N61 Ballymurray Knockcroghery Road Project  

On the 27th & 28th of November the Public Consultation Stage 2 for the N61 Ballymurray Knockcroghery Road Project (website) was held in the Knockcroghery Community Centre. Since the initial consultation in March 2018 the proposed area of study has been expanded to the South and West from Killiaghan & Gort. This much larger area now encompasses the village of Lecarrow and Mote Park. 

The residents of the affected areas have been given a limited time-frame (10th January) in which to voice their concerns and preferences on the proposed 6 corridors (here).  Three of the proposed routes (C,C-3, E) would have a huge negative ecological and environmental impact on the surrounding areas.

An online google maps view providing more detail is available here.

Mote Park Demense

• 700 acres of scenic woodland and historic demesne on edge of Roscommon Town
• Over 25kms of walking trails
• Used by large numbers for walking, hiking, orienteering, wildlife watching
• Users include locals and tourists,  Girl Guides & Scouting organisations, Army, Disability Services, walking groups, historians, sporting organisations
• Home to protected species: red squirrel, barn owl, woodpecker etc.

Impacts of proposed corridors on Mote Park

• Will wipe out historic tree lined avenue
• Will cause irreparable damage to integrity of historic demesne layout
• Will negatively impact on historic landscape of Mote Park
• Will negatively impact on recreational value of area
• Will negatively impact on wildlife, particularly red squirrel

Impacts on the affected communities

• Impact on the natural environment (ground water and water quality, habitats, ecology, fisheries and archaeology).
• Increase in air and noise pollution (during the construction phase and the long-term pollution post-construction).
• Visual impact upon the landscape and the severance of large swathes of agricultural land.
• Impact on the local economy in particular the businesses and services of Knockcroghery and Lecarrow.
• Devaluation of properties and land.

Our proposals

1. We don’t need a new road but we do need the existing road to be made safer. E.g.
   - Turning points made safer through clear road markings and signage.
   - Widening to provide turning lanes.
   - Blind spots removed.
   - Introduction of cycle lanes.
   - Restrictions on speed & overtaking.
2. Greater investment in public transport*
   - Extra trains from Roscommon to Athlone with feeder buses connecting to workplaces.
   - Additional Bus routes between Roscommon & Athlone.

Please help us by supporting our petition and letting your voice be heard.

For more information about the Mote Park Conservation Group please see their Facebook page.

DEADLINE IS 10th JANUARY