What are the 'Roscrea River Rooms'?

Roscrea's river, the Moneen, or sometimes also referred to as the Bunnow River, boasts great potential for the development of a public amenity and plans are in motion to create new structures aimed at 'opening' the river for walking and recreation.

The river winds through the heritage town in a southerly direction and flows under several bridges, and although a defining characteristic of the town, it does not feature joined-up infrastructure designed to enjoy walking along the riverbank.

However, an interesting project included in the Roscrea Masterplan, called the Roscrea River Rooms, may soon change that and open the river - which is teeming with wildlife and very picturesque.    

The concept sees a series of connected spaces along the river designed for outdoor recreation and is currently in the consultancy phase for detailed design, planning, and feasibility.

Work is progressing on the River Rooms Project, which will include a series of themed areas along the river, each recognising an aspect of Roscrea’s heritage and identity.

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The project aims to increase accessibility to Glebe Park and a linked walkway connecting focal points along the river.

Already the riverbank features beautiful art pieces by artist Jerry Cahir, such as the 'Battle of Roscrea' installation on the Mall, which shows how transformational a creative and novel idea can be and how it adds character to the town.

The Roscrea River Rooms project is part of the Town First Masterplan for Roscrea, which is a comprehensive plan to develop the town into a better location to work and live in and to visit.

Overseeing the implementation of the Masterplan are Roscrea's Town Team, which is led by well known local man, Brian King.

Members of the Town Team recently engaged with senior engineers responsible for the Gantly Road project - one of the largest components of the Masterplan, which will see Gantly Road develop into a fully-fledged street replete with retail outlets and attractive street furniture, pathways and bike and traffic lanes.

The plan represents the culmination of many months of voluntary work and community collaboration - involving residents, business owners, community organisations, and public representatives united in an ambition to see Roscrea thrive and also featurfes other exciting plans for Roscrea Castle and Damer House, including the development of a new café and upgraded visitor facilities.

Speaking recently about the River Rooms concept, Chairman Brian King told the Tribune: “The River Rooms project is another example of how we are reconnecting Roscrea with its natural and historic assets.

"Opening up the river and creating attractive, accessible spaces will contribute significantly to the town’s quality of life and tourism appeal,” Brian explained.

“The regeneration of both Castle Street and Main Street will bring new life to the town centre, improving public spaces, supporting business activity, and enhancing Roscrea’s appeal as a place to live, work, and visit. We encourage everyone in the community to have their say and get involved as plans take shape over the coming months,” Brian King said.

The Chairman and the Town Team have consistently emphasised that public engagement will remain at the heart of the Castle Street and Main Street projects as design work progresses, with opportunity for the business community and the public to engage with the designers.

An event is planned at the Black Mills complex in Roscrea to host the Revitalising Castle Street – Community Consultation Event. The public consultation will take place on Thursday, 22nd January, from 4.00pm to 7.30pm. 

The event is an opportunity for everyone in Roscrea to come along and see how the proposals have developed following feedback received through the online community survey and previous stakeholder engagement undertaken in November 25 last year.

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An overview of the project will be on public display as well as a summary of the consultation feedback and the wider movement and parking strategy for the town.

Also on display will be an outline of Roscrea's tourism strategy and Masterplan option layouts for Castle Street and Church Street.

For Castle Street, an online community survey was open throughout November, giving local people a valuable opportunity to share their views, ideas, and priorities for the redesign of this important and historic street.