Planned new community hub approved
An artist impression of Monksland Community Hub.
The council has unanimously approved plans for a new community hub in the county.
At a meeting of Athlone Municipal District this morning, South Roscommon councillors approved planning permission for the Monksland Community Hub project. The “cutting edge” hub will provide much needed community facilities for the area, the meeting heard. Three submissions were received from members of the public and some concerns were raised about storm drainage and future proofing the building. The cost of the project will be up to €15 million and funding is being sought under the next round of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
Cllr John Keogh welcomed the development , saying it was something that the community has been calling for it for many years. While the project was not perfect, it was a massive improvement, he said, and he was confident that it would be secured for it. Proposing the adoption of the Part 8 planning application, he reiterated that further facilities were required.
Seconding the proposal, Cllr Laurence Fallon said that the project would help put the heart into Monksland. Cllr Valerie Duffy said it was a good news story for the area. Cllr Tony Ward also welcomed the proposal.
“This is only really the start,” he said. Cllr Emer Kelly said it was a very positive development, and agreed with Cllr Keogh about further developments needed.
MD Cathaoirleach Domnick Connolly supported the proposal, saying it was badly needed. Director of Services Caitlín Conneely thanked the councillors for their support.
The new development, which will be located in the Monksland Industrial Park, will see the construction of a new two-storey, multi- purpose community hub, landscaping, walking pathways, as well as pedestrian connections to the adjacent already completed Monksland Park.
A carpark, including provision for EV charging and bicycle parking also forms part of the proposal.
According to the council’s plans, the new Monksland Community Hub building will sit within the park. “Both park and building complement each other. The building is seen as something which fundamentally engages with the new community park,” the plans said. “The concept for the building builds upon the classical notion of a pavilion-type structure creating intrigue and acting as a focal point within the park. The landscape fully envelops the building and is both enhanced and enlivened by the addition of the building and vice versa. The balance between landscape, building and interiors form one coherent and harmonious design, exploring the relationship of the architecture to its immediate context.” The building will feature a multi-use main hall, two multi use studios, as well as four meeting rooms, with an enclosed courtyard and garden.
