A Castlerea councillor has proposed the development of an ‘urban forest’ with integrated walkways on council-owned land on the outskirts of the town.
Fianna Fáil councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice believes that the land, comprising about 12 acres, is not suitable for housing and could be used to create a new forest in conjunction with new walkways.
“One element we are looking at is the importance of clean air in our towns and villages. This would be a way of creating an urban forest with native trees in it within the peripheral boundary of the town.
“The idea would be to create a purpose-built forest and walkways in one,” said Cllr Fitzmaurice, who pointed out that he had already raised the idea with several Government ministers.
Located at the rear of the Castlerea Enterprise Hub, the land is just outside the town’s zoning boundary and has no zoning status.
The councillor pointed out that there was a Department of Agriculture ‘NeighbourWood’ scheme, which could allow for this project to be developed.
The scheme provides financial assistance to create woodland amenities for local people. Funding is available to help establish woodland on greenfield sites and to support the development of existing sites.
‘NeighbourWoods’ can be used by the community for strolling, family visits and picnics, exercising and a host of other outdoor activities.
“I feel that this would be very welcome from a legacy point of view that in fifty years’ time, we have a new forest being created with walkways through it,” he said.
He believed that such an initiative could be replicated in other towns and villages with lands owned by the council which may not be developed for industrial use or housing.
Cllr Fitzmaurice raised the issue at the May meeting of Roscommon County Council and his proposal was seconded by Fine Gael councillor Ruth Conboy.
