Further housing for Monksland as more land to be zoned
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Monksland is set to see a major increase in new housing units under proposed updates to the Roscommon County Development Plan 2022–2028.
The amount of housing units on residentially zoned land in the Monksland area would rise for the current projection of of 515 to 940, a striking 82.5% increase, making it one of the largest single-area expansions in the county.
The proposal comes as Roscommon County Council moves to meet revised population and housing targets set out in the National Planning Framework, which requires an average of 392 new homes per year in the county up to 2034, with an option for an additional 50% provision. New government guidelines have mandated all local authorities to provide an extra 50% ‘headroom’ in residential zoning on top of the already expanded housing targets.
Roscommon town would see an even larger relative increase, with zoned units rising 107%, from 600 to 1,242, reflecting its status as the county town.
Councillors at a recent council meeting expressed mixed views on the proposed allocations.
Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice questioned the fairness of Monksland’s increase when compared with the likes of Castlerea, which is set to receive just 32 new units.
“Towns need to grow in a fair and equitable way. Where is the justification for such a large rise here?”
Cllr Sean Moylan highlighted the distinction between zoning and actual development: “Zoning land is one thing; the appetite to develop it is another. We need to ensure these plans are realistic and deliverable.”
Others pointed to Monksland’s appeal to residents.
Cllr Tony Ward said: “For Monksland, there’s scope and space. If you talk to people, it’s Monksland they want to be living in.”
Cllr Lawrence Fallon added: “With all the talk of Athlone’s expansion, you’d think Monksland would get more. That said, it’s also important to grow the county town.”
The report also prompted discussion about Kiltoom and Barrymore, where existing serviced lands could be brought forward for development.
Cllr Domnick Connolly said: “There are 15 acres in Barrymore fully serviced. I’d ask for that to be rezoned.”
Cllr John Keogh added: “In Barrymore, there are lands that were zoned previously. What is the reason they can’t be included now?”
In response to questions over Kiltoom and Barrymore, the council executive noted that 'white lands' were zoned in the area, allowing for both residential and recreational development in the future.
The Chief Executive’s Report recommends publishing Variation No. 1 of the County Development Plan, following completion of environmental assessments.
Once finalised, the variation will be submitted to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, as well as the Planning Regulator, in line with statutory requirements.