New community hub for Monksland given planning approval

by David Flynn

Proposals for a new multi-purpose community hub in Monksland have taken a major step forward with planning permission approved.

The building is planned on a site to the west of Monksland Business Park and adjacent to the new Monkland Community Park, which was officially opened in June.

The Athlone Municipal District of Roscommon County Council last Thursday approved the development of the two-storey multi-purpose community hub building to be situated to the west of Monksland Business Park and adjacent to the new Monkland Community Park, which was officially opened in June.

The new construction which was approved under the Part 8 process, by which local authorities and other State bodies consult with the public over developments, will incorporate a series of community spaces to include multi-use studio spaces, meeting rooms, storage space, cafe, dressing rooms and shower area.

It will also include internal and external courtyards, car parking with EV charging facilities; walking and cycling areas, and pedestrian connections to Monksland park.

The Chief Executive, Shane Tiernan, in his recommendation to the council in a report on the public submissions said the hub provides a cutting-edge creative, educational and recreational space for Monksland and the wider region.

Mr Tiernan said, in the report, that it will enable inter-generational and cultural interactions to take place, as the variety of spaces provided allow a wide-ranging demographic to engage fostering social inclusion and promoting well-being for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Also, it was said that the recently completed community park, and the community hub building represents an opportunity to provide a sense of place and much needed community facilities in the Monksland area.

There were a number of submissions as part of the public consultation process, two from prescribed bodies, Uisce Eireann and the planning department of Roscommon County Council, and four from the general public.

“I welcome the Part 8 and this is something the community has been calling for, for many years now,” said Cllr John Keogh, who said he had issues with the development. “But if we strive for perfection, we might deliver nothing and there is no question that a facility like this is needed in the Monksland area. I wish there were different aspects to the design, but they are not there, but what is there will be a massive improvement and a huge benefit to the area.”

Cllr Keogh proposed the Part 8 planning permission, which was seconded by Independent, Cllr. Laurence Fallon who said the project was another step in putting the heart into Monksland.

“It will make a very significant difference to the town of Monksland, and the people of the community and the wider area,” said Cllr Fallon.

Fine Gael’s Cllr. Valerie Duffy said it’s a really good news story because Monksland is a growing area and there is a growing need for diverse services and an opportunity to support social inclusion.

“There has always been a great desire by the people that Monksland would be a town in the future and for facilities and places for young people for soccer and Gaelic,” said Cllr. Tony Ward, Independent. “This to me is only really the start.”

Independent Cllr Emer Kelly also welcomed the project and said it was positive to see it progress to this stage.

Funding for the hub will now be pursued under RRDF (Rural Regeneration and Development Fund).