A Roscommon TD has encouraged the public to show their support this Sunday at a public protest in Ballaghaderreen.
The protest is in response to the planned Public realm project in the town, which will see the removal of a number of car parking spaces within the town centre.
There are concerns over the accessibility in the town following the project and that it may generate a lack of footfall for businesses.
Deputy Claire Kerrane says local businesses are concerned the lack of accessibility to their businesses will see a decrease in the number of customers.
She has encouraged people to come out on Sunday and show their support for local businesses.
Deputy Kerrane has been speaking to Midwest Radio’s Alannah Nolan…
Roscommon County Council issued a statement on the project this week.
They say,
This project is one in a range of current and planned future investments and initiatives by the Council and its partners in Ballaghaderreen Town, supported by Government Departments, and progressed in consultation and collaboration with local stakeholders and community groups.
The need for the project was identified during consultant undertaken in 2018/2019 as part of the development of the Ballaghaderreen Community and Economic Plan.
The project aim is to provide a coherent, attractive town centre and approach roads to make the town attractive to live, work, visit and do business in.
The current town centre is vehicle dominated with limited provision for pedestrians and people of the town to enjoy the town centre while going about their business. The proposal, following some minor amendments, will result in the loss of approx. 47 parking spaces in the town centre including approx. 24 from the town square.
There is off street parking in Ballaghaderreen including in the currently under used Plots Carpark off Barrack Street (current capacity 72 spaces). The Council is committed as part of the ongoing works to improve access to and visibility of this parking area.
The project was informed by public consultation that culminated in the statutory planning consent process known as the Part 8 planning process. It received planning permission in October 2021, which was a prerequisite for the funding application, and construction commenced in March 2024. As with all planning permissions, the project must be delivered in accordance with the plans and other particulars publically presented.
The public realm scheme has been designed in accordance with current standards, best practice and current policy regarding planning, rural development, town centre and active travel policy.
Roscommon County Council believes the project will support and enhance Ballaghaderreen’s ability to function as a business, service, social, cultural and recreational hub for the local community, future-proofing the town’s economic and social viability.
