Green light for major new housing development in County Roscommon

A major new local authority housing development in South Roscommon has been given the green light.

The final approval of the Part 8 planning application for 51 houses at Slí an Choiste in Monksland came before South Roscommon councillors at a meeting of the Athlone Municipal District last week.

The development, which is set to be completed in late 2026 or early 2027, will consist of 12 two-storey 2-bed semi-detached houses; 24 two storey 3-bed semi-detached houses; nine two storey 2 bed terraced houses; two single storey 3-bed detached houses; and four single storey 2-bed semi-detached houses. It will also have public and private open spaces.

Aside from observations from Uisce Éireann and the department of housing, a total of 47 submissions were received from members of the public and local politicians about the developments. Concern was raised in several of the submissions, 15, about the proposed pedestrian link with the existing Slí an Choiste estate, with people expressing worries that it would result in increased traffic and negatively impact privacy and security. The council subsequently removed the pedestrian link from the development. A petition was also received about this matter, the council noted. Other submissions also expressed concern about traffic, with the entrance and exit of the proposed development on an existing dangerous bend. Another highlighted that the New Tuam Road was increasingly becoming congested with traffic, meaning the Old Tuam Road was being used by motorists to avoid traffic congestion.

Councillors welcomed the development, with Cllr Laurence Fallon calling it very substantial and very significant.

He thanked the people who made submissions, adding that “not one of them has suggested that the project shouldn’t go ahead”.

“There was a lot of concerns and that is understandable but the people of Monksland want to see their community grow,” he said.

He added that the council had made “very significant efforts” to deal with the concerns as much as possible. The councillor said that the junction on to the Old Tuam Road was a significant concern and he called for steps to be taken to increase safety measures there.

Cllr Tony Ward said he was very supportive of the development. “Monksland is the fastest growing area in County Roscommon,” he said, and the need for more housing was clear. He called for more housing to be provided for young people, “and not to have them leaving the county” to find accommodation.

“I would also like to see a huge increase in facilities for young people,” he added. “We’re trying to make Athlone a city, and if we want to do that, we have to be doing more.” He called for a community hall and additional playing pitches in the area for young people.

“I hope this is the start of something major for Monksland,” he said, and he shared concerns about road safety in the area.

Cllr Emer Kelly also expressed her support, thanking all those who made a submission, and agreed with the need for more facilities. She also raised concerns about road safety at the junction of the Old Tuam Road. Cllr Valerie Duffy welcomed the proposal and agreed that road safety improvements were needed on the Old Tuam Road.

Cathaoirleach of the MD, Cllr John Keogh said he was pleased that the council had sought to work with the local community over the issues raised with the proposal, including the pedestrian link, which had been removed. There was a clear need for social and private housing in Monksland, he added.

An amendment was agreed to remove a speed table proposed under the development and introduce other road safety measures. Cllr Keogh said it was important that those measures, four speed ramps, were put in place before work on the estate commenced. These would be monitored to see if further measures were needed, he added. The need for additional drop-off areas for buses for Monksland was also highlighted during the meeting.

Director of Housing, Fiona Ní Chuinn thanked the councillors for approving the development and everyone who contributed to the consultation process.

“There is a big need for social housing in the Monksland area,” she said. She added that the council looked forward to delivering the housing in late 2026 or early 2027.