Denis Naughten, the Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources, will preside over the official opening of Roscommon County Council’s new civic offices, Áras an Chontae, on June 17th.
Simon Coveney, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, had been invited to ‘cut the tape’ on the €15 million facility, but it has now been confirmed that the local minister will fulfil the duties instead.
An Open Day will also be held.
“This Open Day will include a programme of events which will run throughout the day,” Cllr. Paddy Kilduff, the Cathaoirleach, said at the recent monthly council meeting in St. John’s Community Centre, Lecarrow.
Details of the programme will be advertised on social media, local newspapers and radio in the coming weeks.
“The elected members, staff and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible on this special day that marks your significant investment for Co. Roscommon,” Cllr. Kilduff added.
Áras an Chontae recently won two awards – ‘Sustainable Project of the Year’ and ‘Architectural Project of the Year’ – at the CMG Irish Building & Design Awards.
John O’Rourke, a senior engineer with the Council’s Water Services division, said that winning such prestigious awards endorsed the project, which had been opposed in some quarters when first mooted.
“We have provided these buildings to upgrade members and staff and provide a better service to the public,” he said.
“The previous buildings we had were neither accessible nor IT-friendly.
“These awards have been a third-party recognition of the very hard work and the imagination that has gone into them and the commitment and drive of the current management to deliver this new civic headquarters.”
