Go-ahead for huge rebuild of Athlone Traveller housing site

Plans for a multi-million-euro overhaul of Traveller housing at the Blackberry Lane site in Lissywollen, Athlone, has been approved by Westmeath County Council.

The plans, which include the demolition of all the current dwellings at Blackberry Lane, to be replaced by 41 new single-storey homes developed over four phases, received initial funding of some €18 million towards the upgrade of the site by the Department of Housing in 2022, but is expected to well exceed that figure in overall cost.

The development, next to the N6 dual carriageway, is proposed to be delivered in four phases in order to enable and facilitate the continued habitation of the development site throughout the demolition and construction phase of the works.

Permission to proceed came at this week's council meeting, after the council initiated a 'Part 8' planning process, which is used for approving its own developments, last month. The new housing units would include an initial phase of 10 semi-detached dwellings, which would be a mixture of four-bed, three-bed, and two-bed units.

This would be followed by three more phases of 13, 11, and 7 dwellings.

These would be constructed in a variety of four, three, and two-bedroom configurations.

The existing development was initially developed between 2000 and 2003 by the National Building Agency as 20 permanent day units, 4 houses, two transient sites and a community centre. Over the years, other semi-permanent structures including dwellings, sheds and outhouses for animals were constructed.

According to the plans, the work on site will see "the demolition of existing day units, dwellings and concrete hardstanding areas" and the construction of 41 "single-storey dwellings in four phases, along with all associated site development works including temporary access routes, temporary serviced hardstanding areas, and the partial realignment and extension of the existing estate road".

In June, the plans were made available for inspection online and received one public submission during the statutory public consultation period, from a Patrick Ward, who expressed concern regarding the level of engagement between the residents of Blackberry Lane and Westmeath County Council during the development of the proposed accommodation scheme.

While his submission acknowledged support among residents for the upgrading and redevelopment of the Blackberry Lane scheme, and indicated a willingness to engage constructively with the council to progress the project, the submission stated that

residents feel that the proposals submitted differ from the accommodation options previously discussed during consultations.

The submission highlighted that Irish Travellers are a recognised ethnic group and noted the importance of ensuring that accommodation provision takes account of Traveller culture, traditions and lifestyle preferences. Mr Ward's submission contended that the proposed housing design did not adequately reflect the cultural needs and preferences of all residents and may not be suitable for those who wish to retain a more traditional Traveller way of life.

He suggested that further engagement should take place to explore a range of culturally appropriate accommodation options, including both conventional housing and alternatives that better reflect individual household preferences.

Discussing the redevelopment plans, the planning report, prepared on behalf of the council by Dublin-based OBFA Architects Limited, stated: "The nomadic tradition was recognised in the original concept, but it is generally found that Traveller families now seek to live in houses.”

It also explained that there are "essentially four family groupings" living at the current Blackberry Lane development.

Responding to Mr Ward's submission, Chief Executive Barry Kehoe said: “Westmeath County Council has engaged in an extensive process of consultation and engagement with the residents of Blackberry Lane over a considerable number of years.”

“The Council has sought to understand the views, preferences and aspirations of residents, together with their current and future accommodation needs. The proposed development has been informed by this engagement,” he added.

Cllr Aengus O’Rourke described the decision to approve planning for the project as a “red letter day” for the travelling community in Blackberry Lane.

He paid tribute to the families who engaged with the process over many years, saying there had been occasions when they felt “heartbroken” that a plan to meet all their needs could not be found.

“They never gave up,” he said, adding that the families were to be commended for their involvement in the process.

Cllr O’Rourke said residents were currently living in accommodation that was “not fit for purpose” and welcomed the fact that the new units would be rebuilt units which could be provided and occupied more quickly.

Cllr John Gibbons said there had been “many false dawns” with the project but described the level of consultation, agreement and co-operation that had taken place as significant.

He said the phased process would keep people in accommodation during the works and ultimately provide a much higher standard of accommodation and better quality of life for residents.

Cllr Mick Dollard said he and Cllr Andrew Duncan, as council representatives on the local Traveller sub-committee, had heard about Blackberry Lane for around 20 years.

He said the main reason the process had taken so long was the need to reach agreement among local residents.

Cllr Duncan said he had attended the most recent meetings and was “delighted” that the project had moved forward, describing it as “great news”.

In proposing the development to proceed, Mr Kehoe said the development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity; would not be prejudicial to public health; would be acceptable in terms of the traveller accommodation programme and in terms of traffic safety and convenience; and will deliver 41 replacement residential units within an existing residential estate.

The redevelopment was one of the key objectives listed in the council's Draft Traveller Accommodation Programme for 2025-2029.

The project is proposed to be undertaken by Westmeath County Council, financed and funded through by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Social Housing Investment Programme. The funding is subject to the DHLGH 4 Stage Approvals process.