Specified Development 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) - Provision of a Covered Civic Space, Market Square, Roscommon

Specified Development 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) - Provision of a Covered Civic Space, Market Square, Roscommon town.

Majella Hunt, Director of Services informed the members that this part 8 is the final part of the Market Square & main St Public Realm development. 

Ciaran McAlary, Senior Resident Engineer outlined the details of the project and the procedure that was followed as outlined in the Chief Executive’s report. There were two external submissions and one internal submission (Roads Section) with responses as noted in the CE Report.  A further internal consultation response was received from the Planning Department of Roscommon County Council, which confirms that “the proposed scheme accords well with the policies and objectives as well as the development management guidelines and standards of both the Roscommon County Development Plan (RCDP) 2022 – 2028 and the existing Roscommon Local Area Plan and thus accords with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”. 

Ciaran McAlary outlined how the development will create an iconic structure representing a destination and meeting point in Roscommon town and will facilitate a series of year round events, markets and outdoor dining options, as well as being a space that people can casually enjoy on a daily basis. The covered space will be constructed using high quality materials (polished concrete with limestone aggregate, glulam timber rafters and copper roof covering) consistent with the architecture of the surrounding historic buildings.

The members discussed the Part 8 and the following issues were raised and addressed:

• It was confirmed that the development will be age friendly and accessible for all, including people with disabilities.
• It was confirmed that the option of using off-site prefabrication methods will be used where possible, thus reducing the construction time on site and associated disruption to the use of the Square. The contract documents will include a requirement that disruption to traffic movements around the Square will be minimised with any associated road closure being of short duration and subject to an application to Roscommon County Council for same.
• It was noted that Thursdays and Fridays are the busiest days for the Post Office and that works should be scheduled with this in mind where possible.
• It was confirmed that any required changes to the CCTV system due to the development will be funded from the project budget.
• It was confirmed that the structure will be of sufficient height and form to allow visibility across and along the Square and that a stage set up to the rear of the Bank of Ireland will be visible from within the covered space.
• The development also includes a cover to the well to the south of the Bank of Ireland incorporating a periscope feature to celebrate the old well, together with a bronze model of the Square.
• The works are currently planned for commencement in January 2023, avoiding the busy pre- Christmas period.

Majella Hunt, Director of Services, advised that the development will create opportunities for businesses in Roscommon and the Town Team to utilise throughout the year.  It will attract more people into Roscommon town and will complement the impressive work already carried out on the Square.  Majella Hunt added that the scheme will be carried out with the same ethos as the initial public realm scheme keeping all stakeholders informed throughout and keeping disruption to a minimum where possible.

In terms of design the members felt that the project was commendable and that it will have a positive impact on the town and they were happy with the assurances provided as noted above.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Waldron

            SECONDED by Councillor McDermott

It was AGREED to proceed with the specified development without amendment as outlined in the Chief Executive’s report.