elphin local area plan 2009 - 2015 - Roscommon County Council

Chapter 8: Recreation, Leisure and Tourism
Policy 113
Ensure that recreational activities are safe places for all users and that one group of users
do not enjoy public facilities at the expense of the safety of others or the quality of the
environment.
Objectives in relation to Integrated Tourism and Recreational Development
Objective 101 Identify locations where public open space should be provided, so that they may be
useable by a large proportion of the local community and so that they may facilitate the
enjoyment of other amenities such as picturesque landscapes, views or features of our
natural heritage, or to retain areas of ecological interest and biodiversity value.
8.4.1 Walkways/Cycleways
An important component of an integrated tourism strategy is sustainability and the use of more sustainable
forms of transport. There are a number of walking/cycling routes as well as walking clubs throughout the
County. There is a need to recognise the importance of walking and cycling in the Elphin area from a
local as well as tourism perspective. RCC supports the development of tourist walks and cycle routes
which consider local requirements as well as economic potential and endeavour to meet these needs on an
ongoing basis. Walking and cycling routes should be designed to incorporate current thinking and best
practice from experience in other locations in order to create more people friendly places. Road safety for
pedestrians and cyclists is an important issue in tourist areas and lower speed limits and priority over
motorized transport should be provided, where appropriate.
Policies in relation to Walking Routes, Cycling Routes and Recreational Access
Policy 114
Policy 115
Facilitate the improvement and development of walkways and cycle-ways in the Elphin
area, through promotion of routes and the provision of new routes where appropriate.
Routes should take full advantage of existing amenities in order to facilitate their
enjoyment and exploit their tourism value.
Encourage walking and cycling by ensuring that a network of safe, well-marked and
maintained rights-of-way, walking, cycle ways and footpaths are provided in
mountainous, lowland and tourist areas and throughout the county.
Objectives in relation to Walking Routes, Cycling Routes and Recreational Access
Objective 102 Promote walking, rambling and cycling, as appropriate, as well as recreational and
tourism activities within the area.
Objective 103 Establish walkways and cycle routes on a legal and permanent basis to include heritage
and other attractions including accompanying signage.
Objective 104 Seek the co-operation of Coillte and other agencies and landowners where appropriate, in
the establishment of access ways, bridle paths, nature trails and other recreational
facilities within forest and woodland areas.
8.4.2 Arts and Theatre
County Roscommon has a lot to offer the visitor with regard to Arts and the Theatre. There are a number
of other non-arts buildings throughout the county that host arts events occasionally such as Strokestown
Park House and the Angling and Conference Visitor Centre in Athleague.
Elphin Local Area Plan 2009-2015 Page 74