Council unveils plans to convert 300-year-old former military barracks into community facility
A view of Edenville House in Roscommon Town as it stands today. Pic: Bird's Eye View Photography
Plans to develop a 320-year-old former military barracks in Roscommon Town into a multi-purpose community facility have been unveiled by Roscommon County Council.
The local authority has lodged Part 8 proposals to convert Edenville House into a multi-purpose community facility for creative, cultural, social, community, educational and recreational purposes.
The proposed works include refurbishment and conservation works to the existing former military barrack building, the construction of a new vertical circulation core and the demolition of non-historic structures on the site.
The planned development also includes the stabilisation, refurbishment and conservation works to the existing boundary wall; stabilisation and interim preservation work to the various outbuildings on the site and external landscaping works.
Located near the railway station, Edenville House was built c. 1702 and served as a military cavalry barracks until 1869. It later became a private residence.
The buildings on the site are in various stages of disrepair within the original stone built boundary wall.
These buildings include the barracks, infirmary, guardhouse, wash rooms, privy and gunpowder store.
Over many years, differing views have been expressed on the possible use of the council-owned historic property, which is a protected structure.
Two years ago, the council unveiled controversial plans to repurpose the barrack site for social housing while a number of local representatives and people wanted it to be used for a community space.
At that time, a group called the ‘Friends of Edenville House’ campaigned for the historic site to be developed into a regional centre of excellence for the circular economy, sustainable development, local heritage, and crafts.
The group had expressed its deep concern over possible changes to the current zoning status of the site in Ardnanagh to accommodate housing.
The deadline for the public to make submissions or observations on the plans is 5 p.m., August 28th.
