Major plans lodged for Roscommon public amenity project
Plans have been lodged to transform part of a historic landed estate in Ballyforan into a major public amenity Pic: iStock
Plans to transform part of a historic landed estate in Ballyforan into a major public amenity - to include a community centre, pavilion, park and glamping pods - have been lodged with Roscommon County Council.
The Ballyforan Area Transition Team (BATT) is seeking outline planning permission for the project on a four and a half acre site incorporating the former Claremont House and an adjacent coach house.
Claremont House, believed to date from the early 1800s, was originally the home of Gonville Ffrench of the landlord Ffrench family, who established the village. The estate later passed to the D’Arcy family and remained in their ownership until the 1950s. After falling into disuse, the property was eventually gifted to the local authority.
The planning application seeks permission to convert the derelict coach house into a community centre and to repurpose Claremont House as a public park pavilion.
Plans for the community centre include sports facilities, a crèche, gym, hall and clubhouse. The pavilion is proposed to contain toilet and shower facilities to service four new on-site glamping pods, along with picnic areas, a children’s play area, and a viewing platform.
The surrounding grounds would be redeveloped as a public park. This element includes proposals to rewild sections of the grounds through planting wildflowers, new tree planting, along with the restoration of historic pathways.
The project has been developed in consultation with the local community and funded through the Just Transition programme. ACT (Accelerating Change Together) prepared the plans on behalf of BATT, with support from Roscommon County Council.
A decision from county planners is expected by July 19th.
