a link from Athleague down through Fuerty and back to Loughnaneane park creating a joined up picture for the whole town
• Nollaig stressed the importance of linking up the Beara-Breifne route to the Suck Valley Way and to secure the maximum amount of funding for County Roscommon.  Under measure three the max amount of funding is €500,000 and projects must take into account two main themes which include the Beara-Breifne route and the River Shannon. 

John Mockler stated that

• The area from Hannon’s Hotel to the Golf Links Road is not covered under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.  Roscommon County Council are hopeful that this section will be eligible for active travel funding.  John Mockler explained that Roscommon County Council sought active travel funding for the design for this stretch and work will proceed on this design which should be substantially complete by the end of this year.  Hopefully, we will be able to apply for further active travel funding to carry out the work.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Leyden

            SECONDED by Councillor McDermott

It was AGREED to proceed with the specified development as outlined in the Chief Executive’s report.