Town Team expresses concern, reiterates alternative plan

Roscommon Town Team has expressed its “concern and disappointment” regarding the recent suggestion by Roscommon County Council to change the zoning of Edenville House/Black’s House and grounds from Community and Education.

In a statement issued to the Roscommon People, the Town Team said that for the last number of years it has led an active working group with members of the wider community, dedicated to developing the community and education potential of Edenville House.

The group submitted a proposal to Roscommon County Council in 2022, outlining their vision for the site, which includes a regional centre of excellence for the circular economy, sustainable development, local heritage, and crafts. The centre would serve the local community through community and education activities and be an attraction for visitors to the town.

The proposed plan has received support from local residents and organisations and now requires progression to the next stage to highlight feasibility and economic potential.

Roscommon Town Team and the Edenville House working group members met with local elected representatives councillors Orla Leyden, Kathleen Shanagher, Paschal Fitzmaurice, Tony Waldron, and Marty McDermott, on Wednesday, March 8th, to express their deep concern about any rezoning proposal involving Edenville House. The group are opposed to rezoning the site for housing on the basis that it is not a suitable location for a social housing development, and the community and education potential needs to be realised.

Roscommon Town Team said: “Edenville House is a heritage site unique to Roscommon Town with important historical significance. It is a site that requires well planned and sensitive renovation to maintain and protect the heritage features. This building and grounds are a huge asset to Roscommon town and the proposal by the Edenville working group offers a future that incorporates a muchneeded community space for locals”.

The Town Team said that the ambitious sustainable development vision proposed will “attract enterprise and visitors to our growing town”.