New four-arm roundabout to improve safety in Monksland

Construction could begin on a new roundabout at the junction at the old and new Tuam Roads in Monksland before the end of the year if the necessary planning hoops are jumped, it's emerged this week. In a bid to improve safety and access in the area, Roscommon County Council plans to install a four-arm roundabout at the junctions, carry out realignment work and construct a short stretch to a new link road to be constructed north east of the current junction. The proposals are currently on display in Civic Centre in Monksland up until October 2 next and the public can put in submissions or observations on the plans until October 16. A Part 8 planning application, the process by which council appraises its own projects, has been lodged and an official verdict is due on the roundabout project is expected in mid-October. "I would certainly welcome the work to take place there. The council is hoping to commence before the end of the year if the Part 8 planning is passed. The roundabout will realign the road and provide safe access on to the old Tuam Road," Cllr John Naughten commented, adding that he didn't believe the works would cause any major disruption.. He added that the plans would be a major improvement to that particular section of the road, which is particularly dangerous at the moment and would also provide footpaths and lighting right up to the new roundabout at Elan, something residents have been looking for some time. "Funding is in place to complete the work. It will also improve access to River Village and improve safety at the old and new Tuam Roads," Cllr Naughten concluded. If the roundabout plan gets the go ahead it could breathe new life in to proposals for €60 million neighbourhood centre in Monksland by local developers Creaven and Downey. The project, estimated to sustain 200 new jobs was turned down by An Bord Pleanála earlier this year because they judged the new four arm roundabout plans at the old Tuam Road, as "premature". It could not be considered in the present application and would be required to be examined within the context of a new planning application, the board added at the time. The developer's plans had originally proposed a five-prong roundabout but that was later changed during the process to a four-arm roundabout at the behest of several parties.