Scramogue needs to be designated as a village, a recent meeting of Roscommon County Council was told.
At a lengthy discussion on variations to the County Development Plan 2022 – 2028, Independent councillor Tom Crosby tabled a motion calling for Scramogue to be included as a designated village and for the council to prepare a plan to formally recognise and support its development as a village.
In response, the council said it was not the appropriate time to address this matter, as the designation of additional villages did not form part of the current variation process.
Speaking on the motion, Cllr Crosby said this was probably one of the most important items at the meeting. He added he could not accept that the proposal was outside the remit of the meeting because there was land there available for residential development.
“There are already two large housing estates there,” he said, adding that Scramogue had numerous facilities. He said that the waste water treatment plant could be upgraded by Uisce Éireann to facilitate this.
“There is an investment of €450 million, the Ballaghaderreen Scramogue Bypass, and we have a great opportunity to include Scramogue so it can benefit,” he said. Designating the area as a village would help secure funding for public lighting and footpaths, he added.
He proposed that a proper village plan be prepared for Scramogue.
“I was born in the area, I grew up in the area. I am a native of the parish. And I don’t think I could go home this evening if this was not recognised,” he said.
“The bypass will be opened before this time next year so we have to act now.” Supporting the motion, Cllr Liam Callaghan said Scramogue was a very vibrant and active community.
“It has to get some recognition in order to get some funding. A lot of towns and villages have disappeared over the years,” he said. Cllr Micheál Frain also voiced his support.
Mr Keaveney said that no one in the council executive was against the proposal for Scramogue to be a village.
“It is a fine place. The process of designating a village takes time to consider. The review of the county development plan, which will be commencing at the end of next year, is the appropriate time to consider this,” he said.
He said there were issues with the developer provided infrastructure for the two housing estates, which was causing expense to the council.
“We are on a path to having those resolved,” he said, adding that the council was in discussions with Uisce Éireann on the issue.
Cllr Crosby said Uisce Éireann had been “sitting on this since they took over some years ago”, and called on the company not to “sit back on its laurels”.
He asked the council to make firm commitments on the issue, adding that he would continue to lobby on the matter.
*Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
