A new layout for Roscommon Town Centre will see a return to two-way traffic on the eastern side of The Square (currently one-way), provision of a paved pedestrian civic space, and new parking arrangements and pedestrian crossings.
When the ‘Roscommon Town Public Realm Enhancement Project’ was first drawn up, it attracted some opposition. Following consultation between interested parties and Roscommon County Council, a number of changes/amendments were made. A second version of the plan was then formulated, taking account of many of the submissions of business people in the area.
The deadline for submissions on the revised plan was yesterday (Wednesday). It will now go to ‘Part 8’ status at Council level. It remains to be seen what, if any, changes will be made following the latest submissions.
By and large, there appears to be widespread welcome for the plan, including from business people, Roscommon Town Team and local politicians.
Its official title is the ‘Roscommon Town Public Realm Enhancement Project’ and its aim is to ensure that “Market Square and Main Street become highly connected people friendly places”. The plan has been developed, says the Council, with a view to increasing the volume and quality of interactions with the town spaces and creating a town-based pedestrian culture.
The project will include the provision of a new traffic management scheme and layout on Main Street and The Square, to include:
* Provision of two-way vehicular traffic on the R366 to the eastern side at Market Square.
* Provision of a paved pedestrian civic space to the north and south of Market Square.
* Provision of a shared space along L7043 on the western side of Market Square.
* Provision of two-way traffic to the North of Market Square on the L7042.
* Provision of new parking arrangements, enhanced pedestrian civic space and pedestrian crossings throughout the scheme.
* All other associated site and ancillary works at Market Square, Main Street, Castle Street, Ballypheasan townland and Ardnanagh townland.
The project is intended to “reimagine” existing spaces, make the town centre more people friendly, create a pedestrianised culture and increase footfall in the area. The plan has received considerable support, including from business people who engaged with the Council, making submissions and attending meetings with the local authority. However, concerns have also been voiced over the loss of 59 car parking spaces and the possibility of trade being “driven out” of the town centre.
