Politicians row in behind Ballagh campaign to change public realm plan

Local Oireachtas members and councillors have rowed in behind the people of Ballaghaderreen in their campaign to force Roscommon County Council to revise the controversial public realm plan in the town.

The local community turned out in force at a public rally in the town today, Sunday, to express their strong opposition to the council’s regeneration plan. 

They were joined by protest groups from Boyle, Strokestown and Castlerea.

Local retailers and residents claim the public realm project will decimate local trade by removing substantial parking, and the new narrow layouts will make navigation around the town challenging for everyone.

Sinn Fein Deputy Claire Kerrane, who was among the politicians who spoke today from the stage, told the rally that the Part 8 development could be revised. 

Deputy Kerrane said she had received this information from a council official in another county who had 40 years experience.

Local businessman Brian Mulligan received a huge cheer from the crowd when he described this development as a “game-changer” to pave the way for a review of the plan.

Politicians and the large crowd unanimously backed his proposal that the current public realm works should be suspended until a full revision of the plan takes place.

Mr Mulligan said this review needed to include proper consultation with the people of Ballaghaderreen.

See full report from the rally in this week’s edition of the Roscommon Herald.