County Roscommon riverside walkway project ‘a gamechanger’

A project aimed at upgrading a section of walkway along the River Francis in Castlerea to improve accessibility has been described as a ‘game changer’ for the town.

The plans for the development, recently lodged by Castlerea Towns Trust with Roscommon County Council, involve constructing a 21 metre long ramp leading from the street down to the walkway. The proposed works also involve building a 411 metre long boardwalk at the river.

A 29 metre long metal cantilever meeting area and three new public benches are included in this significant accessibility project. Another 148 metres of the riverside path is set to be reprofiled and finished with an anti-skid surface.

The planning application notes that the facilities being developed by Castlerea Town Trust will be suitable for people with limited mobility.

Fianna Fáil councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice, who proposed the project to the Towns Trust, said that the planned upgrade will take place on a section of the walkway behind the statue of Our Lady on the town bridge at Main Street.

“This section of the riverwalk was great in its day but it now needs an upgrade. It’s been a popular walk over the years but as some people got older, they found it more difficult to get down the steps, so this is about improving the access.

“I brought the idea to the Towns Trust and they were delighted with the idea and I commend them for moving it forward,” he said.

Cllr Fitzmaurice said it was also a way of linking the river with the town.

“I think it will be very positive from a tourism point of view and from a public realm point of view. I think it’s going to be a game changer for the Demesne and will allow it to connect with the town as well.

“I’m delighted the project has gone to planning and I want to thank everyone involved, including Roscommon Count Council,” he said.

The riverside development has already received funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for a feasibility study.

Cllr Fitzmaurice outlined that similar funding to further progress the project is being actively sought.

County planners are due to decide on the development by July 3rd.

Chairman of Castlerea Towns Trust Liam Scahill said that the project would be a huge boost for the town’s Demesne.

He added that the Towns Trust was hopeful funding would be secured and that in conjunction with Roscommon County Council they would be able to move forward with the project. He paid tribute to the council and to Cllr Fitzmaurice for the work to date and looked forward to it getting planning and the funding needed to bring the dream to fruition.