A majority of Roscommon county councillors have voted in favour of proceeding with plans to construct new Civic Headquarters in the county town.

Councillors spent over two hours debating plans by the local authority to borrow €18 million to build the new offices, before taking a vote on the issue this evening.

Public opinion on the matter is divided, with the Roscommon Chamber of Commerce has given its backing to the council to go ahead with the new Civic Headquarters, while a group called Concerned Roscommon Businesses and Households have questioned the wisdom of going ahead with the proposed offices in the current economic climate.

The group has also expressed concerns about the location chosen for the new offices.

At this evening’s council meeting, 21 councillors voted in favour of the Civic Headquarters, with 5 voting against.