Preferred option for Hodson Bay Waterfront Park unveiled to public

A glimpse into the future of a major amenity development at Hodson Bay was unveiled to the public at a consultation event in the Hodson Bay Hotel Athlone this afternoon (Wednesday, April 22).

Hosted by Roscommon County Council, this was the second and final non-statutory public consultation event for the Hodson Bay Waterfront Park Project.

This is a major initiative designed to enhance the natural setting, accessibility, and recreational offering of the Hodson Bay area.

The event follows an initial public consultation held in October 2025, during which valuable feedback was received from residents, community groups, stakeholders, and visitors.

Feedback received from that earlier consultation has informed the development of a preferred design option for this ambitious €30 million project.

The proposed Waterfront Park will focus on enhancing public access to Lough Ree and improving amenities for walking, cycling and water-based activities. The park will also protect and celebrate the area’s natural and cultural heritage as well as support sustainable tourism and local economic development.

The consultation process includes a two-week community survey to invite feedback on the project and will remain open until 5.30pm on Tuesday, May 6.

The project is being delivered by Roscommon County Council in partnership with Waterways Ireland, with support from Fáilte Ireland, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund – Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme.

Members of the public are invited to complete the community survey here www.roscommoncoco.ie/coco/en/services/tourism/eujtf-projects/hodson-bay-waterfront-park

See full report on the public consultation event in next week's Westmeath Independent.