Multi million euro Lough Key Masterplan will be a game changer
Last week’s blog mentioned some of the big announcements that are awaiting planning in Boyle. Yesterday (Thursday) the first of these received the go ahead, when Roscommon Co Co granted permission to Coillte for a multi million (reported to be somewhere between €20-€30m) redevelopment of Boyle’s Lough Key Forest Park (subject to 32 conditions). This is one of the biggest developments planned for the area for many years and amazingly it seems to be slipping under the radar for a lot of people. (Full details of the plans are available on the homepage of this website). With this “Lough Key Masterplan” as it is known, getting closer to reality, it is now up to businesses in Boyle and budding entrepreneurs, along with Roscommon Co Co, to have the town ready to capatalise on this redevelopment. We will need more restaurants, bars, cafes, tourism related businesses and of course top of the list – accommodation, if we are to benefit from the large increase in visitors and employees this development will bring. In addition, Roscommon Co Co need to continue the public realm work that has been undertaken on Bridge and Shop Street to include the Crescent and St. Patrick Street so we can have our town looking attractive for the anticipated visitor increase this development will bring in the next few years and also to entice entrepreneurs to set up the complimentary businesses in Boyle before some other town capatalises on the exciting plans.
Camera Club looks forward to Boyle Arts Festival exhibition
Boyle Camera Club, founded in 2007, has for many years been delighted to stage an exhibition of members’ work at Boyle Arts Festival. During the festival this year the club is particularly pleased to be facilitated again in the renovated ‘An Rioga’ (formerly the Royal Hotel) on the second floor.
Boyle Camera Club was the first fully designated Digital Camera Club in Ireland and is affiliated to the Irish Photographic Federation. With membership growing steadily the club is always delighted to see new members join. It aims to provide opportunities for members to expand their knowledge of photography, develop their skills and join like-minded enthusiasts for presentations, monthly motivations, photo shoots, field-trips and exhibitions. With groups for beginners, intermediate and advanced members, the club provides a forum to discuss photography and related topics of interest at all levels.
Boyle Camera Club members will be on hand throughout the exhibition and will be delighted to welcome all to review their exhibition of members’ photographs. Photographs will be available for sale.
Derelict Property Tax will benefit Boyle in the future
Last Tuesday announcement of a new Derelict Property Tax will not initially affect Boyle as it only applies to towns with a population of 4,000 or more. When phase two is introduced, it will take in a further 64 towns with populations over 2,000 and that should then include Boyle. The big difference in this tax and previous ones is that it will be collected by Revenue with information provide by Local Authorities who will identify properties that fit the criteria.
Boyle, like every rural town in Ireland is blighted by derelict buildings. They are lying idle for a number of reasons – inheritance and ownership complications, absent landlords, high renovation costs and planning restrictions to name but a few. The Government is trying hard to address rural dereliction with the vacant property refurbishment grant and other incentives that are in place to ensure towns like Boyle address dereliction thus ensuring that they remain vibrant, attractive and resilient places to live and work. The new tax will hopefully help benefit Boyle going forward.
The town holds it’s breath for news on Aldi
With the excitement of the news on the grant of permission for the Lough Key Masterplan still palpable, the town now holds it’s breath, until at least this Monday, when An Comisiun Pleanala is due to make a decision on the Aldi development planned for St. Patrick Street. Viewers will recall that Roscommon Co Co granted permission for the development but it was appealed by Brian O’Sullivan from Co. Offaly and subsequently Aldi themselves appealed a number of the conditions attached to the grant of planning. But a word of caution. While An Comisiun Pleanala has a statutory objective to make decisions within 18 weeks, if it requires more time, it will pause the clock and notify everyone involved to update them. On the basis that they grant permission, their decision and conditions have to be acceptable to the applicant and not seen as prohibitive.
What happens next – The board issues a formal letter to the company with a copy of the final decision order detailing the reasons behind the ruling and any conditions attached. If permission is granted, the applicant often must fulfill specific conditions or lodge financial bonds with their local council before starting work. All decisions made by An Coimisiún Pleanála are final. The board will not enter into discussions regarding the pros and cons of the ruling. Decisions can only be legally challenged through a Judicial Review in the High Court. If that happens, the court will not assess the planning merits of the case but will verify if the board followed proper legal procedures. Any such challenge typically must be brought forward within 8 weeks of the decision date.
The Lawn upgrade work to recommence shortly
Great to see work due to recommence shortly on the Lawn upgrade. Viewers will recall that work had been delayed for a number of reasons as outlined previously in the Boyle’d Pot. Now it’s full steam ahead and the recommencement has been welcomed by Boyle Town Team who along with Roscommon Co Co has been instrumental in getting the project to become a reality. According to the Team: “Everyone in Boyle Town Team is delighted that work on The Lawn Refurbishment Project will restart in the coming weeks. The project had been paused for a period of time due to several challenges which have now been mostly worked through. Boyle Town Team would like to extend thei sincere thanks to Roscommon County Council for their continued commitment and for getting the project back on track. We all look forward to seeing this important area of our town significantly improved and well maintained for the future”.
News snippets from around Boyle
Music Concert in Killaraght Hall this Sunday from 4pm featuring Victoria Massey and vocal students, Ann Kielty on piano and Brendan Maloney on guitar followed by tea, coffee and snacks. Tickets at the door priced adult €10 under 12’s €5………..If previous years are anything to go by, be prepared for the sound of fast cars and plenty of noise as motoring enthusiasts head through Boyle to the Donegal rally this Friday and Saturday……..Let’s hope the old tradition of ‘Bonfire Night’ is celebrated in Boyle this Tuesday night. Gone are the big events and most likely any celebration will be in back gardens etc………Boyle Celtic F.C. is inviting expressions of interest from players who would like to join their women’s first team for the upcoming season. More details from 0868566262……..Good luck to Boyle U14 girls GAA team who take on Clann na nGael in the Division 4B League Final this evening (Friday) at 6.30pm in Abbey College Field. The Division 4 A Final will follow at 8pm with Western Gaels taking on Clann na nGael. Entry for these games is via Boyle Sports Complex F52 HK46 with entry €5 cash or card for adults……..Boyle Film Club present the critically acclaimed film, Io Capitano in Boyle Family Resource Centre this evening Friday 19th. This event is free but booking is essential. Please call 071 966 3000 to book your seat……….Water Safety Ireland is delighted to offer swimming lessons for children aged 7 to 13 years from 13th July – 17th July (5 days). Bus departs daily at approximately 10.30 a.m from St. Joseph’s Hall. Cost: €60 per child. The fee includes return bus transport and professional swimming lessons. This is a great opportunity for children to improve their swimming ability, build confidence in the water and learn important water safety skills in a fun and supportive environment. Places are limited, so early booking is advised. To book a place or for further information, contact or WhatsApp Marita on 083 364 8007.
And finally….!
Paddy and Mick were on their way home from a night out and took a short cut through a graveyard.
Paddy starts reading the gravestones.
Mick, he says, look at this. There’s a fella here who was 90 when he died.
What’s his name, says Mick.
Somebody called O’Toole from Kerry, Paddy replies.
Never mind him says Mick. There’s a fella here called Murphy. He was 99 when he died. From Castletown of all places.
Well, that’s nothing, says Paddy. Look at what’s on this fella’s head stone, here, right beside the gate? The stone says, 147.
147? That’s amazing, says Mick. Who was he?
Well, according to the stone, it’s someone called Miles from Dublin.
