Concern raised about future plans for development of Monksland

The absence of Monksland from a special meeting last week on the Roscommon County Development Plan is a “glaring omission,” according to local councillors.

At last week’s meeting, councillors agreed to substantially increase the amount of land zoned for new residential housing around the county.

Council Chief Executive Shane Tiernan said that the Monksland area of South Roscommon would be dealt with separately in a subsequent meeting. “For today that area is excluded,” he said.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that a joint strategy for the future development of Athlone with Westmeath County Council, was being prepared. As part of this, a local transport plan to inform the joint strategy was being worked on for the past year or so.

An initial draft transport report has been received by the council and was nearing finalisation.

Cllr Tony Ward welcomed the strategy but “I would hope that this wouldn’t be dragged out for four or five years.

“Monksland is a huge area, it’s the fastest growing area in County Roscommon,” he added.

Cllr Laurence Fallon said that the absence of Monksland from the meeting was a “glaring omission.”

“A third of the area and population of County Roscommon are not included,” he said. “It is extremely disappointing that Monksland cannot be included for reasons mainly down to government.

“It is extremely urgent that once we get through today’s process, that every effort is made to speed up this strategy for the greater Athlone area because it is impeding the development of Monksland and creating serious, serious problems for people looking at the long term future of Monksland.”

Director of Services Mark Keaveney said the variation for Monksland was nearing publication.

He added that the variation to the county development plan before the councillors did account for housing figures and population growth in Monksland.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.