New date for Aldi decision
It has now transpired that it will be “Before August 18th” when An Coimisiun Pleanala determines the appeal against the Aldi development. In the most recent correspondence, they say the delay is due to “It not being possible to determine the case within the statutory objective period due to the complexity of the case. The Commission will take all such steps as are open to it to ensure that the appeal is determined before that date”.
It was only a few hours after the publication of last week’s Boyle’d Pot, that the initial details came through of a further delay for the Aldi development on St. Patrick Street. As we predicted could happen, An Coimisiun Pleanala sought further information on one particular subject – a bat derogation license. If this is their only concern (even though they say it is complex), then it is not insurmountable but one has to wonder why it took until the eleventh hour for An Coimisiun to seek this information? Could they not have requested it when the issue was initially raised by their Inspector/staff member(s)? In their initial application to Roscommon Co Co, Consultants on behalf of Aldi Ireland conducted two bat surveys and a building inspection for bat roosts. According to the report: “A bat roost containing 5 no. soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) bats was recorded within a derelict structure onsite. Bat foraging activity of three relatively common species (common pipistrelle, Leisler’s Bat, and soprano pipistrelle) was recorded onsite. The proposed development will result in the removal of a confirmed bat roost. A derogation license and mitigation measures are required prior to the commencement of works”.
As the applicant seems to be aware of the need for the derogation license, let’s hope this license is or has been obtained and that An Comisiun Pleanala will grant permission for this development in the next few weeks and hopefully before August 18th.
Memorial walk in Cloonloo
A memorial walk for the late Breege Tighe will take place in Cloonloo on Sunday July 12th commencing at 11am. According to the organisers: “Our community has come together to organise a 6km family friendly walk in memory of Breege, who passed away earlier this year in the wonderful care of North West Hospice, Sligo. In honour of her long-standing voluntary work and dedication to Cloonloo Development and our local area, we will walk from Cloonloo Hall (F52 XC90) via Kiltybrannock to Templeronan Cemetery and back. This is a quiet family friendly traffic controlled route. Refreshments afterwards and all are welcome to participate”. Donations in aid of North West Hospice and Cloonloo Development here.
Maintenance contracts needed for projects around Boyle
A constant concern when various projects are completed around Boyle is the need for maintenance. There is no point in spending hundreds of thousands of euro in developing areas to have them overgrown or neglected in a short period of time. Boyle Town Team are understood to have had discussions with Roscommon County Council in relation to the need for maintenance contracts to be put in place for areas like the Pleasure Ground, the Lawn and around the second gate lodge in Rockingham. The cycleway is another project that needs more regular maintenance as very few cyclists will use the facility – certainly between the first and second gate in the Park – as there is so much debris on the path that chances are you will get a puncture.
The old Courthouse comes back to life
It is great to see the lights on once again in the former Boyle Courthouse that is now home to a temporary Library after the “oil spill” in the old Library on King House Lane. The “Bridewell” at the rear of the Courthouse has also opened as a temporary home to the Family Resource Centre Counselling service, as their building on Military Road undergoes major renovations and upgrade works. When the Library and the counselling centre vacate the former Courthouse, it will open up major opportunities for this landmark building. Many suggestions have been put forward including a theatre in the main building and a food hub in the ‘Bridewell” – a part of the building is one of Boyle’s hidden secrets and was once a former Jail where the cells are still in existence along with the origional cell doors!! The public will get a chance to give their views on the future use of the old courthouse when work commences soon on a feasibility study to decide what is best use for a building that could be a pivotal civic centre right in the middle of the town of Boyle.
Two new displays to launch in King House on Saturday
Two new Connaught Rangers Association displays will be launched in King House this Saturday at 2pm and everyone is invited to attend. The James Daly & Connaught Rangers Mutiny Exhibition and The Peninsular War Display are part of the Association’s ongoing commitment to creating a living, breathing, learning space for visitors and a welcoming haven for the wider Connaught Rangers community.
To coincide with the launch, a talk will be given by Dr. Jyoti Atwal, Associated Professor of Nehru University, New Delhi on theme of India and the Connaught Rangers. The Connaught Rangers Association has kindly extended an invitation to descendants of the mutineers to attend and many have indicated their willingness to join on the day. So whether you’re a history enthusiast, a descendant or simply curious, come and see for yourself: the memory of the Regiment is very much alive here in Boyle.
News snippets from around Boyle
Cemetery Sunday will be held in Assylinn Old Cemetery this Sunday 28th at 3pm……….. Good luck to the Boyle GAA Under 15 boys and their coaches as they travel to Derry tomorrow for the All Ireland Feile……….The weather looks promising for this Sunday’s Ladies Captains Day at Boyle Golf Club……….The frequency of grass cutting around Boyle seems to have decreased in recent months. Following political representation by Councillor Cull, the grass was cut at the Shilling Hill recently but the verges in other areas of town have become very overgrown and on some footpaths people can no longer walk two abreast (see statement issued last night from RCC on the homepage of this website)………We seem to have dodged a bullet in Boyle last evening as the predicted storm passed west and north of the town. The rumble of thunder and flashes of lighting could be heard and seen from around 8pm. We may not be as lucky today.…….There was only a handful of Bonfires around the town on Tuesday night last. Maybe a community one could be organised next year to keep the tradition alive?……….Best wishes to Councillor Micheal Frain who was elected Cathaoirleach of Boyle Municipal District on Tuesday last……..Hurling Blitz in Abbey Park in Boyle on Saturday from 10:30am – 12:30pm with free admission. Clubs participating along with Boyle include Athleague/Tremane, Roscommon Gaels and Tooreen. Expect plenty of skill, teamwork, determination and sporting spirit as our young players showcase the future of hurling in Roscommon. Please come out, bring your family and friends, and help create a great atmosphere for all the players……….Boyle Bridge Club Summer Bridge will take place on Wednesday afternoons in Ballinafad Hall (F52A028) starting July 1st 2pm. €5 per person. All Bridge players welcome……….Train services resumed this morning on the Sligo Dublin line that serves Boyle, following a signalling fault. Earlier this morning, Iarnrod Eireann posted on ‘X’ that “Bus transfers were being sought at present for the 05.40 and 06.40 services from Sligo”. They later posted that services had resumed and that the 05.40 departed 34 minutes behind schedule and 06.40 on schedule.
And finally…..!
The Pope is visiting a rough area of Dublin and handing out miracles to children.
A boy named Billy walks up on stage and asks, “Can you help me with my hearing?”
“Of course,” says the Pope.
He places his hands on Billy’s ears, says a prayer, then removes his hands and asks, “How is your hearing now?”
Billy says, “How would I know. Sure it isn’t until next Wednesday.”
