Hundreds of people gathered in Ballaghaderreen on Sunday in protest to the public realm works that are planned for the town.
Locals have taken issue with Roscommon County Council’s plans for the town centre, which they have described as a ‘once in a lifetime transformational opportunity’.
The problems with the plans include that 47 car parking spaces would be removed which, according to locals, would be detrimental to businesses in Ballaghaderreen.
Speaking at the rally yesterday, local councillor Micheál Frain described Ballaghaderreen as a “thriving industrial town”, but these public works would “finish” it.
Close by towns like Strokestown, Castlerea and Boyle joined in solidarity with Ballaghaderreen at yesterday’s event.
There are mixed opinions on what will be next for the public realm works – Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane believes that the plans can be amended, while cllr Tom Crosby says that they cannot be reversed.
