Plans underway to enhance five Leitrim villages

Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District was informed that Leitrim County Council have begun initial steps in creating a proposal for the enhancement of five Shannon-side villages.

At December’s meeting, Cllr Sean McGowan asked members for the support of calling on the Executive and the Chief Executive to put together a set of plans for the Shannon-side villages of Dromod, Drumsna, Rooskey, Jamestown and Leitrim Village, for public realm funding.

“A lot of those villages are tourist villages, and they certainly could do with an injection of funding,” Cllr McGowan said.

“You’re not going to get funding for one village on its own, so that’s why I say bundle them together as a package.

“There’s a lot of work that could be done, it would be very worthwhile. They’re good villages and I’d like to see a public realm package.”

All councillors supported Cllr McGowan’s motion except Cllr Des Guckian, who argued that the priority should be lowering the River Shannon’s water levels, and expressed opposition to public realm works.

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“I think the first priority is to lower the level of the Shannon, as flooding is a problem for all of these villages as seen in 2009.

“As for the public realm works in Mohill, it was done up by a company in Baggot Street in Dublin who had no idea what Mohill is about. To me, the public realm is not what is needed. A lot of people would want to see an original old style village,” he added.

Councillors were informed a proposal is being developed for the enhancement of the public realm for the five Shannon side villages.

The response stated: “Leitrim County Council through its capital project scheme and economic development team have tentatively commenced the process of developing a proposal for the enhancement of the public realm for the Shannon-side villages of Rooskey, Dromod, Drumsna, Jamestown and Leitrim Village.

“It is envisioned that this proposal, when developed will seek funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development funding scheme.

“The project developing process will involve engagement with and consultation with respective communities in these villages,” the response concluded.

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