Monksland could soon be Roscommon's biggest town

The Monksland/Bealnamulla area may rival and indeed exceed Roscommon's county town in terms of population, the new draft Local Area Plan (LAP) for the region for 2009-2015 has revealed. And in an ambitious plan, which was published yesterday (Tuesday), Roscommon County Council has indicated that it will "promote this area as an economic driver for the county and support its growing population numbers". The document predicts the area's population will increase by another 3,500 people in the next six to 15 years, bringing its population to some 8,500. The plan outlines: "Due to its proximity to the larger centre of Athlone and the employment opportunities which exist in this area it is realistic to expect that its population will rival and indeed may exceed that of the county town itself." There are also proposals to investigate the possibility of an airstrip or airport in South Roscommon, a new train station within the lands covered by the local area plan, and a sustainable energy training school, with the potential to create up to 1,000 jobs is also suggested, and the council says it is favourably disposed to the erection of wind turbines in the lands in question. At least one new school will be needed in the short-term whilst an arts centre or theatre space could also be developed in the Monksland/Bealnamulla region. Facilities such as a church, permanent Garda barracks, banks and a credit union would also be beneficial to the area, the council acknowledges. The plan is available from Roscommon County Council and is open to the public for submissions for a six-week period.