The Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Domnick Connolly, was in Castlerea in recent days to officially open The Meadows, a new age-friendly housing scheme delivering six homes for older persons in the town. The opening also saw the unveiling of An Craoibhín Aoibhinn, a commissioned public artwork by local artist James Gannon, in the development’s communal green space.
A partnership between Tuath Housing and Roscommon County Council, The Meadows comprises six semi-detached, single-storey two-bedroom homes, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS). Design was led by TA Group, with Future View Developments as main contractor. Construction began in April 2025, with the homes handed over in July 2026. The development builds on Tuath’s long-standing partnership with Roscommon County Council, which has delivered over 135 homes across the county since 2010.
Every home has been designed to help residents live independently for longer, with level access wet rooms, step-free garden access, wide door openings and turning circles throughout, plus a second bedroom for an overnight carer if needed. Each home is A-rated for energy efficiency, using air-to-water heat pumps to keep running costs low.
“It’s important that our older population are protected, cherished and respected.”
Speaking at the opening,Cllr Domnick Connolly said: “As a local authority, the provision of quality housing is at the heart of our work in Roscommon County Council. This is to ensure our citizens enjoy a quality of life they can flourish and enjoy.
By their nature, developments like this one at The Meadows support older individuals who wish to live independently but who may require some support without comprising that independence. In any society, it is very important our older population are protected, cherished and respected. How they are supported is very often a reflection of that society.”
A central feature of the scheme is An Craoibhín Aoibhinn (‘the pleasant little branch’), a hand-carved limestone sculpture by local artist James Gannon, selected through a competition run with Roscommon County Council’s Arts Officer under the Per Cent for Art Scheme. Inspired by Douglas Hyde, Ireland’s first President, who was born nearby at Longford House, the piece sits in a communal green space open to residents and neighbours alike.
Marian Jennings, Director of the Board at Tuath Housing, said: “The Meadows shows what can be achieved when a local authority and an Approved Housing Body work closely together over the long term. These six homes give older residents in Castlerea the chance to live independently, in a home designed around their changing needs, while remaining part of the community they know. Tuath is proud to continue our commitment to Age Friendly housing, building balanced, sustainable communities for people of all ages across Roscommon.”
