Over 50 social housing units to come on stream in Monksland

Roscommon County Council has been given the green light to proceed with the construction of 51 social housing units in the rapidly-growing area of Monksland after councillors voted to approve planning for the project at a meeting of members of the Athlone Municipal District last week.

A proposal by council planners to include a raised table-top feature to slow down vehicles entering and exiting the new housing development was turned down by councillors, who voted instead for the implementation of “other safety measures.”

The 2.0ha site for the proposed development – which is zoned 'new residential' - is located on lands immediately adjacent to the Slí an Choiste estate, and accessed via the existing estate.

The project comprises mainly of two and three-bed semi-detached houses, with nine two-storey two bed terraced houses and two detached houses. The plans also make provision for the widening of the existing site entrance, construction of access paths, footpaths, cycle paths, car parking, public and private open spaces, a pedestrian link, an ESB substation and the removal of existing trees and planting of new native trees, hedges and shrubs.

Under the Part 8 process, by which local authorities and other bodies consult with the public about their own projects, a report is prepared on the planning process by the Chief Executive and presented to councillors at a monthly meeting of Roscommon County Council for their approval.

The Chief Executive's Report which was put before members at last week's municipal meeting heard that 32 of the 47 valid submissions received by Roscommon County Council had expressed concerns about road traffic safety in the vicinity of the proposed housing development, and particularly at the junction where traffic will enter and exit the new estate.

Cathaoirleach of the municipal district, Cllr John Keogh, said it was “accepted” that a roundabout could not be installed at the junction into the estate, but he informed members that he had met with the council executive in relation to the traffic safety issues and it “had been agreed” that the speed table plan would be removed, and that the installation of ramps would be considered instead.

A raised table top at a junction, which is also referred to as a speed table or flat-top hump, is a type of traffic calming measure designed to slow down vehicles by raising the entire road surface, including the junction.

Cllr Keogh proposed an amendment to the Part 8 process that the plans for a raised table-top feature at the entrance to the new estate be “withdrawn and removed and that other traffic measures be implemented” which was seconded by Cllr Emer Kelly.

All 47 submissions which were received also raised concerns about the proposal to include a pedestrian access link from the proposed development through to the existing Slí an Choiste housing estate, which was described in one submission as being “unnecessary and serves no practical purpose.”

Along with the 47 submissions in relation to the proposed pedestrian link, Roscommon County Council also received a petition with 21 signatures expressing similar concerns.

The Chief Executive's Report which was put before members at last week's meeting stated that the pedestrian link was initially proposed to promote “permeability of residential areas, especially for pedestrians and cyclists in accordance wit the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS)". However, in light of the concerns expressed in the submissions, the meeting was told that Roscommon County Council has now removed the pedestrian link from the proposed development and revised the drawings accordingly.

Among the 47 valid submissions from members of the public were two from sitting councillors for the area, Cllrs Emer Kelly and John Keogh.

In his submission, Cllr Keogh broadly welcomed the proposed development, given the need for additional social housing in the Monksland area, but said concerns had been raised with him in relation to the proposal for a pedestrian link to a number of existing houses in Slí an Choiste which are located in a cul-de-sac. Among the concerns raised were that the link would create a traffic hazard by increasing footfall of pedestrians, cyclists and scooters users; negatively impact the “peaceful, safe and quiet character” of the cul-de-sac and the “public safety and security” of the homes located in the cul-de-sac.

Cllr Kelly said “numerous concerns” had been raised with her by local residents in relation to the proposed pedestrian link.

Speaking at last week's meeting, she noted that the 47 submissions received as part of the public consultation process was “probably the most submissions” the council had ever received on a Part 8 project.

“In general the council has been very pro-active in addressing the issues raised in the submissions,” said Cllr Kelly, but she added that she had her own concerns in relation to traffic safety in the vicinity of the proposed development and said it was an issue that would have to be “taken up” with the roads department.

Cllr Laurence Fallon noted that “not one” of the people who had sent in submissions had declared themselves to be opposed to the need for more housing in the Monksland area.

In relation to concerns which were expressed in some submissions about traffic volumes on the Old Tuam Road as a result of 51 more houses in Monksland, Cllr Fallon said this road is being used as “a bit of a rat run” by motorists who are trying to avoid traffic build-up in the Monksland area.

He called for the installation of more speed ramps on the Old Tuam Road and said it was “critically important” that the council revisit plans for the junction into the proposed new Slí an Choiste housing development.

All councillors present at last week's meeting were unanimous in their support for the proposed housing development of 51 houses.

The Part 8 (with the amendment, as agreed) was proposed by Cllr Valerie Duffy, who was attending her first municipal district meeeting, and seconded by Cllr Emer Kelly,