Welcoming the funding, Cllr Larry Brennan acknowledged the work of all involved in the Edenville House campaign. Cllr Brennan said that recent agreement on rezoning of the site had been key.
According to Cllr Brennan, the land-use zoning status was switched from ‘Community Infrastructure’ to ‘Outer Core’, meaning the property is eligible for future use as a technology or innovation hub. He says this decision was central to securing the funding, adding that the Edenville House campaigners were to be commended for agreeing to this rezoning.
Thanking Minister James Browne for committing the funding, Cllr Brennan said he also wished to acknowledge the input of Roscommon County Council, the Roscommon Town Team, and many community groups. He noted that in the six years that he was chairperson of the Town Team, the development of Edenville House had always been high on the agenda.
In particular, Cllr Brennan said he wished to acknowledge the great work of former councillor, Orla Leyden.
“Over her time as an elected councillor and through her central involvement with those campaigning on the Edenville House project over many years, Orla was always very committed to this issue. I want to commend all associated with this very important project.”
More political reaction
Local politicians have welcomed news of the funding.
Cllr Marty McDermott described it as a significant investment with the potential to deliver major benefits for both the town and county.
“It is a huge benefit to the town and to the county,” he said. “It could be the jewel in our crown here.”
Cllr Ruth Conboy said the €9.15m investment would help transform Roscommon Town while bringing vacant and underused properties back into productive use.
“We all want to see regeneration in our own communities and to provide spaces that are safe and attractive for people from all generations to gather and enjoy,” she said.
Cllr Conboy paid tribute to Roscommon County Council, local community groups and social enterprises that worked together to develop the proposals.
