Engineering consultants sought to progress riverside walk project
A drawing of what the planned new river walkway could look like.
Engineering consultants are being sought to progress a planned riverside walk project in Castlerea.
Roscommon County Council, on behalf of Castlerea Town Trust, is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced engineering consultancy team to progress the scheme.
The development is being planned at the existing walkway along the River Francis between the centre of Castlerea town and the Demesne.
According to the council’s recently advertised tender, the successful applicant will advance the project through detailed design; preparation of the construction tender pack; management of tender process phases and the construction and handover phases.
The development will involve converting the existing steps between the street and the river path into a 21 metre long ramp that will be suitable for individuals with limited mobility, thereby providing access for all.
The planning permission already granted includes the overlaying of 41 metres of existing path with a steel boardwalk from the foot of the ramp, enhancing the accessibility for individuals with limited mobility.
It is also proposed to construct a 29 metre long metal cantilever meeting area on the riverbank east of the existing steps and path, along with the provision of three new public benches.
Approximately 148 metres of the riverside path will be reprofiled and finished with an anti-skid surface to prevent slip.
The time-limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate is March 6th and total contract duration is estimated at 18 months.
The Department of Rural and Community Development has allocated funding to the council under Measure 3 of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2024-2025 to construct the new riverside walk.
The total available funding for remaining professional services and the construction of the works is €550,000.
Local Fianna Fáil councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice, who originally brought the idea of a redeveloped walk to the local Towns Trust, has previously said the project would improve access while also linking the river with the town.
