Planning approval for Castlerea riverside walkway project
The project will see the removal of the steps from the Fairgreen entrance to the Demesne. These will be replaced with 21 metre long ramp leading from the street down to the walkway.
A project aimed at upgrading a section of walkway along the River Francis at Castlerea Demesne to enhance its accessibility has been given planning approval.
Roscommon County Council has given the go-ahead to the local Towns Trust for the development that will consist of converting the existing steps between the street and the river path, just off the Fairgreen, to a 21-metre-long ramp that will make it accessible for all users.
The works will also involve overlaying 41 metres of the existing path with a steel boardwalk from the foot of the ramp, which will serve to enhance mobility for individuals with limited mobility.
A 29-metre-long metal cantilever meeting area and three new public benches are included in this significant accessibility project while another 148 metres of the riverside path is set to be reprofiled and finished with an anti-skid surface.
The original planning application noted that these facilities being developed by Castlerea Towns Trust would be suitable for people with limited mobility.
According to the planning documents, the project objectives will help promote age friendly infrastructure in Castlerea.
“It is considered that upgrading the existing path will provide infrastructure that enables healthier lifestyles for both physical and mental health and wellbeing, include people with limited mobility, boost tourism, and preserve and promote the cultural and archaeological heritage of Castlerea,” said the Towns Trust in its application, The planned upgrade takes place on a section of the existing walkway along the River Francis behind the statue of Our Lady on the town bridge at Main Street. The walkway runs along the river between the centre of the town and the Demesne.
Local Fianna Fáil councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice, who originally brought the idea to the Towns Trust, told the Herald that this section of the riverwalk was great in its day but it now needed an upgrade.
He said it had been a popular walk over the years, but many people had difficulty getting down the steps, so this was about improving access.
Cllr Fitzmaurice said it was also a way of linking the river with the town. “I think it will be very positive from a tourism point of view and from a public realm point of view. I think it’s going to be a game changer for the Demesne and will allow it to connect with the town as well,” he said.
The riverside development received funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme to employ consultants for its design and to bring it to planning.
Similar funding to further progress the project is being actively sought.
Cllr Fitzmaurice is hopeful that the ambitious project will receive funding. “This walkway will be a great asset to the town, it will open up that whole area and will be highly visible from the bridge,” he said.
