Major development plans for Strokestown Park get planning go-ahead

Major plans for Strokestown Park, which include a multi-functional eco-centre, outdoor learning zones, a replica of a famine mud cabin and enhanced walking trails, have been given the planning go-ahead.

Roscommon County Council has granted permission for the proposals, which were part of a planning application lodged in September by the Irish Heritage Trust.

Earlier this year, the Trust & Westward Group submitted an interest to Fáilte Ireland seeking funding under the Just Transition Fund (JTF), established to fund day-tourism projects in designated areas.

In that submission, they identified several projects, which would greatly enhance the visitor experience at Strokestown Park. The proposed works form part of a funding application to Failte Ireland under the JTF.

In the planning application, it was noted that it had long been a wish of the operators of Strokestown Park to enhance the outdoor attractions, particularly within the woodlands and these proposed works sought to achieve this aim.

In developing the proposal, the Irish Heritage Trust & the Westward Group identified projects which would enable them to enhance their visitor experience, improve the outdoor facilities and resolve ongoing parking issues.

In the planning documents, there are proposals to enhance the existing woodland trail experience by improving accessibility along the existing pathways, and introduce new accessible walks and boardwalks through the woodlands.

There are plans for outdoor learning zones for Strokestown Park's younger visitors, which would involve identifying suitable areas within the woodlands. It is proposed to provide a combination of outdoor teaching spaces, climbing frames and rest areas in three selected zones within the woodlands.

These woodland zones are aimed at encouraging families, both local and visitor, to return “again and again” to Strokestown Park to enjoy facilities and learn about nature and the environment in a fun, explorative way.

Another key part of the plans include the development of an ‘Holistic Eco-Centre Woodland Pavilion’ made out of low-carbon natural building materials. The intention of this pavilion is to provide a multi-functional space within the woodlands which connects visually and directly with nature and the outdoors.

To be located on the green area in front of the Famine Museum and entrance to the walled garden, the structure will have a biodiverse roof designed to create a “growing medium” involving particular flora & fauna. This will allow indigenous plant species to inhabit the roof over time.

Another central element of the plan is the provision of a ‘4th Class Housing Exhibit’. While the planning documents stated that Strokestown Park, with the grand main house and walled gardens, offered a “superlative look” at how the landed gentry and upper classes lived during the famine times, the planning application observed there was little to show how the poorest subsisted.

As part of the National Famine Museum experience, the applicant said it was important that this was addressed. As part of the project, it is proposed to construct a replica of a fourth class housing exhibit, located outside the exit door of the National Famine Museum.

The house will be constructed from clay sods with a straw roof to resemble the type of dwelling commonly used during the Famine period. Additional car-parking facilities and the extension of existing bus parking are also part of the plans.

Planning for the development was granted, subject to eight conditions. Among the conditions was the need for appropriate measures be carried out in order “to ensure the continued preservation (either in situ or by record) of places, caves, sites, features or other objects of archaeological interest”.

Strokestown Park houses the National Famine Museum, which attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually, contributing significantly to the local economy and employment.

In October 2019, a €5.1 million investment was secured to transform the museum at Strokestown Park into a new state of the art National Famine Museum. The park currently offers the visitors three experiences - the National Famine Museum, the restored Palladian House, and the Walled Gardens & Woodlands.