Planning application for  waterfront park to be made soon

A planning application for the multi-million euro waterfront park at Hodson Bay is expected to be made by the end of the summer.

South Roscommon councillors were given a presentation this morning on the local authority’s large scale projects around the municipal district, among them the €30 million Hodson Bay Waterfront Park project.

Senior Engineer Rachel Lowe of the council’s regeneration team told the councillors that the project was currently at the planning and design stage. Under the proposal, the existing marina would be doubled in size, the area's paving would be enhanced, and transport measures, such as improving facilities for cycling and walking, would be made. Improvements would also be made to the site's carparking. A new watersports pavilion building and cafe were also part of the project.

She explained that the public consultation on the project in April was very well attended and that there was ongoing engagement with the key stakeholders.

She said it was hoped the planning application would be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála by the end of July or early August. Due to the environmental sensitivities of the area, the planning regulator, rather than the council, will have to decide on the matter.

The Monksland Community Hub, which is estimated to cost €15 million and received planning permission in October of last year, was also at design stage and was “significantly advanced”. It was hoped that a comprehensive and robust application for this project would be ready for submission to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund by the end of July.