Roscommon County Council has received six nominations in total at the LAMA Awards. The shortlisted projects include the Lough Funshinagh Rise and Thrive Project for Best Mental Health Initiative; Roscommon Community Transport for Best Community Transport Initiative; and the North-West Accessible Kayak Launch in Lough Key, Boyle for Most Inclusive Project.
In addition, Bernie Kearney from Fourmilehouse has been nominated for Community Volunteer of the Year, while Castlerea’s An Chistin Food Hub is in contention for Best Enterprise and Start-Up Hub. Finally, the public realm works at Roscommon’s market square are also up for an award in the Best Town or Village Regeneration category.
The LAMA Awards recognise excellence in local government initiatives across Ireland, highlighting projects that enhance communities and promote sustainable development.
Roscommon County Council shortlisted for LAMA Award for regeneration project
Roscommon County Council has been shortlisted in the Best Town or Village Regeneration category at this year’s Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) Awards for its work on the Roscommon Public Realm Enhancement Project. The awards, which celebrate collaboration between local authorities and communities, will take place at Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork, on Saturday, February 22nd.
The project has seen significant works done to Roscommon Town Centre, with the development of a new Market Square and covered Civic Space. The regeneration works were officially unveiled in May 2024 by Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD.
Funded by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and Roscommon County Council, the project aimed to enhance both the visual appeal and functionality of the town centre.
The works involved alterations to road layouts to increase pedestrian access, the removal of car parking from Market Square to prioritise public space, and the addition of new street furniture, trees, and green spaces. A distinctive covered civic structure, featuring a copper-vaulted roof and polished concrete columns, was introduced as a focal point for the redeveloped area. Designed by Dublin-based GKMP Architects, the feature was installed at a cost of €1.4m. Additionally, a historic well, uncovered during construction, has been preserved and incorporated as an artistic feature within the space.
Speaking at the official unveiling, Minister O’Brien highlighted the importance of the project, noting that the regeneration of the town centre has made Roscommon a “more attractive and vibrant place to live, work, and do business.” He also credited the URDF with playing a key role in revitalising town centres across Ireland.
A second phase of works is planned, which will extend the changes to Henry Street, Church Street, and Goff Street, while also enhancing connectivity to Loughnaneane Park. A new sculpture by mosaic artist Rona Byrne will be installed near the historic well as part of the development.
The new civic space has already hosted several community events, including the Easter Parade and the town’s Christmas Festival.
Community transport scheme in Roscommon shortlisted for top award
The Community Transport Initiative, a vital lifeline for many residents in County Roscommon, has been named as a finalist for the upcoming LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) Awards. The scheme, which was developed to address the lack of accessible and affordable transport in rural Roscommon, has played a crucial role in ensuring that people can reach essential services such as healthcare, education, and training. With public transport options limited and private services often too costly, the initiative has been a game-changer for many individuals, particularly the elderly, those with disabilities, and people without private transport.
One user of the service highlighted its importance in addressing the gaps in existing rural transport networks: “Rural transport has been an ongoing issue for rural dwellers for many years. While Local Link serves some rural locations, there still remain ‘black spot’ areas and sometimes the timetable for Local Link is not suitable to local needs.”
The initiative operates as a flexible, demand-responsive service, ensuring that those who need transport the most can access it when required.
Among those who benefit are students attending QQI Level 5 courses facilitated by Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB). One education provider noted: “Without Community Transport, this would not be possible, as neither the National Transport Network nor Rural Link options would have worked.”
The scheme has been made possible through the collaboration of multiple stakeholders, including Roscommon County Development Fund and Roscommon LEADER Partnership, which secured grant aid from the Community Recognition Fund, delivered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Roscommon County Council.
Ongoing support is provided through the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP), Tus, the Rural Social Scheme, and various healthcare and education providers.
In addition to transport, the initiative offers vital information on local services, such as social prescribing, training opportunities, and support networks, including the Creative Café and Safe Link. According to Roscommon County Council, the award nomination is a testament to its success and the dedication of all involved.
