Call for better planning procedures

Fianna Fáil councillor Orla Leyden has said better procedures were needed around planning applications in County Roscommon to avoid the county “lagging behind”. Addressing the recent monthly meeting of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Leyden called for a full list of invalidated planning applications to be included in the Management Report as well as those that have been approved.

“It’s a missing statistic. I understand from the OPR (Office of the Planning Regulator) that Roscommon has one of the highest percentages, certainly in this region (of invalidated applications),” she said. Cllr fight for rural Ireland – in particular to maintain and advance the services we have to ensure no further closures, encourage business development, promote accessibility for all, advocate for fairer planning laws and regulations and support development in our towns and villages that will entice young people to work and live in our areas”.

Leyden said it was “concerning” that the new 50-bed unit at the Sacred Heart Hospital had been invalidated in April, and said that individuals, organisations and planning agents were “really frustrated” by current procedures.

“If we are trying to deliver on housing, healthcare and schools then we need to ensure that we have the effective systems in place,” she said.

She also referred to growing collaboration between members and the neighbouring Athlone/ South Westmeath MD area which is part of Westmeath County Council and the Ballinasloe MD area, over issues of common concern.

Cricket club’s new home confirmed

Roscommon Town Cricket Club has been given the go-ahead to play at the legendary former home of local GAA, The Lough, St Coman’s Park in Roscommon town.

The move had been approved last October but had to go before the Council again due to legal reasons after the club had changed its name. A nominal fee of €10 per annum will be charged for the use of the 3.125 hectares for an initial period of three years.

Roscommon Hospice Sunflower raises almost €13k

The amount raised from the recent National Sunflower Days for Hospice campaign in Roscommon came to a total of €12,832.08.

The Foundation wishes to sincerely thank all the local stores who participated for their kind cooperation, as well as all the local support groups, hospice shop staff, and volunteers who gave their time to help make the event such a great success. The foundation also are very grateful and thankful to all who gave so generously to the cause.

All of the funds raised from the campaign will go directly to funding local palliative care services.

Miriam’s Musings

Our columnist Miriam Kerins is on leave