Public park for Strokestown supported by councillors
A proposal to create a public park in Strokestown received widespread support at a recent meeting on rezoning land in the county.
A proposal to create a public park in Strokestown received widespread support at a recent meeting on rezoning land in the county.
During the special meeting of Roscommon County Council, a submission by the Strokestown Town Team calling for the zoning of the Canon's Field, which is approximately 0.60ha, from ‘residential opportunity’ to ‘leisure tourism/amenity’ was discussed.
Quoting from the council’s report, director of services, Mark Keaveney said that The Canon’s field formed part of the wider ‘town core’ land use zone in the existing Strokestown Settlement Plan. The site was specifically identified as a ‘residential opportunity’ site due to its strategic, central location, but subject to the identification of alternative, centrally located lands, the council had no objection to the removal of the specific ‘residential opportunity’ site designation.
Mr Keaveney explained that maintaining the lands as part of the ‘town core’ land use zone, would allow a mix of uses to be accommodated, including community uses such as a public park.
Cllr Liam Callaghan supported the submission, saying that the Canon’s Field has a long history.
“The Town Team has big plans for the area and for Strokestown,” he said, and he proposed the council’s recommendation. This was seconded by Cllr Tom Crosby, saying he was involved in a Town Team committee that secured the leasehold from the Diocese of Elphin with a view to developing it for community purposes.
He said that funding applications would be sought from the council to develop the town and the wider North Roscommon area. Cllr Valerie Byrne also expressed her support for the development.
As part of this discussion, it was also agreed to zone the lands adjacent to the primary care centre as a ‘residential opportunity’ site in lieu of the current designation on the Canon's Field.
Cllr Crosby made the proposal, saying it was a great opportunity for residential use in the town.
*Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
