Opposition to any plans for housing at Edenville House site

Any attempt to use the historic Edenville House site in Roscommon Town for new housing will be opposed by councillors, a meeting heard last week.

At a special council meeting where variations to the County Development Plan 2022 – 2028 were discussed, the zoning of Edenville House was changed from community infrastructure to outer core, despite concerns that this could lead to it being used for housing.

Edenville House, also known as Black’s House, was built in 1702 as a cavalry military barracks, and has been in the ownership of Roscommon County Council since 1990. The proposed change was met with opposition from the Roscommon Town Team, Roscommon Heritage Group, and the Lisnamult Tenants and Residents Association, the Roscommon Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, as well as a number of private individuals, including retired councillor Orla Leyden.

The council chief executive’s report argued that the previous zoning had not given any particular advantage when the council had unsuccessfully sought €7 million in funding for a community facility. It added that outer zoning would provide greater opportunities for funding.

During the meeting, Cllr Larry Brennan said that a number of meetings had been held with people concerned about the rezoning over the last couple of days, and that their fears had been allayed “in as far as they can”.

“The number and variety of the submissions sent in is a reflection of how important this building is to the local community. There are very strong opinions on it,” he said.

“Obviously everyone wants to see Edenville restored with its unique heritage and culture.” He also highlighted its strategic value as a community facility.

He said it was his view that the best way to secure the best results for Edenville was to withdraw his motion calling for the community infrastructure zoning to be retained.

He added he was supporting the council chief executive’s proposal for it to be designated as outer core zoning.

Cllr Ruth Conboy said she would like to acknowledge the 11 submissions received on the issue.

“The message from the community has been clear and consistent across numerous formal and informal consultations,” she said.

“They want Edenville House to be developed as a community facility, and not for housing.”

She said that while housing had been increased in the area, there had been no increase in community facilities. It was critical that there was ongoing engagement from the council with community groups about Edenville, Cllr Conboy said.

She added that she would continue to advocate for the development but believed that outer core zoning would be the most appropriate zoning to secure funding.

Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice said that councillors had been given further information about Edenville by the council and were happy to zone it as outer core. He added that councillors had given those concerned about the future of the historic building assurances, they would not support any housing developments on the site.

Following engagement with the community, Cllr Marty McDermott said he was withdrawing his motion calling for the new zoning to be rejected.

Cllr Nigel Dineen said he supported the chief executive’s recommendation, and Cllr Michael Holland said he supported the CE’s report, and that he wanted to see the site used as a community facility.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.