boyle local area plan 2012 - 2018 - Roscommon County Council

BOYLE 

LOCAL AREA PLAN 

2012 - 2018 

MADE ON 26 TH MARCH 2012 

Roscommon County Council 

Comhairle Chontae Ros Comáin

Table of Contents 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

3.2.4 Roads & Transportation Strategy 26 

4.2.9 Community Development Forum 41 

PART I: 

INTRODUCTION & CONTEXT 

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 

1.1 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE 1 

1.2 CONTENT OF THE REPORT 2 

1.3 LEGISLATIVE & POLICY CONTEXT 2 

1.4 PUBLIC CONSULTATION 2 

1.5 STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL 

ASSESSMENT 2 

1.6 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT 3 

1.7 FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT 3 

CHAPTER 2: 

HISTORIC CONTEXT, SETTLEMENT 

POLICY & VISION 

2.4 SETTLEMENT POLICY 8 

2.4.1 Settlement Policy & Population Growth 9 

2.5 VISION AND STRATEGIC AIMS 11 

2.6 DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR BOYLE 12 

PART II: 

CHAPTER 3: 

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR 

2012-2018 & BEYOND 

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES 

3.1 INTRODUCTION 23 

3.2 ROADS & TRANSPORTATION 23 

3.2.1 Existing Context 23 

3.2.2 Future Development 25 

3.2.3 Pedestrian & Cycle Routes 26 

3.3 WATER SERVICES 27 


3.3.2 Water Services Strategy 27 

3.4 FLOOD RISK & PROTECTION 29 


3.4.2 Flood Risk & Protection Strategy 30 

3.5 WASTEWATER SERVICES 30 


3.5.2 Wastewater Services Strategy 31 

3.6 WASTE MANAGEMENT 32 


3.6.2 Waste Management Strategy 33 

2.1 LOCATION OF BOYLE 5 3.7 ENERGY 33 

2.2 BRIEF HISTORY OF BOYLE TOWN 6 3.7.1 Renewal Energy 33 

3.7.2 Electricity 34 

2.3 POPULATION CONTEXT 7 3.7.3 Ireland’s Gas Network 34 

2.3.1 Population Calculations 7 3.7.4 Energy 7 Strategy 34 

2.3.2 An Post Geo-Directory 8 

3.8 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 35 


3.8.2 Telecommunications Strategy 36 

CHAPTER 4: 

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY 

FACILITIES 


4.2 EXISTING CONTEXT 37 

4.2.1 Community Facilities 37 

4.2.2 Schools & Educational Facilities 38 

4.2.3 Boyle Town Library 39 

4.2.4 Social Inclusion & Disability 40 

4.2.5 Childcare Provision 40 

4.2.6 Health 40 

4.2.7 Fire Service 40 

4.2.8 Burial Grounds 41 

4.3 SOCIAL & COMMUNITY FACILITIES 

STRATEGY 41 

CHAPTER 5: RECREATION, LEISURE & 

TOURISM 



5.2.1 Open Space & Sporting Provision 43 

5.2.2 Integrated Tourism & Recreation 

Development 45 

5.2.3 Tourism 49 

5.3 RECREATION, LEISURE & TOURISM 

STRATEGY 56 

CHAPTER 6: BUILT & NATURAL HERITAGE 

6.1 BUILT HERITAGE 57 

6.1.1 Architectural Heritage 57 

6.1.2 Archaeological Heritage 81 

6.1.3 Built Heritage Strategy 81 

6.2 NATURAL HERITAGE 83 

6.2.1 Designated Sites 84 

6.2.2 Nature Conservation, the Wider 

Countryside & Biodiversity 85 

6.2.3 Alien Species 86 

6.2.4 Landscape Character Assessment 86 

6.2.5 Habitat Mapping 88 

6.2.6 Natural Heritage Strategy 88 

CHAPTER 7: 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 

& EMPLOYMENT 



7.2.1 Environmental Quality/Amenity 93 

Boyle Local Area Plan 2012 – 2018 Page i

Table of Contents 

7.2.2 Retail & Commercial Development 93 

7.2.3 Industrial Development 95 

7.2.4 Electronic Courtyards 95 

7.2.5 Rural Enterprises in Towns & Villages 95 

7.2.6 Home Based Economic Activity 96 

7.3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & 

EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY 96 

CHAPTER 8: URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN 



8.2.1 Housing Strategy & Residential 

Development 97 

8.2.2 Further Development within the LAP area 101 

8.2.3 Land use zoning objectives & matrix 103 

8.2.4 Urban Development within LAP area 111 

8.2.5 Architecture & Urban Design 115 

8.3 DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT 

GUIDELINES & STANDARDS 118 

8.3.1 Wastewater Treatment 119 

8.3.2 Flood risk & Protection 119 

8.3.3 Residential Site Maintenance 

& Management 119 

8.3.4 Derelict Sites 120 

8.3.5 Infill Developments 120 

8.3.6 Backland Developments 120 

8.3.7 Access for all 120 

8.3.8 Lighting, Signage & Advertising 120 

8.3.9 Car Parking 120 

8.3.10 Transport 123 

8.3.11 Discount Food Stores 123 

8.3.12 Neighbourhood or Local Centres 123 

8.3.13 Key Development Areas 123 

APPENDICES: 

APPENDIX 1 Record of Protected Structures (RPS) 

APPENDIX 2 National Inventory of Architectural 

Heritage (NIAH) 

APPENDIX 3 Recorded Monuments &Places (RMP) 

TABLES: 

Table 1 Growth Rates for County Roscommon 9 

Table 2 Flood events in the Boyle Area 29 

Table 3 Proposed Education Provision 38 

Table 4 Places of Interest/Visitor Attractions 52 

Table 5 Events with Tourism Impact or Potential 53 

Table 6 Natura 2000 Sites 84 

Table 7 Natural Heritage Areas 85 

Table 8 Residential Phasing within Boyle LAP 99 

Table 9 Zoning areas for the Boyle LAP 101 

Table 10 Car Parking Requirements 121 

FIGURES: 

Figure 1 Local Area Plan Boundary 1 

Figure 2 West Region – Spatial Settlement 8 

Figure 3 Boyle Town Riverside Area 14 

Figure 4 Preferred Development Strategy 18 

Figure 4(B) Preferred Development Strategy 19 

Figure 5 Potential Bicycle Sharing Scheme 20 

Figure 6 Groundwater Source Protection Zone 28 

Figure 7 Boyle Harbour 47 

Figure 8 ACA Boundary 59 

Figure 9 LCA 16 – L. Key & Boyle River Network 87 

Figure 10 LCA 17 – Boyle & Curlew Mountains 88 

Figure 11 Residential Phasing Programme for Boyle 102 

Figure 12 The Crescent Area in Boyle 114 

MAPS: 

Map 1 

Map 2 

Map 3a 

Map 3b 

Location Map 

Street Names 

Transportation & Telecommunications 

Infrastructure 

Transportation & Telecommunications 


Water & Wastewater Network Infrastructure 

Water & Wastewater Network Infrastructure 

Groundwater Vulnerability 

Built Heritage (RPS & NIAH) 

Built Heritage ACA (RPS & NIAH) 

Built Heritage (RMP) 

Buildings & Features of Interest 

Natural Heritage 

Habitat Mapping in Boyle 

Community Facilites & Services 

Community Facilites & Services 

Places of Interest & Visitor Attractions 

Constraints Map 

Opportunities Map 

Vacant Units 

Map 4a 

Map 4b 

Map 5 

Map 6a 

Map 6b 

Map 6c 

Map 6d 

Map 7 

Map 8 

Map 9a 

Map 9b 

Map 10 

Map 11 

Map 12 

Map 13 

Map 14a Land Use Zoning 

Map 14b Land Use Zoning 

Boyle Local Area Plan 2012 – 2018 Page ii

PART I: INTRODUCTION & CONTEXT Chapter 1: Introduction 

1.1 INTRODUCTION & PURPOSE 

PART I: 

INTRODUCTION & CONTEXT 

CHAPTER 1: 

INTRODUCTION 

Roscommon County Council (RCC) as Planning Authority for the County is 

required to make development plans, manage development, and preserve and 

improve amenities. Objective 3 of the Roscommon County Development Plan 

(RCDP) 2008-2014, sets out a priority list for the preparation of Local Area Plans 

and Village Design Statements during the lifetime of the 2008-2014 Plan. A Local 

Area Plan (LAP) for Boyle is indicated on the priority list. 

developers and other interested bodies of the policy framework, objectives and landuse 

proposals for the Boyle area. 

This Plan was prepared with careful consideration of existing services, land-uses, 

infrastructure, planning proposals and outstanding planning permissions. 

Environmental considerations and the concept of Sustainable Development underpin 

all the aims, policies and objectives of the plan. 

The Lough Key LAP 2009-2015 and Boyle LAP 2012-2018 are intrinsically linked 

and should be considered concurrently, particularly from a tourism perspective. It is 

imperative that links between these two Plan areas are strengthened and improved. 

LAPs take a detailed look at a specific area, identifying and analysing the various 

issues of relevance, before establishing and setting out principles for the future 

sustainable development of the area. These issues include amongst others; 

‣ Infrastructure and Services 

‣ Economic Development and Employment 

‣ Built and Natural Heritage 

‣ Social and Community Facilities 

‣ Recreation, Leisure and Tourism, and 

‣ Urban Development 

The Boyle LAP 2012-2018 comprises this written statement and accompanying 

maps. It is necessary that both be referred to in considering the proper planning and 

sustainable development of the area. This plan has been prepared in accordance with 

the requirements of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010 and provides the 

statutory basis for the consideration, by the Council, of planning applications 

submitted. The period of this plan will be six years from the date of its adoption, 

subject to any review or alterations. 

The main aim of this LAP for Boyle is to set out a framework for the physical 

development of Boyle so that growth may take place in a co-ordinated, sensitive and 

orderly manner, while at the same time conserving the areas built and natural 

heritage. This plan strives to inform the general public, statutory authorities, 

Boyle Local Area Plan 2012-2018 Page 1


1.2 CONTENT OF THE REPORT 

The Boyle LAP 2012-2018 indicates where 

development is most appropriate and aims to ensure 

that a sustainable level of development occurs, 

appropriate to the scale of the town and availability of 

infrastructure and services, within its development 

envelope. 

The plan, once adopted, will operate as the statutory 

plan for the area. It has been prepared in accordance 

with the requirements of Section 19(2) of the Planning 

and Development Act 2000, as amended, and is 

presented in two main parts. 

Part I: Introduction and Context (Chapters 1 & 2) – 

this part of the LAP reviews the physical, demographic 

and planning context of the town. 

Part II: Development Strategy for 2012-2018 and 

Beyond (Chapters 3-8) – part two focuses on the 

delivery of planning policies and specific objectives 

and sets out the Development Standards. 

The policies and objectives outlined in this LAP are in 

addition to the policies and objectives contained within 

the RCDP 2008-2014. It is acknowledged that not all 

strategic objectives will be achieved during the six 

year LAP period; however it is important to identify 

these objectives so there is a commitment towards 

achieving them over the longer term. 

In the interests of clarity, any reference to a goal, aim, 

policy and objective in the text of this Local Area Plan, 

shall be construed as an “objective” of this Plan for the 

purposes of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, 

as amended, and the Planning and Development 

Regulations, 2001, as amended. 

1.3 LEGISLATIVE & POLICY CONTEXT 

Planning at this local level must be informed by 

prevailing planning policies and standards as 

established in international, national, regional and 

local guidelines, reports and other documents. This 

LAP is guided by the following policy documents, 

amongst others: 

National Level 

National Development Plan, 2007-2013 (NDP) 

National Spatial Strategy, 2002-2020 (NSS) 

Sustainable Development – A Strategy for Ireland, 

1997 

Smarter Travel: A Sustainable Transport Future: A 

New Transport Policy for Ireland 2009-2020 

Various Planning Guidelines which address retailing, 

telecommunications, renewable energy, built heritage, 

childcare, schools, and sustainable rural housing, 

amongst others. 

Regional Level 

Regional Planning Guidelines for the West, 2010-2022 

(RPGs) 

The Shannon River Basin Management Plan, 2009- 

2015 

County Level 

Roscommon County Development Plan, 2008–2014 

“Roscommon Common Vision”, County Development 

Board Strategy, 2002-2012 

Other Plans and Programmes of Roscommon County 

Council 

A consistent theme in all planning related documents 

is that of ‘sustainable development’, defined as 

‘development that meets the needs of the present 

without compromising the ability of future generations 

to meet their own needs.’ RCC supports this concept 

which forms an important part the Boyle LAP 2012- 

2018. European Union policy Directives and national 

policy guidelines were also considered by the Planning 

Authority during the preparation of this LAP. Readers 

of this LAP are encouraged to visit the RCC website at 

www.roscommoncoco.ie for further information. 

1.4 PUBLIC CONSULTATION 

An important element of the Plans preparation was the 

need to liaise directly with the local community in 

Boyle. Therefore, Public Notice was placed in the 

local press inviting written comment and advertising a 

public meeting. The public meeting was held in King 

House on April 5 th 2011. The consultation exercise 

generated significant interest and a number of key 

areas of interest to local residents and businesses were 

identified. All of the issues, comments and ideas raised 

at the meeting and written comments that were 

received have been carefully considered and many of 

them have been incorporated into this LAP. 

1.5 STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL 

ASSESSMENT 

In tandem with the LAP process, a Strategic 

Environmental Assessment (SEA) process has been 

undertaken. Strategic Environmental Assessment 

(SEA) is the formal systematic evaluation of the likely 

significant environmental effects of implementing the 

Local Area Plan before a decision is made to adopt the 

plan. The procedures for this evaluation are set out in 

the Planning and Development (SEA) Regulations, 

2004. 



The screening process for this LAP at the various 

stages has determined that a full SEA, as required by 

the Planning and Development (Strategic 

Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004; and in 

accordance with the Department of Environment, 

Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) SEA 

guidelines is not required as the LAP is not likely to 

have significant effects on the environment. 

1.6 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT 

In addition to the SEA process, an Appropriate 

Assessment has been undertaken. The screening was 

undertaken in accordance with the requirements of 

Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (Directive 

92/43/EEC). This Directive requires an Appropriate 

Assessment of land use plans with respect to the 

ecological implications of any plan or project, whether 

within or outside a designated site, which does not 

directly relate to the management of the site but may 

impact upon its conservation objectives. The Screening 

Report considers whether, based on the best scientific 

knowledge, the Plan will have potential impacts on the 

conservation objectives of any Natura 2000 Sites, and 

if so, the development where necessary, of mitigation 

or avoidance measures to preclude negative effects. 

The report has been conducted in accordance with the 

Methodological guidance on the provision of Article 

6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. The 

screening report concluded that the Boyle Local Area 

Plan does not require further Appropriate Assessment. 

1.7 FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT 

The Boyle Local Area Plan 2012-2018 has also been 

assessed in accordance with the Guidelines for 

Planning Authorities on The Planning System and 

Flood Risk Management (2009). The avoidance 

principle of the sequential approach has been met to 

avoid development in areas at risk of flooding and to 

ensure that flood risk will not be increased elsewhere. 

This screening report finds that the Boyle LAP does 

not require further assessment under Stage 3, which 

involves a Detailed Flood Risk Assessment. 

With regard to Natura 2000 Sites, there are no SPAs or 

cSACs in, adjoining or in close proximity to the Boyle 

LAP Area. As the avoidance principle of the sequential 

approach has been met to avoid development in areas 

at risk of flooding and to ensure that flood risk will not 

be increased elsewhere, it is considered that the Boyle 

LAP 2012-2018 will not negatively impact on any of 

the Natura 2000 sites identified. 

Roscommon County Council will take cognisance of 

the OPW’s National Flood Hazard Mapping and any 

future reports in relation to flood risk for the Boyle 

area and remaining County. 

Photo 1: King House 

Photo 2: Frybrook House 

Photo 3: Boyle Abbey 

Photo 4: Clock Tower, The Crescent 




PART I: INTRODUCTION & CONTEXT Chapter 2: Historic Context, Settlement Policy & Vision 

CHAPTER 2: 

HISTORIC CONTEXT, SETTLEMENT POLICY & VISION FOR BOYLE 

2.1 LOCATION OF BOYLE 

Boyle (Mainistir na Búille) is located in North County Roscommon, 38km from 

Roscommon Town, 15km from Carrick-on-Shannon and 40km from Sligo (See Map 

1). The LAP area is in a strategic location and accessibility is a key advantage. Boyle 

has a modern primary road and rail network that connects it – east and west, north and 

south – to all the major cities and towns in Ireland. It is served by the N4 National 

Primary Route between Sligo and Dublin, and the N61 National Secondary Route to 

Athlone via Roscommon Town. Boyle is also on the main Dublin/Sligo rail line with 

six train services per day, and is within a two hour drive of five airports. 

Boyle Harbour forms part of the Shannon-Erne Waterway and is only a ten minute 

walk from Boyle Town. From Boyle Harbour it is possible to navigate to the sea at 

Limerick, to the sea at New Ross in County Wexford (via the Grand Canal and Barrow 

Navigation) or to Dublin along Grand Canal. For further information see: Inland 

Waterways Association of Ireland: www.iwai.ie and Waterways Ireland: 

www.waterwaysireland.org 

Photos 5 & 6: Boyle Railway Station 



2.2 A BRIEF HISTORY OF BOYLE TOWN 

THROUGH ITS BUILDINGS 

Boyle is one of the principal towns in County 

Roscommon, and is situated on the banks of the Boyle 

River, which connects Lough Gara and Lough Key. 

The town is located within a steep valley which has 

resulted in many streets having a sloping and 

undulating character. Its narrowest street, Green 

Street, is built on the ancient path that led from the 

ford over the river to the Curlew Pass through the 

Curlew Mountains, which was used for at least two 

thousand years. From about 1729 it became the old 

mail coach road out of Boyle with extra horses yoked 

up to climb the steep hill over the mountains. 

The town owes its existence to Boyle Abbey which 

was established here in 1161 as a Cistercian monastery 

by monks from Mellifont Abbey in Co. Louth, under 

the patronage of the local ruling family, the 

MacDermotts. It is one of the best preserved abbeys in 

Ireland. It was invaded by English forces under lordsjustices 

Maurice Fitzgerald and MacWilliam in 1235. 

In 1659, the Cromwellians occupied the monastery 

and did a great deal of destruction. It was mutilated 

again during the 17th and 18th centuries when it was 

used to accommodate a military garrison. In 1603 a 

lease of the abbey and its lands was granted to Sir 

John King by James 1. The town was incorporated as a 

borough in 1613. The King Family, Earls of Kingston, 

built six mansions over the next 200 years in the town 

and in Rockingham, including King House from c. 

1730, which survives today. 

The development of the majority of present day Boyle 

Town began around the mid-18th century. Henry Fry 

arrived in Boyle in 1742 at the invitation of the Kings 

and set up a weaving industry in the town; he built 

Frybrook House c.1753 for himself. A new Church of 

Ireland church was built on land donated by Lord 

Kingston in 1765, consecrated in 1773. Freeman’s 

Royal Hotel opened with the landlord’s approval on 

the south side near the bridge in 1788, later known as 

the Royal Hotel. A new small Catholic chapel was 

built to the east of the town. 

However it was in the early 19 th century that 

development really kicked off and most of the 

buildings that survive today date from this century. 

Works were coming to an end on the Kings’ final 

family mansion at Rockingham by architect John 

Nash, later John Lynn, under the first Viscount Lorton. 

A new suburb east of King House was developed with 

key buildings located here - Abbeyview House, 

c.1790, later occupied by their land agent, the estate 

rental office from c.1800, a glebe house from 1806, 

and a constabulary barracks around this time; these 

were consolidated with later buildings, a school, 

dispensary, bank, charitable loan society, lectureroom. 

A new bridge was built over the river, a single-arch 

structure, to the east of the town in 1817, as part of a 

national scheme for improving mail coach roads. This 

meant that the town centre was bypassed and this was 

the start of a whole network of new roads though the 

grounds of the abbey. Carrick Road was cut through 

c.1825 and Military Road laid out. The military were 

now occupying King House and Main Street was 

slowly being leased from the Kings for development 

from c. 1825. A new provisions market was 

established by Lorton on the north side near the old 

Boyle Bridge in 1826. The Crescent was laid out 

c.1828. A new courthouse was built c.1830, subsidised 

by Lorton on a site he donated; it was accompanied by 

a bridewell grant-aided by central government. The 

fine Tangier House was built to the rear. A new Boyle 

Bridge in the centre was erected between 1832 and 

1836, half of which was paid for by Lorton. 

Intensive development tracked these changes; this was 

undertaken by individuals usually with a lease from 

the landlord. The buildings were generally built of 

limestone with sandstone used in some public 

buildings. A very good description of the town from 

1832 by Isaac Weld testifies to all the new 

development going on and recording the economic 

boom in trade and retail. The town served an extensive 

agricultural region and sent exports of corn, butter and 

yarn to Sligo and to Drumsna for carriage to Dublin. 

The mid-19 th century saw a consolidation of these 

new developments. A new Presbyterian church and 

house was erected in 1858 on Carrick Road. There 

were also places of worship for Wesleyan Methodists 

and Baptists. The railway arrived in 1860 which 

opened up more of the southern end of the town for 

terraced housing and added new bridges and workers’ 

cottages to the townscape. Another new Boyle Bridge 

was built in 1864. Patrick Street to the west was 

widened about this time and the old thatched cottages 

replaced. Market Square, now known as The 

Crescent, was very busy. It gained a tower clock 

erected c.1880 to the memory of the Hon. Laurence 

Harman King-Harman, who died in 1875, by his 

tenants. The fine Catholic St Joseph’s church was 

built to the east in 1876 amid the cluster around the 

Convent of Mercy which went on to include schools, 

a nun's chapel, laundry, presbytery and outbuildings; 

this church was replaced again in 1978. 



In the 20 th century the Stewart family, owners of Boyle 

mill, supplied electricity to the town from 1901 until 

the Electricity Supply Board took over in 1966. The 

town grew in an outward direction to the south and in a 

north-easterly direction. This latter section has become 

a tourist hub today with the amenity areas of Boyle 

Abbey, the Boyle Canal Link to Lough Key and the 

Lough Key Forest & Activity Park. With the exception 

of a few local indigenous industries, the supply of 

services to the local community and the tourism 

industry are the key business activities in the town. 

RCC recognised the historical, architectural and 

cultural importance of King House and began a 

restoration project here in 1989. Skilled artisans and 

local craftsmen used traditional techniques and 

materials to restore the three floors and basement. The 

grounds are still in use by the Irish army. The town was 

by-passed again in 1998 by the New N4 National 

Primary Route. A walk along the river has been 

developed in the town centre which has greatly added 

to the charm of the centre. 

Photo 7: The Boyle Bridge (old photo) 

In 1788 the King Family moved to Rockingham and 

King House was used as a military barracks. While the 

Irish Army Reserve still has a presence at King House, 

it is owned by Roscommon County Council and has 

been fully restored to provide a unique insight into the 

cultural traditions of our past, for both the local 

community and visitors. Several rooms in the house are 

frequently used for temporary exhibitions and are open 

to visitors, usually at no extra charge. 

2.3 POPULATION CONTEXT 

2.3.1 Population calculations 

Boyle Urban District Electoral Division (DED), which 

constitutes the majority of the town core, showed an 

overall percentage population decrease of 2.7% 

between Census 2002-2006. 

It should be noted at this stage that the Central 

Statistics Office (CSO) uses DED and Census Town 

Boundaries when calculating population and these 

areas tend to differ from defined settlements which 

makes more accurate figures difficult to calculate. 

With regard to Boyle, the 2006 CSO census town 

boundary is similar in terms of extent to the LAP 

boundary. This area comprises almost all of the 

residential development within the town and is 

considered a reliable measure of the actual town 

population given its close relationship to the LAP 

boundary. CSO 2006 indicates a population of 2,522 

persons for the Boyle Census Town, which marked an 

increase in the 2002 figure of 2,205, a 14.4% increase. 

However, there is some additional residential 

development outside the census town boundary but 

within the LAP boundary and vice versa, and therefore 

the population results have been refined further to 

reflect this. The following methodology, which was 

applied to calculate the population figures for the 

Roscommon County Development Plan 2008-2014, has 

been used. 

Firstly, in order to calculate the number of households 

within these areas, the An Post Geo-directory was used. 

This is a database which provides the number of 

residential units with postal addresses in an area and is 

updated on a three monthly basis, which ensures that 

the information provided is current. 

Secondly, in order to establish the total population, the 

average number of persons per household was 

multiplied by the number of households in these areas. 

The 2006 census information was used to establish the 

average number of persons per household for the towns 

in Roscommon i.e. 2.6 persons for aggregate town 

areas up to present. 

The results, excluding vacant dwellings, yielded an 

additional 97 residential units. When the household size 

factor of 2.6 is applied, this equates to approximately 

252 persons, therefore the total population of the Boyle 

LAP area is estimated at approximately 2,774 

(252+2,522). 

It should be noted that the first results of Census 2011 

were released on June 30 th 2011, just 12 weeks after 

census day. However, only the preliminary results are 

available to date, therefore where census figures are 

required in this LAP the 2006 census figures have been 

utilised. 

In addition, projected population figures which form 

part of the Regional Planning Guidelines for the West 

Region, 2010-2022 are provided in Section 2.4.1 

below. 



2.3.2 An Post Geodirectory The primary aim of the development and settlement Figure 2: West Region – Spatial Settlement 

Utilising the An Post Geodirectory, the number of 

existing households in the Boyle LAP area has been 

calculated at approximately 1492 (January 2011). If 

one were to apply the figure of 2.6 persons (CSO, 

2006) as the average number of people per household 

in the aggregate town areas for County Roscommon, 

the current population for the Boyle LAP area is 

approximately 3,879 people. 

2.4 SETTLEMENT POLICY 

This LAP must be consistent with government policy 

documents such as the National Spatial Strategy, the 

Regional Planning Guidelines for the West, and the 

statutory guidelines on Sustainable Rural Housing, 

amongst others. It is therefore important to consider the 

role of Boyle within this national spatial development 

perspective in order to ensure that the LAP is consistent 

with, and contributes to, the delivery of National 

Spatial policy at a local level. 

strategy in the Roscommon County Development 

Plan 2008-2014 (RCDP) is to consolidate the County 

as an attractive place in which to live, work, visit and 

recreate. The plan seeks to achieve this aim through the 

development of all parts of the county through: 

‣ economic and social development in the towns 

and villages, where most new development will 

be channeled and where it can bring benefits 

both to the settlements themselves and to their 

rural hinterlands; and, 

‣ growth and diversification in rural areas, 

especially where there has been an underlying 

trend of population decline. 

The RCDP seeks to promote the development of 

settlements in accordance with their location in a 

hierarchy and as outlined in the NSS and RPGs. The 

strategic aim of these policies is to create a more 

sustainable balanced development pattern in County 

Roscommon. 

In the National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020 (NSS); 

Roscommon Town, Monksland (Athlone Environs), 

Boyle, Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen are the principle 

settlements within the county that serve as the primary 

residential, employment, service and retail centres. 

In the Regional Planning Guidelines for the West 

Region 2010–2022 (RPGs) Boyle is classified as a Key 

Town. The guidelines seek to develop the strategic 

roles for the Key Towns, and support sustainable towns 

through County Development Plans and Local Area 

Plans which take account of employment, community, 

infrastructure and environmental requirements in 

serving the urban and rural hinterland areas. 

In terms of the current settlement pattern in County 

Roscommon, Boyle is a principle settlement within the 

county which serves as the primary residential, 

employment, service and retail centre. Boyle is 

identified as a Tier 2: Key support towns/settlements. 

These centres are described as having an interacting 

and supporting role to the County town and also act as 

service centres for their adjacent rural areas, which 

should be further enhanced. They have an extensive 

range of services, they also have a growing residential 

and commercial sector; strong connections also exist 

from these settlements to towns and counties adjacent 

to County Roscommon, for example, Boyle to Sligo; 

and transportation linkages should be strengthened 

between these areas, and to the County Town. 

(Source: RPGs for the West, 2010) 



2.4.1 Settlement Policy & Population Growth 

‣ Roscommon County Development Plan 2008 – 2014: Settlement 

Strategy 

The Settlement Strategy for County Roscommon as defined in the RCDP 2008 – 

2014 indicates the following: 

‣ Principle settlements serve as the primary residential, employment, service 

and retail centres for the County. 

‣ Roscommon Town is promoted as the primary growth centre for 

employment generating investment with a strong and attractive residential 

centre. 

‣ Key support towns have an interacting and supporting role to the County 

town and act as service centres for their adjacent rural areas. 

The County Development Plan seeks to promote the development of settlements in 

accordance with their location in a hierarchy as outlined in the NSS and RPGs. The 

Plan seeks to promote industrial and commercial development particularly in the 

larger towns. The strategic aim is to create a more sustainable balanced 

development pattern in County Roscommon. 

‣ Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region 2010 - 2022 

The Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region 2010 - 2022 have 

indicated the population targets and distribution for the West Region for the period 

2010, 2016 and 2022. For County Roscommon, Roscommon Town (the Census 

Town which does not align with the LAP Boundary) and the Remainder of the 

County, the following population figures are provided: 

Years Co. Roscommon Roscommon Town Remainder 

2006 58,768 5,017 53,751 

2010 61,500 5,500 56,000 

2016 66,700 6,215 60,485 

2022 73,400 6,836 66,564 

The growth rates applied for the years for Roscommon Town can be deduced from 

the table above. 

Table 1: Growth Rates for County Roscommon 

County 

Roscommon Town 

Roscommon 

Total 

Total 

Period Yearly 

Yearly 

growth 

growth 

growth 

growth 

rate for 

rate for 

Rate 

Rate 

period 

period 

Remainder of the 

County 

Total 

Yearly 

growth 

growth 

rate for 

Rate 

period 

2006-2010 0.8% 4.6% 1.6% 9.6% 0.7% 4.2% 

2010-2016 1.4% 8.5% 2.2% 13% 1.3% 8% 

2016-2022 1.7% 10% 1.7% 10% 1.7% 10% 

‣ Local Area Plans 2011 onwards 

Work on the LAPs for Roscommon Town, Castlerea, Ballaghaderreen, and Boyle 

commenced in 2010 but progressed in 2011. For this reason, the growth rates 

indicated above have been applied to the population figures provided in the RPGs 

with the resultant population figures for 2011 to 2017, and 2017 to 2023 1 . 

Years Co. Roscommon Roscommon Town Remainder 

2011 61,992 5,621 56,728 

2017 67,634 6,321 61,513 

2023 74,648 6,952 67,696 

With regard to population projections and growth rates for the remaining 

settlements in the settlement hierarchy several assumptions have been made; 

‣ Roscommon Town is promoted as the primary growth centre for employment 

generating investment with a strong and attractive residential centre. It is also 

1 As no growth rates are provided to date for 2022 onwards the figures applied to 2016 – 

2022 have been used 



indicated as a key town within the RPGs with a defined growth rate, population 

targets and estimate of residential land requirement. Population growth is 

envisaged to be higher in this primary growth centre than the other settlements, 

with the exception of Monksland/Bellanamullia (Athlone West) which is 

linked to the Midlands Linked Gateway. 

‣ Key support towns have an interacting and supporting role to the County town 

and act as service centres for their adjacent rural areas. Population growth for 

these centres is expected to be less than that for the County Town, with Boyle 

marginally less than Roscommon and then Ballaghaderreen and Castlerea less 

than that again but above that expected of the Remainder of the County as 

reflected in the RPGs. 

‣ The Gateways as priority growth areas should be growing at faster rates then 

the regions, though the Hub and Linked Hub are also expected to grow and 

build on critical mass at a higher rate then recent trends, while the rest of the 

region grows at a steadier rate in line with the NSS principles. 

‣ The Regional Planning Guidelines for the West 2010 – 2022 recognise 

Monksland as an integral part of the Athlone Gateway and the fact that this 

area is an important employment generating area for the Midlands and Western 

Region. 

‣ Monksland/Bellanamullia (Athlone West) is always likely to have a greater 

population growth rate than anywhere else in the County due to its proximity 

to the Linked Gateway of Athlone-Mullingar-Tullamore. This will continue to 

be encouraged. 

‣ In the past the actual population growth has not always reflected expected 

trends. For example, between 2002 and 2006 Boyle grew at a greater rate than 

Roscommon Town (14.4% as opposed to 12%) largely due to tax incentives 

and improvements in roads infrastructure such as the N4 which provides easy 

access from this area to larger employment centres such as Carrick-on- 

Shannon and Sligo. Due to the cessation of the tax incentives, growth is likely 

to decrease to below that of the County Town. 

‣ During periods of economic decline the normal trends of population growth 

levels in towns exceeding those of rural areas normally slows. In this context, 

and with the continuation of the weak economic growth observed at the start of 

the LAP period, there may be an expectation that population stagnation or 

decline may occur during the LAP period. This contingency has been considered 

in the strategic development model summarised in section 2.6 of this LAP. 

‣ Growth in Ballaghaderreen particularly, was fuelled by the presence of the tax 

incentives (at 21.5% between 2002 – 2006) which has left many unoccupied and 

unfinished houses in the town. This growth is likely to drop significantly and the 

settlements of Ballaghaderreen and Castlerea are expected to be similar. Their 

growth is encouraged to be greater than that for the Remainder of the County as 

reflected in the RPGs. 

‣ Development will continue to be encouraged into zoned areas, which have the 

requisite infrastructure and services to support sustainable development 

Therefore, the assumed growth rate for 2011 – 2017 for the settlement of Boyle is 

as follows; 

Settlement 

Per annum growth Total for period 

rates 

Boyle 1.8% 11% 

Therefore the assumed growth rate for 2017 – 2023 for the settlement of Boyle is 

as follows; 

Settlement 

Per annum growth Total for period 

rates 

Boyle 1.67% 10% 

The population increase between 2011 and 2017, based on minimum population 

targets, is 299 persons. The total number of residential units required over the 

period 2011 – 2017 is indicated at 120 units with a projected average household 

size of 2.5 (even though the figure given in the 2006 census was 2.6 for aggregate 

town areas in County Roscommon). These are then used to calculate the total zoned 

housing land required over the period 2011 – 2017 (incorporating a 50% over 



zoning, as per the Development Plan guidelines) 2 (120+60) i.e.180 

units/households. Therefore, the land requirement calculated at a density of 20 

units (which is the average for the Boyle LAP area) per Ha is 9ha. 

The population increase between 2017 and 2023, based on minimum population 

targets, is 308 persons. The total number of residential units required over the 

period 2017 – 2023 is indicated at 123 units with a projected average household 

size of 2.5 (even though the figure given in the 2006 census was 2.6 for aggregate 

town area in County Roscommon). These are then used to calculate the total zoned 

housing land required over the period 2017 – 2023 (incorporating a 50% over 

zoning, as per the Development Plan guidelines) 2 (123+62) i.e. 185. Therefore, the 

land requirement calculated at a density of 20 units (which is the average for 

the Boyle LAP area) per Ha is 9.25 Ha. 

2.5 VISION & STRATEGIC AIMS 

The growth and development of the Boyle LAP area is guided by a Vision and 

Strategic Aims. These then inform the specific policies and objectives in each of 

the chapters of the written statement. 

Vision for Boyle 

Within the next 25 to 30 years Boyle will have an established national reputation as 

one of the most sustainable, dynamic and resourceful tourism towns in Ireland. 

Boyle, through the shared vision of its local community and civic leaders will be an 

attractive, compact town, with a distinct character, a vibrant culture and a diverse, 

smart, green economy. It will be a socially inclusive town, connected by an efficient 

and integrated public transport, cycling and walking system. Protection of built and 

natural heritage, a quality greenspace network, new development with high visual 

and architectural quality, and the endorsement of sustainable tourism activities will 

be encouraged and promoted. 

RCC aims to realise this vision through its own direct actions in its various roles 

as provider of physical infrastructure, residential development (as Housing 

Authority) and cultural services, through its regulatory role as a planning authority 

2 Development Plans – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2007), Department of the 

Environment, Heritage & Local Government. 

and in partnership with the local community, other local and national agencies, 

and institutions. 

For the period of this LAP, it will be imperative to focus on Boyle becoming a 

compact, quality, green, well-connected town, which generates a dynamic, mixed 

use environment for living, working, social and cultural interaction. A smart town 

which: strives to realise its significant tourism potential, creates real long term 

economic recovery, and develops a sustainable and socially inclusive community. 

Consolidating existing development in Boyle with a renewed focus on the Town 

Centre will be extremely important. 

Strategic Aims for the Boyle Local Area Plan 

The Strategic Aims of the Boyle Local Area Plan are to: 

1. Plan for, and support, the sustainable and consolidated development of 

Boyle as a vibrant socially and economically successful settlement, 

supporting and contributing to the economic development of the County. 

2. Provide for the future wellbeing of the residents of Boyle by: 

‣ promoting the growth of economic activity and increasing employment 

opportunities, 

‣ protecting and improving the quality of the built and natural environment, 

‣ ensuring the provision of necessary infrastructure and community services, 

and 

‣ providing passive and active amenity and recreation spaces. 

3. Ensure that everyone has the opportunity to obtain affordable housing, can 

enjoy safe and accessible environments, and has access to: employment, 

education, training, community services, recreational facilities, arts, and 

culture. 

4. Recognise that archaeological, natural and built heritage in the area are 

important elements in the long-term economic development of Boyle and 

ensure their conservation, enhancement, public access, and enjoyment. 



5. Avoid urban sprawl on the edges of the town, and maintain a clear 

distinction between urban areas and the rural hinterland. 

6. Encourage increased public enjoyment of the Boyle River and riverside 

areas through improved access to a greater range of appropriate public 

riverside uses. Enhance the environmental quality, character and views of 

this area. 

7. Strengthen the economic and population base of the area, and encourage 

retention of the local population within the Boyle area. 

8. Ensure that developments are completed to design and construction 

standards that result in a visually and functionally pleasing sustainable 

environment. 

9. Develop a safer, more efficient and integrated transport, walking and cycling 

system, with improvements to the road network. 

10. Continue to ensure the quality and quantity of the water supply for; 

domestic, industrial, agricultural and other uses, in order to cater sustainably 

for the future. 

11. Provide and maintain reliable and sustainable surface water and wastewater 

disposal systems. 

12. Encourage increased public enjoyment of Boyle Harbour and Boyle Canal 

through improved access to a greater range of appropriate public 

recreational and water-based uses. 

It is vital that the strategic aims set out above are delivered in a sustainable manner 

and that the economic and residential development of the town will occur in a 

balanced fashion, both recognising the need for the town to develop into the future and 

ensuring the protection of the unique built and natural heritage of the area. 

2.6 DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR BOYLE 

The Boyle LAP 2012-2018 has been prepared at a time of economic uncertainty at 

national and global level. The current economic downturn is however an opportunity 

to create a vision for the town that will not only facilitate recovery but will seek to 

ensure that this recovery takes place in a coherent, sustainable manner for the benefit 

of the town, county and region. The vision should also extend beyond the six years 

of this plan and into the future. It would be advantageous for the local community 

and civic leaders to adopt this vision and ensure that the strategic aims are 

progressed into the future. 

An all encompassing development strategy for the proper planning and sustainable 

development of Boyle Town and environs has been prepared based on an analysis of 

social, economic, infrastructural, environmental and heritage data. Key objectives in 

this LAP include; amongst others, enhancement and development of the town core; 

identification of lands suitable for the expansion of community facilities; and the 

intensification and rationalisation of the existing residential footprint of the town. 

The wide range of recreational and cultural attractions on offer within the Boyle area 

and its environs is one of the town’s greatest strengths. The importance of the Boyle 

River, Boyle Harbour and the close proximity of the Lough Key Forest & Activity 

Park at Rockingham to the town can not be overstated. RCC recognises that the 

provision of high quality cultural and recreational facilities is important, not only for 

the well-being of the local community in Boyle, but also for attracting new 

residents, new employers and visitors. The town will therefore continue to invest in 

new and existing cultural, leisure, sports and tourism facilities. 

There is a strong sense of community in Boyle, which is very important to the 

town’s residents and frequent visitors. This should be fostered as the town grows 

through voluntary initiatives, the local arts scene and cultural and recreational 

events, which RCC will support. 

The accessibility and quality of employment, educational, recreational and cultural 

facilities to all citizens in Boyle is imperative. The needs of persons with disability, 

the young, the old and disadvantaged will be considered when planning new 

facilities. Pedestrian and cycle routes will be designed to ensure the town is 

significantly more accessible on foot or bicycle. 

As outlined below, there is also great potential to implement a bicycle sharing scheme 

in the area. Through traffic should be diverted around the town while new residential 

areas and the town centre will increasingly be structured to give predominance to the 

pedestrian or cyclist rather than vehicles. 



Local commerce in Boyle has sought to strengthen in 

recent years with the continued development of tourism 

and the location, in and around the town, of commercial 

enterprises. It is imperative that every effort is made to 

encourage existing industries and other commercial and 

economic activities to expand, and to attract new 

industries into the town. 

The (NSS) states that towns with a population of 1500- 

5000, such as Boyle, present opportunities for 

development and expansion through effective promotion 

and marketing in association with larger towns, hubs and 

gateways. Such towns play important economic and 

service functions along with more remote rural areas. 

Accessibility and effective local planning frameworks 

and initiatives to release capacity in terms of land and 

services for sustainable growth are critical factors in 

activating the potential of such centres in their important 

county roles. Capitalising on the location and attractions 

of such centres on or near important transport corridors, 

will become an important part of diversifying these 

towns as their reliance on traditional economic activities 

lessens (NSS, 2002). 

Boyle’s natural and man-made environment is its 

greatest asset and these assets i.e. water quality, 

biodiversity, and the town’s architectural and 

archaeological heritage should be nurtured and 

protected. These will also be enhanced where possible 

and appropriate. The design and location of new 

development will need to be carefully considered in 

order to make efficient use of infrastructure and to be of 

a sufficiently high standard as to enhance the physical 

environment. 

Boyle’s identity is largely defined by its rich built 

heritage and relationship to the Boyle River and Lough 

Key Forest & Activity Park at Rockingham. RCC will 

promote linkages to Boyle Harbour, Lough Key and the 

greater Shannon-Erne Waterway; the protection of the 

historic core of the town; and the development of new 

neighbourhoods with easy access to the town core. 

A Preferred Development Strategy map (see Figure 4 

& 4(B) pages 18 & 19) has been prepared to provide a 

broad visual representation of the preferred 

development strategy for Boyle, which focuses 

primarily on consolidating the town centre by 

permitting appropriate in-fill development, and the 

expansion of the town in accordance with appended 

Maps 14a and 14b – Land Use Zoning. 

These are seven key development areas identified in the 

Boyle LAP area including; town centre regeneration, 

leisure tourism, new residential development, business 

enterprise park/light industry and industrial uses. The 

Preferred Development Strategy Map is illustrated 

below on two figures (Figure 4 & 4(B)) which identify 

the seven key development areas, the commercial 

centre of the town, the proposed general direction of 

development, movement linkages and public transport. 

A Constraints Map and an Opportunities Map have also 

been produced in conjunction with the Preferred 

Development Strategy Map and the Land Use Zoning 

Map, in order to identify potential opportunities and 

constraints in the area. See appended Maps 11, 12, 14a, 

and 14b. 

Town Core Regeneration 

One of the strategic objectives of this LAP is the 

development of a strong and vibrant town centre which 

meets the retail and service needs of the hinterland, in 

addition to offering a pleasant and attractive 

environment for: shopping, business, recreation and 

living. Boyle Town Centre has a historic charm, 

character and sense of place which needs to be 

protected and sensitively developed in order to harness 

economic potential. The proposed N61 Boyle Town 

By-pass will remove a significant amount of traffic 

from the Town Centre making it a more attractive place 

to shop, conduct business, reside, recreate and visit. 

This Key Development Area, as illustrated on Figure 

4(B) has been identified to highlight the need for 

significant regeneration in the town core. Attempting to 

address the decline of the environment and 

infrastructure in this area will revitalise Boyle Town 

Centre by bringing more life and opportunities for 

commercial development into the area. 

The close proximity of Boyle Railway Station to the 

town core is a major strength, and its importance should 

not be underestimated. Boyle has the potential to 

become a vibrant riverside town and harbour with: easy 

access by private and public transport to the town, 

pedestrian walkways, green spaces, riverside features, 

ample car parking, a quality and diversified retail 

offering, and open space. For this to become a reality it 

is essential that a healthy and attractive local 

environment is created within the town and immediate 

surrounding area, fostering a vibrant town centre; with 

an appropriate mix of retail and commercial uses. 

Appealing frontages are encouraged within the town 

core. 

Riverside Area 

The Boyle River flows through the heart of Boyle and 

is a major asset for the town, with potential for 

increased use of the river and the riverside for 

recreation and business. Opportunities exist to develop 

its potential, enhance the quality of the riverside 

environment, and to bring the riverside to life through 



improved access. Figure 3 below illustrates a riverside area of Boyle within the town 

core which has the potential to be completely regenerated. This area in the immediate 

vicinity of the River is run down and is currently in decline. There is little frontage 

onto the river, and thus poor passive surveillance of this predominantly pedestrian 

area is available. The existing surface treatment of pathways and linkages along the 

river is generally poor and due to the degraded environment of these routes they are 

unattractive and uninviting. On a positive note; the existing pedestrian linkages from 

the River area through to Main Street and the public car park beside the Post Office 

at Shop Street are an overall strength with great potential. These links will form an 

important part of the regeneration of this riverside location. 

‣ bicycle shop 

‣ pottery studio & shop 

‣ visitor centre 

‣ art gallery 

‣ multi-purpose art performance area 

‣ external viewing deck 

‣ public art 

‣ open space & landscaping 

‣ picnic area 

Figure 3: Boyle Town Riverside Area 

Photos 8 & 9: Backlands of the south side of Main Street in Boyle’s Riverside area 

Regenerating this area and opening it up for leisure and amenity purposes, whilst 

providing the catalyst for a variety of potential riverside development projects, such 

as those listed below, would vastly improve this area. Maximising views of the river 

and town itself at this location will help to create a healthy and attractive local 

environment within the town core. 

Potential riverside development projects include, amongst others, the following; 

‣ craft shop/s 

‣ café, restaurant, baker 

‣ tea rooms 

‣ variety of multipurpose small commercial units 

‣ temporary & permanent exhibitions 



New development in this area should have a special 

architectural and aesthetic quality appropriate to its 

context, should include uses which enhance 

enjoyment of the river, and should take account of 

existing historic buildings, sites, structures, skylines, 

important views and archaeological remains. The 

town’s riverside makes an important contribution to 

the historic and architectural character of central 

Boyle through the presence of numerous listed 

buildings and landmarks of importance such as King 

House. Development along the riverside has great 

prominence due to its town centre location and 

therefore should be of the highest quality. See 

Chapter 8 for further details and guidance on this Key 

Development Area. Successful regeneration of this 

riverside area will require it’s redevelopment to occur 

in a fully planned and co-ordinated manner. 

Photo 10: Fishing in the Boyle River, opposite the 

Pleasure Grounds 

Other sites 

There are a significant number of other potential 

development sites within the town core and it is a 

priority to ensure that they are sensitively redeveloped 

in order to protect the historic urban pattern of the 

town. For example there are several disused and/or 

derelict buildings along Main Street, Patrick Street, 

Elphin Street and particularly Green Street, which need 

to be regenerated. These areas are considered to have 

significant development potential that can be exploited 

to build up a strong economic and commercial base 

within the town. In this regard there is a particular site 

with significant development potential on Patrick Street 

(Candon’s). It has direct frontage to the street and 

currently accommodates an obsolete and derelict 

structure. There is a significant backland area to the 

rear of the existing structures (see Map 12). Further 

potential development sites within the town include for 

example the old Green Isle Foods site along the N61; 

amongst others (see Map 12). 

RCC will generally encourage the provision of a 

sustainable mix of uses: retail and complementary 

service uses at ground floor level, office, community 

and leisure uses at first floor, and office and residential 

on the upper floors. See Map 12 – Opportunities Map, 

14a & 14b - Land Use Zoning and Figures 4 & 4(B) 

Preferred Development Strategy. A key objective of the 

development strategy for the town core is to enhance 

accessibility and through connectivity for pedestrians 

and cyclists. 

In considering regeneration/redevelopment proposals, 

building solutions will be sought that will enhance the 

physical quality of Boyle. In this regard, all development 

proposals will be carefully assessed to ensure a high 

quality of design and the provision of a high quality 

environment. 

Leisure Tourism 

Further development of the tourism product in Boyle by 

building on the existing potential of the town is 

imperative. The improvement of the visual amenity of 

the approach roads and public realm, in addition to 

highlighting the natural, man-made and other hidden 

assets of the town is vital in order to encourage and 

entice people to visit and stay in Boyle. It is an 

objective of this plan to facilitate and guide the 

development of additional attractions and encourage 

tourists to extend their stay and increase expenditure in 

the town. 

In light of the above, two Key Development Areas have 

been identified for Leisure Tourism; an area in 

Knocknashee to the west of the N61 and an area 

surrounding Boyle Harbour (see Figure 4). The land 

west of the N61 has been identified for a new hotel for 

Boyle, an accommodation base which is crucial to the 

future development of the area. The Roscommon 

Tourism Strategy 2010-2014 states that the absence of a 

major accommodation base in Boyle is an identifiable 

weakness, particularly when the town and Lough Key 

are major attractions for visitors. It specifically states 

the need for a quality hotel in Boyle. This LAP has 

identified a potential suitable site for such development 

in the town, which is in close proximity to the town 

centre and Boyle Harbour (see Map 12). A quality hotel 

with facilities such as underground parking, restaurants, 

and conference facilities, amongst others, would assist 

in making Boyle an attractive venue for business 

tourism. It could also incorporate facilities such as a 

leisure and fitness centre with a gymnasium, spa, 

swimming pool and other tourist related uses/facilities. 

It is considered that the development of a quality hotel 

and associated recreational uses would assist in 

drawing the town centre and Boyle Harbour closer 

together and improving tourist activity in the area. RCC 

believes that the tourism industry has the potential to 

grow significantly in the Boyle area and will support 

further investment proposals that will expand and 

upgrade the tourism product on offer. 



The second Key Development Area identified for 

Leisure Tourism is an area at Boyle Harbour. In order to 

maximise the tourism potential of Boyle Harbour to the 

town it is considered that this area should be developed 

for appropriate leisure tourism use. The Council 

envisages a high quality mixed-use development with 

improved pedestrian and vehicular links to the town 

centre. The development could provide the following 

land uses, amongst others: 

‣ café, restaurant 

‣ leisure facilities & safe play areas for children 

‣ civic social amenity/community clubs 

‣ ground floor retail 

‣ holiday accommodation 

‣ artisan and crafts quarter 

‣ open space 

Th e development shall be planned so as to ensure that 

public access to the area is maximised, through the 

development of quality and legible public access links, 

which link to the town centre and adjoining areas. See 

Chapter 5 for further details and guidance on this Key 

Development Area. 

New Residential Development 

There are two Key Development Areas identified for 

New Residential Development to the east of the town. 

(See Figure 3) When planning for the intensification and 

rationalisation of the existing residential footprint of the 

town, it is imperative to consider the following 

objectives and principles of sustainable development: 

‣ a reduction in the need for transportation and 

traveling; 

‣ reduction in the extent of urban expansion and 

sprawl, maintaining a clear distinction between 

urban and rural areas; 

‣ the promotion of higher density residential 

development, thereby making more efficient use 

of the land resource available; and 

‣ the promotion of development on ‘brown-field’ 

sites thereby reducing the need for new 

development on ‘green-field’ sites. 

These objectives meet with the aspirations of national 

and local policy as well as best practice on 

sustainable development. The two Key Development 

Areas identified for New Residential Development 

are situated in existing residential areas in close 

proximity to the town. These areas have been 

identified in order to help consolidate development in 

Boyle, and are in close proximity to the town centre, 

therefore reducing dependency on the car. Adequate 

servicing of these lands is considered to be 

economically viable and satisfactory road access can 

be achieved. Residential development in Boyle 

during the 2012-2018 LAP period is outlined in 

greater detail in Chapter 8 – Urban Development and 

Design. 

Business Enterprise Park/Light Industry 

A Key Development Area has also been identified for 

Business Enterprise Park/Light Industry. RCC is 

committed to attracting industry to County 

Roscommon and recognises the importance of 

Business Enterprise Parks/Light Industry in terms of 

employment creation, and the economic and social 

development of Boyle. Whilst the LAP cannot 

directly influence future industrial and commercial 

development, it can adopt a plan-led approach by, for 

example, ensuring that sufficient and appropriate land 

is zoned and available for industrial and commercial 

development. Reserving land for light industry, 

warehousing, enterprise units and ancillary uses such 

as training, education, childcare, financial, and 

recycling facilities are examples of appropriate uses 

in this area. See Chapter 8 for further guidance on 

this Key Development Area. 

Development of this area will be subject to adequate 

servicing of these lands. The following Specific 

Objective (SO1) therefore applies to this Key 

Development Area: 

Specific Objective 1 (SO1): Business Enterprise 

Park/Light Industry: 

Roscommon County Council will favorably consider 

planning applications for appropriate uses providing 

the lands are adequately serviced and satisfy the 

criteria of proper planning and sustainable 

development. 

Industrial Uses 

The sixth Key Development Area has been identified 

for Industrial Uses. RCC recognises the importance 

of ensuring that sufficient and appropriate land is 

zoned and available for industrial uses. Land is 

reserved in this Key Development Area for the 

manufacturing and service industry, storage facilities 

as well as ancillary facilities such as training, 

education, and childcare, amongst others. See 

Chapter 8 for further guidance on this Key 

Development Area. 

Development of this area will be subject to adequate 

servicing of these lands. The following Specific 



Objective (SO2) therefore applies to this Key 

Development Area: 

Specific Objective 2 (SO2): Industrial Uses: 


planning applications for appropriate uses providing 

the lands are adequately serviced and satisfy the 

criteria of proper planning and sustainable 

development. 

Bicycle Sharing Scheme 

As an accessible alternative to motorised travel an 

ever increasing number of towns and cities around 

the globe have introduced bicycle sharing schemes, 

which are sustainable, reduce the carbon footprint of 

commuting and provide for a healthier means of 

getting around towns and cities. Improving linkages 

between Boyle Harbour, the town centre and Lough 

Key Forest & Activity Park at Rockingham in order 

to boost tourism in the area is seen as the primary 

reason for introducing such a system in Boyle. 

It is considered that an initial scheme including 

approximately 12-15 bikes could be introduced. 

Figure 4 below illustrates a potential main route for a 

Bicycle Sharing Scheme in Boyle, which could 

subsequently be extended to incorporate Boyle Train 

Station to the south of the town core. 

Photo 11: dublinbikes, Dublin 

Photo 12: Bicycle Sharing Scheme, Paris 

Photo 13: Bicycles for free use in Hoge Vehuwe 

National Park, Netherlands 

In summary, the Development Strategy sets out an 

ambitious plan for Boyle. If implemented, the Boyle 

area will become a town characterised by: a quality 

and diverse retail offering, riverside walks, buildings 

of high architectural quality and design, improved 

public transport, good access and parking for private 

transport, high quality social, recreational and cultural 

amenities, and quality employment opportunities. It 

will help enhance Boyle’s appeal as a riverside town, 

strengthening the town’s core and making the best use 

of available lands. 

Each aim in the Development Strategy is linked to a 

set of policies that set out the long-term development 

framework for the proper planning and sustainable 

development of the town. The Council’s long-term 

commitments are presented as a series of objectives. 

These relate to policies and serve to link actions on the 

ground with the strategy. 

dublinbikes, Dublin 









The Boyle LAP has adopted a Land Use Strategy that provides a flexible and 

facilitative approach that combines mixed use zoning and the designation of 

development areas (specific objectives for development). The mixed use zoning 

component of the Plan provides an overall framework designed to direct development 

in an orderly and appropriate manner and to provide for a greater mix of 

complementary uses in appropriate locations. The use of development areas provides 

more detailed guidance regarding the mix of uses and the type, density and design of 

development appropriate in the different areas. 

This combined approach is considered necessary to allow the town to continue to 

develop in a more integrated manner. It is also recommended that a sequential 

approach of development be adopted, which encourages development in optimum 

locations in the town core before proceeding to outer town centre areas. This 

approach to land use development will require the coordination, co-operation and 

collaboration of a range of different stakeholders to achieve the common vision 

presented in the Plan. In particular, landowners may need to work together to prepare 

group proposals for their lands that show how a suitable balance can be struck 

between an appropriate level and design of development with sufficient community 

gain to meet the needs of the local community. 

Local residents and community groups will also be encouraged to be actively 

involved in the process and provide their input into proposals. This will clearly 

require additional input and effort from all stakeholders to move the process forward 

and to resolve potential obstacles to the delivery of appropriate community facilities 

and amenities in conjunction with high quality developments. The Planning 

Authority will also consider the use of Master Plans for all large development 

proposals to show the locations, nature and scale of development and the manner in 

which appropriate types and locations of community facilities and amenities are to be 

delivered. 

The key development aims for Boyle are to: 

‣ Facilitate future sustainable growth whilst ensuring that the natural environment is 

not compromised 

‣ Protect the historic core of the town 

‣ Encourage and promote sustainable tourism activities 

‣ Strengthen linkages to Boyle Harbour, Lough Key Forest & Activity Park and the 

greater Shannon-Erne Waterway 

‣ Support and strengthen a vibrant town centre living environment 

‣ Ensure a mix of residential accommodation is provided with its own distinctive 

character and easy access to the town core 

‣ Encourage a diverse range of employment opportunities 

‣ Promote a range of commercial/retail services in line with the Roscommon 

County Retail Strategy and any recommended amendments to the Strategy. 

This LAP focuses on consolidating the town centre by permitting appropriate in-fill 

development, and the expansion of the town in accordance with Maps 14a & 14b – 

Land Use Zoning. Other considerations include for example; appropriate scale, design 

use, the availability of existing infrastructure, services, and environmental protection. 

The Plan ultimately seeks to develop and improve, in a sustainable manner, the social, 

cultural and environmental assets of the area. 

Ensuring that developments are completed to design and construction standards that 

result in a visually and functionally pleasing environment, is at the core of the 

development strategy. It is imperative that development in Boyle is managed 

appropriately, in particular the protection and enhancement of the built and natural 

environment. In addition to the policies outlined in the RCDP 2008-2014, the 

following policies and objectives apply: 

Policies for development in Boyle 

Policy 1 

All development should be sustainable and take account of; the availability of public 

transport infrastructure, the socio-economic profile of residents, and creation of 

appropriate and sustainable levels of employment and commercial activities; which are 

in proportion to residential development in Boyle, and protect the rural hinterland and 

urban greenbelt. 

Policy 2 

Consolidation of the town, employment generation, appropriate tourism development; 

the completion of ongoing development, and the provision of community and social 

services (where feasible); will be the primary focus of development in Boyle over the 

lifetime of this LAP. 



Policy 3 

Support and encourage the appropriate growth of Boyle over the Plan period and 

facilitate such growth where it can be demonstrated that such proposals are consistent 

with national, regional and local level policy and in line with the sequential approach. 

Policy 4 

Endeavour to ensure, in so far as is practicable, that the zoning of land and growth of 

Boyle is accompanied by adequate infrastructural provision including the provision of 

local social and community infrastructure (such as schools, neighbourhood centres, 

crèches, community halls, recreation facilities, etc.), at an appropriate rate. 

Policy 5 

The resolution of partially constructed and unfinished housing developments will be 

encouraged and facilitated where feasible, in accordance with the recommendations set 

out in ‘Managing and Resolving Unfinished Housing Developments – Guidance 

Manual’ DECLG/Housing Agency, August 2011. 

Policy 6 

Encourage high-quality urban design that balances the achievement of densities with 

the provision of high quality services, the management of public safety and the 

provision of high quality access and networks. 

Policy 7 

Encourage and facilitate the development of tourist activities in the town without 

compromising the environment, natural or built heritage of Boyle. 

Policy 8 

Ensure the sustainable long term development of the town, by not developing beyond 

its environmental carrying capacity, particularly with respect to wastewater treatment. 

Objectives for development in Boyle 

Objective 2 

Encourage the development of industrial services activity which is compatible in terms 

of scale, neighbouring uses, and the urban form of Boyle. 

Objective 3 

Encourage Boyle to develop niche activities or roles which will help in the further 

development of the town, as detailed in this LAP. 

Objective 4 Ensure that all proposed development is appropriately assimilated into the 

surrounding landscape, in order to ensure that it does not impinge in any significant 

way upon the character or integrity of the landscape, regardless of its zoning. 

Objective 5 In order to maximise the utilisation of existing and future infrastructure 

and to promote sustainability, a ‘sequential approach’ should be taken when 

considering development proposals. 

Objective 6 Continue to raise the profile of the tourism industry in the area with the 

continued development of water related tourism holidays (principally cruising, angling 

and active water-sports). 

Objective 7 

Seek to implement a bicycle sharing scheme in the Boyle LAP area with bike stations 

situated at Boyle Harbour, the town centre and Lough Key Forest & Activity Park. 

Objective 8 

Encourage all developments particularly in the Riverside and Harbour areas to have 

high quality design, and have regard to the existing built and natural environment; and 

important river and canal views. 

Objective 9 

Encourage improved access for all to the Boyle River and Boyle Harbour in order to 

realise their potential for recreation and amenity. 

Objective 1 

Promote compact forms of development with more comprehensive development of the 

backlands of Boyle and more efficient use of public infrastructure and services. 


PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2012-2018 & BEYOND Chapter 3: Infrastructure & Services 

PART II: 

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR 

2012 – 2018 & BEYOND 

CHAPTER 3: 

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES 

3.1 INTRODUCTION 

Infrastructural development and investment is a vital 

component in ensuring sustainable development. This 

country has experienced unprecedented growth and 

change over the past decade with the resultant 

pressure on infrastructure including; roads and 

transportation infrastructure; energy resources, water, 

waste-water collection and treatment, solid waste 

recovery, and communications infrastructure. (See 

Maps 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b & 5) 

3.2 ROADS & TRANSPORTATION 

3.2.1 Existing Context 

‣ Rail and Bus Services 

Boyle is situated approximately 44 kilometres from 

Roscommon Town, 16 kilometres from Carrick-on- 

Shannon and 40km from Sligo. The Plan Area is served 

by the Bus Eireann Expressway and Bus Eireann Local 

services, with routes serving, amongst others, Carrickon-Shannon, 

Roscommon Town, and Dublin. There are 

also a number of private operators running bus services 

in the area. Boyle is served by the Rural Transport 

Initiative, with links to the greater Boyle rural area as 

well as the Carrick-on-Shannon area. Within Boyle 

there is an attractive railway station which operates on 

the Dublin/Sligo line and is serviced 8 times a day. 

Taxi/Hackney Services also operate in the area. (See 

Maps 3a & 3b) 

‣ Access Roads 

Boyle town has easy access onto the N4 National 

Primary Route (Dublin to Sligo), with the N61 

providing the north east link to the N4. Boyle town 

center is on the N61 National Secondary route which 

links; Athlone, Roscommon and Boyle. The R294 

Regional Road is the other main arterial road through 

the centre of the town, linking the N4 from the East, to 

the West of the town and onto Ballina. The town is also 

served by the following regional roads; the R295 to 

Ballymote in the north-west and by the R361 

Boyle/Frenchpark Road to the south west. The L5043 

local road links the hinterlands to the west of Boyle 

town and commences at the junction with the Crescent 

on the N61, and the L5058 links the town to the Lough 

Key Forest & Amenity Park amenity area via an over 

bridge on the N4. 

The Indicative Preferred Corridor for the N61 Boyle 

Town Bypass is illustrated on Map 3. This proposed 

corridor should be reserved free of development for the 

N61 By-Pass for Boyle to connect with the R361 

(Frenchpark Road). This project involves the 

construction of a new bypass route for the N61; 

approximately 5kms in length and the construction and 

realignment of existing regional and local roads, 

approximately 3kms in length. Progression of this 

scheme is currently suspended due to budgetary 

constraints. 

The National Roads Authority’s (NRA) primary 

function, under the Roads Act 1993, is to secure the 

provision of a safe and efficient network of National 

roads throughout the country. For this purpose, it has 

overall responsibility for planning and supervision of 

construction and maintenance works on these roads. 

Maintenance and improvement works on the regional 

and local road network are funded annually by the 

Department of Transport and are administered by RCC. 

Other works, such as the provision and repair of 

footpaths, are funded from development contributions 

received by RCC and other sources. Details of Plans 

and Projects for roads infrastructure are discussed 

under the “Major Roads Infrastructure” section of this 

chapter. 

‣ Urban Streets 

A Traffic Management Plan for Boyle town was 

prepared to cater for the traffic capacity, the provision 

of car parking, and loading facilities for the businesses 

of the town. Traffic flow through the town has 

improved with the completion of the recommended 

measures, i.e. a partial one-way traffic system, speed 

restraints, pedestrian crossings, and the relocation of 

the Bus Stop. However, some congestion still occurs 

in the town centre along the major traffic routes due to 

the volume of traffic, non-compliance with the traffic 

management controls, on-street parking, and business 

delivery arrangements. RCC recognises the 

importance of resolving this situation by improving 

accessibility through, amongst others, the provision of 

adequate car-parking facilities and controls, and the 

regularisation of casual and street trading activities. 

The traffic flow through the town continues to be an 

issue that will be addressed with the proposed N61 

Boyle Town bypass. In addition, until such time as the 

N61 Boyle Town bypass is constructed a certain 

amount of congestion will still occur. 

As mentioned previously, the streets along the main 

traffic routes through Boyle are, for the most part, 



narrow on approach to The Crescent, at Shop Street 

and onto Carrick Road towards the junction of the 

R294 (old Dublin Road), the alignment is poor with a 

narrow cross-section which is not wide enough for 

two-way traffic and on-street car parking. The 

alignment at the junction of Shop Street and Bridge 

Street is not suitable to cater for Heavy Goods 

Vehicles (HGV’S). Restrictions are in place on the 

approach to the Carrick Road from the junction of the 

R294 (old Dublin Road), due to the alignment of the 

junction of the Carrick Road/Lower Marian Road. 

Development of the road cross-section along this 

section of the N61 is limited to refurbishment as there 

is an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) and a 

number of protected structures on opposite sides along 

the route (See Maps 6a, 6b, 6c & 6d). 

The Crescent and Cootehall Streets were upgraded 

with the implementation of the one-way system and 

are in good condition with car parking provided. 

Street traders occupy a number of locations on certain 

days at the Crescent which is problematic, and RCC 

are in the process of preparing proposals for 

regulating the trading and car parking areas in Boyle 

town. Cootehall Street links the schools and 

residential estates off the Marian Road, and ends in a 

partial one-way system to Elphin Street. (See Map 2 

& Figure 4(B)) 

Ross Lane is two-way, is very narrow and serves as 

another link to Elphin Street from the Secondary 

College and Marian Road. The north side of Ross 

Lane is an ACA and the south side has remained 

undeveloped consisting of domestic dwellings. (See 

Maps 2, 6a, 6b, 6c & 6d) 

The N61 becomes Elphin Street and has good road 

width and condition. Bridge Street is in good 

condition and has adequate width for one-way traffic; 

however road space is impeded on occasions with onstreet 

traders. It has good pedestrian linkage with the 

rest of the town centre via the river bank. 

The existing development along Termon Road, apart 

from the shopping units and nursing home at the 

junction with Elphin Street, consists mainly of 

residential dwellings with front gardens on both sides. 

This section of road has the potential to develop a 

wider road cross-section; however, there is presently 

no demand for development and improvement of the 

road width in this area. 

Quarry Lane links the rear of the premises on Bridge 

Street and The Crescent to Termon Road; it has 

limited footpaths, is partially lit, and is very narrow 

and unsuitable for large delivery vehicles. A number 

of developments have taken place in this area, 

however they have limited access and any 

improvement to road width at this location would 

require obtaining land in private ownership for public 

road use. Quarry lane provides good pedestrian 

linkage for the south of the town to the town centre. 

The R294 from the junction of the N61/Military Road 

has adequate alignment to the entrance of King 

House. However, from Military Road along Main 

Street to the junction of Green Street/Patrick Street 

and Bridge Street, Main Street is too narrow for twoway 

traffic with parking; therefore a one-way system 

with on-street parking has been provided. 

Patrick Street and Green Street are narrow for some 

distance out of town, however they remain two-way, 

as providing access to the town centre would generate 

lengthy detours out of town, thus disconnecting 

certain areas of the town from direct vehicular access 

to the town centre. Patrick Street continues as the 

R294 to Tobercurry in County Sligo and to Ballina in 

County Mayo, and the R295 commences close to the 

development boundary and continues onto Ballymote 

in County Sligo. The R294 has potential for road 

widening out to the development boundary from the 

junction of the L1022 Local Road to Assylinn, 

however such widening will be development driven as 

the road capacity is adequate for the existing demands 

of the area. 

Some residential development has taken place off 

Green Street; however it remains unfinished and does 

not contribute positively towards road width in the 

area. Green Street is very narrow. The section of road 

closest to the junction with Patrick Street has very 

narrow footpaths on both sides and the existing 

buildings on both sides are unlikely to be setback to 

provide adequate road width, thus the current narrow 

street will remain for some time. The gradient on the 

vertical alignment of the existing road is very steep 

and the existing buildings on either side of the road 

follow the road alignment, it would therefore, be 

expensive for development in the future. 

Existing development along the N61 to the south of 

Boyle town has expanded to the junction of the 

Frenchpark Road (R361), and for a short distance on 

the R361 where the road “peters out” to a standard 

narrow Regional Road. The road cross-section has 

developed in accordance with the residential 

development, with public lighting and other services. 

Future development along this route will be directly 

impacted by the proposed N61 Boyle Bypass and 

must not have a negative impact on the chosen route 

corridor. 



The north side of Boyle town along the R294 (old 

Dublin Road), Abbeytown (L5058) and other local 

roads such as the L1020 (Wooden Bridge, Drum Road 

& Maple Drive) adjacent to the N4 (Dublin to Sligo 

National Primary Route) has developed substantially 

in recent years. This development consists primarily 

of residential development; however, development has 

also included a small number of industrial units, 

expansion of the existing nursing home, a medical 

centre, a shop, a school, and a harbour with a canal 

link to Lough Key. There are a notable number of 

gaps in the footpath network along the L1020, L5058, 

and R294 roads. At the majority of locations where 

development has occurred without the construction of 

footpaths, there is adequate setback for road crosssection 

improvement when funding becomes 

available. All development should provide adequate 

road width for footpaths, cycle lanes and, where 

substantial road frontage is developed, the developers 

should install all services including 

telephone/broadband, public lighting, electricity and 

water etc. to a standard to be agreed with RCC. 

Should linear ribbon development take place adjacent 

to the above roads (L1020, L5058, and R294), 

specific road contributions should be provided for the 

development of essential roads infrastructure 

including; footpaths, road widening and provision of 

services. RCC will carry out improvement of the road 

network and services, where adequate road space and 

specific funding has being allocated for linking of 

residential development to Boyle town. 

‣ Major Roads Infrastructure 

The maintenance and improvement of the 

transportation network is an essential element in 

ensuring the continued social and economic 

development of Boyle. The majority of the 

development of Boyle, apart from the most recent 

development north of the town towards the N4, has 

been carried out since the mid 1800s in a gradual 

manner. Most of the town’s amenities and educational 

facilities are in the north of the town and all are wellserviced 

with roads infrastructure. 

The proposed N61 Boyle Town Bypass to the south 

east of the town, linking the N4 to the N61 south of 

the town (See Map 3a & 3b), will provide a vital 

strategic link for the south of Boyle town, and indeed 

Roscommon County, to the north west of the country, 

in addition to providing an efficient link for 

Dublin/Sligo bound traffic from the south of Boyle 

town. In addition to increased accessibility it will help 

reduce the traffic flow within the town. 

It is an objective of RCC to reserve, free of 

development, the selected route corridor for the 

proposed National Secondary Route N61 bypass for 

Boyle. Furthermore, RCC will seek to minimise the 

number of additional access points onto National 

Roads, reserving them for their primary purpose as 

long distance routes. The feasibility study has been 

completed for the N61 Boyle/Roscommon/Athlone 

route selection corridor and it is an objective of RCC 

to progress to the next stage of the process and 

develop the proposed new road scheme, when funding 

becomes available. 

The N61 Athlone to Boyle project involves the 

upgrading of the N61 national secondary route 

between Boyle and Athlone, a mainline length of 

75km. Progression of this scheme through the 

planning phases has however been suspended. 

A safe and efficient road and transport system is a 

vital component in improving the attractiveness of the 

area for the development of industry and employment 

generation. RCC supports development in areas that 

reduce the need to travel, are in close proximity to the 

national and regional road network, have essential 

services and transport facilities, and encourages more 

sustainable forms of transport such as walking, 

cycling and public transport. 

3.2.2 Future Development 

In line with the Guidelines for Planning Authorities on 

Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas 

(Cities, Towns & Villages), 2009; RCC supports 

increased residential density close to existing or future 

public transport routes, where appropriate. This will 

follow the Sequential Approach where possible and 

areas to be zoned will also be contiguous to existing 

zoned/serviced development lands. 

RCC will closely review all development proposals 

which require access onto National and Regional 

Roads, in order to ensure that traffic flow and safety 

along these roads will not be unduly disrupted by 

proposed development. Development will be carried 

out in urban areas taking cognisance of the provision 

of adequate road width, where possible. All 

development of the Boyle Town streetscape will be 

considered with a view towards the provision of 

underground services, street furniture, public lighting, 

and the protection of on-street features as outlined in 

the Record of Protected Structures and the addition of 

new contemporary streetscape design, features and 

layouts where appropriate. (See Chapter 6 – Built and 

Natural Heritage) 



3.2.3 Pedestrian & Cycle Routes 

Walking and cycling are environmentally friendly, 

fuel efficient and healthy modes of transportation that 

are highly accessible and sustainable alternatives to 

vehicular based transport. The provision and 

maintenance of high quality walking and cycling 

infrastructure is critical to promoting a culture of 

walking and cycling. The provision of suitable and 

secure cycle parking facilities at suitable locations is 

also essential. Permeability, legibility and 

connectivity are also necessary for pedestrians and 

cyclists in order to create direct, secure, connected 

links from residential areas to services and amenities. 

RCC will seek the provision of pedestrian access and 

linkages where opportunities arise, and particularly as 

part of new developments. A number of potential 

pedestrian routes have been identified within the Plan 

area and RCC will seek the provision of these routes 

as opportunities arise. The Council will also seek the 

provision of cycle friendly linkages as part of new 

developments and will promote the expansion of cycle 

facilities throughout Boyle; particularly to and from 

places of interest, amenity areas, employment 

locations, residential development and schools. The 

proposed Bicycle Sharing Scheme outlined in Chapter 

2 will form an important part of this provision (See 

Figure 5 and Chapter 5 – Recreation, Leisure & 

Tourism). 

3.2.4 Roads & Transportation Strategy 

The Roads and Transportation Strategy for Boyle aims 

to develop a safer, more efficient and integrated 

transport system, with improvements to the road 

network and other forms of transport networks. The 

main policies and objectives are outlined below: 

Policies for Roads & Traffic Management 

Policy 9 

Promote and facilitate improvement and enhancement 

works on all approach roads to Boyle and within the 

urban environs of the town, as resources permit. 

Policy 10 

Support initiatives which would provide greater 

accessibility by bus and rail between Boyle and the 

more remote hinterland, to facilitate improved access to 

economic, educational and social activity within the 

wider area. 

Objectives for Roads & Traffic Management 

Objective 10 

Ensure the identification and reservation of adequate 

lands for the purposes of future car-parking within 

Boyle and seek more locations for off-street car 

parking in Boyle. Development within the town centre 

will have to provide the car parking provision outlined 

in Chapter 8: Urban Development & Design of this 

LAP. 

Objective 11 

Seek the reclassification of the N61 National 

Secondary Route to National Primary Route Status, as 

indicated in Transport 21 (See appended Map 3a & 

3b). 

Objective 12 

Reserve free of development, the preferred route 

corridor for the National Secondary Route N61 By- 

Pass for Boyle to connect with the R361 Regional 

Road (Frenchpark Road). 

Objective 13 

Maintain and improve the condition and connectivity 

of the public footpath network throughout the Plan 

area, particularly linking newly developed lands with 

the existing town centre, for example - and in the 

future linking of the proposed National Secondary 

Route N61 By-Pass for Boyle to the existing footpath 

network. 

Objective 14 

Introduce casual trading and car parking by-laws to 

regulate curtail and discourage unsafe, illegal and/or 

obstructive parking in the town core. 

Objective 15 

Provide safe and high quality pedestrian and cycle 

linkages between residential areas and retail, 

recreational and educational facilities. 

Objective 16 

Designate and facilitate the development of amenity 

walks in the environs of Boyle. 

Objective 17 

Provide the extension of the public footpaths on the 

L1020 (Maple Drive & Drum or Wooden Bridge 

Road), L5058 (Abbeytown Road), and R294 (old 

Dublin Road and Patrick Street/Ballina Road) to 

facilitate pedestrian linkage to Boyle Town. 

Objective 18 

Relocate the 60km/h speed limit on the northern 

section of the N61 (heading to the N4) to where the 

Leisure Tourism zoning ends in order to facilitate safe 

access to these lands and encourage tourism 

development. 



Objective 19 

Have regard to the initiatives, as appropriate, of the 

Department of Transport Smarter Travel – A 

Sustainable Transport Future, A New Transport 

Policy for Ireland 2009-2020, and implement within 

the Plan Area as appropriate. 

Policy for Pedestrian & Cycle Routes 

Policy 11 

Seek to improve and create additional facilities for 

pedestrians and cyclists as opportunities arise and as 

part of new developments. Seek also to secure the 

provision of the pedestrian routes identified in this 

LAP 

3.3 WATER SERVICES 


Water Supply 

The Boyle/Ardcarne Regional Water Supply Scheme 

serves Boyle town. The source for this scheme is at 

Rockingham Springs, which is located to the east of 

Boyle town. The water currently receives chlorination 

and fluoridation at the source before being pumped to 

Carrickmore reservoir, which feeds Boyle Town and 

hinterland via gravity. 

The current water supply is considered adequate but the 

water quality needs attention. The contract documents 

for the provision of a Design/Build/Operate Water 

Treatment plant at Rockingham Springs have been 

submitted to the DEHLG. The contract documents also 

include the augmentation of Rockingham springs with 

three production wells at Hughestown via a new 

pumping station and rising main. The works have been 

included in the 2010-2012 Roscommon Water Services 

Investment Programme (WSIP). This project is 

currently on hold but is expected to commence during 

the lifetime of the LAP. This will ensure that sufficient 

potable water is supplied to meet the commercial, 

industrial, residential and agricultural water needs 

during the LAP period. The Council has already 

introduced charges for non-domestic water metering. 

‣ Groundwater Vulnerability & Protection 

Groundwater and water catchment areas have an 

inherent ecological and economic value and are a major 

resource that needs to be protected. Groundwater 

contributes to rivers and lakes, and therefore influences 

amenity and recreational value. The Council is 

responsible for the protection of all waters including 

rivers, lakes, and groundwater. These responsibilities 

include; implementation of pollution control measures, 

licensing of effluent discharges, implementing and 

monitoring compliance with environmental regulations, 

and the drawing up of pollution contingency measures. 

The Geological Survey of Ireland/Roscommon County 

Council publication ‘County Roscommon Groundwater 

Protection Scheme’ (June 2003) states that a large 

portion of the county is classed as having either 

‘extreme or high vulnerability areas and risk of 

contamination’. The Boyle LAP area falls within five 

vulnerability classes (See appended Map 5). Part of the 

Boyle LAP Area also lies within the Rockingham 

Springs Inner Source Protection Zone and has an 

Extreme Vulnerability Rating. Figure 6 (page 28) below 

illustrates the Boyle Source Protection Zones. The 

Planning Authority will consider the groundwater 

vulnerability as per the GSI findings when assessing 

development proposals in the Boyle area. (Source: 

Geological Survey of Ireland - www.gsi.ie). 

3.3.2 Water Services Strategy 

The Water Services Strategy aims to; 

• ensure that there are adequate services and 

infrastructure associated with the water supply 

network for the current and future development 

envelope 

• ensure that the network and its provision is 

efficient, cost effective, environmentally 

appropriate and that it protects public health 

• wherever practicable, services and infrastructure 

should be delivered in an integrated manner prior 

to the development of areas. 

Policies for Water Supply 

Policy 12 

Provide the water supply in an effective, efficient, fair 

and equitable manner, in the best interests of proper 

planning and sustainable development and in 

accordance with EU policies and Directives. 

Policy 13 

Implement the Groundwater Protection Plans for the 

Boyle/Ardcarn Water Supply as well as having regard 

to the European Communities Environmental 

Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009 in 

relation to surface water environmental quality 

standards for the County. 

Policy 14 

Protect areas identified as key for ‘source protection 

areas’ for drinking water supplies and protect 

groundwater quality. Support the use of Ground Water 

Protection Schemes (where available) in the 

development management process. 



Figure 6: Groundwater Source Protection Zone 



Objectives for Water Supply 

Objective 20 

Promote water conservation measures within the LAP 

area and require the installation of water meter boxes in 

all new residential units and in units where planning 

permission for new works is granted. 

Objective 21 

Ensure high water quality standards are maintained in 

implementing the relevant European Community Water 

Quality Directives and Regulations. 

Objective 22 

Eliminate the wastage of water through detection and 

enforcement of repairs. Replace/repair water mains and 

connections as necessary, and as resources permit. 

Objective 23 

Have regard to and promote the objectives of the 

Shannon River Basin District Management Plan, and 

associated Programme of Measures in relation to water 

quality for the County. 

Objective 24 

All unserviced properties in the catchment area of a 

public wastewater scheme should be connected to the 

public network where sufficient capacity exists and 

where impacts on Natura 2000 sites will not occur, as 

determined by Habitats Directive Assessment (where 

relevant). 

3.4 FLOOD RISK & PROTECTION 


The DEHLG guidelines, The Planning System and 

Flood Risk Management, Guidelines for Planning 

Authorities (2009) defines flooding as; 

‘a natural process that can happen at any time in a 

wide variety of locations. Flooding from the sea and 

from rivers is probably best known but prolonged, 

intense and localised rainfall can also cause sewer 

flooding, overland flow and groundwater flooding’. 

While there are different types and causes of flooding, 

the most common in County Roscommon is the 

flooding of rivers especially the Shannon River 

Catchment. The Office of Public Works completed a 

flood study for the county and findings indicated that 

flooding in the county mainly occurs along the eastern 

boundary with the River Shannon. A review of 

existing Office of Public Works (OPW) and local 

information was carried out. According to the OPW 

National Flood Hazard Mapping, there are ten 

recorded flood events in the Boyle area and these 

include: 

Table 2: Flood events in the Boyle LAP Area 

(Source: OPW National Flood Hazard Mapping) 

No. Flood Event Year 

1 Carrick-on-Shannon Road, October 1998 

Boyle 

2 Railway Station, Boyle July 1996 

3 Church View, Boyle July 1996 

4 Felton Road, Boyle July 1996 

5 Hanley Avenue, Boyle July 1996 

6 Boyle Abbey, Boyle recurring 

7 Deerpark, Boyle recurring 

8 Turlough – Breandrum, Boyle - 

9 Easky River, Ballylugnagon recurring 

10 Ballinphuill, Boyle recurring 

The flood events on this list from the OPW National 

Flood Hazard Mapping are important to note, however 

as examined in the Flood Risk Assessment that was 

completed as part of this LAP process, it is not 

considered necessary to examine each of these in 

further detail as several of them are small localised 

incidences which have not been recurring. (See 

appended Map 4a) As outlined above, four of the ten 

listed flood events are considered recurring events. 

However, two are situated outside the development 

boundary, one is a small scale road drainage issue 

which will not be a constraint on appropriate landuse 

in the area, and the fourth is situated on lands which 

will be zoned for Greenbelt in this Boyle LAP 2012- 

2018. (See Map 4a & 14a) It is therefore considered 

that these flood events will not be a constraint on 

appropriate landuse in the area. 

From local information and site inspections during 

2009, a number of areas which experienced significant 

flooding have been identified. See appended Map 11 

marked Liable to Flooding. It is important to note that 

these are the main areas in the Boyle Plan Area that 

flooded during the extreme flooding of November 

2009. These sites have been illustrated and considered 

as part of the Flood Risk Assessment for this Plan. 

The Boyle LAP 2012-2018 has been assessed in 

accordance with the Guidelines for Planning 

Authorities on The Planning System and Flood Risk 

Management (2009). The avoidance principle of the 

sequential approach has been met to avoid 

development in areas at risk of flooding and to ensure 

that flood risk will not be increased elsewhere. This 

screening report finds that the Boyle Local Area Plan 

2012-2018 does not require further assessment under 

Stage 3, which involves a Detailed Flood Risk 

Assessment. 



Roscommon County Council will take cognisance of 

the OPW’s Flooding Report and any future reports in 

relation to flood risk for the Boyle area and remaining 

County. Developments granted permission in areas 

close to flood plains will contain measures to ensure 

that the risks of flooding are minimised or eliminated. 

3.4.2 Flood Risk & Protection Strategy 

The Flood Risk & Protection Strategy aims to; 

• Avoid development in areas at risk of flooding by 

not permitting development in flood risk areas, 

particularly floodplains, unless it is fully justified 

that there are wider sustainability grounds for 

appropriate development and unless the flood risk 

can be managed to an acceptable level without 

increasing flood risk elsewhere and where 

possible, reducing flood risk overall; 

• Adopt a sequential approach to flood risk 

management based on avoidance, reduction and 

then mitigation of flood risk as the overall 

framework for assessing the location of new 

development in the development planning 

process; and 

• Incorporate flood risk assessment into the process 

of making decisions on planning applications and 

planning appeals. 

Policies for Flood Risk & Protection 

Policy 15 

Implement ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk 

Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ 

2009 (DEHLG & OPW), and any future reports in 

relation to flood risk for Boyle or County 


Objectives for Flood Risk & Protection 

Objective 25 

Require all significant development impacting on 

flood risk areas to provide a Flood Impact 

Assessment, to identify potential loss of floodplain 

storage and how it would be offset in order to 

minimise impact on the river flood regime. 

Objective 26 

Ensure all large scale developments provide 

‘Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) as part 

of their development proposals. 

Objective 27 

Within the Boyle LAP area, RCC shall; 

• avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk 

of flooding; and 

• avoid new developments increasing flood risk to 

buildings, including that which may arise from 

surface run-off. 

3.5 WASTEWATER SERVICES 


In addition to drinking water treatment and 

distribution, Local Authorities are also responsible for 

waste-water collection/disposal and storm-water 

management, including collection and disposal. The 

drainage system whether separate or combined 

collects foul sewerage, industrial effluent and 

rainwater, all of which must be discharged or treated 

whilst minimising flood risk or environmental 

impacts. The development and expansion of the 

County’s wastewater and surface water drainage 

system is essential to the future sustainable 

development of the County and to the improvement of 

water quality within and adjoining Roscommon. 

The Boyle wastewater network was extended under 

the Mocmoyne Serviced Land Initiative during 2008 

to service lands in the Mocmoyne area on the western 

end of Boyle town. (See Maps 4a & 4b) The Boyle 

Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) is designed to 

achieve an effluent of BOD5 = 25 mg/l, suspended 

solids = 35 mg/l and phosphorous = 2mg/l. However, 

the treated effluent is currently meeting the required 

parameters, as set out in the April 2010 discharge 

licence of BOD5 = 15mg/l, suspended solids = 25mg/l 

and phosphorous = 2mg/1. The plant is designed to 

provide Secondary treatment with phosphate removal, 

sludge thickening and dewatering for a population 

equivalent (PE) of 6,000. It is located approximately 

1km northeast of Boyle town. The primary discharge 

from the area is located approximately 23 meters east 

of the treatment plant and discharges to the River 

Boyle, a tributary of the River Shannon. There are no 

secondary discharges from the area. The plant can be 

increased to an ultimate design population equivalent 

of approximately 9,000 within the current site. 

Therefore, it is considered that the wastewater 

treatment and disposal network has sufficient capacity 

for the LAP period. 

In 2001, upgrade works to the collection system and 

wastewater plant were completed. The upgrade 

included the following. 

‣ Some previously unserviced areas were 

provided with new foul sewers. Some of the 

existing foul sewers have been revamped. 

‣ The treatment plant has been upgraded to 

include screening and grit removal, stormwater 



tank, extended aeration, final sedimentation, 

sludge de-watering and removal. 

‣ Aeration basin designed with ferric sulphate 

dosing to achieve enhanced biological 

phosphate removal in the anaerobic zone. 

The upgrade also included phosphate removal. This 

was added to the treatment process to comply with 

Phosphorus Regulations (S.I. No. of 258 of 1998), 

Urban Waste Water Treatment Directives. Additional 

works at the WWTP include chemical dosing facilities 

such as Ferric Sulphate (Phosphate removal) and 

polyelectrolyte (Sludge dewatering). These additional 

treatment processes at the WWTP have improved the 

standards of emissions to the aquatic environment and 

comply with the objectives of the Water Framework 

Directive. The plant is currently working satisfactorily 

and the only works required will be those necessary to 

achieve the discharge parameters. As mentioned 

previously, the Environmental Protection Agency 

granted RCC a Waste Water Discharge Licence for 

the Boyle WWTP in April 2010. 

Whilst not included on the 2010-2012 Water Services 

Investment Programme RCC has included the 

Roscommon Sludge Reception Centre in its current 

Assessment of Needs. This will ultimately receive and 

treat sludge from the Boyle WWTP. In terms of 

Capital Projects the Plan provides for a Sludge 

Reception and Treatment Facility at Roscommon 

Sewerage Treatment Works and also for sludge 

reception centres as required throughout the county. 

With regard to the environment, the Boyle WWTP is 

not located within an environmentally designated site 

and discharges to the River Boyle, which is not 

environmentally designated either. However, the 

Boyle River is a tributary of the River Shannon, which 

flows into Lough Ree. The Shannon Catchment, 

which is made up of a number of environmentally 

designated sites including Lough Ree, is 

environmentally designated. Recent effluent analysis 

indicates that the Boyle WWTP is performing in a 

satisfactory manner and providing an effluent that 

complies with the WWDL as granted by the EPA in 

April 2010 and it can be reasonably concluded that the 

operation of WWTP will not have a significant effect 

on any of the designated sites downstream of Boyle. 

Surface Water 

The existing surface water network in Boyle is 

inadequate in a number of areas, for example south of 

the railway line, amongst others. There are currently no 

schemes for the upgrading of the surface water network 

in Boyle town included in Roscommon County 

Council’s Assessment of Needs or in the Roscommon 

Water Services Investment Programme. The existing 

surface-water sewer network in Boyle consists of a 

combination of old stone culverts and piped network 

(taking road gully runoff) and storm water collection 

channels, combined with the sections of surface water 

network installed during 1999. All surface water 

network flows within Boyle Town are ultimately 

discharged into the Boyle River. 

The Waste Water Discharge Licence for the Boyle area 

authorises the discharge of waste water from the 

WWTP which services an agglomeration which is 

similar in extent to the development envelope. The 

licence granted includes the surface water network. The 

licence states that the Environmental Protection 

Agency is satisfied that subject to compliance with the 

conditions of the licence, any discharges from the 

agglomeration served by the waste water works will 

comply with and will not contravene any of the 

requirements of Regulation 6 of the Waste Water 

Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007. RCC is 

continuously working to comply with the conditions of 

the licence, which includes the implementation of the 

programme of improvements under condition 5. 

3.5.2 Wastewater Services Strategy 

The Wastewater Services Strategy aims to; 

• ensure that there are adequate services and 

infrastructure associated with the wastewater 

collection, treatment and disposal for the current 

and future development envelope 





should be delivered in an integrated manner 

prior to the development of areas 

Policies for Wastewater Collection & Treatment 

Policy 16 

Facilitate the provision of an adequate wastewater 

collection, treatment and disposal system for the 

Boyle LAP area to serve existing and future 

populations in accordance with the Water Framework 

Directive 2000, and EU Urban Wastewater Directive 

and in accordance with the EPA Discharge License. 

Policy 17 

Ensure that all new developments have and are 

provided with satisfactory drainage systems in the 

interests of public health and to avoid the pollution of 

the ground and surface waters. 



Policy 18 

Implement the recommendations of the adopted 

Sludge Management Plan (as reviewed in September 

2006) for the County, including any amendments. 

Objectives for Wastewater Collection & Treatment 

Objective 28 

Implement and ensure all existing wastewater 

schemes meet the Urban Waste Water Regulations, 

public health legislation and promote, as appropriate, 

the provisions for the implementation of the relevant 

recommendations set out in “Urban Waste Water 

Discharges in Ireland for Population Equivalents 

Greater than 500 Persons – A Report for the Years 

2006 and 2007”. 

Objective 29 

Seek further separation of surface water and 

wastewater flows and discharge within the Boyle LAP 

area. 

Objective 30 

Where technically feasible and economically viable, 

improve and extend the wastewater collection, 

treatment and disposal infrastructure to serve all 

zoned areas, in order to facilitate development in 

accordance with the phasing programme set out in this 

LAP. 

Objective 31 

RCC shall adopt the following approach when 

considering development applications; 

• Strongly discourage and avoid where possible the 

use of private pumping stations 

• Where technically feasible and economically 

viable, existing and future pumping stations 

should come under the control of RCC 

• Pumping arrangements shall be designed in a 

sustainable manner 

• Development shall be phased in such a way as to 

only allow areas to be developed which can 

connect into the sewerage network directly. 

Objective 32 

Promote the development of a wastewater leak 

detection programme; and, the use of a strategic 

metering system to aid in leak detection in and around 

the LAP area, as appropriate. 

Objective 33 

In accordance with the EPA Code of Practice on 

Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems for 

Population Equivalents ≤ 10 pe strictly control the 

siting of septic tanks and proprietary treatment 

systems, and promote public awareness on the issue of 

correct installation, monitoring and maintenance in 

the interests of the protection of the environment and 

public health. Seek to ensure that on site systems are 

only permitted in exceptional circumstances. 

Objective 34 

Explore the feasibility and appropriateness of entering 

into PPP’s for the provision of necessary 

infrastructure 1 . 

1 Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is basically just a different 

method of procuring public services and infrastructure by 

combining the best of the public and private sectors with an 

emphasis on value for money and delivering quality public 

services. More information on PPP is available on the Irish 

Government Public Private Partnership Website 

http://www.ppp.gov.ie 

3.6 WASTE MANAGEMENT 


The Connacht Waste Management Plan covers the 

period from 2006-2011 and is based on the waste 

hierarchy established in the EU Framework Directive 

on Waste. The Plan has been adopted through an 

alternative legislative process and shall be the guiding 

document for the implementation of an integrated waste 

management approach within the Region as a whole. 

The Boyle LAP shall have regard to all legislative, 

national and regional documents and objectives in the 

implementation of waste management. RCC also 

recognise that litter is a major environmental problem, 

which can significantly detract from the visual quality 

of the County’s towns and villages. The Council 

actively promotes anti-litter awareness through its 

annual Spring Clean-Up Week Campaign and other 

activities. In addition, the Council has appointed two 

Litter Wardens and an Environmental Educational 

Officer to promote community initiatives such as tidy 

towns, golden mile etc. and school initiatives such as 

green schools and tidy schools. The Council has also 

provided a recycling centre in the town. The Boyle Tidy 

Town Committee carries out work in this LAP area. 

RCC promotes an integrated approach to waste 

management for any proposed development(s) within 

the local authority area. RCC also promotes the 

development of an integrated plan for managing waste 

including wastes generated during the construction 

phase of development as well as the operation and 

maintenance phases. In this regard, developers are 

directed to the DEHLG Best Practice Guidelines on the 

preparation of Waste Management Plans for 

Construction & Demolition Projects, July 2006. 



Developers are referred, in particular, to the thresholds 

set out in Section 3 of these Best Practice Guidelines 

with respect to the recommendation that developers of 

projects with significant potential for the generation of 

Construction and Demolition (C&D) should prepare a 

Waste Management Plan. 

RCC promotes the undertaking of appropriate 

investigations to determine the nature and extent of any 

soil and / or groundwater contamination and the risks 

associated with site development work, where 

brownfield development is to occur within the Plan area. 

Management of all wastes associated with excavation, 

demolition and development activities, including 

contaminated and hazardous material, must have the 

required authorisation, as appropriate. 

3.6.2 Waste Management Strategy 

The Waste Management Services Strategy aims to 

protect the local environment and quality of life of its 

citizens by ensuring adequate collection and recovery 

of domestic, commercial, industrial and other waste in 

and around Boyle. In addition, it aims to address 

current as well as future issues, in this regard. 

These aims will be achieved by ensuring within 

available resources that all existing waste facilities, 

including domestic waste collection, bring banks and 

the civic amenity sites, and services, such as those 

provided by the Council’s Litter Wardens and 

Environmental Education Officer, are maintained. 

They will also be achieved by supporting local 

groups, such as tidy towns, and events such as 

National Spring Clean, anti-litter campaigns, etc. and 

promoting vigilance with regard to the unauthorised 

dumping of waste in the area. RCC must ensure 

adherence to all relevant litter and waste legislation, 

specifically the Replacement Waste Management Plan 

for the Connacht Region and to policies and 

objectives contained in the RCDP and is LAP. 

They will be achieved through educating the local 

community, particularly local school children, on the 

issues and consequences of waste on the local 

environment. The provision of waste facilities and 

services must also continue to meet local needs 

satisfactorily. Ensuring that issues of illegal dumping, 

whether on public or private property, are addressed 

by way of prosecution is also essential. 

Policies for Waste Management 

Policy 19 

Implement the relevant objectives of the Replacement 

Waste Management Plan for the Connacht Region 

2006-2011 and promote, where appropriate, the 

DEHLG Best Practice Guidelines on the preparation 

of Waste Management Plans for Construction & 

Demolition Projects, July 2006. 

Policy 20 

Promote the increased re-use and recycling of 

materials from waste sources and cooperate with local 

retailers and residents associations in managing 

collection points for recycling goods. 

Policy 21 

Implement the ‘polluter pays’ principle especially 

with regard to industrial discharges and implement the 

provisions of the various water pollution and 

environmental protection legislation and regulations. 

Objectives for Waste Management 

Objective 35 

Require the undertaking of appropriate investigations 

to determine the nature and extent of any soil and / or 

groundwater contamination and the risks associated 

with site development work, where Brownfield 

development is to occur within the Plan Area. 

Objective 36 

Work with and assist local community groups and 

schools in litter prevention and control. 

Objective 37 

Continue ongoing monitoring/final remediation of the 

old existing landfill facility at Cornaglia Townland, 

Boyle. 

3.7 ENERGY 

3.7.1 Renewable Energy 

The development of renewable energy offers 

sustainable alternatives to our dependency on fossil 

fuels, a means of reducing harmful greenhouse 

emissions and opportunities to reduce our reliance on 

imported fuels. Renewable energy comes from natural 

resources that are continuously replenished by nature. 

The main sources of renewable energy are the wind, 

the sun (solar), water (hydropower, wave and tidal 

energy); heat below the surface of the earth 

(geothermal energy) and biomass (wood, 

biodegradable waste and energy crops or bio-fuels 

such as rapeseed and lupines). 



‣ Wind Energy & Wind-farms 

The Green Paper on sustainable energy advocated a 

doubling of the national renewal energy output by 

2010. The principal renewal resource accessible to 

technology at the present time is wind energy. The 

RCDP 2008-2014 provides a strong policy base to 

encourage the development of renewable energy, with 

guidance on how proposed developments will be 

assessed. There are currently no wind farms within the 

Boyle development boundary or in close proximity to 

Boyle. 

‣ Solar Energy 

In recent years the use of solar energy in Ireland, in 

addition to ground-source heating systems, has 

provided sustainable sources of energy for buildings 

and has reduced the demand for electricity supply 

from the national grid. Planning permission is no 

longer required for the erection of solar panels on the 

front elevations of domestic houses with the 

exception of protected structures. 

‣ Energy Efficiency & Energy Performance 

for Buildings Directive 

In addition, to promoting renewable energy 

development there is also the issue of energy 

efficiency to be considered. The EU Directive on the 

Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD) as 

transposed into Irish Law in 2006, contains a range of 

provisions aimed at improving energy performance in 

residential and non residential buildings, both new 

build and existing. 

Roscommon County Council is committed to 

developing sustainable building requirements with 

regard to a shift to energy efficient, low 

environmental impact buildings. The incorporation of 

good design into developments in the Boyle area will 

be welcomed. Good design is the key to achieving the 

optimum energy performance of buildings at no extra 

cost. Roscommon County Council will also promote 

the use of ‘passive house’/timber framed house design 

and construction within Roscommon. The RCDP 

(2008-2014) Chapter 5.6 Energy Efficiency - provides 

more detailed information regarding this issue 

3.7.2 Electricity 

Roscommon County Council recognises that the 

development of secure and reliable electricity 

transmission infrastructure is a key factor for 

supporting economic development and attracting 

investment into County Roscommon. It is critical that 

adequate capacity, in terms of both energy and energy 

infrastructure, is available within the County to 

support sustainable economic development. Boyle is 

located adjoining the 38 kv line from Gorteen in 

County Sligo to Carrick-on-Shannon in County 

Leitrim. 

3.7.3 Ireland’s Gas Network 

The demand for gas in the West of Ireland is very 

significant. The need for electricity and gas in 

particular, for both domestic and 

commercial/industrial use, is continually growing. 

There is no gas supply serving the Boyle area at 

present. Recently parts of Monksland, County 

Roscommon have been connected to the Dublin – 

Galway transmission line. Under Phase Two of the 

New Towns Connection Report, it is planned to 

include the towns of Boyle, Strokestown and 

Roscommon (Roscommon Cluster) within this second 

phase. Map 19 of the RCDP 2008-2014 illustrates the 

Proposed Gas Network including Area Location & 

Single Location. 

RCC will continue to support the inclusion of these 

towns for the development of a Gas Network, 

particularly if required for their economic 

development. 

3.7.4 Energy Strategy 

The Energy Strategy aims to; 

• encourage the development and upgrading of 

energy infrastructure and services within the LAP 

area to support the proposed growth in economic 

activity and population within the development 

envelope 





should be delivered in an integrated manner prior 

to the development of areas 

• encourage the development and use of renewable 

energy sources within the LAP area 

• support the aims of sustainable energy use and 

conservation in building design and construction 

Policies for Energy 

Policy 22 

Ensure the development of renewable energy and 

energy infrastructure whilst ensuring that residential 

amenities and the quality of the local environment are 

protected. 



Policy 23 

Encourage a sustainable approach to energy 

generation and use, and liaise with the appropriate 

agencies to ensure the supply of modern sustainable 

sources of energy supply to the area. 

Objectives for Energy 

Objective 38 

Promote energy conservation initiatives and measures, 

including the incorporation of sustainable energy 

principles into building design and construction 

techniques. 

Objective 39 

Endeavour to provide information on cost-effective 

measures and renewable energy technologies in 

accordance with best practice publications, including 

the use of passive solar design principles, solar panels 

and geothermal heat pumps. 

Objective 40 

Facilitate improvement in the energy efficiency of the 

existing building stock, and promote energy 

conservation in all aspects of design and development 

of all new buildings in the Boyle LAP area. 

Objective 41 

Support increased energy supply, energy efficiency 

and the development of renewable energy services at 

optimum locations. 

Objective 42 

Ensure that the location of renewable energy 

structures should minimise and/or mitigate any 

adverse visual impacts on the built or natural 

environment. 

Objective 43 

Support the use of rainwater harvesting facilities on 

new development where appropriate. 

3.8 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 


Telecommunications investment is essential to 

furthering the social and economic development of 

County Roscommon. A high quality and competitive 

telecommunications service is considered essential in 

order to promote industrial and commercial 

development, to improve personal security and to 

enhance social inclusion and mobility. 

The future telecommunications access needs of 

business parks, new housing estates or communities, 

should be addressed as part of the planning process 

and it should be a requirement to install fibre optic 

capacity in all new roads infrastructure. The 

promotion of high quality and increased capacity 

telecommunications infrastructure in the area is 

imperative to ensure the development of a more 

vibrant commercial core in the LAP area. 

The main modes of delivery of Broadband throughout 

the country are DSL via phone lines, Wireless 

Broadband and Satellite Communications. Wireless 

Service providers include for example Last Mile 

Broadband and Azotel–Brisknet. FWA is available in 

a number of areas including Boyle. 

Mobile Phone Network Development 

It is a policy of the Council to achieve a balance 

between facilitating the provision of 

telecommunications services, in the interests of social 

and economic progress, and sustaining residential 

amenities including public health, whilst maintaining 

a quality environment. The Telecommunications 

policy for the County shall be based on the 

recommended Guidelines for Planning Authorities 

with regard to Telecommunications Antennae and 

Support Structures (1996). This policy encourages cosharing 

and clustering of masts. 

Chapter 8 of this LAP contains a Zoning Matrix for 

land uses in the area which are permitted in principle, 

open to consideration and not normally permitted, 

under each class. (See Chapter 8) 

Telecommunications infrastructure is “open to 

consideration” on lands zoned for the following uses. 

(See Maps 14a & 14b - Land Use Zoning) 

BE- 

PU- 

RA- 

LA- 

LT- 

TA- 

RC- 

Business Enterprise Park/Light Industry & 

Warehousing 

Public Utilities, Services and Facilities 

Recreation, Amenity & Open Space 

Leisure & Amenity 


Transitional Agricultural Use 

Mixed Residential & Commercial 

Planning Applications for telecommunications 

infrastructure will be assessed on a case by case basis 

in the interests of proper planning and sustainable 

development, and will be assessed in conjunction with 

the Telecommunications guidelines outlined above. 

Maps 14a and 14b - Land Use Zoning illustrate three 

areas which may be suitable for telecommunications 



masts in the LAP area. These areas are identified as 

SO3 and are subject to the following Specific 

Objective: 

Specific Objective 3 (SO3): Telecommunications 

Infrastructure: 


planning applications for telecommunications 

infrastructure in this area providing the lands satisfy 

the criteria of proper planning and sustainable 

development. Applications will be assessed on a case 

by case basis in conjunction with the recommended 

Guidelines for Planning Authorities with regard to 

Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures 

(1996), and any subsequent revisions. 

Challenges 

The key challenge for a telecommunications strategy 

for Boyle is balancing the need to provide a high 

quality telecommunications network for the town with 

the visual and residential amenities and interests of the 

town’s residents. Given the significance of broadband 

and other telecommunications infrastructure for 

modern industry and commerce, the availability and 

quality of this infrastructure has a growing 

significance on the location of such development. The 

presence of high quality telecommunications 

infrastructure in Boyle is likely, therefore, to have a 

bearing on future decisions to locate new commercial 

development in the town. 

3.8.2 Telecommunications Strategy 

The Telecommunications Strategy for Boyle aims to 

promote the provision of high quality and sufficient 

capacity telecommunications infrastructure in the 

area, to ensure the development of a more vibrant 

commercial core in the town, which is essential. 

Policy 24 

Promote an integrated approach with service providers 

and with appropriate bodies in the creation of a 

modern telecommunications infrastructure in the 

Boyle area. 

Policy 25 

Have regard to Government guidelines on 

telecommunications infrastructure, including 

Telecommunications Antennae and Support 

Structures–Guidelines for Planning Authorities 1996 

(DEHLG), and any subsequent revisions. 

Policy 26 

Have regard to recommendations made by the 

Landscape Character Assessment, 2008. 

Objectives in relation to Telecommunications 


Objective 44 

Support by way of planning condition or development 

contribution levies the provision of underground 

telecommunications infrastructure within schemes, 

where appropriate. 

Objective 45 

Ensure, by way of planning conditions or 

development contribution levies, that 

telecommunications infrastructure is adequately 

screened, integrated and/or landscaped, so as to 

minimise adverse visual impacts on the environment 

where practicable. 

Objective 46 

Encourage the provision of broadband, including the 

provision of electronic courtyards, within 

developments and promote the delivery of universal 

broadband availability throughout the Plan area. 

Objective 47 

Facilitate the under-grounding of overhead cables 

along Elphin Street, Patrick Street and Green Street. 


PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR 2012 – 2018 & BEYOND Chapter 4: Social & Community Facilities 

CHAPTER 4: 

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY FACILITIES 


RCC recognises that building strong and inclusive 

communities is a key element in achieving sustainable 

development. Access to cultural, social and community 

facilities is central to promoting a sense of community 

and social inclusion. In addition to economic 

development, sustainable communities require the 

provision of and access to education, health, childcare 

services, recreation and leisure amenities, community 

support services, and a good quality built environment. 

The Council aims, where possible, to respond to the 

community of Boyle and their needs. 

Community infrastructure also includes traditional local 

services such as small shops, post offices, and licensed 

premises as these also help to preserve and enhance a 

sense of community at local level. In addition to this, the 

enhancement of a sense of place and belonging within 

communities is hugely dependent on opportunities to 

meet, interact and form strong social networks (see 

Chapter 8). It is important to retain these services, where 

viable. 

For some members of the community there are more 

barriers in accessing the same opportunities, facilities 

and services, whether through age, gender, disability, 

unemployment, location, origin or language barriers. 

Social inclusion refers to the manner in which all 

members of the community are integrated equally, and it 

seeks to reduce barriers such as those mentioned above. 

Specific polices and actions will be required for these 

people, in order to enable them to obtain the same quality 

of life as the remainder of the community, which is 

crucial to a strong and inclusive community. 

4.2 EXISTING CONTEXT 

4.2.1 Community Facilities 

RCC seeks to ensure that adequate provisions are made 

for community facilities. Facilities in Boyle and in close 

proximity to the town include tennis courts; a library, 

local angling, a GAA Pitch, the Boyle Golf Course, an 

all-weather soccer pitch, the Boyle Community Centre, 

the Family Life Centre, the Boyle Garda Station, and 

the Pleasure Grounds mini pitch, amongst others. See 

appended Maps 9a & 9b, which are not exhaustive. A 

grant was secured to provide an Outdoor Adults 

Exercise Facility beside the existing Children’s 

Adventure Playground in the Pleasure Grounds, in 

Boyle Town. This new facility was completed in 

January 2012. 

Photo 14 & 15: Children’s Playground & All weather 

pitch in the Pleasure Grounds 

Children’s facilities in the town include; a public 

adventure playground, sports clubs, Children’s Summer 

Camps, Scouts, and Girl Guides, amongst others. Boyle 

Library provides a venue for exhibitions by local and 

visiting artists and organisations. A wide variety of 

musical tastes are catered for in other pubs in Boyle. 

Boyle has a thriving musical society, which presents an 

annual stage musical (award winning) in the town hall. 

RCC recognises that the further development of new 

and improved community, tourism, and recreation 

facilities will assist the growth of tourism in Boyle. The 

development and enhancement of such facilities will 

improve the attractiveness of the town for both the local 

community and visitors. 

Photo 16: Boyle GAA Club 

Voluntary, Cultural and Sporting Associations in the 

area include Boyle Active Age Group, Boyle Handball 

Club, Curlieu Wheelers (cycling), Boyle/Ardcarne 

Community Games, Roscommon Boy Scouts, Boyle 

Celtic F.C., Badminton Club, Tennis Club, Hill 

Walking, Rowing, Boyle Marching Band, Boyle 

Musical Society, Tidy Towns Association, Boyle GAA 

Club, and the Curlew Ramblers, amongst others. The 

Council will continue to seek to provide a range of 

social, recreational and community facilities to meet the 

needs of all of the area's residents, regardless of age or 

social background. 

Boyle is also home to many of the county’s renowned 

festivals including the Boyle Arts Festival and the 

Boyle World Rally Festival, amongst others. 



4.2.2 Schools & Educational Facilities 

The provision of education and its associated facilities has an integral role to play 

in developing sustainable and balanced communities. 

The existence of such facilities can increase the attractiveness of an area for 

business and families. Roscommon County Council has no direct responsibility for 

the provision of education and decisions regarding the future requirements for 

education facilities are primarily the responsibility of the Department of Education 

and Skills. There is however, an onus on the Council to reserve sufficient lands to 

meet the likely future demands for community facilities including education. 

There are currently three primary schools in Boyle; the Convent of Mercy Primary 

School, St. Joseph’s Primary School and the Parochial National School. Abbey 

Community College is the Secondary School in Boyle, and it opened in September 

2002 following the amalgamation of Scoil Chriost an Ri, St Mary’s College and 

Boyle Vocational School. Abbey Community College/Coláiste na Mainistreach is a 

co-educational community college operating under the trusteeship of Co. 

Roscommon Vocational Education Committee. Abbey Community College is the 

only second level school in Boyle, North Roscommon, facilitating both urban and 

rural based students. The school presently educates approximately 427 students and 

serves a wide catchment area well beyond the LAP boundaries. Enrolment 

projections for the next five years indicate an average intake of 94 student’s p.a. 

Schools should be located on easily accessible sites and applications for education 

developments will be expected to meet the Council’s Standards with regard to carparking, 

building design, landscaping and access for people with disabilities. These 

standards will be applicable whether the proposed development is for a new 

educational facility or an extension to an existing resource. New facilities should be 

located, where possible, close to or within the main residential areas in order to 

reinforce a sense of community and to ensure that walking, cycling and public 

transport are suitable options. Table 4 details the provision of schools in relation to 

the phasing of development which is proposed in Chapter 8 Urban Development & 

Design. 

Table 3: Proposed Education Provision within the Boyle LAP area 

Education Provision Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 

Area of land (acres)* 21.57 22.83 23.55 

Additional dwellings 172 183 188 

at 8-12 units per acre 

(8 per acre/20 per ha 

assumed) 

Additional dwellings 430 457 471 

(@2.5 persons per 

dwelling – 

RPGs,2010) 

Additional children of 51 54 56 

primary school going 

age (11.9% of 

population) 

Additional 

Classrooms required 

(@28 pupils per class) 

2 2 2 

Suggested site size 

(@1.22Ha/3 acres for 

12-31 classrooms & 

2.03Ha/ 5 acres for 32 

classrooms) 

Additional children of 

post primary age 

(8.5% of population) 

Additional 

Classrooms required 

(@ 28 pupils per 

teacher/class) 

Suggested site 

size(@4.8 Ha/12 acres 

for schools of 600-800 

pupils) 

Possible small 

scale extension of 

existing schools 

indicated above 

Small scale 

extension of 

existing schools 


Small scale 

extension of 

existing 

schools 


36 39 40 

1-2 1-2 1-2 

Extension of 

existing school, 

accommodate 

within existing 

school buildings 

Extension of 

existing school, 

accommodate 

within existing 

school buildings 

*Refer to Phasing table in Chapter 8: Urban Development 

Possible 

Extension to 

existing 

Community 

School 

facilities 



Post Leaving Certificate courses are also run in the 

Abbey Community College, for school leavers or adults 

wishing to return to education. Courses include, for 

example, Business Studies Administration, Computer 

Course Business Studies, Administration, Computer 

Applications, and Childcare. The Boyle College of 

Business and Adult Education is situated on Marian 

Road, Boyle. 

County Roscommon VEC operates the following key 

programmes aimed at community development in 

County Roscommon: Vocational Training 

Opportunities Scheme (VTOS); YOUTHREACH 

Programme and the Community Education Programme. 

Furthermore, through the Adult Education Service, 

VEC programmes to meet specific needs decided by the 

community are provided annually. The Adult Education 

Service co-ordinates the Community Enterprise 

Programme on behalf of FÁS in Boyle and in broader 

County Roscommon. This programme provides 

community groups with an experimental approach to 

community and enterprise development. The 

Roscommon County Enterprise Board works closely 

with the VEC. 

There are a number of third level colleges within easy 

access of Boyle including; Athlone Institute of 

Technology (76kms), Sligo Institute of Technology 

(35kms), Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology 

(Galway 109kms, Castlerea 82kms), and National 

University of Ireland (NUI) Galway (109kms). 

The educational facilities within Boyle at present have 

capacity to adequately cater for the short to medium 

term expansion of the population. However, if the 

population was to increase significantly this situation 

may require reassessment. Adequate lands have been 

zoned for Community Use in order to allow limited 

expansion of the schools where required. 

The town's annual Arts Festival programme adds to and 

stimulates the town's learning activity. The festival is all 

about providing an eclectic mix of entertainment 

utilising both the visual and performance arts media. 

Boyle Arts Festival also hosts exhibitions of 

Contemporary Irish Art with top-name artists 

exhibiting. 

Photos 17 & 18: Abbey Community College 

4.2.3 Boyle Town Library 

Roscommon County Council Library Services provides 

for the cultural, education, recreation, information and 

learning needs of people of all ages throughout the 

county and strives to provide and develop a 

comprehensive, quality, modern and accessible service. 

It acts as a centre for knowledge and learning, as a 

resource for culture, tourism and the imagination, as a 

resource for children and young people, as an access to 

information communication technologies, and as a vital 

community facility and public space. 

Boyle Town Library is located in the basement of King 

House and originally would have been the kitchens, 

stores and servant quarters of the House. The original 

floor and barrel vaulted ceiling can still be seen as you 

walk into this excellent facility which is more than just a 

library as it hosts several events throughout the year 

including art exhibitions and book readings, amongst 

others. 

The Library is extremely well equipped with books, 

cassette tapes, DVDs, CDs, and a reference library, 

including information on local history and much more. 

A full free internet service, as well as daily and weekly 

papers and many weekly and monthly publications are 

also available. The Library service is now online and 

their catalogue can be searched online. Books can also 

be reserved and renewed on-line. Information on the 

opening hours, library events, contact details and library 

facilities are all available on www.roscommoncoco.ie. 

A comprehensive reference section within the Library 

houses many important local documents and books 

including the annals of Boyle, the annals of Lough Key, 

histories of the Earls of Kingston and the Connaught 

Rangers, and Estate Records from the Rockingham 

Demense. 

Photo 19: Boyle Town Library 



Photo 20: Abbey Community College – PLC Centre / 

Boyle VTOS Centre 

4.2.4 Social Inclusion & Disability 

Due to inadequate income and other resources people 

may be excluded and marginalised from participating in 

activities, which are considered the norm for other 

people in society. Social inclusion refers to a series of 

positive actions to achieve equality of access to services 

and goods, to assist all individuals to participate in their 

community and society, to encourage the contribution of 

all persons to social and cultural life, and to be aware of 

and to challenge all forms of discrimination. The 

provision of facilities such as childcare, health and social 

infrastructure is fundamental to establishing communities 

and promoting quality of life, social inclusion and 

sustainable settlements. Adequate provision should be 

made for sport, recreational and other public amenities in 

Boyle. 

Roscommon County Council's Social Inclusion Unit 

has been developed in partnership with all sections of 

the local authority. Its role is to support and facilitate 

Social Inclusion activities and policies across the entire 

range of local authority activities. By establishing a 

Social Inclusion Unit, Roscommon County Council 

aims to broaden the role of the Council in tacking social 

exclusion and poverty in County Roscommon and to 

more fully integrate it into the entire work of the 

organisation. 

4.2.5 Childcare Provision 

Early Childhood Care and Education is an important 

service for both parents and their children. It enables 

parents to access education, employment and can also 

give them opportunities to engage in social activities. 

Early Childhood is a key stage in children’s lives. The 

need to develop and expand social infrastructure such as 

childcare provision which supports the lifecycle needs of 

people working and living in the county, is a priority of 

Roscommon County Council. 

In 2011 there were 1822 children in Early Childhood 

Care and Education services throughout the County, in 

29 community services and 28 private services which are 

categorised into sessional, part-time and full-time day 

care in private and community services. There are also 

approximately 37 After-school services, 18 Parent and 

Toddler groups and 39 childminders known to 

Roscommon County Childcare Committee in the county. 

Childcare in Boyle is currently provided through 7 

Early Childhood Care and Education services. Boyle 

Social Services Pre-School and Tangier Tots are 

situated within Boyle town. All others are situated 

within the wider Electoral District of Boyle. There are a 

number of Childminding services in the Boyle Electoral 

District. RCC consulted with the Roscommon County 

Childcare Committee and the above information is 

accurate as per November 2011. Further information on 

all of the Early Childhood Care and Education services 

can be found in Roscommon County Childcare 

Committee’s 2011 publication ‘The Development of the 

Early Childhood Care & Education in County 

Roscommon, including a Directory of Services’. 

4.2.6 Health 

Responsibility for the provision of health-care facilities 

within County Roscommon lies with a number of public, 

voluntary and private agencies. The Health Service 

Executive is the primary agency responsible for 

delivering health and personal social services. The Health 

Centre in Boyle is located on Elphin Street. 

Roscommon County Hospital is located in Roscommon 

town, 44km from Boyle Town. A medical, surgical, 

psychiatric, geriatric and coronary service is available 

together with an accident and emergency unit at the 

hospital. Sligo Hospital, Swinford Hospital in County 

Mayo and St. Patrick’s Hospital in Carrick-on-Shannon 

are also situated in relatively close proximity to Boyle. 

There are currently two nursing homes situated in Boyle. 

The Sacred Heart Home (Elderly Hospital) in 

Roscommon Town is 44km from Boyle. 

4.2.7 Fire Service 

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency 

Management is the body primarily charged with the 

responsibility of giving advice to the public on fire 

safety matters. The protection of life, property and the 

environment by the efficient and effective prevention 

and control of fires and other emergencies form the main 

objectives of the Fire Service. Roscommon County 

Council maintains six brigades: Castlerea, Elphin, 

Roscommon, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen and Strokestown. 

In addition, Athlone Town Council provides the service, 

by Agreement, in the Southern part of the County. The 

headquarters for the County Fire Service is provided at 

Roscommon Fire Station. Boyle fire station was built in 

1994 and is situated on Marion Road. 



4.2.8 Burial Grounds 

Photo 21: Boyle Fire Station 

The Roads Section of RCC is responsible for regulations 

in relation to Burial Grounds. The main cemetery for 

Boyle Town is Assylinn, which is located outside the 

LAP development boundary, to the west of the town. 

Cemetery Bye-laws came into force on the 1 st of April 

2001 and all open graveyards have to abide by them. 

There are also graveyards which are considered ancient 

and it is noted that over half the graveyards in the 

county are on the Record of Monuments and Places. 

This is important as it means that these are protected 

under the National Monuments Act 1930-2004. Such 

historic graveyards are the oldest in the county and 

contain structures and burials from the earliest phases 

of Christianity up to the present. Some graveyards also 

have associated churches, mausoleums, vaults or other 

structures, which are protected under the Planning and 

Development Acts, because of their architectural or 

other value. 

Historic graveyards contain within them a wealth of 

archaeological and architectural heritage – such as 

churches, bullaun stones, carved stones, rare plants, 

native grasses and dry stonewalls etc and may be 

protected under the National Monuments Act or the 

Planning & Development Acts. The County 

Roscommon Graveyard survey contains details on the 

ownership and status of all graveyards in County 

Roscommon. This can be viewed on 

www.roscommoncoco.ie or in the County Library, 


4.2.9 Community Development Forum 

North Roscommon Community Forum (www.nrcf.ie) 

North Roscommon Community Forum was established 

in 1997 and its purpose is to give a voice to the 

community and voluntary sector in a number of ways. It 

brings affiliated voluntary and community groups 

together so that the forum can present a strong, 

independent, united voice of the community, share 

knowledge and experiences and promote development, 

growth and change. The Forum is open to a broad range 

of community groups and voluntary organisations. 

Groups already participating include those involved with 

community development, community resource centres, 

social care, young people, heritage, enterprise 

development, employment creation, rural tourism 

groups. 

One very important role of the Forum is to facilitate the 

representation of, and participation by, community and 

voluntary groups in the North Roscommon area in 

matters relating to the work of Roscommon County 

Development Board (RCDB). This involves Forum 

representatives sitting on the County Development Board 

which enables networking and collaboration between 

RCDB and the Forum, and the groups and organisations 

it represents. 

Forum representatives also sit on the Strategic Policy 

Committees and Social Inclusion Measures Working 

Group of Roscommon County Council. Their presence 

on these bodies facilitates two-way communication 

between the community and local government by 

bringing the views of the community organisations to 

local government and by feeding back relevant 

information to the member groups of the Forum. The 

Forum also has representatives on a number of other 

local agencies and regional bodies including: 

‣ Roscommon County Childcare Committee 

‣ Roscommon County Development Board 

‣ Roscommon County Enterprise Board 

‣ Roscommon Integrated Development Company 

(RIDC) 

‣ County Roscommon Heritage Forum 

The Forum plays an important role in providing practical 

assistance and support to its member groups and 

organisations. This assistance includes helping groups to 

identify funding sources and make grant applications, 

facilitating members looking for particular types of 

training, as well as helping to deliver great insurance 

deals for members. 

Funding for voluntary and community groups is 

available from a wide range of organisations including: 

• Government Departments & Agencies 

• Dormant Accounts Fund 

• National Lottery 

• Trusts & Non Governmental Organisations 

4.3 SOCIAL & COMMUNITY FACILITIES 

STRATEGY 

The Social and Community Facilities Strategy for Boyle 

aims to promote a wide range of existing and new 



community facilities; including health, education, arts, 

culture and recreation to cater for the needs of the 

growing population. The plan seeks to assist and 

facilitate in the improvement of existing social, 

community and cultural facilities, as appropriate within 

Boyle and make adequate provisions for the development 

of new facilities. RCC provides a number of roles in 

ensuring adequate provision of social, community and 

cultural facilities as appropriate, namely: 

‣ Facilitation and flexibility in the provision of 

increased community services within Boyle as 

appropriate, including health, childcare, education 

etc. 

‣ Reservation of lands for community uses within 

Boyle. 

‣ Applying a collaborative approach in the assessment 

of planning applications submitted which are 

required to reflect the scale of its location and 

carrying capacity in terms of community 

infrastructure. 

‣ Plan for the appropriate expansion of Boyle as per its 

position with the County settlement hierarchy. 

Suitably located sites will be reserved in existing and 

newly built-up areas where deficiencies exist. In newly 

developing areas, sites for community facilities e.g. preschools, 

clinics, convenience shops and local resource 

centres will be identified to meet anticipated needs. The 

provision of social facilities including recreational 

facilities for the youth of the town is essential. 

This strategy, for the purposes of this plan, identifies the 

needs of communities in broad terms. However, a 

collaborative approach by all stakeholders i.e. state, local 

authority, community groups and the private sector on 

the identification and provision of community facilities is 

required on an on-going basis to ensure that appropriate 

facilities are provided, when necessary. RCC play an 

integral role in facilitating and supporting these 

identified needs. 

The main policies and objectives for Social and 

Community Facilities are outlined below: 

Policies for Social & Community Facilities 

Policy 27 

Assist, encourage and facilitate the provision and 

extension of community facilities to serve the 

individual community needs of all individuals in Boyle 

in liaison with public bodies, community based groups, 

state agencies, government departments and other 

interested parties. 

Policy 28 

Require the provision of high quality, affordable 

childcare facilities at easily accessible central locations, 

in association with housing and other development in 

compliance with the County Childcare Strategy and the 

Childcare Facilities Guidelines for Planning 

Authorities, 2001 (DEHLG) or any amendments 

thereto. 

Objectives for Social & Community Facilities 

Objective 48 

Have regard to the guidance and recommendations of 

The Provision of Schools and the Planning System – A 

Code of Practice for Planning Authorities, the 

Department of Education and Skills (DoES) and 

DoEHLG, July 2008, as well as other national 

guidance, as appropriate for the provision of schools by 

ensuring that suitable lands are zoned for educational 

uses within the Boyle LAP boundary. 

Objective 49 

Seek to continue to develop and improve the Library 

services provided in Boyle and throughout the County 

on an ongoing basis. 

Objective 50 

Facilitate the accommodation of healthcare functions at 

suitable locations within the LAP area, when required, 

in liaison with the appropriate health authorities. 

Objective 51 

Support the multi-functional use and provision of 

buildings and opportunities to maximise the use of 

existing physical resources / infrastructure within the 

LAP area. 

Objective 52 

Protect the cultural and natural heritage of historical 

burial grounds and ensure their management and 

maintenance is in accordance with the principles of best 

conservation practice. 

Objective 53 

Require that all works proposed to be carried out in 

graveyards, which are Recorded Monuments, are 

notified two months in advance, to the National 

Monuments Service, as required under the National 

Monuments Acts, and that recommendations regarding 

the carrying out of proposed works are complied with, 

as a condition of any grant aid from Roscommon 

County Council. 


PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR 2012 – 2018 & BEYOND Chapter 5: Recreation, Leisure & Tourism 

CHAPTER 5: 

RECREATION, LEISURE & TOURISM 


Recreation, Leisure and Tourism are becoming 

increasingly important within Local Authority areas and 

can act as key economic drivers within the County. The 

Recreation, Leisure and Tourism Strategy for Boyle 

aims to promote the historic and heritage value of 

Boyle, and support the recreational amenities and 

opportunities arising from public open space areas and 

the surrounding countryside. 


5.2.1 Open Space & Sporting Provision 

Open space is important for the health and well being of 

the entire community. It is an important consideration 

in the plan making process, whether it is a regional 

facility, open space to serve a town, or open space 

which is provided as part of a residential development. 

The main function of the Plan in relation to open space 

is in ensuring that sufficient land is allocated for such 

use and that development management standards 

require its provision as part of new development. (See 

DEHLG Guidelines for Planning Authorities on 

Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas, 

2009). 

The Council recognises that the further development of 

new and improved tourism, recreation and leisure 

facilities will assist the growth of tourism in Boyle. 

Such developments will help to make the town more 

attractive to both the local community and visitors. The 

Council also recognises the necessity for the provision 

of playing pitches and facilities for other passive 

recreational pursuits. 

The Council will continue to cooperate with sporting 

bodies and Government Departments in the provision 

and improvement of sporting facilities in Boyle, both 

private and public. 

Attractive natural features such as trees and hedgerows 

should be retained, protected and incorporated into 

public open space areas. Existing healthy trees should 

be retained where possible and developers are 

encouraged to plant trees and hedgerows which are 

native to the area. It is considered that sports and 

recreational facilities are important for enabling people 

to live a full and active life and these should, therefore, 

be provided in line with population growth and 

residential development. 

1. Access to recreational lands 

The issue of access to recreational lands is becoming of 

increasing importance. RCC recognises the need to 

preserve and enhance the existing public rights of way 

to recreational areas including upland areas, lakeshores, 

river-bank areas and heritage sites. This must be in 

accordance with sustainable management practices and 

the overall amenity of these areas, and where necessary 

new ones should be established in co-operation with 

landowners and the local community for informal 

recreation purposes such as walking, cycling and horse 

riding. 

2. Green Corridors 

The quality of life in urban areas can be greatly 

improved by green corridors. They support sustainable 

communities by providing pedestrian and cycle 

linkages within urban areas and surrounding environs. 

They can offer a host of other benefits including; a 

recreational resource, a place for social interaction, play 

areas for children, a peaceful retreat, and a reserve and 

migration corridor for biodiversity, flora and fauna. 

They also provide an attractive backdrop to the built 

environment. Accordingly, it is an objective of this 

LAP to identify a network of green corridors, which 

will be selected in order to integrate with existing and 

future developments. 

It is envisaged that these corridors will be developed 

and maintained by the developer of the lands 

concerned, pending the “taking in charge” by RCC of 

the development. They will be developed in accordance 

with RCC’s requirements, so as to achieve a 

coordinated scheme of green corridors within the town, 

with possible links to the surrounding countryside. Such 

requirements will, where appropriate, include the 

provision of; surface water drainage, proper walking 

and cycle routes, litter bins, signage, public lighting, 

and occasional seating. They will also be appropriately 

landscaped with native deciduous planting in order to 

provide a valuable ecological corridor. 

Photo 22: Example of such corridors, Plunket 

Avenue Green Area & Famine Graveyard 



At all times, unobstructed open public access will be 

made available along the route of the corridors. 

Accordingly modifications to their location may be 

permitted where it is clearly demonstrated that a 

comparable or enhanced route can be achieved. The 

corridor may be amended / altered through the careful 

location of open space provision for the development in 

question. 

Photo 23: ‘The Lawns’/Boyle Town Park 

Photo 24: Pleasure Grounds & King House 

Photo 25: Boyle Canal 

3. Allotments 

Public allotments and community gardens can have a 

number of benefits for local residents. These benefits 

include, for example; environmental awareness, 

promotion of healthy lifestyles, provision of a cheap 

and local source of food, building and strengthening 

communities, providing educational opportunities and 

promoting diversity. Allotments are a relatively low 

cost way to effectively take local action on key areas of 

government policy, such as; biodiversity enhancement, 

waste management, climate change, promotion of 

sustainable agricultural, and implementation of Local 

Agenda 21. RCC will support the development of 

public allotments and will seek to support the 

identification of sites for such activities. 

Photo 26: Allotment (Source: www.growfarm.ie) 

Policy for Open Space & Sporting Provision 

Policy 29 

Ensure that public open space provided as part of new 

development is of high quality and designed and 

finished to ensure its usability, security and cost 

efficient maintenance. 

Policy 30 

Provide for the needs of young people at suitable 

locations through supporting youth groups, youth 

sports, arts activities and providing facilities to 

encourage the involvement of young people in activities 

and gatherings. 

Policy 31 

Promote the development of an integrated open space 

system, consisting of open spaces, vegetation, drainage 

channels, etc., that will protect and conserve existing 

environmental designations, fauna and flora and 

landscape character. It will also ensure an adequate 

level of biodiversity and ecological functioning; will 

provide for the passive and active recreational needs of 

users; will provide high quality landscaping and open 

space areas on developed lands to structure; and, 

provide visual relief from the built environment. 

Objectives for Open Space & Sporting Provision 

Objective 54 

Ensure that adequate internal open spaces and 

landscaping are provided within developments, 

including the following: 

1. Retain existing mature and semi-mature trees and 

hedgerows on undeveloped land, where 

practicable and incorporate into the layout and 

design of developments. If retention is not 

possible, replacement proposals will be required. 

2. Provide landscaped open spaces and parking 

areas within developments to provide visual relief 

from the built development, spaces for relaxation 

for staff, adequate lighting into buildings, 

adequate parking space, etc. 



Objective 55 

Implement the Council’s Development Contribution 

Scheme as it relates to the improvement of existing 

recreation and leisure facilities and the funding of new 

recreation and leisure facilities in tandem with new 

developments. 

Objective 56 

Ensure that fully equipped playgrounds to appropriate 

standards are provided within all new housing 

developments of in excess of 20 units. In addition, a 

hierarchy of useable open spaces and the provision of 

recreational facilities appropriate to the size of the 

estate or taken in combination with a number of estates 

are provided e.g. seating areas, landscaped open spaces, 

basketball courts, skate-park areas, public parks and 

playing pitches. 

Objective 57 

Support the development of public allotments and the 

identification of suitable sites for such activities. 

Objective 58 

Ensure a high quality urban environment which takes 

the following into consideration; 

1. Retention and augmentation of mature vegetation 

– especially in roadside areas. 

2. Improving public amenities – by good design and 

provision of facilities in the public domain. 

3. Control and monitoring of material used for fill in 

authorised development sites. 

4. Prevention of unlicensed discharges – direct or 

indirect – to surface water systems. 

5. Prevention of unauthorised ‘reclamation’ of 

wetlands. 

Objective 59 

In co-operation with developers seek to identify and 

map a network of green corridors, which will be 

selected in order to integrate with existing and future 

developments. 

Objective 60 

Facilitate the continued development and enhancement 

of facilities at Boyle Harbour. 

Policy for access to recreational lands 

Policy 32 

Preserve and enhance the existing public rights of way 

to recreational areas including upland areas, lakeshores, 

river-bank areas and heritage sites, in accordance with 

the sustainable management practices and the overall 

amenity of these areas and where necessary to establish 

new ones in co-operation with landowners and the local 

community. 

5.2.2 Integrated Tourism & Recreation 

Development 

Integrated Tourism is tourism that is linked to the 

economic, social, cultural, natural and human structures 

of the region where it occurs. It seeks to make the most 

of these structures and aims to retain local ownership 

and control of resources and activities with maximum 

benefits to the area. Integrated Tourism encourages 

tourism that is based on local physical, economic, social 

and cultural resources and local relationships so that 

tourist experiences are place specific. It is also sensitive 

to scale, which is appropriate to local circumstances and 

supports sustainability of resources and activities in 

ecological, economic and cultural terms. 

The Council considers that in order to capitalise on 

potential tourist income the following issues, amongst 

others, need to be addressed in consultation with Fáilte 

Ireland and other stakeholders as part of an integrated 

tourism development approach for the town: 

‣ Improved promotion and marketing of the history 

of Boyle and its flagship attractions. 

‣ Build on existing facilities and support niche 

markets, for example; cycling / walking / fishing / 

painting holidays, archaeological and nature tours, 

English language learning tours, and specialist 

markets such as activity holidays, environmental or 

cultural based tourism. 

‣ Improved linkages with key tourist sites and 

attractions in the area. 

‣ Improved public realm creating a café culture 

supporting boutique style retailing. 

‣ Packages or bundles could also be development by 

linking with other attractions within the County and 

Region. 

‣ Build upon the attraction offered by the Boyle 

Farmers Market. 

‣ Promotion of high quality services which will 

support the fishing industry in Boyle and the 

surrounding area, which is recognised as being an 

angler’s paradise with several lakes and rivers 

within close proximity. 

‣ Build upon the many activities such as boating, 

water-sports, walking, cycling, swimming and bird 

watching which are all available in the region. 

‣ Improved promotion and marketing of walking 

holidays in the Boyle area. 

‣ Promotion of new activities, attractions and 

festivals i.e. open air concerts, festivals and waterbased 

recreational activities on the Boyle River and 

Lough Key. 



‣ The enhancement of the local specialised food and 

cottage industries. 

‣ Improved promotion and marketing of local cultural 

events and facilities such as the Boyle Arts Festival, 

its programme of classical music with concerts, 

Boyle Civic Collection, amongst others. 

‣ Provision of additional accommodation choices 

within the town, in particular the development of a 

new high quality hotel on lands zoned for Leisure 

Tourism (west of the N61), illustrated on Map 12. 

‣ Build upon the many attractions offered in the 

Lough Key Forest & Activity Park. 

‣ Appropriate development and improved promotion 

of Boyle Harbour which offers Shannon river 

cruiser holiday-makers berthing just 1km from 

Boyle town. 

‣ Boyle Harbour – Integrated Tourism 

Development 

The development of lands identified for 

tourism/recreational development at Boyle Harbour (see 

Figure 6 below) as part of an integrated tourism 

development is one of the key elements of this LAP. 

RCC recognises the functional importance of Boyle 

Harbour and Canal as a physical connection to Lough 

Key and the greater Shannon-Erne Waterway, as a 

setting for appropriate development, as an open area, an 

ecological resource, and as a recreational, leisure and 

tourist facility. An integrated tourism venture, based on 

a high quality harbour mixed use development 

providing appropriate leisure, recreational, open space 

and water based facilities will be supported and assisted 

in developing a core product. This area is therefore 

identified as a Key Development Area in the Preferred 

Development Strategy for Boyle (see Chapter 2). 

In order to maximise the tourism potential of Boyle 

Harbour and Canal to the town it is considered that this 

area is developed for appropriate leisure tourism use. 

As outlined in Chapter 2, transforming Boyle Harbour 

into an area that is more attractive for visitors and 

residents will be of significant benefit to the Boyle area. 

The Council envisages a high quality integrated harbour 

mixed-use development with improved pedestrian and 

vehicular links to the town centre. The development 

could provide the following land uses, amongst others: 

‣ Café 

‣ Pub/restaurant 

‣ Leisure facilities 

‣ Water based outdoor/recreational pursuits 

‣ Open space 

‣ Civic social amenity/community clubs 

‣ Ground floor retail use 

‣ Holiday accommodation 

‣ Artisan and crafts quarter 

‣ Visitor Information Centre 

‣ Boat maintenance 

‣ Showers & laundry 

‣ Improved public access along the canal 

‣ Additional car parking and picnic facilities 

‣ Additional water, power points and pump-out 

facilities for boat users 

‣ Sufficient waste disposal facilities and services 

‣ Safe play areas for children 

The development of the lands immediately surrounding 

the harbour should form part of Phase 1 of any 

development proposal on these lands. The Council will 

consider ancillary uses, appropriate to the core use as 

further “add-on” facilities. RCC will require uses in this 

area that are appropriate for lands zoned Leisure 

Tourism (see chapter 8) and enhance the vitality of the 


Public use and enjoyment of the Harbour and Canal can 

be enhanced by the establishment of a range of public 

uses and attractions in this area. Therefore opportunities 

should be taken to incorporate an appropriate mix of 

public uses, especially on the lower floors of proposed 

buildings fronting and near the Harbour. The provision 

of a mix of appropriate uses within the development of 

this area will increase the potential of the Harbour and 

canalside to become a focus of water-based and other 

recreational activities and events. Facilities such as 

recreational accommodation, arts, cultural and 

entertainment facilities, shopping, catering and 

amenities for visitors would increase awareness and use 

of the Harbour and canalside. Such uses would become 

increasingly attractive as public access to the area is 

maximised through the development of quality and 

legible public access links, which link to the Harbour, 

the town centre and Lough Key Forest and Activity 

Park, significantly boosting the number of people 

walking, cycling and boating in the area. 

Multi-lingual signage/information at the harbour, 

clearly indicating local attractions, facilities and 

services would be extremely useful. Careful positioning 

of such information would be of great benefit to both 

visitors by water and by land. An open-sided roofed 

area with picnic and BBQ facilities along the canalside 

could provide an area for waterway users to eat and 

relax etc. off their boats in wet weather, providing 

another reason to spend longer in the area. 

The construction of a small ‘band stand’ in this area 

could also be considered, subject to health and safety 

concerns. Such an amenity area could encourage people 

to play music, and enjoy this harbour area. 



The Harbour and canalside also provides an attractive location for holiday 

accommodation which could further boost the demand for local services. The 

potential holiday accommodation component of this development should be 

specifically designed to ensure a wide mix of occupancy. It should be designed and 

sized to suit families as well as couples, sharers and sole occupants staying in a secure 

environment. There should also be safe play areas for children in the development, 

which applies sustainable development principles throughout. 

area, is seen as a primary reason for introducing the proposed Bicycle Sharing 

Scheme in Boyle. It is considered that the provision of bike stations at Boyle Harbour, 

the town centre and Lough Key could greatly improve linkages and boost tourism in 

the area. Figure 4 in Chapter 2 illustrates a potential main route for the proposed 

Bicycle Sharing Scheme in Boyle. 

New development in this area should have a special quality appropriate to its context; 

it should include uses which enhance enjoyment of the Harbour and Canal, Lough 

Key and wider Shannon-Erne Waterway. Development should maintain or improve 

important views of the Harbour, the Canal, and the surrounding countryside. RCC 

recognises that improved access to and from the Harbour/Canal can enhance public 

safety. RCC will promote safety measures, such as the provision of grab-chains, 

ladders and life rings at the harbour and along the canalside, where appropriate. 

Boyle Harbour has the potential to form a key part of further tourism development in 

Boyle. Development in the Harbour area should be high quality and RCC will ensure 

that developments which could affect this area have bulk, massing, scale and an 

appearance which is appropriate to its surroundings. Single and two storey buildings 

will be considered in this area. Development should consider the existing character of 

the area and significant developments within this area should be accompanied by a 

design statement showing how the proposal relates to the harbour/canalside context. 

Particular attention should be paid to: 

‣ Lighting of developments which takes into consideration the character of the area 

and mooring of boats 

‣ Siting, size and nature of advertising material which is appropriate to its setting 

‣ Free pedestrian movement along the riverside as well as to the harbour, town 

centre and adjoining areas such as Lough Key Forest and Activity Park. 

Careful attention to details such as lighting, surface materials, soft and hard 

landscaping, seating, signage, and the inclusion of features which enhance 

pedestrian/cycle linkages and the environmental attractiveness of the area will be 

encouraged. The provision of public art in this area should also be encouraged. 

As outlined in Chapter 2, improving linkages between Boyle Harbour, the town 

centre and Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, in order to increase tourism in the 

Figure 7: Boyle Harbour 

Any development proposal on the subject lands may require the support of a 

comprehensive Strategic Transport Assessment (STA) addressing these lands at preplanning 

stage, so that it informs the type and scale of any development proposal. The 

STA may also be required to demonstrate that the safety and carrying capacity of the 

N61 National Primary Route will not be compromised. Any development proposal 

shall provide for improvements to the Road Network and associated junctions and 

phasing of any development to ensure that there will be little or no negative impact on 

the safety and carrying capacity of the N61. 



Policies for Integrated Tourism & Recreational 

Development 

Policy 33 

Provide for the sports and recreational needs of the LAP 

area, by upgrading and maintaining existing facilities 

and providing for new facilities as required. Facilities 

provided should be designed with flexibility in mind so 

that they are multifunctional and ensure maximum 

usability by a variety of groups and members of local 

communities. Facilities should be widely accessible to 

ensure that sports and recreation may provide a forum 

for social inclusion and integration and the Council will 

work with sporting organisations and clubs to achieve 

widespread availability of facilities. 

Policy 34 

Facilitate and encourage the development of new tourist 

activities on appropriately zoned lands at Boyle 

Harbour, as part of an integrated tourism development 

to include a high quality harbour mixed use 

development providing appropriate leisure, recreational, 

open space and water based facilities and provide 

support for existing services and communities. In all 

cases development will be required to comply with the 

development management standards and key 

sustainable tourism principles as set out under the 

RCDP. 

Objective for Integrated Tourism & Recreational 

Development 

Objective 61 

Identify strategic locations where public open space and 

parks 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 rivers, lakes, canal, picturesque 

landscapes, views or features of our natural heritage, or 

to retain areas of ecological interest and biodiversity 

value. 

Objective 62 

Seek to facilitate the provision of disabled persons 

fishing stands along the Boyle Canal at locations 

suitable for anglers with a disability or restricted 

mobility. 

‣ 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. 

Slí na Sláinte is a health promotion walking initiative 

which was introduced in 1996 and aimed at 

encouraging people of all ages and abilities to walk for 

pleasure and good health. There are four main Slí na 

Sláinte trails in County Roscommon. The Lough Key Slí 

na Sláinte is in close proximity to the Boyle LAP area. 

The Miners’ Way Historical Trail is a 110.5 mile long 

walking route, 39 miles of which are in County 

Roscommon. The walk forms part of the Cospoir 

approved national network of long distance walking 

routes. The route is entitled the Miners Way/Historical 

Trail. The Miners Way denotes the fact that it covers 

the coal mining area of Arigna and Historical Trail as it 

follows the route taken by the Red Earl in the ninth 

Century. 

There is a need to recognise the importance of walking 

and cycling in County Roscommon from a local as well 

as tourism perspective. Walking is becoming an 

increasingly popular activity with holidaymakers and 

Ireland is one of the best countries in the world for 

walking holidays. There has never been a better time to 

experience walking in Ireland. The latest figures show 

that walking in Ireland is one of the top activities 

enjoyed by holidaymakers with over 1.6 million taking 

part during 2009. Research by Fáilte Ireland also 

shows that walking is extremely popular with both 

domestic holidaymakers (over 860,000 people) and 

overseas visitors (up to 800,000) enjoying the wide 

range of walking facilities around the country during 

the same period. There is huge potential for Boyle to 

really benefit from this increasingly popular activity 

and it should be promoted and marketed as such. 

Improvements need to be made to walking routes 

throughout the county and cycle paths need to be 

provided along public roads where possible. As 

mentioned in the infrastructure section of this plan, 

there are two types of cycleways; 

‣ those for the commuter where cyclists ride on the 

roadway and there may be no clear distinction 

between the roadway and “cycle path”; and, 



‣ those for the recreational cyclists where raised 

paths are created adjacent to footpaths and the same 

rules apply for cyclists and pedestrians. 

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 motorised transport 

should be provided, where appropriate. 

Under the Smarter Travel Initiative Boyle has received 

a grant of €300,000 to enhance the cycle and pedestrian 

linkages between the Abbey and the first arch to the 

Lough Key Forest and Activity Park at Rockingham, 

through Abbeytown. The proposed works will primarily 

address gaps in the existing footpath network, the 

construction of a number of pedestrian crossings and 

other traffic calming measures. These works are 

currently underway. 

Policies for Walking & Cycling Routes 

Policy 35 

Facilitate the development of walkways and cycleways 

within the LAP area with careful consideration of 

design and use to ensure maintenance of local 

biodiversity. Routes should take full advantage of 

existing amenities such as riverbanks and canalbanks so 

as to facilitate their enjoyment and exploit their tourism 

value, whilst ensuring that the environmental integrity 

of the area remains. 

Policy 36 

Support the investigation of the potential for off-road 

walking and cycling trails surrounding the LAP area; 

and for the development of linkages between existing 

trails and others in the county and in adjoining counties; 

and support national trail development policy including 

the Irish Trails Strategy. 

Objectives for Walking & Cycling Routes 

Objective 63 

Promote walking, rambling and cycling as appropriate 

recreational and tourism activities within the LAP area. 

Objective 64 

Establish walkways and cycle routes on a legal and 

permanent basis to include heritage and other 

attractions including accompanying signage. 

Objective 65 

Provide dedicated bicycle parking within the town 

centre. 

Objective 66 

Implement the proposed Bicycle Sharing Scheme 

identified in Chapter 2 of this LAP, and seek to provide 

for an integrated cycle and walking network in the Plan 


5.2.3 Tourism 

Boyle and its surrounding area contain a wealth of, not 

only, historical aspects, but also a wide variety of 

environmental and ecologically important areas. Whilst 

Boyle has a considerable wealth of historic features, 

including King House and Boyle Abbey, amongst 

others, the potential to attract visitors to the town has yet 

to be fully realised. 

The tourism industry provides great opportunity for 

economic development and employment creation within 

the LAP area. Boyle is rich in heritage and it is 

envisaged that new investment priorities should be 

directed into Boyle to enable the town to develop as a 

heritage centre. This will entail prioritising a number of 

unique projects in the town. Investment could focus on 

archaeology, history, vintage car rallies, walking, 

cycling, boating, angling, and further development of 

existing heritage. It is considered that the development 

and implementation of strategies aimed at contributing to 

the promotion and facilitation of tourism is one way of 

projecting an image of a place and attracting further 

inward investment. The Council will seek to facilitate the 

development of tourist resources where appropriate, in 

partnership with other public sector agencies and the 

private sector. 

The overall objective for the Roscommon Tourism 

Strategy 2010-2014 is ‘To increase by 50% the 

contribution made by tourism to Roscommon’s 

economy in the next five years for the period 2010 – 

2014’. The Plan states that although ambitious, this 

objective is achievable when you put it in context of the 

national revenue generated through tourism, albeit in a 

time of economic uncertainty. With regard to Boyle, the 

following is identified; 

1. The Strategy states that the absence of a major 

accommodation base in Boyle is an identifiable 

weakness, particularly when the town and Lough 

Key are major attractors for visitors. It specifically 

states the need for a quality hotel in Boyle. The 

Boyle LAP 2011-2017 has identified a potential 

suitable site for such development in the town. See 

Chapter 2 and Maps 12 and 14a. 

2. Signage is a weakness and there is also a 

requirement for an up to date network of tourism 

information points at key visitor attractions and in 

the villages. 



3. Roscommon was once hailed as an angler’s 

paradise but its reputation has been affected by a 

combination of limited access to the lakes and 

rivers, the impact of the spread of zebra mussels 

and other invasive species, competition from other 

EU angling locations and lack of investment in 

product and marketing. 

4. It is essential to safeguard, for future generations, 

the physical elements of the town that combine to 

give its unique character. Improving the town’s 

publicly accessible environment can bring about 

significant long term social, cultural, environmental 

and economic benefits for the town and its people. 

5. Fishing is a major attraction in Boyle and the 

surrounding area. This area is recognised as being 

an angler’s paradise with several lakes and rivers 

within close proximity. Activities such as boating, 

fishing, watersports, walking, cycling, swimming 

and bird watching are all available in the region. 

The Council believes that this industry has the 

potential to develop further and will support further 

investment proposals that will expand and upgrade 

the tourism product on offer. 

The following are a number of the significant 

attractions and events in and around Boyle; 

‣ Lough Key Forest & Activity Park 

Lough Key Forest and Activity Park includes some 350 

acres of parkland on the shores of Lough Key in close 

proximity to Boyle. This beautiful landscape is steeped 

in history with remains of Neolithic and Bronze Age 

settlements. In the 12th Century, the area surrounding 

Lough Key Parkland served as a stronghold of the 

MacDermott Clan. After Cromwell, the lands were given 

over to the King family, who lived on the land for some 

350 years until fire ravaged the manor home, completely 

destroying it in the 1950’s. The property was 

subsequently sold to the Government and was then 

managed as a forest park. Lough Key is a scenic and 

historical area with several interesting features. Guests 

can enjoy walking through more than 10 kilometers of 

forest walks which take you along magnificent lake 

shore areas, canal banks and forested areas. 

Photo 27: ‘The Gazebo’ in Lough Key Forest & Activity 

Park 

Photo 28: Lakeshore near car park in Lough Key Forest 

& Activity Park 

Photo 29: Cruising on the Shannon-Erne Waterway 

The Lough Key Experience focuses on a journey of 

nature and history. It takes the visitor through the 

nineteenth century underground servant’s tunnels up the 

Moylurg Viewing Tower and along Ireland's first Tree 

Canopy Walk. The Tree Canopy Walk is approximately 

300 metres long, is constructed of timber and steel, and 

gently rises approximately 9 metres above the ground 

offering a great view of the surrounding landscape. 

There also is an adventure Playground in the complex, 

together with an adventure house for adults and 

children called Boda Borg. 

Boda Borg is an innovative Swedish concept unique to 

Ireland and is challenging for both adults and children. 

It is indoor weather independent and offers a unique 

challenge. Its 47 rooms contain fun filled activities, 

imaginative puzzles and enjoyable tasks, but no 

instructions! Boda Borg is open all year round for prebooked 

groups and is an idea activity for family and 

friends, school tours, youth clubs, stag and hen parties, 

corporate groups, sports clubs, and social organisations. 

‣ Boyle River 

The Boyle River flows through the heart of Boyle and 

is a major asset to the town, with potential for increased 

use of the river and the riverside for recreation and 

business. The Boyle River is canoed regularly by 

members of the local community and visitors to the 

area. The river and riverbanks are an important part of 

Boyle’s identity and form an important wildlife corridor 

and refuge. 

The Boyle River flows from Lough Gara through the 

town of Boyle and onto Lough Key, before joining with 

Ireland's longest river, the River Shannon. It holds good 

stocks of wild brown trout, with the best pools 



downstream of the town of Boyle, towards Lough Key. 

Boyle Harbour offers Shannon river cruiser holidaymakers 

berthing just 1km from Boyle town. 

Photo 30: Boyle River flowing through Boyle Town 

‣ Boyle Canal & Harbour 

The canal and harbour, completed by Waterways 

Ireland in May 2001, has provided infrastructural 

development to meet the growing demand for mooring 

and boating facilities on the Shannon-Erne Waterway. 

The project involved a 1.3km new cut canal along with 

the construction of a new harbour to accommodate up 

to 28 boats, parking and connecting footpaths to the 

town. Paths of 1.3km in length on either side of the 

canal link the harbour with the Boyle River. This 

facility includes a service block providing toilets, 

showers and a laundry room. There are several publicly 

accessible boat slipways in the general area including 

for example; 

‣ Lough Key, on the Doon Shore 

‣ Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, near the 

harbour 

‣ Cootehall, near the bridge 

‣ Cootehall, at Oakport Lough 

‣ Cortober, at the riverside park 

‣ Drumharlow Amenity Area, accessed off the N4 

between Boyle and Carrick-on-Shannon 

Other private sites in the area include for example The 

Moorings, Knockvicar and Gilboys Marina, 

Knockvicar. 

From Boyle Harbour it is possible to navigate to the sea 

at Limerick, to the sea at New Ross in County Wexford 

(via the Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation) or to 

Dublin along the Grand Canal. The harbour is accessed 

via a local road off the N61 National Route (to car park) 

or via a pedestrian walkway directly off the N61. A 

walkway runs from the Harbour north-eastwards along 

the length of the Canal. This recreational facility is in 

the ownership of Waterways Ireland. 

‣ King House 

One of the key tourist attractions in Boyle is King 

House which consists of an 18 th Century Mansion and 

an 19 th Century Barracks. This complex accommodates 

an exhibition focussing on the Ancient Kingdom of 

Connaught, the construction and restoration of King 

House and the Connaught Rangers Regiment. 

Visitors can explore this unique architectural treasure 

and enjoy a range of interactive presentations that offer 

an enchanting view of Ireland’s heritage and culture. 

The exhibitions tell the story of the house, its people 

and the surrounding locality in an entertaining and 

informative manner. They focus on the world of Gaelic 

Ireland, the dramatic episodes in the lives of the King 

family, the architecture, construction and restoration of 

the House and the military history associated with the 

building. The complex is open for the seasonal months 

of April to September. 

‣ Boyle Abbey 

Boyle Abbey is an impressive and well preserved 

Cistercian Monastery which was founded in the 12th 

century under the patronage of the local ruling family, 

the McDermott’s. Though mutilated during the 17th 

and 18th centuries when it was used to accommodate a 

military garrison, Boyle Abbey nevertheless retains its 

ability to impress the visitor as one of the most 

formidable of the early Cistercian foundations in 

Ireland. A restored gatehouse of 16th/17th century 

houses an exhibition. 

‣ 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 King House. Each year 

many local communities also organise events 

throughout County Roscommon as part of Heritage 

Week with the aim of building awareness of our built, 

natural and cultural heritage thereby encouraging its 

conservation and preservation 1 as well as acting as a 

draw for tourists. 

The policies and objectives contained in the 

Roscommon County Arts Plan 2009-2012, for the 

promotion of a wide variety of arts and participation in 

the arts in County Roscommon, are being implemented 

1 http://www.heritageweek.ie 



on an ongoing basis. The Council will continue to support the implementation of the 

current Plan and subsequent Arts Plans. The County Development Board promotes 

the development of accessible infrastructure to support the development of heritage, 

arts and sport including the promotion and development of a County Arts Centre and 

the development of cultural infrastructure (fixed and mobile) for the County. 

With regard to local cultural events and facilities, Boyle Arts Festival is highly 

regarded for its group exhibition of contemporary Irish art, which every year features 

up to a hundred of Ireland's leading artists and sculptors. Boyle is also renowned for 

its programme of classical music with concerts by young and established soloists, 

ensembles and choirs. Other areas catered for each year include local art exhibitions, 

jazz, traditional and world music, drama, literature, storytelling and singers nights, 

comedy, workshops, dance, street theatre and children's programmes. Owned and 

managed by RCC, King House provides a magnificent setting for the award winning 

Boyle Civic Collection of contemporary art and sculpture. It also has a programme 

of concerts and events throughout the year and provides meeting and conference 

facilities. 

‣ Boyle Arts Festival 

Boyle Arts Festival has established a reputation for excellence, earning it a place as 

one of the best festivals in Ireland each summer. The festival has been the winner of 

several national awards and welcomes new and innovative contributions. Events 

include a major art exhibition of works by contemporary Irish Artists, Classical and 

Traditional Music, Poetry, Drama, Lectures, Dance, and Children’s events. 

‣ Boyle Civic Collection 

The Boyle Civic Collection is now widely considered as a collection of paintings and 

sculptures by the very best of contemporary Irish artists. The acquisition of works 

commenced in 1990, and the ever-expanding collection now is in excess of 150 

paintings and sculptures. The objectives of the Trustees are; to build a collection of 

contemporary Irish art of the highest quality, to encourage the local community to 

visit and take pride in their collection, and to encourage artists, businesses and 

organisations to donate work. 

Rotated regularly, a part of the collection is on permanent view at King House 

during opening hours, except during the Arts Festival when they are removed to 

make way for the main exhibition. In keeping with the aim to make art and the arts 

more accessible to the people of Boyle, a number of works are also on loan to Boyle 

Railway Station, The Plunkett Home for the Elderly and the school for disabled 

persons. The collection is acquired mainly from the revenue generated from the sale 

of works at the BAF group exhibition each year. Donations have also been gratefully 

received from artists and from The Haverty Trust. Prize money received from AIB 

Better Ireland Awards has also funded the purchase of a number of works. 

‣ Fishing 

Fishing is a very popular activity with many fishing lakes and rivers close by. 

Annual fishing competitions also take place on Lough Key. Coarse angling is 

available on the Boyle River and Lough Arrow is popular for Brown Trout fishing. 

Further tourism and recreation opportunities in the area include camping, 

orienteering, nature walks, climbing, hiking, boating, sailing, rowing, golf, and 

swimming, to name but a few. 

The following are some of the places of interest/visitor attractions within and in 

close proximity to Boyle. See appended Map 10, which is not exhaustive. 

Table 4: Places of Interest/Visitor Attractions in the sub-region of County Roscommon 

in proximity to the LAP area 

Places of Interest/Visitor 

Examples in County Roscommon 

Attractions 

Amenity Areas 

Pleasure Grounds, Boyle 

(open space amenity areas utilised Lough Key Forest Park Amenity Area 

for recreational purposes) 

Keadue Heritage Park 

Knockranny Wood Amenity Area 

Cavetown Lake Amenity Area 

Lakeside Amenity Area, Lough Allen 

Strokestown Park 

Castlerea Demesne 

Lake O’Flynn Amenity Area 

Ballaghaderreen Community Park & Play 

Area, Ballaghaderreen 

Places of Interest 

Curlew Mountains 

Arigna Mountains 

Elphin Windmill 



Great Houses 

Abbey/Castle 

Archaeological/Monastic Site 

Heritage Centers/Museum 

Golf Course 

Viewing Points 

Pet/Animal Farm 

Theatre Company, Frenchpark 

King House, Boyle 

Frybrook House, Boyle 

Woodbrooke House, Carrick-on-Shannon 

Strokestown Park House, Strokestown 

Clonalis House, Castlerea 

Boyle Abbey, Boyle 

Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle 

Kilronan Castle, Boyle 

Ardcarn Monastic Sites, Ardcarn 

Rathcroghan & Glenballythomas 

earthworks, Rathcroghan 

Passage Tomb near Castlebaldwin in the 

Bricklieve Mountains 

King House, Boyle 

Arigna Mining Experience, Arigna 

Una Bhan Rural Tourism, Boyle 

Strokestown Famine Museum, Strokestown 

Roscommon Heritage & Genealogical 

Centre, Strokestown 

Hells Kitchen Rail Museum, Castlerea 

Cruachan Ai Heritage Centre, Tulsk 

Dr. Douglas Hyde Interpretative Centre, 

Frenchpark 

Boyle Golf Course, Boyle 

Strokestown Golf Course, Strokestown 

Castlerea Golf Course, Castlerea 

Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Course 

View of Lough Key at The Horseman 

Sculpture in Tintagh Townland 

View of Lough Arrow at Ballinfad 

View of Lough Allen at Srabagan 

Townland 

View of Drumharlow Lake at Drumharlow 

Townland 

View of Kilglass Lake at Kilglass 

Tullyboy Animal Farm Visitor Centre, 

Cross/Stone/Grave 

Farmers Market 

Cathedral/Church 

Forest/Woodland 

Water-based Activity/Activities 

Scenic Views 

Tullyboy, Croghan 

Passage Tombs near Castlebaldwin 

Emlagh Cross, Emlagh 

Grave of Turlough O’Carolan, Keadue 

Rock of Doon, Boyle 

Boyle Farmers Market, King House Boyle 

St Josephs Presbytery, Boyle 

Boyle Methodist/Presbyterian Church, 

Boyle 

Boyle Church of Ireland, Boyle 

Kingdom Hall (Jehovah Witnesses), Boyle 

Ardcarn Church 

St. Nathy’s Cathedral, Ballghaderreen 

Ruined 13th century Cathedral, Elphin 

Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle 

Cruising, fishing and a variety of watersports 

on: 

Lough Key 

Boyle River 

Lough Arrow 

River Shannon 

Kilglass Lake 

Drumharlow Lake 

Cavetown Lake, Boyle - Angling Stands 

View from the R280 to the north east over 

looking Lough Key Forest Park. 

View from Curlew Mountains to the south 

east showing the dispersed housing around 

Boyle Town. 

Table 5: Some of the Events with Tourism Impact or Potential in Boyle 

Event 

Type 

Boyle Arts Festival 

Arts 

Boyle World Rally Festival 

Motor Sport 

Boyle Summer Show 

Heritage 

Halloween Mayhem – 

Seasonal Entertainment 

King House 



King House Craft Fair 

Legends of Lough Key Family Adventure 

Festival 

Lough Key Triathlon 

Pike Angling Festival 

International UFO Conference 

Crafts 

Family Fun 

Triathlon 

Angling 

Special Interest 

As outlined above the tourism sector in Boyle is underdeveloped. Apart from a few 

initiatives aimed at promoting King House and Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, 

there has been a limited attempt to market the other numerous attractions in the area. 

This plan encourages the development of tourist attracting/tourist catering enterprises 

in Boyle. An integrated marketing campaign to promote tourism should be promoted. 

This would involve a comprehensive approach with the various agencies involved in 

the sector including Ireland West Tourism, Failte Ireland, Coillte, and North West 

Tourism, amongst others. 

Policies for Tourism 

Policy 37 

Improve the visitor experience to the Town, and to co-operate with all stakeholders 

and appropriate agencies in promoting tourism and securing the development of 

tourist based enterprises and facilities in the Boyle area. 

Policy 38 

Support the sustainable increase in the volume of visitors, revenue per visitor, their 

average length of stay and seasonal spread; whilst protecting and conserving the 

natural, built and cultural features that form the resources upon which the area’s 

tourism industry is based. 

Policy 39 

Support the promotion and marketing of tourism within the county, nationally and 

internationally in order to encourage increasing numbers of visitors to the area. 

Policy 40 

Support the development of tourism related facilities particularly boating related 

tourism in Boyle, Lough Key and the surrounding area. 

Policy 41 

Influence, facilitate and encourage tourism product development through; 

‣ Attractions, events, sports and entertainment 

‣ Upgrading of existing properties and infrastructure by both private and public 

sectors 

‣ Working closely with Fáilte Ireland and private enterprise to create an 

environment for investment in new and existing tourist development Marketing 

Boyle locally, nationally and internationally 

‣ New product development 

‣ Special events and festivals such as sporting, cultural and arts 

Objectives for Tourism 

Objective 67 

Together with Failte Ireland, explore opportunities for the establishment of the 

following within the LAP area and surrounds; 

‣ the provision of medium and long-distance walking routes in collaboration with 

land owners; 

‣ the provision of accommodation including self catering and local services; 

‣ the provision of key infrastructure including parking, public facilities and access 

to scenic areas; 

‣ further flagship enterprises; 

‣ ecologically-sensitive access to lakes and rivers; 

‣ the development and expansion of existing and new tourist routes, to include 

historical and cultural elements, environmental and recreation, general interest 

and amenities, which will satisfy the needs of the domestic and international 

visitors; 

‣ the development of cycle and walking routes; and outdoor activity-based tourism 

Objective 68 

Support the encouragement of public and private investment in such tourism 

facilities. 



Objective 69 

Support and promote, with the co-operation of private 

landowners, public access to heritage sites and features 

of archaeological interest, rivers, lakes and other natural 

amenities. 

Policy for Arts & Theatre 

Policy 42 

Support the development of artistic tourism throughout 

the County and within the LAP area including the 

facilitation of new festivals and other events including 

‘rainy day’ events for visitors such as exhibitions, 

musical entertainment and theatre. 

Policy 43 

Provide for artistic elements in new and existing 

development by encouraging the use of the “percent for 

art schemes” and other initiatives. 

Objective for Arts & Theatre 

Objective 70 

Work with Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and other 

relevant bodies to promote and develop the arts and 

tourism sectors within the LAP area and throughout the 

County. 

1. Tourist Accommodation 

Appropriate tourist accommodation and facilities, 

developed in a sustainable manner, are imperative for 

adding to the tourism potential of the area. RCC 

promotes improvement in the overall appearance of 

towns and villages through a variety of schemes, Tidy 

Towns Initiative and enforcement of the Derelict Sites 

Act. Tourist developments have a special role in 

revitalising villages and towns such as Boyle, and RCC 

supports the development of appropriate tourist 

accommodation in existing town and villages 

throughout the County. Existing accommodation in the 

Boyle area includes those listed below, amongst others. 

‣ Hotels - The Royal Hotel 

‣ B&Bs – Forest Park House, Rushfield Farmhouse, 

Abbey House, Rosdarrig, Dolans, and Harringtons 

‣ Self Catering Accomodation – Lakeview 

Apartments, Abbeyhouse, Lakeview Lodge, Lough 

Key House, Trinity Lodge, and Riversdale House 

However, as outlined above, the absence of a major 

accommodation base is a significant weakness in Boyle; 

therefore a potential suitable site for the development of 

a quality hotel in the town has been identified. (See 

Chapter 2 and Maps 12 & 14a) 

Policy for Tourist Accommodation 

Policy 44 

Encourage tourism in the county through effective 

location of a full range of tourist accommodation. 

Policy 45 

Ensure high standards of architectural and urban design 

in all new tourist accommodation and facilities in Boyle 

and throughout the County. 

Policy 46 

Encourage hotels and guesthouses to save costs and 

minimise environmental impacts through membership 

of an eco-labelling scheme such as the EU Flower Ecolabel. 

2. Tourism Signage 

Tourist signage is important with regard to the 

development of tourism in Boyle. RCC and Boyle 

Town Council have developed a Historic Town Trail in 

Boyle which included designing and erecting 26 

information panels and 12 plaques throughout the 

Town. The Historical Town Trail will add considerable 

value to the cultural, amenity and tourism offer and is 

one of a series of Historic Town Trails proposed 

throughout the country including sites such as King 

House, Boyle Abbey, the Famine Pot, the Mass Rock, 

Assylin Cemetery, The Shambles, Boyle Bridge and 

fountain, The Clocktower, Frybrook House, 

Rockingham Arch and Boyle Harbour. The project has 

been funded by grant aid from Failte Ireland and from 

RCC’s own resources. 

Policy for tourism signage 

Policy 47 

Remove illegal signage, repair and replace existing 

signage on tourist routes and paths such as cycle paths. 

Policy 48 

Encourage and support the improvement of access, 

signage and tourist information services including 

integrated welcome, directional and interpretative 

signage. 

3. Retail Tourism 

The retail element is one of the key factors in the 

development of tourism throughout the County and the 

continued vitality of established tourist destinations. 

There is a commonly held view that a retail element can 

downgrade the value of cultural attractions. This is a 

perception that needs to be changed. A retail element 



can enhance a cultural experience as well as bring 

economic benefits to an attraction. The RPG’s advocate 

a focus on tourism, retail development, enterprise parks, 

roads and food production in North Roscommon 

including the towns of Strokestown, Boyle, 

Ballaghaderreen and Castlerea. County Roscommon 

must look to tourism as a source of potential retail 

income. 

Events such as festivals, fairs and concerts present 

enormous opportunities for retailers and consideration 

should be given to this in encouraging the development 

of new events and developing a countywide programme 

of activities for visitors. Environmental enhancement 

schemes, such as improvements to streetscape and 

pavement, should be introduced to upgrade and enhance 

the public realm5. 

Policy for Retail Tourism 

Policy 49 

Encourage the establishment of new events such as 

festivals; fairs etc., in appropriate locations, to promote 

increased retail tourism in the LAP area and throughout 

the County. 

Objectives for Retail Tourism 

Objective 71 

Facilitate the production of a programme of activities 

for tourists and visitors to the County and LAP area. 

This could be distributed to visitors during events such 

as the Boyle Arts Festival. 

4. Environmental Considerations 

In pursuit of sustainable tourism it is imperative that the 

high quality landscape and environment which attracts 

visitors to Roscommon is undiminished by future 

development. A high quality product must be developed 

in harmony with a high quality natural environment, 

minimizing adverse impacts upon local communities, 

built heritage, landscapes, habitats and species. Tourism 

related enterprises should be encouraged to reduce their 

impact upon the environment by reducing their energy 

demand, increasing recycling and utilizing best practice 

procurement policy. 

The Waterways Corridor Study 2004/2005 consists of a 

study of three areas, the area surrounding the river from 

Lanesborough to Shannonbridge, from Roosky to 

Lanesborough and the Upper Shannon including the 

Boyle River, Lough Allen, Lough Key and the 

Carnadoe Waters. The Heritage Council has identified 

projects for the regeneration of the waterway corridor 

and actions, which can be realized over a ten-year 

period. 

Policy for Environmental Considerations 

Policy 50 

Ensure that the facilitation of tourism and development 

related tourism does not impact negatively on the 

environmental quality or result in the deterioration of 

the quality of the tourism product. 

RCC supports the regeneration of waterway corridors 

throughout County Roscommon and the promotion of 

the unique ecology and wildlife, and activities 

associated with these waterways, in co-operation with 

organisations such as the Inland Waterways Association 

of Ireland, The Heritage Council and the Royal Canal 

Amenity Group. 

Objective for Environmental Considerations 

Objective 72 

Promote the development of tourism in a sustainable 

manner and encourage the provision of a 

comprehensive range of tourism facilities, subject to 

location, siting and design criteria, the protection of 

environmentally sensitive areas and other planning 

considerations. 

5.3 RECREATION, LEISURE & TOURISM 

STRATEGY 

The Recreation, Leisure and Tourism Strategy for 

Boyle aims to ensure that an appropriate range of 

sports, recreational and tourism facilities are provided 

in the town to cater for the interests of all residents, 

irrespective of age, sex and physical ability. The 

Recreation, Leisure and Tourism Strategy aims to; 

‣ Promote the development of tourism in the LAP 

area and surroundings in a sustainable manner and 

encourage the provision of a range of tourism 

facilities, subject to location, siting and design 

criteria, the protection of environmentally sensitive 

areas and other planning considerations. 

‣ Protect from development the existing public and 

recreational open space in the area. 

Policies and objectives concerning recreation, leisure 

and tourism have been included in the body of this 

Chapter. 


PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR 2012 – 2018 & BEYOND Chapter 6: Built & Natural Heritage 

6.1 BUILT HERITAGE 

CHAPTER 6: 

BUILT & NATURAL HERITAGE 

The quality of the environment is an important factor in determining where people 

choose to live and in attracting investment into the town. The Council will seek to 

preserve the built environment and its layout characteristics by encouraging 

recognition of the heritage value of the urban context and a high standard of design 

for new development proposals. Developers will be required to explain the reasoning 

behind a particular design solution on important or sensitive sites. (See appended 

Maps 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 7, & 8) 

planning permission; they are also obliged to prevent the structures becoming 

endangered. The DOEHLG’s Architectural Heritage Protection - Guidelines for 

Planning Authorities (2004) and subsequent individual guidance documents 

(available to download for free on www.environ.ie) are a useful source of 

information. 

Under Section 19(c) of the current RCC Scheme of Development Contributions 

(2008) restoration / refurbishment (to a high architectural standard) of protected 

structures receives a 100% exemption from development contribution fees. RCC will 

also consider a change of use of a protected structure to a use compatible with the 

conservation of the building. Grants, administered by the Council and other bodies, 

are also available for conservation works to protected structures. 

6.1.1 Architectural Heritage 

Our built heritage is a unique resource, an irreplaceable expression of the richness and 

diversity of our past and of the generations who have gone before us. Structures and 

places have over time acquired character and ‘special interest’ through their continued 

existence and familiarity. The built heritage of County Roscommon includes not only 

works of great artistic and structural achievement but also everyday items; it includes 

all types of manmade structures and features of the landscape - houses, bridges, 

towns, demesnes, kerbing and stone walls. It is a non-renewable resource, once lost it 

cannot be replaced, so it is important that we appreciate what we have and provide 

adequate protection for it. Awareness of the social and economic benefits of 

conserving this part of our common inheritance, and of the place of conservation in 

policies of sustainable development, has gathered increased recognition in recent 

years. The Boyle LAP seeks to protect the built, archaeological and natural heritage 

of the town and the conservation of existing structures of heritage value or the 

replacement of buildings where appropriate. 

1. Buildings of particular significance and Protected Structures 

Protected structures and proposed protected structures are structures which are of 

special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or 

technical interest. They are subject to a high level of protection, which extends to 

their exteriors and interiors and to any structures within their curtilage. All works to 

them should follow best practice guidance and their owners and occupiers are 

required to consult with the local authority to determine which works require 

Photo 31: Boyle Abbey Photo 32: Abbeytown Bridge 

(Source: NIAH) 

The two oldest structures in Boyle are located very close together, the very fine 

Boyle Abbey and Abbeytown Bridge. The abbey was founded as a Cistercian 

Monastery in the 12th century under the patronage of the local ruling family, the 

MacDermott; during the 17th and 18th centuries it was used to accommodate a 

military garrison. Boyle Abbey is one of the best preserved structures of its type in 

Ireland and is a popular visitor attraction. Its restored 16 th /17 th gatehouse is often 

utilised to house an exhibition. Both the abbey and the bridge display the shift in 

style from the round Romanesque arch to the more pointed Gothic arch. The Abbey 

is now a national monument in state care and is undergoing conservation works to its 

north arcade. 

Another of the most significant sites in Boyle, and also of National importance, is 

King House. This Palladian mansion from c.1730, later used as a barracks when the 

King family moved to Rockingham in 1788, was restored by RCC from 1989. Today 

it is an important tourist attraction, accommodating exhibitions focusing on the 



Ancient Kingdom of Connaught, the construction and restoration of King House 

itself, and a history of the Connaught Rangers Regiment who occupied it. Of 

particular note is the main entrance long gallery with flagged floor and original 

fireplace, the extensive vaulted ceilings on all floors, the Palladian windows and the 

main salon, which is in use once again as a venue for recitals and banquets. Its 

curtilage contains interesting buildings including a seventeenth-century structure. 

National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) 

The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) is a section within the 

DEHLG whose work consists of identifying and recording the architectural heritage 

of Ireland, from 1700 to the present day. Appendix 2 lists the structures included in 

the NIAH for the Boyle LAP area which are not on the Record of Protected Structures 

but have been rated as of Regional Importance. (See Maps 6a & 6b) 

2. Boyle Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) – General 

Photo 33: King House Photo 34: Frybrook House (Source: NIAH) 

There are a number of other very significant structures in the town, including 

Frybrook House, which was built c. 1753 for Henry Fry, who came to Boyle at the 

invitation of Lord Kingston of the King family. It is a detached three-storey Georgian 

house, with a classic Palladian façade, whose drawing room is considered to contain 

some of the finest examples of decorative plasterwork in existence; many of the 

rooms enjoy views of the Boyle River, which borders part of the original six acre 

property. Abbeyview House, from c.1790, occupied by the Kings’ agent, and the 

estate’s rent office, c. 1800, both on Military Road, are noteworthy. The Gothic gate 

lodge to the Rockingham estate is delightful. Steward’s Mills are highly significant 

for the town’s history. The historic Church of Ireland Church on Green Street has fine 

gate piers and high stone walls while the modern St Joseph’s Church on Sligo Road is 

excellent. 

Photo 35: Abbeyview House Photo 36: Former Rent Office (Source: NIAH) 

The Record of Protected Structures (RPS) is included as Appendix 1. 

Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) were introduced into Ireland by the 

Planning and Development Act 2000. An ACA is defined as a place, area, group of 

structures or townscape, taking account of building lines and heights, that is of special 

architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical 

interest in its own right, or which contributes to the appreciation of protected 

structures, and whose character it is an objective of a development plan to preserve. 

An ACA was previously designated in Boyle as part of the Boyle Area Plan 2008- 

2014 which consisted of three zones. This LAP defines a new ACA which extends 

and combines the three zones to include much of the historic town centre. (See Map 

6b) 

2a) Implications of the ACA designation 

It is important to note that ACA status is not intended to prevent change but to 

protect, manage and enhance the character of the area. The DEHLG’s Architectural 

Heritage – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2004) provides guidance on ACAs. 

In general, demolition is not permitted of any structure within the ACA that 

contributes to the character of the ACA. Restoration and repair of buildings within the 

ACA should follow best conservation practice. RCC encourages a high standard of 

design for new and infill development and changes to the exterior should be 

consistent with the appearance of the structure itself and should not materially affect 

the character of the ACA. Any works to the exterior of structures that would 

materially affect the character of the ACA requires planning permission. In addition 

the effect of any development within the ACA on the character of the ACA has to be 

considered. 



2b) Boyle ACA – Character Statement The first step appears to have been the construction of the new bridge, “New Bridge”, 

over the river in 1817, which lead to a new road, Carrick Road, cutting though the 

The shape and character of this ACA derives from the influence of the local south side onto Bridge Street. Until this there had been very little development on this 

landowning King family upon the ancient hilly paths which centred around a ford on side of the river and the only buildings predating this intervention that survive today 

the River Boyle, their direct intervention through the strategic location of public in the ACA seem to be the Royal Hotel and Daly’s. The subsequent creation of an 

structures in the early 19 th century, and the impetus this gave to development which open public space through the location of the courthouse and its associated buildings 

swept through the whole town centre in the early 19th century and was to continue for by Lorton towards the southern end of the town, near the top of the hill, c. 1830, and 

the rest of that century. 

the Crescent development at the top of the hill which enclosed the open space, 

influenced much of the development of Bridge Street. A new bridge was erected 

Sir John King was granted a lease of Boyle Abbey and its lands in 1603 and over the between 1832-1836. On the north side the approach was also multi-pronged – there 

next 200 years the family built six mansions for themselves. When the final house at was the opening of a market in 1826 by Lorton with its formal entrance screen which 

Rockingham was almost complete the First Viscount Lorton initiated a massive created another public space near the bridge and the widening of Bridge Street, and 

programme of public works in Boyle town that laid down much of the spatial lines the addition of estate buildings such as the rent office, a dispensary, agent’s house and 

and forms, if not the architectural fabric itself, of the ACA. 

other buildings in a neighbourhood east of King House (now occupied by the 

military), at the opposite end of the town to poverty-stricken ‘Irish town’; another 

new road, Military Road, cut through to these which enabled the development of the 

former avenue leading to its entrance gates and which attracted some of the best 

terraces over time. This eventually lead to the widening of sections of Patrick Street 

and a new wider Boyle Bridge in 1864. (See Map 6a) 

These developments did not obliterate the ancient road pattern but modernised it and 

one cannot help but compare the landlord’s townplanning here to the machinations of 

the Wide Streets Commissioners upon the shape of Dublin. Individuals then 

speculatively built homes and shops to join up the lines and there was an explosion of 

commerce in the early 19 th century. The huge changes that the town experienced at 

this time were recorded by Weld in 1832 and Lewis in 1837. 

Views of the ACA from outside and inside it 



Whether through direct leases which established 

building lines and heights or through indirect influence 

and prevailing building practice, everyone stuck to a 

classical format which resulted in tightly-knit terraces 

of well-mannered buildings which opened directly onto 

the street and had rendered facades often enlivened by 

decorative stuccowork and fine timber doors, 

interspersed with a variety of shopfronts. 

They have pitched roofs, with ridge lines which all run 

parallel to the streets and chimney stacks placed over 

the gable walls; these often accommodate attics lighted 

by small cast-iron rooflights. Because of the undulating 

nature of the terrain and the gently sinuous lines of the 

streets, the rooflines are very important in views both in 

and out of the ACA and the changing views within it. 

There are window opes of vertical proportions which 

were as regularly-spaced as could be accommodated; 

doorcases are either round-headed or square-headed 

with accompanying fanlights or overlights. The 

materials used are all from a small traditional palette 

with natural slates to the roofs, unpainted render to the 

stacks, painted cast-iron rainwater goods, lime render 

usually ruled and lined to the elevations, often with 

quoins, either parallel or alternate, and in some terraces 

with chanelled render to the ground floor - whether the 

render was all originally painted or not the character is 

now a painted one, except for rear elevations which 

generally remain unpainted – rendered reveals to opes, 

stone cills and steps and painted timber panelled doors. 

While painted timber sash windows, from six-over-six 

to single-pane, were a part of this formula they are now 

in the minority, yet where they are retained, or 

reinstated, contribute greatly to the character of the 

ACA. 

Decoration consists of applied stuccowork to the 

elevations in the form of ornate stucco architraves 

which display great variety and skill and which are 

much more common north of the river as are the fine 

but rarer stucco and blocked doorcases in the same 

streets; the panelled doors throughout the ACA with 

their variety of panel arrangements and mouldings, 

including those with raised and fielded panels from the 

mid-twentieth century, are key features; simple spoked 

fanlights survive on several streets with a few more 

decorative ones too. 

There is a great range of shopfronts in the ACA and 

many of the styles contribute to the character of the 

ACA – most notable are those with cast-iron columns, 

decorated recessed porches, historic timber fronts and 

fascias, rendered fronts and fascias, decorative 

corbelled brackets, as well as those which arrived with 

the second smaller wave of prosperity in the midtwentieth 

century - vitrolite shopfronts, mosaic tiled 

shopfronts and stainless steel framing; on the other 

hand most of the later timber shopfronts from the 1980s 

and 1990s have no heritage value. Carriage arches 

giving access to the rear sites were not that common, 

unlike other Irish towns, as the streets were well-served 

with access lanes and today some of the buildings in 

these backlands are particularly attractive, such as the 

two fine warehouses on Quarry Lane and a grouping 

along the river to the rear of the south side of Main 

Street. The character of an ACA also dwells in these 

rear sites and backlands as the rear elevations and 

smaller outbuildings are an intrinsic part of its history, 

the way individual sites and the town as a whole 

functioned, and the way it looks today. 

The public domain of the ACA holds a few historic 

elements such as a post box, several small fountains, a 

few benchmarks, two vent pipes, a clocktower and 

some stone flagging but generally it remains free of 

clutter as befits Irish historic town centres. While trees 

and green areas are a feature of other parts of Boyle and 

of the character of the whole town the character of the 

ACA is an intensely architectural one without the need 

of much planting or the insertion of new elements that 

might detract or distract from the buildings. 

Environmental improvements of recent years have 

added a lot of street furniture to the Crescent which has 

served to carve up the former market place into 

different zones; new public lighting has managed to fit 

in relatively unobtrusively throughout the ACA and has 

added to the charm of the riverside path. 

Bridge Street 

As a whole the ACA has a real sense of enclosure and 

urbanity. What’s more, it is imbued with an exciting 

scenography as interesting corner junctions frame views 

and as one moves through the ACA first one, then 

another, terrace comes into focus and terminates the 

view, before the scene changes once again. There is 

excellent visual linkage across the river and, aided by 

good pedestrian linkages and car parking at key points, 

a great sense of intimacy and human scale. The ACA is 

also well linked into the rest of the town through 

classical terraces or key buildings at its perimeters; 

many of these other terraces are also of significance but 

have not been included in the ACA at this point in time. 



2c) Boyle ACA - Special Interest 

Boyle ACA has the following categories of special interest: 

Architectural: This ACA is special because of the group value of the tightly-knit 

terraces of largely classical buildings (there is only one detached building in the 

whole ACA) lining the streets of the town centre and dating mostly from the 

nineteenth century. They endow the town with a visual unity through continuous 

building lines, similar heights and continuous or stepping eaves lines, as well as the 

repetitive pattern of their roofs, chimney stacks and opes. A shared palette of 

traditional materials, outlined in the character statement, further contributes to the 

special quality here and the sense of coherence and intactness that encompasses both 

sides of the river. This overarching harmony is even more remarkable considering 

that each building plot is a different shape and size. What’s more, a visual richness is 

evident through the employment of decorative features such as stucco architraves, 

joinery details and a variety of shopfront treatments. The terraces incorporate 

individual structures of significance in their own right and link fine public buildings 

that shape the open spaces, thus serving as the setting for many protected structures. 

The area is also architecturally special because of its town planning history – it was 

not a landlord urban design scheme as such but a much more subtle shaping of the 

space by the landlord, through the widening and improving of ancient paths and 

routes, the addition of new streets and bridges and the strategic location of public 

building at key points and towards the ends, but not at the ends, of the streets. 

Historical: The ACA is also of special historical interest as the plan of the town’s 

ancient routeways is still very much legible, as well as the layers of subsequent 

redevelopment movements of the early nineteenth century, the mid-nineteenth century 

and the mid-twentieth century. It was where key phases of the town’s history 

happened, from the initial fording of the river around which the town grew. It was the 

location of huge changes in the fabric of the town in the early nineteenth century and 

was at the core of the associated economic boom based on trade and retail. It also has 

socio-historical interest because the changes here had a huge impact on the life of the 

town’s inhabitants and saw the emergence of a growing middle-class engaged in 

commerce; it was also where the general population went to the market or went to 

court, went to shop or went to jail, and points to the way key elements of the town – 

its marketplaces, bridge, crossroads, rear access lanes, the landlord house, large 

dwellings and public buildings – related to each other. 

Other qualities of special interest could emerge with further research and analysis. 

2d) Boyle ACA – Street by Street Analysis 

The Crescent 

The Crescent itself is a short curving terrace of ten buildings that are of different sizes 

and shapes but maintain the appearance of good-mannered urbanity through their 

facades and roofs, all adhering to a three-bay two-storey idiom; this creates an 

attractive backdrop to the public buildings and the open space to the north and sets the 

scene for entry into the town centre. They were constructed c. 1828 and were 

recorded by Lewis in 1837 1 . Key features are their painted rendered elevations often 

with a ruled and lined pattern and quoins, pitched slated roofs, large chimney stacks, 

rectangular opes, mostly central entrances and painted timber doors of different eras; 

original sash windows survive on the most eastern house which were six-over-six 

with no horns but whose glazing bars were removed when it was the fashion to have 

single-pane sashes; several other buildings have new single-pane sashes now. They 

are in a mix of uses from residential to offices and include three bars and a takeaway. 

They are fronted by new stone paving and there are some monolithic stone piers to 

the side which are a real feature of the Boyle landscape, but becoming rare. 

A view of The Crescent. 

1 Samuel Lewis, A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, 1837. 

Two of the most intact of the buildings on 

The Crescent. 



A historic panelled door and original windows, which were six-over-six but the glazing bars 

were removed and they have no horns, on the most eastern building, a good model to copy if 

reinstating features, but with the bars. To the side is a pair of excellent monolithic stone 

piers with drafted margins. 

Over time The Crescent has come to also mean the general open area here, Market 

Square, the Courthouse and Clocktower and the northern end of Cootehall Street. The 

open area was created by the fork in the road of Bridge Street and the setting back of 

the new courthouse built by Lord Lorton in c.1830. It was faced with sandstone, 

which from this point on became synonymous with public buildings in Boyle, 

imbuing them with a lovely warm glow and a softer texture, and the site included a 

bridewell with eight cells and a keeper’s house. The front building is a fine exercise in 

sobriety and authority with a round-headed blind arcade on the ground floor, doubleheight 

pilasters supporting a strong cornice with a central raised parapet and with 

doors in flanking lower bays; the one whimsical note is provided by the wrought-iron 

chains in limestone panels over the doors where one would normally expect sculpted 

panels. The building also features original six-over-six sash windows with no horns, 

one same with horns and later two-over-two sash windows. However, its sandstone 

façade is suffering, maybe from abrasive cleaning and vegetation growing at the 

parapets of its side bays and along its flanking boundary wall; its front steps need 

repointing with a weak lime mortar; panelled doors would be more appropriate in 

time. 

In c. 1880 a freestanding clocktower was erected directly in front of the courthouse in 

honour of Lord Lorton by the tenants of the Boyle and Rockingham estate; it had both 

sandstone and limestone in its construction and a clock was added to it in 1917 and 

renewed in 1979. This area was a busy cattle market in the nineteenth and twentieth 

centuries; where once carts and horses crowded now cars abound and recent 

environmental improvements using good-quality limestone kerbing, stone paviors, 

railings, some planting and attractive but simple street furniture delineate separate 

zones including a pedestrian platform in front of the courthouse. The balance in 

favour of too much happening here has been tipped and care should be taken to declutter 

redundant features of no heritage value over time. 

The fountain, clocktower and Victorian post box – such little and large items of historic 

street furniture are irreplaceable links with our past, and they continue to enhance our 

streetscapes today. 

New stone benches and table add emphasis to 

the corner of The Crescent onto Elphin Street. 

More recent street furniture sponsored by 

local business in the former marketplace. 

The courthouse with its evocative real chains employed as both a decorative and 

symbolic feature. 

The Crescent is lined to the eastern side by a terrace of buildings, largely houses, 

which continue into Cootehall Street. The ACA begins at its southern end with a tall 

narrow house with small railings in front; it backs onto the high stone wall of the 



curtilage of Tangier House and has historic stone outbuildings in its rear site. Next is 

an attractive single-storey structure with carriage arch, associated with the so-called 

Gothic Lodge adjacent. This Gothic Lodge is interesting with its slated roof and 

angled chimney stacks as well as later additions such as its dormer windows with 

decorative barges; however, the removal of its protective render was a mistake both in 

terms of the long-term health of the building and its historic character and causes a 

visual disruption to the streetscape, what’s more timber windows should always be 

given a painted finish in a historic Irish context. Next is another historic house sharing 

the same type of large slates on its roof and with small corbels to the first floor 

window cills. It retains a painted rendered finish. Railings continue in front of these 

two houses. To the north is a row of four two-storey houses which are of little 

importance individually but whose value lies in their key location within The 

Crescent and as a backdrop group in this ACA; originally they were all three-bay 

painted rendered buildings but one has had its opes altered and another its render 

removed, both of these changes making them out of character with the group; the 

northernmost one has a bay window which may be an original feature but the 

accompanying canopy is not. Only one has its original railings which are Art 

Nouveau in style from c.1900 and of very good quality. The last building here was the 

former Clewes Hall & Clewes Memorial School, built as an entertainment venue for 

Protestants, now in use as a shop, and having an interesting later frontispiece echoed 

on its side bay; a more muted colour scheme would better serve as the setting of the 

protected structures nearby. New stone paving and kerbing enhance the streetscape 

here. 

A view north along the east side of The 

Crescent. 

Two of the older and more important 

houses in this terrace. 

The group of four modest houses and the 

brightly-coloured former Clewes 

Memorial Hall. 

Bridge Street (south of the river) 

Very fine historic railings and matching 

gate in front of one of the houses – a 

rare occurrence in the ACA. New stone 

paving and kerbing enhance the area. 

Bridge Street was part of the ancient path from Dublin to Sligo which followed the 

ford over the river around which the town grew. The south side is quite hilly and rises 

away from the river to Elphin Street and The Crescent. One of the first major 

buildings on this side which survives today was the Royal Hotel; it was established in 

1782 by John Freeman and stretched from the Pleasure Grounds to Bridge Street. To 

its rear lay extensive backlands with stables, coach-houses, workshops, a forge and 

vegetable gardens. It expanded over time into an adjacent building and a row of twostorey 

buildings was erected along the riverside. The hotel was a hub of activity as it 

was a mail coach stop and later a Bianconi coach stop. It is the only building in the 

ACA with a double-span pitched roof and its three northernmost bays have fine 

interior features from the 18 th century; its outbuildings retain their slate roofs. The 

eaves line here on the east side then jumps up to a nineteenth-century development, 

composed of three bays on Bridge Street, a chamfered corner bay and another three 

bays onto Military Road, known locally as Shop Street. This has painted ruled and 

lined elevations, single-pane sash windows with unusual horns, a channelled ground 

floor and a fine fascia stating ‘Italian warehouse John Cryan Wine & Spirit Stores’ 

with decorative console brackets; it is very much in the style of other buildings from 

this era, e.g. the south-eastern terrace on Patrick Street and a house on the south side 

of Main Street, pointing to the same hand at work here and underlying the coherence 

of the architecture of the ACA. The projecting lamps are an attractive feature but the 

external shutters should be removed. Carrick Road which was laid out c.1828, but 

developed somewhat later, never continued this dense urban idiom but instead a row 



of single-storey units of no heritage value adjoin. The opposite corner is articulated in 

similar fashion by the former Rockingham Arms Hotel with its chamfered entrance 

bay and channelled ground floor although this seems to have been a later treatment 

applied for the sake of symmetry to an older set of facades. 

redone in cement render, and some of the opes have been altered thus disrupting the 

classical rhythm. We see a number of mid-twentieth-century shopfronts - a mosaic 

tiled one at Carroll which converted a carriage arch into a second shopfront and a 

DIY vitrolite one at Taylors McGees, both of which are on impressively-sized 

buildings which may have been built as a pair. Painting their unpainted facades and 

repairing the leaking downpipes and chimneystacks along here would greatly improve 

the appearance of this terrace. Taylors McGees has an old wrought-iron bracket and a 

mid-20 th -century clock and sign, both of which could be improved through painting. 

The two smaller two-storey buildings near the top are well-kept; what is now the AIB 

Bank was formerly thatched and is recorded as such in old photos of the town. The 

terrace ends with an attractive house of substantial vernacular character which is set 

back behind railings on a stone boundary wall and a small garden; the front wall was 

originally whitewashed. 

The Royal Hotel is composed of several different buildings and many historic outbuildings 

all of which served the busy hotel. 

Corner-sited mid 19 th century development of 

a larger scale with more decorative elements 

than its older neighbour to the left; it’s in the 

same style as some buildings on the opposite 

side of the river. 

Opposite the same language is used, 

albeit less successfully, nonetheless it 

articulates the corner and with some 

maintenance its appearance could be 

vastly improved. 

View south (left) and view north (right) of the east side of Bridge Street where the stepping 

up and down generally follows the hill. 

From this point a row of seven terraced buildings step up the street to the Courthouse 

which is considered to be part of The Crescent now. These buildings were all part of 

the improvements on this side of the river begun in the early 19 th century, egged on by 

the public buildings higher up in 1830 and which continued throughout the century. 

Each appears to have been individually built starting with three storeys to the north 

and the last three to the south dropping down to two storeys which tie the street in 

with the two-storey buildings on The Crescent. All the facades are rendered, some 

The streetscape and corner here is enlivened by the decorative lettering, lamps and corbel 

brackets. 



A quirky historic panel, possibly for 

advertising. 

A historic iron bracket graces a façade 

which is marred by the leaking 

downpipe adjacent. 

The block nearest the river on the west side. 

A very fine townhouse, possibly once 

two separate buildings. 

The west side of Bridge Street opens at the bridge with a large new development and 

access to the riverside walk; it has referenced some of the themes of the historic town 

centre such as the channelled ground floor and painted rendered elevations and 

retained the overall building lines, but the window shapes should have been more 

classical and the windows given a painted finish. The two Daly’s buildings contribute 

positively to the character of the street and the corner one, with its extension along the 

lane, appears to be very old; the taller one however has had its protective historic 

render removed. Inside is a collection of historic photos of the ACA. 

Across the lane, the three-storey terrace begins to climb the hill starting with a good 

three-bay building with its painted rendered façade and attractive shopfront beneath 

later accretions with cast-iron columns and a good five-panelled door to the side. 

Beside it is a very fine four-bay building with stucco architraves and a central roundheaded 

door with original panelled door and spoked fanlight; it has two shopfronts 

but the fascia of the smaller shopfront projects too much. The Royal Shopping Arcade 

has a neglected downpipe and blocked gutters, too many redundant fixings on its 

elevation as well as a poorly-designed shopfront, all of which detract from what 

could be quite a pleasant building. This is followed by a good group of four buildings 

which manages to maintain a symmetry (despite rising up the hill), being composed 

of a central pair flanked by a lower building either side; Moriarty’s retains its 

character and enhances the ACA through the sympathetic way its shopfront has been 

altered and renewed and sash windows retained. Most of these buildings have slated 

roofs with a lovely patina of age and substantial rendered chimney stacks which 

create a rhythm at the skyline. When chimney stacks are removed or omitted as at the 

new Phoenix House, next to the south, this rhythm is disturbed and the resultant 

visual gap is also disturbing. 

A poorly-designed shopfront with too deep a 

fascia and pilasters located in the wrong 

positions as well as plethora of redundant 

fittings on the elevation over and poorlyfunctioning 

gutter and downpipe, detracts from 

the streetscape. 

A good group of four buildings with 

slated roofs and a partially historic 

shopfront and sash windows on left. The 

unpainted building is one of the only 

ones in the area which could be left 

unpainted. 

Either side of Quarry Lane is a modest three-bay two-storey building which marks the 

drop in height in the building line here. To the rears of these two buildings is a fine 

pair of stone warehouses, once much more common in the backlands of the town and 

essential to serve the busy market town it was. The rest of the final terrace south to 

the junction with Termon Road is composed of three very modest vernacular 

buildings which have lost much of their historic features but retain their overall form, 

whose eaves lines step up the hill, the most southern one was allegedly a cinema in 

1939. The terrace finishes with the corner grocery shop, with an imposing form, 

different but interesting and with two quirky octagonal windows, but with 

unnecessarily obtrusive signage and colour scheme. The route becomes Elphin Street 

with the site of the former Union Workhouse and Fever Hospital, now a health board 



centre to the west and good terraces on either side dating from the Victorian and 

Edwardian eras, right up to the railway station and its superb collection of structures. 

A backlands lane like this on the west 

side of Bridge Street can greatly add to 

the character of the ACA, provided it is 

kept well-maintained, the buildings lining 

it painted and historic features such as the 

high stone wall retained and repaired with 

appropriate methods. 

The pair of buildings that flank Quarry lane. 

The magnificent tall warehouse on Quarry Lane 

with large slates to its roof but missing a gutter 

which is causing a lot of splashback on the 

lane. 

Quarry Lane with its very fine 

warehouses. 

The ACA ends at the junction with 

Termon Road where Kelly’s is the last 

building in a modest two-storey terrace. 

Main Street 

Main Street was developed subsequent to the construction of the Palladian King 

House of c. 1730 which incorporated elements of its 17 th -century ancestor. It appears 

as a short straight avenue leading to the high defensive wall and formal gates of King 

House, however a kink in its line testifies to the fact that the street was laid out over 

time, possibly even over a century, and had to accommodate the first houses that were 

built on it. It pierced the associated demesne lands of the big house, running parallel 

to the river and introduced a classical regularity into the townscape of Boyle which 

had consisted of narrow hilly medieval roads till then. When the family had long 

moved out to Rockingham and the military were occupying King House the landlord 

appeared to have been more comfortable releasing land for terraced buildings here. 

Beautiful spoked fanlight, one of only four in 

the ACA, set within consummate stucco 

surround. 

Terrazzo porch floor, typical of its mid- 

20 th -century era, now considered a 

historic feature. 

The buildings were erected singly or in pairs and all accept three are three-storey high 

but because of their varying dates all exhibit small differences in height, form and 

decoration. Many of the buildings are protected structures because of their importance 



in their own right. The decorative features of their doors, window architraves and 

shopfronts set against the unifying factors of painted ruled and lined facades 

contribute to the special style of this street which makes it unique in the county; the 

parade of chimney stacks has an impact in views from a distance. It was described as 

the ‘best’ street in the town in 1832 2 and remains so today, at least from an 

architectural heritage point of view. Historically it combined residential with retail 

uses and continues to do so today. 

The south side of the street opens in the east with a fine five-bay building which once 

functioned as a constabulary barracks; it has a very attractive mosaic tiled shopfront 

on the ground floor, a survival from the mid-20 th century when this was a prosperous 

commercial street and several new styles of shopfront were installed in the town. The 

painted ruled and lined rendered façade with quoins is a continuous theme on the 

street. Next is a pair of two-bay buildings with different treatments with some 

wonderful panelled doors, architraves and a partially old timber shopfront; they also 

have timber single-pane sash windows with no horns which may have been six-oversix 

but with glazing bars removed. A three-bay building follows which has two 

shopfronts, with channelled rendering on the ground floor and a fascia with console 

brackets, in the style of Patrick Street, with sash windows on the upper floors. Next is 

a rebuilt two-bay building with a facade and shopfront which are out of character with 

the street and is the only inappropriate building here. 

Two fine buildings on the south side of Main Street with historic windows, what is 

probably the best pair of doors in County Roscommon and a very fine shopfront, 

sensitively repaired, both protected structures. An unusual cast-iron hopper survives 

here too. 

Very fine building on the south side of 

Main Street. 

Two important buildings on the south 

side of Main Street which have lost some 

of their features. An old lead hopper 

survives here. 

South side of Main Street – despite the variety of buildings the street retains a sense of 

enclosure and dignity with the decorative details adding interest and liveliness. Very 

little should be added to the streetscape here. 

2 Isaac Weld, Statistical Survey of County Roscommon, 1832. 

Next is a combination of a one- and two-bay building of modest character, followed 

by a pair of houses with fine stone moulded cornices and one fine 19 th -century door. 

These are followed by a pair of 19 th -century houses with round-headed doorcases, 

original doors, one original timber shopfront and some later sash windows. Next is a 

pair also from the same era now combined into one with an acrylic shopfront on the 

ground floor aping the very fine vitrolite shopfront that was previously here and to the 

building to the west. The poor maintenance of this building mars the quality of it, 

with its original and unique doors, historic sash windows to front and rear and 

decorative window architraves. A fine pair of three-bay buildings follow with historic 

sash windows on Mattimoe’s but the colouring of the former Xtra-vision shopfront 

jars. This side of the street terminates in a pair of lower three-bay buildings united 



with a mosaic tiled shopfront on the ground floor which rounds the corner onto 

Bridge Street and whose slated roofs and large chimney stacks anchor the corner of 

the street. This southern side of the street has stone paving. 

The south side of Main Street runs down to the river with an access lane running 

along the river leading to the rear sites of the buildings. In many towns the sites run 

directly to the river cutting it off from the town but here this access lane, which is 

well-maintained and recently improved, results in a pleasant riverside walk and 

convenient path. The arrangement of the old stone outbuildings with their variety of 

forms, their exposed stone walls and slated or tin roofs create picturesque views from 

Boyle Bridge and from the town car park. On closer inspection there are some very 

good stone piers and rounded corners here. 

Two of the attractive shopfronts on the south side of Main Street from different eras. 

Fascia with crisp detail to the corbelled bracket and cornice with its double egg-and-dart 

moulding. Even when shopfronts are no longer in use their historic features should be 

retained and maintained as here. Beautifully appointed steps and entrance. 

Some of the very fine doorcases, doors, windows and windows architraves on the south 

side of Main Street. 

The backlands of the south side of Main Street form an attractive picture from several key 

viewpoints because of the traditional form and materials of the stone outbuildings and their 

staccato arrangement with lanes in between. These stone outbuildings could be renovated into 

small units. Given the strategically significant location of these lands within the LAP area the 

Planning Authority may also consider a sensitively designed redevelopment scheme for this 

entire backlands area, which makes provision for the conservation of building forms or 

features which are key in contributing to the character and setting of the area. (See Chapter 2) 

The high formal wall, piers and gates of King 

House terminate Main Street in views eastwards. 

One of two historic benchmarks on 

the lane running along the side of 

King House down to the river at the 

eastern boundary of the ACA. 

One of two historic vent 

pipes in the ACA. 



The north side of Main Street opens in the east with a fine Victorian five-bay bank 

building from c.1870 with ashlar elevations on two sides and mostly original sash 

windows with ogee horns. A pair of three-bay terraced buildings follow which return 

to the characteristic appearance of the street with painted rendered facades, parallel 

quoins and with a shared carriage-arch, the only one to survive on the street. The 

impressive WJ Sloans has been a shop since 1863 and exhibits classical good 

manners in not over-dominating its smaller neighbours, continuing the ubiquitous 

ruled and lined render and general lines on its façade but enlivens it, and the street, 

with stucco window architraves, a block-and-start central window matched by a 

similar door with pediment to the upper floors and a very fine shopfront with castiron 

columns in the entrance porch and rare enamel lettering to the fascia. The 

detached three-bay building next door, while simpler in detail has a very elegant 

central round-headed block-and-start doorcase, panelled door and two discrete 

shopfronts. The restored two-storey building next is of a less formal character but has 

interesting historic features such as its tiled porch floor. It is followed by an 

individual three-bay building and a pair of two-bay buildings, all adhering to the 

general classical character and form. The hair salon has a good round-headed 

doorcase with decorative fanlight and stainless steel framing with bull-nosed cill and 

art deco vent grille to its shopfront. The building line steps down to the corner as 

Wynne’s Bar completes this side of the street – this building is more vernacular in 

style, like two of the other corner buildings on this crossroads, and in fact serves to tie 

the formal Main Street into other less formal parts of the town. 

Main Street (north side) 

These fine buildings on the western end of the north side of Main Street are all protected 

structures because of their individual heritage value. Any town would be proud of such a set. 

The western end of the north side of Main 

Street. 

Decorative tiled porch floor to the twostorey 

building. 

Two decorative fanlights - petal design on left from the hair salon, and spoked design with 

fan detailing to the corners on the right from Magees. 

Very attractive porch with cast-iron 

columns, decorative floor, original 

doors and rare enamel lettering to 

fascia. 

Two block-and-start doorcases of different designs 

with limestone steps and panelled doors are 

wonderful moments of superb craftmanship on 

Main Street. 



Some decorative stucco window architraves on the north side of Main Street. 

adapted. The hair salon has alternate quoins to its façade and an original spoked 

fanlight, which has been repaired and is well looked after. The east side also consists 

of six terraced buildings with two carriage-arches giving access to the rears, and has 

seen two new buildings inserted in recent years. One six-over-six sash window with 

small horns, c. 1840, also survive here and are a good model to copy for any new 

windows for a building of this era. The corner buildings of Green Street don’t curve 

unlike the corners opposite, indicating in this instance their older lineage. Former and 

current uses are generally residential and retail. 

Green Street 

Green Street was part of the ancient path to Sligo from Dublin over the Curlew Pass 

and the mail coach road from about 1729. It retains its medieval narrowness and is 

very hilly which made it inconvenient and lead to its usurping by new wider flatter 

roads in the nineteenth century. The southern end of the street continues the urban 

form of the town centre with tall three-storey regular buildings. It then becomes edgeof-town 

in character quite rapidly with vernacular two-storey houses lining it in place 

of the old cabins and thatched cottages. The peak of the first hill is marked by two 

important sites - the historic star-shaped fort to the west, which is inaccessible, and 

the fine curving high walls of the Church of Ireland Church built to the east on the 

grounds of King House from c.1765. The road then drops temporarily to the two fair 

greens on the east side. High stone walls of very good quality are a feature of the area 

and these are punctuated by stone piers and iron gates. Only the southern end is 

included in the ACA at this point. 

View south of west side of Green Street. 

(The scaffolding is to the credit union 

building, a protected structure.) 

Significant high stone wall bordering the 

credit union site and protected as part of 

its curtilage. 

The architecture of this part of the town’s ACA is more modest in terms of its 

decoration than that on other streets within the town reflecting the restricted view one 

gets of it and the narrow hilly street. On the west side the ACA consists of a line of 

six three-storey terraced buildings and terminates in the Credit Union building and its 

high-walled site. This was built c.1815 as a private home by John Mulhall and is a 

very significant building because of its internal construction details, decorative 

joinery and plasterwork as well as its detailed ashlar façade and chimney stacks; in 

the 1930s it was well-known for political activities when it was the Princess Hotel. 

The other five buildings follow the character of the town being heterogeneous 

buildings but with a continuity derived from the painted rendered facades, the original 

finish being a ruled and lined finish, and rectangular opes. The building next to the 

credit union retains its original six-over-six timber sash windows with no horns, 

parallel quoins and a modern but discrete shopfront which should be retained but 

East side of Green Street where the buildings exhibit more of a mixture of forms. The 

cream building is particularly fine but has lost some heritage value through the use of 

pvc windows and metal roofing. The new building next to it fits well into its historic 

context. 



West side - Historic sixover-six 

sash windows 

with no horns – can easily 

be repaired and serve as a 

good model for other 

windows on this street. 

East side - This version with 

horns is again very repairable 

and is a good model for 

buildings in the town which date 

to approx. 1830-1860. Note the 

tooled stone cills to both 

windows, either painted or 

unpainted. 

Spoked fanlight on the 

west side of Green 

Street is one of only 

four such surviving in 

the ACA. 

West side of Bridge Street with the arches and 

iron gates of The Shambles former 

marketplace. 

The buildings on the west side form the 

most consistent streetscape in the 

centre of Boyle and all are protected 

structures. 

Bridge Street (north of the river) 

Bridge Street was part of the ancient path from Dublin to Sligo which followed the 

ford over the river around which the town grew; it was redeveloped in the early 19th 

century at the prompting of Viscount Lorton and is still today at the heart of the town. 

The current bridge dates to 1864. On the north side Bridge Street consists of a short 

straight arm from the crossroads in the north to the bridge in the south and it opens 

out at the west with a number of key elements which performed a strategic public role 

in the past and now. Lorton opened a market here in 1826 called The Shambles which 

was to serve the town and sold fish and other provisions – its main architectural form 

is a fine entrance screen in sandstone of three arches. The space in front of the 

Shambles acted as a hub as it was flanked by the formal entrance to Frybrook House a 

very fine detached house from 1753 and the access lane to the rears of the buildings 

on Bridge Street and Patrick Street. Nowadays the stone lodge acts as a riverside cafe 

and a piece of public sculpture and a row of trees are recent enhancements. The space 

is emphasised by the way the line of buildings turns the corner with decorative gable 

and architraves. Boles shop is an important site within the town both architecturally 

and historically and combines three buildings with slated roofs, sash windows and 

painted rendered facades. The fourth building, a former bank, is later in date; it turns 

the corner onto Patrick Street and continues the form and lines – all of these buildings 

are protected structures. 

This quirky building adds interest to this point 

in the ACA. 

New fountain on Bridge Street with 

bridge behind and the Royal Hotel on 

the south side of the river as a 

backdrop. 

The historic backlands and access to 

them are important elements of the way 

the town functions and the stone 

buildings on the left should be retained 

here while having much scope for 

development. 

The east side comprises a row of four three-storey buildings all with slated roofs and 

consistent lines and opes; the removal of the historic render and the stone window 

cills on Mattimoes is regrettable and renders it out of character with the rest of the 

terrace. The stone effect on the ground floor on Scanlons is also visually intrusive. 



The access to the backlands on this side has been enhanced by recent environmental 

improvements along the river. Uses here include residential or office use over shops 

and pubs. 

shopfront. Both buildings have very good timber doorcases and doors. The corbelled 

brackets are repeated on Heran’s and the Patrick’s Well pub. 

East side of Bridge Street. The traditional finish on the buildings in Boyle is a painted lime 

render, often ruled and lined and sometimes having quoins. This should be repaired and 

maintained and regularly painted as at McDonagh’s. 

Patrick Street 

Patrick Street was originally called Eaton Lane at its eastern end near the town, 

reflecting its initial secondary importance, and Chapel Lane towards the west as it 

lead towards the ancient church at Assylin; when St Patrick’s Church was built it 

became known as Patrick Street, however Eaton Lane was still used on the OS map of 

1911-12. In 1832 this part of the town was known as Irish Town and held many 

‘wretched hovels’ 3 . The street was widened c.1860 and the old thatched cottages were 

demolished. 

Patrick Street starts in the east at the crossroads with Bridge Street/Green Street and 

gently curves in an ‘S’ shape out of town. The south side is the more architecturallysignificant 

side and it opens in the east with a terrace that continues round from 

Bridge Street the impressive three-bay three-storey form. The former bank has a 

chamfered corner and decorative architraves as well as a chanelled ground floor and 

shopfront cornice with decorative corbelled brackets that continues across two 

buildings; it formerly was the Central Hotel and was known for hosting political 

activities. Heran’s next door has historic single-pane sash windows and a fine 

3 Weld, opus cit. 

A view eastwards of the south side of Patrick Street showing its two distinct 

terraces of buildings. 

Next the building line steps down and a continuous row of two-storey with attic 

buildings introduced a new idiom to the town of Boyle in c.1870. These had 

channelled rendered ground floors (some of which survive), longer first floor 

windows and integrated shops with separate access to the living accommodation over. 

The upper floors were painted ruled and lined just like the rest of the town and there 

were single-pane sash windows with small horns which still survive on two buildings, 

and four-panelled timber doors to the upper floors. Corrigan’s timber shopfront, c. 

1900, is one of the oldest shopfronts in the terrace, and has inscribed Celtic Revival 

interlace on its pilasters. Cosgrove’s has the original corbel brackets. New shopfronts 

were introduced in the twentieth century such as the two vitrolite ones and a mosaic 

tiled one, all of which respected the original dimensions of the fascia and the classical 

format. Sheerins is one of the best vitrolite shopfronts in Ireland – it was designed by 

O’Connor & Bailey, a top shopfitting company from Dublin and has many of its 

associated features intact such as stainless steel framing, opaque transom panes, art 

deco grilles, door with raised and fielded panels to upper floors, timber glazed door to 

shop and modernist lettering in the classic black, red and silver palette. Next to the 

west is the distinctive Roscommon Herald building with its extended modernist 

facade. The ACA terminates in the Candon’s complex, a row of four early Victorian 



buildings, c.1850, of very fine rendered detailing and original joinery to doors and 

shopfronts with fine stone outbuildings and flagged pavements to the rear; a shop 

interior from 1868 was recorded here in 2003. 

Two very good shopfronts – one of the best examples in Ireland of a vitrolite shopfront 

on the left and an attractive rendered shopfront on the right. 

The later nineteenth-century terrace of six houses that was built when the street was 

widened. Cosgrove’s at the western end is the one needing most attention but this is in 

the form of maintenance and painting; it retains the original windows which could be 

repaired if necessary. 

Some details of the fine decorative shopfront console brackets on the south side of Patrick Street. 

The contrasting elevations of the Roscommon Herald and the Candon’s complex, both 

good quality buildings in their own right. The latter however survives very intact which 

makes it even more special. 

Some very fine doorcases and doors on the south side of Patrick Street. 

The north side of Patrick Street has a more heterogeneous character and plainer 

treatment than the south side but nevertheless continues all the themes of this ACA. It 

opens in the east with what appears to be a solid three-storey corner building but 



which was possibly once two buildings whose opes have been altered; it has ruled and 

lined render and an overly dominant shopfront. It is followed by a pair of two threebay 

three-storey buildings, one with a concrete effect ground floor treatment, now 

looking rather tired, and stainless steel framing to a shopfront window, the other with 

sash windows on the first floor and an old timber pubfront but with the render 

removed from the ground floor. A single-bay later infill building with attractive 

mosaic shopfront joins these to another group of four three-bay three-storey 

buildings; these have slated roofs, rendered facades and the Abbey Bar has a good 

shopfront treatment. The building line breaks and is followed by a mixed terrace of 

two and three-storey buildings, of very modest character, which includes one former 

and two current shopfronts. 

Some of the groups of buildings which line the north side of Patrick Street. 

Next there is a gap where a couple of buildings were demolished for the entrance to 

the car park but a very attractive two-bay vernacular building remains with detailing 

to the quoins and to the shopfront and a slated roof, all of which renders it full of 

character and a real asset to the streetscape. The last terrace on this side of the street is 

composed of six buildings, three in use as a pub and three as dwellings; some good 

raised and fielded five-panelled doors enliven the group. Although this terrace is very 

modest it has been included in the ACA because of its scenographic value - it follows 

the curve of the street and is important in views both from the west and from the east 

as one moves along the street. Patrick Street continues curving westward, lined with 

many buildings of interest but the character changes at this point into more vernacular 

edge-of-town and therefore the ACA has been halted at the last terrace described. 

A deceptively plain vernacular building, 

which on closer inspection reveals 

decorative details to the render and 

shopfront. 

The westernmost terrace of the ACA on the 

north side of Patrick Street hugs the curve of 

the street and is important in vistas from both 

directions and as a bookend to the ACA. 

The north side of Patrick Street continues the three-storey form of the centre of Boyle with 

classically-shaped opes and painted rendered elevations. 

Some good shopfronts on the north side of Patrick Street although the rough stonework of 

Lavin’s should be re-rendered and the mosaic shopfront could be given individual letters 

for a name. 



3. Boyle ACA - Design Guidance 

The introduction of an ACA does not mean that there is a compulsion to alter any 

features that existed when the ACA was designated. There is however a duty to 

protect the historic fabric and in the event of proposed change all historic fabric 

should be retained and repaired and any replacement features should be historicallyappropriate. 

Specialist advice may be needed to make accurate choices but the 

following guidance is intended as general advice for this ACA. It also applies to any 

new build within the ACA. Consultation with the planning authority is recommended. 

This advice does not apply to protected structures as they require a greater level of 

assessment and the best quality materials. 

Roofs – slated roofs should be repaired using natural slate to match. Any roof that has 

been re-covered with non-slate materials should, upon re-roofing, use a natural slate 

to match the other slated roofs in the ACA. Blue Bangor or an Irish equivalent is 

preferable to any other type. 

Chimneystacks - should be maintained, repaired and kept rendered. 

Rainwater goods – All should be regularly maintained. Cast-iron gutters and 

downpipes should be retained, repaired and if necessary replaced with cast-iron; 

gutters should have a half-round profile and downpipes a circular section. PVC goods 

should be replaced with cast-iron or cast aluminium, both to have a painted finish. 

Walls – all buildings within this ACA should have rendered elevations except for the 

courthouse, the clocktower, the Shambles screen, the Bank of Ireland and the Credit 

Union building. All ruled and lined render, channelled render and plain render should 

be retained and repaired. On an elevation directly facing the street it should be 

painted; rear elevations were traditionally left unpainted here and so do not have to be 

painted. Where the render has been removed, as on four buildings and one ground 

floor in the ACA, it should be replaced with a lime render, either plain or ruled and 

lined, with quoins as an option. Outbuildings and warehouses may either be rendered 

or of exposed stone. 

Opes – all opes on the upper floors should be rectangular with classical proportions. 

Where these have been altered they could be reversed. New build should also have 

classical opes. 

Cills – all stone cills should be retained. A few buildings have replaced their cills with 

concrete cills. These should be replaced with stone cills, either painted or unpainted 

and new build should use stone cills too. 

Windows – all existing sash windows should be repaired. Any pvc/aluminium 

windows should be replaced with timber sash windows - any building which dates to 

pre-1830 should have six-over-six windows with no horns, any building 1830-1860 

should have horns but could be six-over-six or two-over-two, any building post-1860 

should have horns and be two-over-two or single-pane. In the absence of certainty a 

good default for this ACA would be single-pane sash windows with small horns. All 

have narrow frames and glazing bars and a painted finish. 

Attic dormers – none new should be added. 

Rooflights – if any new rooflights are permitted to be inserted they should be small 

and match historic cast iron ones. Care should be taken with distant views with this 

aspect. 

Decorative architraves – all should be repaired and kept painted. Where none exist or 

where new opes are being formed no architraves are required. 

Threshold steps – all stone or terrazzo steps should be retained and repaired. New 

steps should be stone preferably. 

Doors – all timber panelled doors (and their frames, overlights or fanlights) should be 

retained and repaired and kept painted. Any new doors to replace pvc or aluminium 

ones should be painted timber panelled with no inset lights, and should match an 

existing historic door within the ACA. 

Door furniture – historic ironmongery should be retained and treasured. 

Shopfronts – all historic timber or rendered shopfronts should be retained and 

repaired; all vitrolite and mosaic tiled shopfronts and stainless steel framing should be 

retained and repaired. Where a new shopfront is permitted a variety of styles would 

be appropriate as long as the fascia was not too deep, the classical format of vertical 

and horizontal was followed and the members not too wide. Overly heavy corbel 

brackets should be avoided. Some recessed porches include good features such as 

floors, ceilings, doors which should be retained even if the form of the porch is 

permitted to be changed. Where new fascia lettering is permitted on historic 

shopfronts it should be in the form of individual letters. 

Fixtures – there can be a surprising number of redundant fixtures on a building, such 

as lights, signs brackets, poles etc that are no longer in use. These should be removed 

if they are of no heritage value and the wall made good. 

Wiring – wiring across a façade should be kept as tidy as possible. 

Other Features – other historic features on buildings should be retained and repaired. 

Planting – none extra should be added. 



Example of works that might alter the character of the ACA & require planning 

permission 

‣ Changing the roof profile 

‣ Changing roofing material 

‣ Changing the finish of external walls 

‣ Removing or altering chimneys 

‣ Erecting an extension 

‣ Changing the boundary treatment 

‣ Erecting or altering shop-fronts and signage 

‣ Changing the design, materials and finish of windows, doors and cills 

‣ Adding satellites, antennae, roof lights or dormers 

properly to shed water away from the buildings and that wet facades caused by 

problems in these elements are allowed to dry out before re-painting. Good quality 

paint, preferably breathable, should be used, in thin layers as it can serve to obscure 

the historic features of a building over time and trap water. Otherwise the main 

problems with elevations are minor - redundant fixtures, projecting lights which are 

sagging or out of line and obtrusive wiring – which nevertheless detract from the 

overall appearance of the streets. The buildings below illustrate these points but they 

are not the only ones with such issues. 

This is not a complete list and is included for guidance purpose only. It is 

recommended that advice is sought in advance on whether or not planning permission 

is required. 

4. Boyle ACA – Improvements Recommended 

Some key sites have been identified below where, if improvements were carried out, 

they would greatly enhance the current appearance of the ACA, the aim being to 

preserve its architectural and historical character, not to change it. They do not 

constitute design or specifications and such may need to be completed in full should 

works be proposed on foot of these recommendations. 

General: In general the condition of the public domain of the ACA is very good and 

the condition of the buildings good but there is an overall problem with the condition 

of many of the buildings at skyline level. While it is difficult to access the chimney 

stacks and gutters on these terraces, because of their height and needing scaffolding 

over the narrow pavements, it is essential that small-scale maintenance and repairs are 

done here, as a faulty gutter, a missing slate or a saturated chimney can cause rapid 

deterioration to the exterior and interior of a building. It may be appropriate that a 

group scheme is initiated to tackle these works. 

The ACA has been improved by recent painting of several elevations and there are 

certain sections which could be improved by painting in the same way. It is essential 

however that rainwater goods, roofs and flashings to chimney stacks are working 

Missing sections of gutter as seen here or 

leaky or blocked gutters and downpipes are 

the most common cause of damp problems in 

a historic building. Moss growth to the 

chimney indicates water ingress. North side 

of Patrick Street. 

East side of Bridge Street (south of river) 

A neglected chimney stack is letting water 

in through the top and sides of this double 

stack into the buildings below. West side 

of Bridge Street (south of river). 

North side of Main Street 



Attractive buildings such as these four are marred by obtrusive wiring – a problem 

throughout the ACA. 

West side of Bridge Street (south of river) on left. North side of Patrick Street on right. 

Here we can see how leaking downpipes have already started to damage the render of the 

elevations. 

A blocked gutter which will lead to problems 

if not addressed. Photo also shows 

contrasting cornices. South side of Main 

Street. 

A damaged gutter should be repaired 

before it causes deterioration in this 

charming building. 

Two satellite dishes here on neighbouring 

buildings detract from the appearance of the 

ACA and from an attractive shopfront of The 

Abbey Bar. 

A recent painting scheme has vastly 

improved the appearance of this building 

and because of its key location has had a 

very positive impact on the ACA. 



These buildings above and below exhibit a common problem – though they are of good 

quality they now look rather shabby and would be improved through repainting and the 

tidying up of their fascias – removing the half-fascia on the left above, on the south side of 

Main Street, and at the least painting the fascia on the right above, on the west side of 

Green Street, and removing the redundant betting sign. The neighbouring buildings also on 

Green street would benefit from repainting at this stage. 

bottom of doors and bursting of the stucco architraves, and this combined with 

missing slates and slipped slates on the rear slope of the roof is undoubtedly causing 

interior damage too. The rainwater goods need to be cleaned and repaired, the roof 

and chimneys repaired, other points of water ingress identified and mended, the 

façade allowed to dry out and then it be repainted and the shopfront panels tightened 

up. In time the plastic panels of the shopfront could be replaced with vitrolite panels 

or a black glass equivalent, in keeping with its character. This building could be a 

good candidate to apply for a conservation grant. 

Also on Main Street, Cuirt an Ri’s rebuilt facade is totally out of character and should 

be re-faced with a three-storey three-bay façade with opes like those in its neighbour 

to the east. 

Bridge Street, south of river, east side and Patrick Street, north side. Because of the key 

locations of these two buildings at junctions in the ACA improvements would have a 

hugely positive impact. 

Key Buildings: 

On Main Street – Mullaneys is a very fine building but water ingress through blocked 

gutters where rain is not being thrown away from the façade has started to cause 

serious deterioration including a lot of backsplash on the pavement, decay of the 

On Green Street - The high stone wall which bounds the Credit Union building is 

covered with ivy which is starting to cause damage to the wall. A programme of ivy 

killing should be initiated, it be allowed to die back, removed when dead, the wall 

examined and any necessary repairs effected using a weak lime mortar. 

On Patrick Street - Cosgrove’s is the main detractor from the appearance of the ACA 

here and again it is a good building with many original features nevertheless water 

ingress has caused discoloration of the facade. The solution is the same as above- an 

investigation of where the water is coming from, carrying out repairs, letting it dry 

out and then repainting. 



Also on this street is the very important Royal Hotel whose architectural and 

historical significance is belied by the addition of later shutters - these should be 

removed and the facade made good. (The shutters on Cryan’s should also be 

removed.) The lack of vertical division of such a long façade might be seen as a 

problem by some people but should not be of concern at this point in time. Currently 

there is no name on the building – this should be rectified. The riverside elevation 

should have its repairs completed and the scaffolding removed. The riverside 

restaurant extension is looking tired and could be a good candidate for an exciting 

new makeover. 

On Bridge Street - On the north side of the river the ground floor treatment of 

Scanlons is visually distracting in this ACA and this is exaggerated by its important 

location by the bridge. A feasible solution here might be to remove the artificial stone 

treatment and render and paint it, even using a channelled finish to match this 

elsewhere in the ACA, also removing the pediments and columns on the door to the 

upper floors. The PVC siding is also out of character. 

On Bridge Street – On the south side of the river a key recommendation is that the 

pair of buildings Carroll’s and Taylors McGees be painted. This is because of their 

impressive form, their location in the middle of this terrace and the huge lift this 

would bring to this street. They are not the only buildings that could be painted (one 

building on the Crescent stands out due to its unpainted facade) but they are likely to 

have the greatest impact; some downpipe repairs are warranted first. 

Lastly four buildings in the ACA and one ground floor, most shown below, have had 

their protective render removed. This should be reinstated using lime render, either 

plain or ruled and lined. 



6. Buildings & Features of Interest 

Although these windows are new they should have 

a painted finish and be sash windows to fit in with 

the character of the building itself and of the town. 

Specialist advice should help in reaching correct 

decisions about replacement features. 

The adjoining house has had a new 

canopy added which is distracting and 

out of character. 

Some structures have been identified by RCC as being buildings of interest in the 

LAP and are included on appended Map 6d. They currently have no level of heritage 

protection on them. Some are only of minor or local interest, creating a sense of place 

such as the cluster at the southern entrance to the town, or are railway and labourer’s 

cottages and bridges over the road or river, associated with the railway, or they may 

be individual buildings of merit such as the 1930s school and the detached houses 

along Carrick Road and Sligo Road. A number of the good stone walls associated 

with the demesne of King House have also been mapped as Buildings of Interest on 

Green Street, but this is not the full extent of them. 

Some of these structures may in time go on to be assessed for protected structure 

status. The following photos illustrate other features of interest in the townscape. 

A historic weighbridge and famine pot in the back streets south of the river to the west of 

Bridge Street. 

5. Boyle ACA - Next Step 

A detailed survey and management plan should be prepared for the Boyle ACA 

within the lifetime of this plan, subject to available resources. The Management Plan 

will set out design parameters requirements for restoration, repair, new and infill 

development. 

Historic stone paving on Ross Lane. 

Distinctive stone walling to the west near 

the boundary of the LAP area. 



The local archaeological heritage also includes any archaeological site that may not 

yet have been recorded, as well as archaeological remains underwater or beneath the 

ground surface. Such remains may only be uncovered during development work and 

must be investigated and recorded in detail, as set out under the National Monuments 

Acts. 

Recorded Monuments & Places (RMP) is included as Appendix 3. 

Very good stone walling around the Church of Ireland Church and the fair greens on Green 

Street. 

In Boyle, as in the rest of the county, ringforts are one of the most frequently found 

monument sites. Ringforts or raths are roughly circular areas, some up to 25-50 

metres across, defined by an earthen bank and external ditch or, in some cases, by a 

wide stone wall. They would have enclosed the house and other buildings of a lord or 

strong farmer in the early medieval period C. 500-1000AD. Earthen ringforts would 

have been made more defensive by having a timber palisade on top of the bank and a 

strong timber gate and would mostly have had post and wattle or timber structures 

inside. 

6.1.3 Built Heritage Strategy 

Historic wrought iron gates and monolithic stone piers to the west. 

6.1.2 Archaeological Heritage 

Archaeology is the study of past societies through the material remains left by those 

societies and the evidence of their environment, which includes anything made or 

modified by people from earliest times up to 1700AD. Archaeology provides us with 

a means of gaining understanding and knowledge of the past. 

All known archaeological sites are identified and listed for protection by the National 

Monuments Service of the DEHLG, in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP), 

a statutory inventory of sites protected under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 

2004. To date there has been over 4,400 known Recorded Monuments identified in 

the County, all of which can be viewed on www.archaeology.ie. There are 38 such 

sites presently identified in or very close to the LAP area (See Map 6c). 

This Strategy aims to preserve and safeguard our architectural and archaeological 

heritage, and to promote best practice in its conservation and management. It also 

aims to raise awareness and appreciation of this heritage in order to protect it for 

future generations. 

Policies in relation to Built Heritage 

Policy 51 

Identify, protect and conserve structures (i.e. includes conservation, preservation, and 

improvement compatible with maintaining the character and interest of the structure), 

or parts of structures, which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, 

artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest or which contribute at a local 

level to the character of the town on the grounds of preserving local character and of 

sustainability. 

Policy 52 

Promote pride and awareness of the importance and value of Boyle’s architectural 

heritage and manage any change to that heritage in such a way as to retain its 

character and special interest. 



Policy 53 

Preserve the character of the Boyle Architectural 

Conservation Area (ACA). 

Policy 54 

Secure the preservation (i.e. preservation in-situ or, as a 

minimum, preservation by record) of all archaeological 

monuments included in the Record of Monuments and 

Places as established under Section 12 of the National 

Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994, and of sites, 

features and objects of archaeological interest generally. 

In securing such preservation Roscommon County 

Council will have regard to the advice and 

recommendations of the National Monuments Service 

of the Department of Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht, both 

in respect of whether or not to grant planning 

permission and in respect of the conditions to which 

permission, if granted, should be granted. 

Policy 55 

Facilitate appropriate guidance in relation to the 

protection of the archaeological heritage and promote 

public awareness of the rich archaeological heritage in 

the County. 

Objectives in relation to Built Heritage 

Objective 73 

Apply conservation principles to all development 

applications relating to historic buildings and structures, 

whether protected or not. These principles are: 

Research prior to planning work, Minimum intervention 

– repair rather than replace, Respect the setting of the 

building. 

Objective 74 

Promote best conservation practice and the importance 

of informed decision making with regard to historic 

buildings through advice to owners / occupiers and by 

encouraging engagement of a suitably qualified 

conservation specialist with regard to material 

specification and application for protected structures. 

Objective 75 

Implement a high standard of shopfront design relating 

to the character of the shopfronts in the town including 

rendered fronts, solid timber fronts, tiled fronts, vitrolite 

fronts etc. 

Objective 76 

Retain streetscape features such as boot scrapers, vent 

pipes, stone flags, cobbles, kerbing, walls, etc which 

contribute to the character of the ACA and surrounding 


Objective 77 

Objectives with regard to protected structures: 

• Promote appropriate use / re-use and repair of 

protected structures, including the implementation 

of Conservation Grants Schemes. 

• Issue declarations on types of works that would or 

would not materially affect the character of a 

protected structure. 

• Promote new development, which is designed for 

flexible and sustainable use, while being 

sympathetic to the existing built fabric. 

• View as unfavourable, development which is likely 

to adversely affect the character of a protected 

structure or the setting of a protected structure, 

where the setting is considered to be of importance. 

Objective 78 

Objectives with regard to development within the ACA: 

• Preserve the character of the ACA. 

• Seek the improvement of key sites within the ACA 

in order to protect the built heritage and enhance the 

appearance of the town. Use the Local Authority 

Conservation Grant Scheme and other schemes to 

assist in this. 

• View as unfavourable; development which is likely 

to adversely affect the character of the ACA, and 

seek to ensure the following: 

• Prevent the demolition or partial demolition of any 

building or structure within the ACA that 

contributes to its character. 

• Retain and repair existing historic fabric, such as 

timber sash windows, lime renders, natural slates, 

in preference to their removal and replacement. 

• Encourage new development within the ACA to fit 

sensitively within the existing built fabric and to 

use the highest-quality materials. Prepare a 

management plan for the Boyle ACA within the 

lifetime of this plan, subject to available resources. 

Objective 79 

Objective with regard to historic buildings & historic 

features within the LAP area: 

• Seek the retention and reuse where practical of 

existing buildings and structures which are of 

aesthetic merit and which make a positive 

contribution to the character of their setting or 

streetscape. 

Objective 80 

Ensure that any development either above or below 

ground, within the vicinity of a site of archaeological 

interest shall not be detrimental to the character of the 

archaeological site or its setting. 



Objective 81 

Secure the preservation (in situ, or as a minimum, 

preservation by record) of all sites and features of 

historical and archaeological interest 

Objective 82 

Provide guidance to developers and property owners 

regarding the protection of the archaeological heritage, 

as well as the archaeological implications, of proposed 

development. 

Objective 83 

Ensure that proposed developments that may (due to 

their location, size, or nature) have implications for the 

archaeological heritage are subject to archaeological 

assessment. 

6.2 NATURAL HERITAGE (See Maps 7 & 8) 

Boyle is located in an area which is not only rich in its 

historical, but also its natural environment and ecological 

heritage. There are no sites within the Boyle LAP 

boundary designated under national or European 

legislation. However, substantial areas of high 

biodiversity value are found outside the existing network 

of designated sites and within the LAP boundary; and 

whilst not protected under legislation, they contribute to 

the biodiversity of the area. Habitats and landscape 

features play a valuable role as ecological corridors as 

they allow for the movement of species, and sustain the 

habitats, ecological processes and functions necessary to 

enhance and maintain biodiversity. It is imperative that 

these areas are conserved and appropriately managed. 

In order to maintain quality of life for people, plants 

and animas we need to ensure there are enough areas in 

Boyle where all can flourish. Native flora and fauna, 

field boundaries, hedgerows, roadside verges, trees, 

rivers, drains, farmland and gardens within the plan 

area all contribute to the natural heritage of Boyle: 

‣ Gardens provide invaluable food and shelter for 

wildlife, especially if there is a ‘wild’ untidy corner 

with a log pile, or pond and some native species in 

the garden, which will support a wide range of 

wildlife. Wildlife friendly gardening is low 

maintenance because there is less need for weeding, 

clipping, mowing and spraying. 

‣ Stone walls are a surprisingly important wildlife 

habitat. They provide nesting sites for birds, 

important habitats for invertebrates and homes for 

mosses and ferns that might normally be associated 

with rocky outcrops. They are also important for 

the many lichens found in Ireland. 

‣ Well- managed roadside verges are home to a huge 

variety of plants, butterflies and moths, as well as 

small mammals and birds. In an agricultural or 

urban landscape the verges often provide the only 

substantial semi-natural habitats. Verges often 

provide important wildlife corridors, linking 

fragments of what were once more widespread 

habitats. Their wildlife importance inevitably 

increases when associated with well- managed 

hedges. 

‣ As well as performing an important drainage 

function, ditches can be extremely important for 

wildlife. Their management can both assist their 

drainage function and ensure that they provide the 

best wildlife habitat possible. 

Photo 37 & 38: The Pleasure Grounds 

Photo 39: Boyle Canal 

Photo 40: Boyle River 



6.2.1 Designated Sites 

A wide range of different sites have been (or will be) designated under National & 

EU legislation and under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. There are 25 species 

and 60 habitats in Ireland, which are recognised by the EU as being in need of 

special protection, which has lead to a comprehensive network of protected areas 

being established in Ireland in recent years. 

This network is made up of sites of European importance (Special Areas of 

Conservation and Special Protection Areas) known collectively as Natura 2000 Sites, 

and sites of national importance known as Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). Many of 

these habitats and species are found in Roscommon and some, such as Turloughs and 

Active Raised Bogs, are priority habitats because of their importance and rarity. 

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) 

These are the prime wildlife conservation areas in the country, considered to be 

important on a European as well as Irish level. The EU Habitats Directive 

(92/43/EEC) lists certain habitats and species that must be protected. Ireland 

introduced the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997-2005 to 

give effect to SACs under Irish Law. Any development in, near or adversely 

affecting an SAC should avoid any significant adverse impact on the features for 

which the site has been designated or proposed for designation. There are currently 

27 SACs in Co. Roscommon, indicated on Map 24 of the current Roscommon CDP. 

Special Protection Areas (SPAs) 

These sites are areas of importance for birds (and are often also important for other 

types of wildlife). The EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) requires designation of 

SPA’s for listed rare and vulnerable species, regularly occurring migratory species 

and wetlands, especially those of international importance, which attract large 

numbers of migratory birds each year. 

There are no cSACs or SPAs in, adjoining or in the vicinity of the Boyle LAP Area. 

Table 7 lists all of the Natura 2000 Sites within a 15km radius of the Boyle LAP 

Boundary. Map 7 illustrates the location of these designated sites in relation to 

Boyle. Site synopses and maps may be accessed on the National Parks and Wildlife 

Service’s website at: http://www.npws.ie/ConservationSites/ 

Table 6: Natura 2000 Sites 

No. Site Status Site Code Distance from 

LAP Boundary 

(approx.) 

1. Lough Arrow 

Lough Arrow 

cSAC 001673 

004050 

5.7km 

5.7km 

2. Lough Gara SPA 004048 5.9km 

3. Bricklieve Mountains cSAC 001656 6km 

& Keishcorran 

4. Cloonshanville Bog cSAC 000614 9.6km 

5. Callow Bog cSAC 000595 12km 

6. Tullaghanrock Bog cSAC 002354 14.6km 

7. Bellanagare Bog cSAC 000592 14.13km 

Bellanagare Bog SPA 004105 14.13km 

Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) 

The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 substantially strengthened the protection for 

wildlife previously available under the Wildlife Act 1976. In particular, the Wildlife 

(Amendment) Act 2000 provides for the designation and conservation of Natural 

Heritage Areas (NHAs). NHAs are sites that support elements of our natural heritage 

which are unique, or of outstanding importance at the national level. Any 

development in, near or adversely affecting a Natural Heritage Area should avoid 

any significant adverse impact on the features for which the site has been designated. 

There are currently 40 Natural Heritage Areas in County Roscommon and those with 

proximity to Boyle are detailed below. (See Map 7) 

Photos 41 - 45 (Sources: www.photosofireland.ie, www.noticenature.ie, www.dublin.ie, 

www.wildflowers.ie) 



Table 7: Natural Heritage Areas 

No. Site Status Site 

Code 

1. Lough Arrow pNHA 001673 5.7km 

2. Feenagh & Bunnamuck pNHA 001905 12.3km 

Loughs 

3. Carrane Hill Bog NHA 002415 14.3km 

4. Kilronan Mountain Bog NHA 000617 12.7 

5. Corrigeenroe Marsh pNHA 000596 3.2km 

6. Druman’s Island pNHA 001633 2km 

(Lough Key) 

7. Fin Lough pNHA 001636 3.6km 

8. Drumhierny Wood NHA 001412 12.5km 

9. Lough Drumharlow pNHA 001643 6.14km 

Approx. distance 

from Boyle LAP 

Boundary 

pNHA 001631 Adjoining boundary 

10. Drum Bridge (Lough 

Key) 

11. Tawnytaskin Wood pNHA 001651 0.9km 

(Lough Key 

12. Hogs Island (Lough pNHA 001638 1.75km 

Key) 

13. Tullaghan Bog NHA 001652 5km 

14. Cornveagh Bog NHA 000603 6.7km 

15. Bella Bridge Bog NHA 000591 7.8km 

16. Ardagh Bog pNHA 001222 9.2km 

17. Bellanagare Bog pNHA 000592 14.13km 

18. Cloonshanville Bog pNHA 000614 9.6km 

19. Tullaghanrock Bog pNHA 002013 14.6km 

20. Lough Gara pNHA 000587 2.12km 

21. Bricklieve Mountains & 

Keishcorran 

Development in or near Designated Sites 

pNHA 001656 6km 

Planning authorities must ensure that any development proposal which is likely to 

have a significant effect on a Special Area of Conservation, Natural Heritage Area, 

Special Protection Area for birds, or other area designated under statute for the 

conservation of features of natural or geological interest, or other designated area, is 

authorised only to the extent that the planning authority is satisfied it will not 

adversely affect the integrity of the area. Such a proposal must be subject to an 

appropriate assessment of its implications for the area, if it is clear, on the basis of a 

preliminary examination, that the project could have a significant effect on the area. 

All aspects of the proposal, which could, themselves or in combination with other 

proposals, affect the area’s conservation objectives, should be identified. 

6.2.2 Nature Conservation, the Wider Countryside & Biodiversity 

While protected areas, cover a significant part of the country, approximately 90% of 

the country lies outside of this network. There are many other sites, which are of 

local importance for geology, flora and fauna. In Boyle, there are many undesignated 

areas of natural and semi-natural vegetation. These natural heritage areas are coming 

under increased developmental pressure. A sustainable approach requires that natural 

heritage is conserved and protected for the benefit of future generations. This all 

requires that any development proposal must take account of and protect the 

amenities of the designated area and in particular the reasons for its designation. 

This plan will also help in the identification and preservation of habitats and 

proposed protected views. In addition, RCC is preparing a Biodiversity Plan, which 

will form a part the next Roscommon County Heritage Plan. 

The Boyle River flows from Lough Gara in the west through Boyle town to Lough 

Key and from there it drains through Oakport Lough and Lough Drumharlow (Eidin) 

into the Shannon. This system is one of the important angling centres in the Shannon 

region with good coarse fishing for Bream, Roach, Rudd, Hybrids, Perch, Tench, Eel 

and Trout. A short section of canal branches off the Boyle River a short distance to 

the north-east of Boyle town. 

The River system is accessible to the public at Boyle town with two amenity areas 

(Mocmoyne and the Pleasure Grounds) and via a riverside walk which extends on 

the south side of the river from opposite the Mill at the western end of the town to 

Bridge Street and from Bridge Street to the Pleasure Grounds on the north side of the 

river. Waterways Ireland have developed an amenity walkway and fishing facilities 

along the canal in Boyle, which branches off the river. 



Photos: 46 & 47 Boyle River 

Lough Key is situated at the foot of the Curlew 

Mountains, in close proximity to Boyle. It is a beautiful 

lake and is studded with many wooded islands. Its 

southern shores, with their hills and woodland, 

constitute Lough Key Forest and Activity Park. Its 

immense range of habitats encourages a huge diversity 

of wildlife and birds such as summer visitors; the 

cuckoo, tern, willow warbler, whitethroat and blackcap. 

Photo 48: Lough Key 

Photo 49: Lough Key 

6.2.3 Alien Species 

There are many alien species of plant and animal, now 

common in Ireland, which are not actually native, but 

were introduced in the past. Invasive alien species are 

those whose introduction threatens native biological 

diversity. 

Specific habitat types currently under threat in Ireland 

from invasive species include freshwater river systems, 

ponds, mesotrophic lakes, native woodland, lowland 

heath, coastal floodplain, coastal salt marsh and coastal 

sand dunes. A variety of native species are also 

threatened by invasive species, including red squirrels, 

white-clawed crayfish, red deer and earthworms. The 

threat to biodiversity in County Roscommon by 

invasive species is real. One invasive species, Japanese 

Knotweed, for example, is found in several locations 

around the county. Earth from areas infested with 

Japanese Knotweed should never be moved, as this is 

the main cause of its spread. RCC recognises the threats 

posed by invasive species and supports the work of 

organisations such as the Western Region Zebra Mussel 

Control Initiative, based in Galway County Council. 

RCC will support other initiatives to raise awareness of 

the dangers of the spread of invasive species. Further 

information on this issue is available on 

www.alienspecies.ie. 

6.2.4 Landscape Character Assessment 

A Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) is a study of 

a given landscape to ascertain its ‘character’. Landscape 

character is the combination of physical, as well as, 

perceived aspects of the landscape. Landscape character 

maps and an accompanying document with descriptions 

and recommendations is the end product of the 

assessment process. The aim of the County 

Roscommon LCA, which forms part of the Roscommon 

CDP 2008-2014, is to provide a tool for decision 

making regarding development control and to influence 

landscape policy at Local Authority level. In 

considering landscape character in the area, RCC 

acknowledges the importance of taking into account 

adjoining landscape character, landscape features and 

designations, including those in adjoining counties. 

The LCA for County Roscommon was primarily 

prepared because Section 10 of Planning and 

Development Act requires that all Local Authorities 

consider ‘the character of the landscape’ when drawing 

up objectives for their new county development plans, 

in the interests of proper planning and sustainable 

development. 

The European Landscape Convention (ELC), which 

Ireland ratified in 2002, requires signatories to assess 

and map their landscapes in the interests of wider 

European landscape planning and sustainable 

development. An important aspect of the ELC was to 

engage in widespread public consultation when 

assessing landscape value, which is a key component of 

the Roscommon LCA. The Boyle LAP area forms part 

of two Landscape Character Areas (LCA), LCA 16 - 

Lough Key and Boyle River Network and LCA 17 – 

Boyle and Curlew Mountains. Details of these 

Landscape Character Areas are outlined below. 

Roscommon LCA 16: Lough Key & Boyle River 

Network 

Key Characteristics 

Undulating in an easterly direction this drumlin 

lakeland landscape is dominated by Lough Key and a 

series of other loughs, including Oakport Lough and 



Lough Eidin, all of which are linked by the Boyle 

River flowing in an easterly direction to connect to the 

River Shannon. The ridgeline of the hills located just 

north of Lough Key mark the northern boundary, 

while the southern boundary is delineated by the N4. 

The land cover in the northwest of the LCA is 

predominantly wet grassland with large areas of 

understorey forest, scrub and patches of heath. In 

contrast the south eastern half of the LCA is made up 

of dry grassland with large areas of mature forest and 

patches of cut over raised bog and reclaimed raised 

bog. There are a number of designated Scenic Routes 

and Scenic Views which overlook Lough Key Forest 

Park from elevated vantage points, taking in its 

wooded shoreline and islands. 

Figure 9: LCA 16 - Lough Key & Boyle River Network 

Built development is generally sparse in the LCA; 

however there is evidence of ribbon development along 

the R285 around Knockvicar and the third class roads 

leading into Cootehall village and the townland of 

Carrigeenree (north of Lough Key). A mineral extraction 

site next to Lough Fin, just south of Knockvicar has 

been mapped. The shoreline of Lough Arrow, just inside 

the county boundary to the west has been designated an 

NHA, SAC and SPA. Large tracts of Lough Key and the 

whole of Lough Eidin, as well as its adjoining wetlands 

to the east are designated as an NHA. 

The overall image of this landscape is one of an 

extensive organically shaped lakeland fringed by 

broadleaf forest. 

Landscape Value 

The Lough Key and Boyle River Network character 

area is of Exceptional Value. Lough Key Forest Park is 

the jewel in the crown for tourism in County 

Roscommon, attracting large numbers of visitors for its 

water amenities, habitats and surrounding scenic 

landscape. The Historical Walking Trail passes through 

the LCA taking in the shore of Lough Key and 

connecting with Boyle in the south and the Miners Way 

further north in the Arigna Mountains. Without doubt it 

is one of the most scenic areas in County Roscommon 

and is of national repute. 

Photo 50: View from the R280 to the north east over 

looking Lough Key Forest Park 

Forces of Change 

Any inappropriate or insensitively positioned 

development in and around the Lough Key Forest Park 

area could have a negative impact on the water amenity 

and scenic quality of the area. During the public 

consultation of the LCA, there was concern at the 

increase in leisure activities, specifically high speed 

pleasure crafts, which are spoiling the tranquil quality 

of the lakeland area. 

Increased afforestation is a possibility. This presents an 

opportunity to enhance deciduous tree planting. Poor 

management of forests, however, could erode the 

valuable woodland character of the LCA. 

Key Recommendations 

• Single rural dwellings should be prohibited where 

they would block views from designated locations. 

• Where new applications arise there should be regard 

to the existing woodland character of this local 

character area in accordance with the forestry and 

landscape guidelines prepared by the Department of 

Agriculture and Food, Forest Service. 

• Policies adopted by the Council to protect Scenic 

Routes and Scenic Views should take into account the 

exceptional scenic character of this LCA. 

Roscommon LCA 17: Boyle and Curlew Mountains 

Key Characteristics 

Located in the north of the county this LCA is 

dominated by the Curlew Mountains which slope 

steeply into the Boyle River corridor. The Boyle River 

meanders its way between the foot hills of the Curlews 



and the drumlins to the south. The town of Boyle is the 

main settlement in the area and all national (N61 and 

N4) and regional (R361, R294, R295, R294) roads 

going through the LCA feed into the town. Although 

built development is sparse in the upland and river 

corridor areas, there is significant development pressure 

along the roads leading in and around Boyle Town. The 

uplands are a complex mix of wet and dry grassland, 

upland blanket bog, reclaimed upland blanket bog, 

heath and under storey forest and scrub. The Boyle 

River corridor has long stretches of wetland large 

portions of which are designated as NHA. The area is 

predominantly made up of dry grassland but patches of 

wet grassland and reclaimed raised bog occur near 

water courses. 

The overall image of this landscape is one of a large 

town nestled in the foothills of wooded upland. 

Figure 10: Roscommon LCA 17 - Boyle and Curlew 

Mountains 

Landscape Value 

The landscape value of this LCA is Very High. Boyle 

town is known for its fine examples of built heritage, 

including Boyle Abbey. Archaeological sites located in 

the Curlew Mountains are also valued. There are also 

views from the old railway track which are considered 

valuable by the community. 

Photo 51: View from Curlew Mountains to the south east 

showing the dispersed housing around Boyle Town. 

Forces of Change 

Demand for additional housing on the outskirts of the 

town is likely. Ribbon development creeping westward 

into the Boyle River corridor could damage the water 

quality of the wetland habitats. Insensitively located 

and brightly coloured housing in the uplands around 

Boyle Town will have a negative impact on the visual 

quality of the Curlew Mountains. 

Key Recommendation 

Attention should be paid to existing policies that 

constrain sprawling development around Boyle Town 

and encourage a compact form. 

6.2.5 Habitat Mapping 

In accordance with Objective 252 of Roscommon 

County Development Plan 2008-2014, Habitat Mapping 

has been carried out for the Boyle Local Area Plan area. 

The main aim of the survey in Boyle is to provide an 

inventory and classification of the habitats present and 

to identify areas of biodiversity importance. This should 

create a more consistent sense of the value and 

importance of local sites of ecological value, and secure 

a broader awareness and support for their protection. 

Habitat mapping for Boyle can be viewed on 

www.roscommoncoco.ie in the Interactive 

Development Plan Maps section of the Map Zone. 

The habitat boundaries for Boyle were mapped and 

classified to Fossitt III in accordance with the national 

habitats classification produced by the Heritage 

Council, A Guide to Habitats in Ireland (Fossitt, 2000). 

Habitats listed on Annex 1 of the Habitats Directive 

92/43/EU were identified. Significant hedgerows and 

treelines have also been identified. 

The habitats found within the study area were evaluated 

based on their naturalness, value and vulnerability. 

Habitats were rated on a scale from A: International 

Importance; B: National Importance; C: County 

Importance; D: Local Importance (higher value) to E: 

Local Importance (lower value). Habitats in the Boyle 

area are mostly of County or Local importance. (See 

Map 8) 

6.2.6 Natural Heritage Strategy 

The Natural Heritage Strategy for Boyle aims to preserve 

and enhance the amenity and natural beauty of Boyle by 

preserving in so far as possible individual trees, 

hedgerows, and woodlands. It also aims to integrate the 

consideration of biodiversity into all Council actions and 

work programmes in order to ensure the protection of 

this important aspect of the local environment. In 

considering landscape character in the area, RCC 

acknowledges the importance of taking into account 



adjoining landscape character, landscape features and 

designations, including those in adjoining Counties. The 

main policies and objectives for Natural Heritage are 

outlined below. 

Policy for Natural Heritage 

Policy 56 

Promote the retention and enhancement of existing 

habitats and biodiversity in Boyle. 

Objectives for Natural Heritage 

Objective 84 

No projects which will be reasonably likely to give rise 

to significant adverse direct, indirect or secondary 

impacts on the integrity of any Natura 2000 sites having 

regard to their conservation objectives, shall be permitted 

on the basis of this Plan (either individually or in 

combination with other plans or projects) unless 

imperative reasons of over-riding public interest can be 

established. 

Objective 85 

Encourage the preservation of wildlife through the: 

‣ retention and improvement of features such as 

hedgerows, roadside and townland boundaries, trees, 

ponds and watercourses, 

‣ the active discouragement of draining and filling-in 

of field ponds, and 

‣ the appropriate management of existing woodland 

and hedgerows. 

Objective 86 

Require significant development proposals to include a 

visual impact assessment demonstrating that landscape 

impacts have been anticipated and avoided to a level 

consistent with the sensitivity of the landscape. 

Objective 87 

Protect features of the natural environment including 

existing ecological corridors (trees, hedgerows, scrub, 

wooded areas, rivers, and streams). All significant 

proposals for development shall be required to identify 

all ecological corridors, assess the impact of the proposal 

on these, and set out detailed mitigation measures to 

offset any negative impact. 

Objective 88 

Have regard to impacts of floodlighting and public 

lighting in open spaces and to minimize light intrusion in 

areas of habitat value. 

Objective 89 

An Ecological Assessment may be required where a 

development impacts on a sensitive habitat. This 

assessment must assess the likely impact of the proposed 

development and propose suitable mitigation measures. 

Objective 90 

Support initiatives, which reduce the risks of invasions, 

help control and manage new and established invasive 

species, monitor impacts, raise public awareness, 

improve legislation and address international obligations. 

Objective 91 

Implement conditions as appropriate, as part of a grant of 

a planning permission, to prevent the spread of invasive 

species. 

Objective 92 

Encourage the use of native species in amenity planting, 

stocking and related community actions to reduce the 

introduction and spread of non-native species. 




PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR 2012 – 2018 & BEYOND Chapter 7: Economic Development & Employment 

CHAPTER 7: 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 

& EMPLOYMENT 


Planning and development issues today have become 

more complex and frequently overlap with other policy 

areas such as economic development, transport, 

education, and health provision. The economic role of 

Boyle is significant in terms of the towns’ population 

and location. Considering the size, scale and nature of 

Boyle, it is imperative that the strategy for economic 

development in the Town focuses on the achievable 

delivery of local services and potential employment 

generation. 

The zoning of appropriate sites in the town centre to 

accommodate mixed-use developments can facilitate 

the development of small-scale services. These services 

can expand over time if required. There are several 

strategic economic advantages in Boyle, including for 

example; a high quality built environment (historic 

heritage, protected structures, an Architectural 

Conservation Area); improved road access; notable 

development interest in the town; a significant volume 

of land and availability of readily serviced sites; 

considerable tourism potential; a high quality natural 

environment; and, relatively low development charges. 


Similar to many towns in Ireland, Boyle has been 

affected by the downturn in the national economy since 

2008, and to the subsequent increase in unemployment 

rates. This LAP therefore includes the facilitation of 

employment generation as a principle aim and the plan 

contains a level of flexibility in order to facilitate 

potential new developments with varying requirements 

that are capable of delivering employment. 

Employment and industry are of fundamental importance 

to the economic and social development of Boyle. There 

are no major industries in the Boyle area at present and a 

significant proportion of people living in the area 

commute to towns such as Sligo, Carrick-on-Shannon, 

Longford, and Roscommon for employment. Agriculture 

and agricultural services still remain a significant source 

of employment in the area. Employment is also 

generated in the area in, for example; small shops, 

supermarkets, solicitor’s offices, insurance brokers, and 

betting offices, amongst many others. 

Whilst Boyle acts as a local service centre for the 

surrounding rural hinterland, there is insufficient 

indigenous employment for residents of the town at 

present. Boyle lacks industry, despite having an educated 

workforce. Employment generating uses in Boyle are 

critical to readdressing the balance of development that 

has taken place. The area has experienced significant 

population growth and should be in a position to 

capitalise on the available skilled workforce. There is a 

need to encourage entrepreneurship with assistance from 

support agencies such as the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, and 

the Enterprise Board. In addition to the commercial/retail 

and industrial lands included on the land use zoning map, 

flexible policies and objectives are also included in this 

LAP, which demonstrate RCC’s commitment to assisting 

and facilitating in the creation of additional employment 

for Boyle (See appended Maps 14a & 14b). 

As outlined above, there is a large agricultural sector on 

the fringes of the town and this provides limited 

employment. However, many farmers are finding it 

increasingly difficult to entice their sons or daughters to 

remain in Boyle and work the farms due to low farm 

incomes. Farming has now become predominantly parttime 

and primarily consists of farm sizes between 50-100 

acres. Many farmers’ wives also work part-time in order 

to supplement family incomes. In most cases, farm 

income is supplemented by a mixture of wages, headage 

payments, unemployment assistance or F.Á.S schemes. 

With changes in agricultural production and reduction in 

EU financial supports, farming can be expected to 

contribute less income in the future and a reduction in 

farm related employment is likely. 

RCC also recognises that there are many advantages to 

the local community living within a reasonable travel 

distance from their place of employment. These 

advantages include; reduced travel time and costs, 

reduce carbon emissions, and increased productivity. 

Achieving these benefits will contribute to an overall 

improvement in the quality of life for everyone in 

Boyle. Furthermore, the presence of employment in a 

town leads to increased potential for business 

interactions and the local economy will grow with the 

level of trade and commerce. 

There are several influencing factors that will aid in the 

attraction and creation of new employment in Boyle. 

These include, amongst others; a significant local 

workforce, an existing active business community, huge 

tourism potential, a vibrant community and great 

quality of life, available industrial lands, and a 

population and wide hinterland providing a market for 

services. It is considered that renewed emphasis is 

required on the creation of long-term sustainable 

employment in Boyle, particularly in tourism, industry 

(production and manufacturing) and the service 

industry. There is considerable potential for growth in 

the service industry in Boyle town in terms of the level 

and range of service provision in areas such as leisure, 

retail and restaurants. A significant portion of such 



growth in service provision can be accommodated 

within the existing town centre. Boyle has substantial 

unexploited tourism potential and it is considered that a 

new hotel in the town would be a major advantage to 

both the tourism and business sectors (see Chapter 5 & 

Map 12). It is anticipated that a strong tourism sector 

and service industry will have significant benefits in 

employment creation. 

The Council recognises that this LAP alone cannot create 

employment but that aspects of the Plan can influence 

job creation. It is anticipated that the LAP will facilitate 

the expansion of employment generating activities by 

ensuring that an adequate provision of zoned and 

serviced lands in land banks of adequate size at strategic 

locations throughout the town is available. As outlined 

above; there is a need to encourage entrepreneurship 

with assistance from support agencies such as the IDA, 

Enterprise Ireland, and the Enterprise Board. RCC 

will seek to facilitate the development of incubator units 

in the town i.e. providing work space for start ups. 

RCC will, where possible, through it’s willingness to 

meet with potential investors, its general activities, 

working with state employment agencies, and through 

the policies and objectives of this LAP seek to facilitate 

new employment and the retention of existing 

employment in Boyle. The facilitation of employment 

generating activities is a key focus of this LAP for Boyle 

and RCC will continue to work with other organisations 

in order to promote an environment that supports the 

creation of jobs in Boyle. 

The Industrial Development Agency (IDA) of 

Ireland 

The Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is Ireland’s 

inward investment promotion agency and is responsible 

for the attraction and development of foreign 

investment into the country. The agency provides a 

range of services and incentives, including funding and 

grants, to those considering foreign direct investment in 

Ireland. While investment from overseas in 

manufacturing and internationally traded services are 

the broad focus of IDA Ireland, the agency continues to 

work with investors once in Ireland to encourage and 

assist in expanding and developing their businesses. 

The IDA are focused on securing investment from new 

and existing clients in the areas of High End 

Manufacturing, Global Services (including Financial 

Services) and Research, Development and Innovation. 

They are also actively focusing on emerging areas such 

as Clean Technology, Convergence and Services 

Innovation. These areas offer exciting new overseas 

investment opportunities and are ideally suited to the 

Irish skill-set, experience and in the case of Clean 

Technology, geography and climate. 

Enterprise Ireland 

Enterprise Ireland is the government agency responsible 

for the development and promotion of the indigenous 

business sector. Their mission is to accelerate the 

development of world-class Irish companies to achieve 

strong positions in global markets resulting in increased 

national and regional prosperity. Enterprise Ireland 

focuses on five areas of activity for Irish companies: 

1. Achieving Export Sales: Their primary focus is to 

help their client companies achieve international 

success. 

2. Driving Research and Innovation: Improving the 

prospects of companies through R&D and 

Innovation 

3. Competing Through Productivity: Increasing 

competitiveness through business innovation 

4. Starting Up & Scaling Up 

5. Driving Regional Enterprise 

Policies for Future Employment, Enterprise & 

Economic Strategy 

Policy 57 

Facilitate the development of enterprise and 

employment opportunities within the LAP boundary in 

accordance with the overall vision of the LAP, and cooperate 

with other agencies including the private sector 

in progressing this policy. 

Policy 58 

Promote and facilitate the implementation of targeted 

economic development in zoned and serviced areas 

(within speed limit areas) as part of the future 

Economic Development Strategy for the Boyle LAP 


Policy 59 

Support the RCDB in encouraging indigenous 

innovation and enterprise by making suitable start up 

locations available to entrepreneurs. This will include 

the provision of high quality serviced sites/land ready 

for industrial/commercial development including 

workspace units with broadband connectivity in 

appropriately zoned areas. 

Policy 60 

Improve the visitor experience to the town, and to cooperate 

with all stakeholders and appropriate agencies 

in promoting tourism and securing the development of 

tourist based enterprises and facilities in the town. 



Policy 61 

Support the RCDB in its liaison with the IDA to 

promote foreign direct investment and the 

establishment of new employment opportunities in the 


Objectives for Future Employment, Enterprise & 

Economic Strategy 

Objective 93 

In consolidating the urban form, support the location of 

quality employment and residential developments in 

proximity to each other in order to reduce the need to 

travel and the dependence on private transport. 

Objective 94 

Ensure that the infrastructure and services in the LAP 

area are sustainably developed and upgraded to a level 

that can support increased economic activity. 

7.2.1 Environmental Quality/Amenity 

The environmental quality of Boyle is generally good 

and it has an attractive townscape, although the town is 

dilapidated and run down in parts. Patrick Street in 

particular suffers from large areas of dereliction and 

there are clear opportunities for significant 

redevelopment at this location. There are a number of 

attractive traditional shop fronts in the town, although 

the maintenance of these and some of the upper floors 

of premises is sometimes poor. As in most Irish Towns 

the quality of streetscapes have suffered from the 

increasing use of PVC/Aluminium windows on the 

upper floors of Georgian and Victorian properties. 

It is evident that the town was once an important market 

centre, a role which has somewhat declined. The town 

has experienced limited investment in recent years. Its 

development has been somewhat impeded by 

competing centres in the vicinity such as Carrick-on- 

Shannon and Sligo, which have experienced significant 

growth and expansion in their retail sector in recent 

years. Furthermore there has been substantial retail 

investment in Cortober, on the outskirts of Carrick-on- 

Shannon. 

As detailed above, the River Boyle is a focal point of 

the town. The area in the immediate vicinity of the 

River is however, run down and in decline. There is 

little frontage onto the river, and thus poor passive 

surveillance of this predominantly pedestrian area. The 

surface treatment of pathways along the river is poor. 

There are several pedestrian links from the River area 

through to Main Street and the Mace car park off 

Carrick Road. However, due to the degraded 

environment of these routes they are unattractive and 

uninviting. 

Wirescape in the town is generally good and although 

there was poor provision of litter receptacles in the 

town centre area, litter management is generally good. 

The town also has an attractive public lighting scheme. 

Policies for Environmental Quality/Amenity 

Policy 62 

Maintain good air quality and acceptable noise levels 

within the town. 

Policy 63 

Implement the provisions of National legislation and 

EU Directives on air and noise pollution in conjunction 

with other agencies, as appropriate. 

Policy 64 

Support public transport and non-motorised 

transportation as a key measure to reduce locally 

generated air pollutants. 

Objectives for Environmental Quality/Amenity 

Objective 95 

Encourage landscaping and tree planting as a means of 

air purification, the filtering of suspended particles and 

the improvement of the town’s micro-climate. 

Objective 96 

Upgrade visual aspects of the approach roads to the 

town. 

Objective 97 

Encourage local community involvement in the 

upgrading and improvement of open space, to add a 

sense of place and provide improved areas for the 

residents and visitors. 

Objective 98 

Seek to improve the provision of litter receptacles in the 

town centre. 

7.2.2 Retail & Commercial Development 

Boyle is an important retail and commercial centre 

serving the northern parts of County Roscommon and 

accommodates a limited range of uses. These include; a 

small variety of pubs, restaurants, cafes, banks, and 

convenience stores, amongst others. The railway station 

is located within close proximity to the town centre and 

there are several financial institutions and service 

providers disbursed throughout the town. The town also 

has an important tourism function due to the presence 

of Boyle Abbey, King House, Boyle Harbour and it’s 



proximity to Lough Key. Retail provision in Boyle is 

characterised by disbursed retail provision along Main 

Street, Bridge Street and Patrick Street which largely 

comprises of small local operators. SuperValu is a 

dominant presence in the town and provides the 

majority of convenience shopping in the town. There 

are no other national/international multiples located in 

Boyle. 

Boyle is well served in terms of convenience retail 

provision. The town contains a large Mace supermarket 

as well as a purpose built SuperValu Shopping Centre 

that has been developed in the town centre. The 

SuperValu development has a number of ancillary retail 

units including a giftware shop, hair studio, clothes 

shop and pharmacy. The retail centre also 

accommodates public seating, customer’s toilets and 

baby changing facilities. It is a popular retail destination 

in the town centre serving both weekly shopping and 

top-up needs. Boyle also accommodates a number of 

other smaller convenience retailers, for example 

Londis. 

Comparison provision in the centre is relatively poor 

and is predominantly characterised by independent 

retailers such as Boles of Boyle, which was opened in 

1886. There is a lack of national or international 

comparison multiples represented in the town and the 

comparison offer is generally limited. This is 

predominantly due to the town’s proximity to existing 

provision in other competing centres such as Sligo and 

Carrick-on-Shannon. Boyle also accommodates a range 

of other retail service functions as well as pubs, offices 

and other commercial uses. Upper Bridge Street, in 

particular, has lost much of its retail function and is 

characterised by offices, professional services and 

public houses. There are several vacant units in the 

town, some of which have a very rundown appearance. 

In terms of accessibility, Boyle is readily accessible 

due to its location just off the N4 National Route. The 

town has adequate car parking although this is primarily 

provided by on-street parking, free of charge. The 

SuperValu development is also served by an extensive 

area of car parking and further additional spaces are 

also provided in the town square and at the Mace 

Supermarket. 

Pedestrian accessibility throughout the town is 

generally good, there are however a lack of pedestrian 

crossings. Pavements are generally of good quality. 

Pedestrian linkages are also provided along the River 

Boyle, although the physical environment of these areas 

could be upgraded. The town is served by a bus route 

serving Carrick-on-Shannon, Roscommon and Dublin. 

Boyle has an attractive railway station and is served by 

the Main Dublin to Sligo rail route. 

Given the limited investment in Boyle in recent years, 

the town centre is not considered to be as vibrant as 

other towns in the County. Although the town is the 

third largest centre in County Roscommon, it offers a 

limited range of services and retailing facilities. The 

proximity of Carrick-on-Shannon has impacted on the 

growth of its retail function. The tight urban grain of the 

traditional town centre restricts the development of 

larger retail units within the core retail area. The 

development of larger retail units within the town 

centre would therefore require the amalgamation of a 

series of units which may prove difficult. 

One significant site with development potential in 

Boyle is the site located on Patrick Street. It has direct 

frontage to the street and currently accommodates an 

obsolete and derelict structure. There is a significant 

backland area to the rear of the structures. Further 

potential development sites within the town include, for 

example, the old Mill structure and associated ancillary 

industrial buildings to the north of Patrick Street and the 

vacant derelict lands opposite Mace. See appended 

Maps 12, 14a & 14b. 

Policies for Retail/Commercial 

Policy 65 

Strengthen the retail/commercial, residential and 

recreational functions of the town centre, retaining 

retail uses at the ground floor level. 

Policy 66 

Seek improvements to the visual quality of Boyle town 

centre as part of new development and facilitate the 

appropriate development of the town centre subject to 

compliance with the development standards where 

applicable contained in this LAP as well as the RCDP. 

Policy 67 

Encourage and facilitate the consolidation and 

enhancement of the retail function of Boyle town centre 

and its role in the County Retail Hierarchy. 

Objectives for Retail/Commercial 

Objective 99 

Assess all retail proposals against the criteria and 

recommendations set down in the Retail Planning 

Guidelines, and the Retail Strategy for County 


Objective 100 

Create a more attractive and safer pedestrian 

environment including the provision of pedestrian 

crossings, high quality pavements and cycle paths, 

street lighting and street furniture in the area. 



7.2.3 Industrial Development 

Roscommon County Council recognises that new 

technologies, high value added and knowledge based 

sectors such as Biotechnology, Medical Devices, 

Communication and Technology etc are the types of 

industry that offer long terms prospects for generating 

revenues. In order for Roscommon to achieve balanced 

and sustainable industrial development, a diversified 

base of employment opportunities will have to be 

provided and developed within the County. RCC is 

committed to attracting industry to County Roscommon 

and recognises the importance of industrial and 

commercial development in terms of employment 

creation, economic and social development of Boyle. 

Whilst the LAP cannot directly influence future 

industrial and commercial development, it can adopt a 

plan-led approach by; 

‣ Ensuring that sufficient and appropriate land is 

zoned and available for industrial and commercial 

development 

‣ Providing or facilitating the provision of 

infrastructure such as roads, drainage, water etc 

‣ Promoting Boyle as a viable location to work and 

live 

‣ Adopt a Development Contribution Scheme which 

includes measures to encourage such development 

into these types of settlements. 

Policies for Industry 

Policy 68 

Support the RCDB and IDA in encouraging new high 

tech industries and high potential start-ups to locate in 

the Boyle LAP area. 

Policy 69 

RCC will support the County Enterprise Board, 

Roscommon County Development Board, National 

Development Agencies (e.g. IDA, state bodies) and 

private developers in encouraging and facilitating the 

location of new industries which provide a positive and 

flexible response to job creation possibilities in the LAP 

area whilst protecting residential amenity and the 

environment. 

Objectives for Industry 

Objective 101 

Where technically feasible and economically viable, 

provide for or facilitate the provision of the necessary 

infrastructure and services for industrial development 

within the LAP area. 

7.2.4 Electronic Courtyards 

An approach currently in development which looks at 

technology based enterprises within the Shannon 

Region is called ‘E-Towns’. The objective is to 

generate incremental business activity by offering the 

modern entrepreneur a “turn-key” residential and 

business solution with all the convenience of advanced 

facilities in a quality-lifestyle location. The vision of the 

project is to apply 21st century telecommunications 

technology and best practice in Town Renewal, to help 

create an alternative enterprise culture within small 

regional communities that will meet their specific needs 

in terms of an attractive living environment, as well as 

sustainable economic activity, including the creation of 

new jobs. 

Roscommon County Council, in considering 

technology-based enterprises, will facilitate the 

provision of ‘Courtyard’ developments in Boyle, that 

provide workspace and broadband connectivity through 

tailored solutions negotiated with telecommunications. 

The primary aim is to disperse economic activity and 

job creation to smaller population centres. A by-product 

is the bringing of broadband services including training 

and expertise to the village and surrounding rural areas. 

7.2.5 Rural Enterprises in Towns & Villages 

Enterprise in rural areas tends to be characterised by 

small firms operating in the more traditional sectors, 

some 65% of enterprises meet the definition of microenterprise 

(i.e. less than 10 employees). Not only do 

rural enterprises have to compete with the attractions of 

urban locations they have to also deal with issues such 

as transport costs, market access peripherality, poor 

communications and physical infrastructure. 

Given the nature of the rural economy and the lack of a 

national approach to rural enterprise, devolved funding 

and other supports available through LEADER, the 

County Enterprise Board and the Western Development 

Commission are especially relevant to rural enterprises 

within County Roscommon. It is essential that their 

combined supports under the National Development 

Plan are coordinated effectively and are targeted at rural 

entrepreneurs and in providing rural business 


The Council shall work with these bodies and other 

State Agencies/Departments in order to promote rural 

development and enterprise creation in Boyle over the 

lifetime of this Plan and in collaboration with the 

relevant NDP programmes 2007-2013. 



7.2.6 Home-based Economic Activity 

Applications for small-scale home-based economic 

activity in rural areas, such as Boyle, where the 

occupants of an existing dwelling are employed at 

home will be positively considered where the proposal 

does not generate significant new traffic movements. 

Home-based businesses, which wish to expand beyond 

employing the household on site, may be required to 

locate in the village or to another area more suitable to 

the proposed use. The Planning Authority shall consider 

expansion to a full business within the rural area on a 

case-by-case basis. 

Home-based economic activity should if possible be 

sited either in converted existing farm buildings located 

adjacent to the main dwelling house or within the house 

where the use is compatible with and ancillary to the 

use of the dwelling as a home. Again, the Planning 

Authority shall judge each case on its own merits. 

The development strategy for rural enterprises in Boyle 

aims to: 

• Promote and support a wide range of new job 

creating opportunities, support the local economic 

base, and encourage diversification within 

employment and industry. 

• Develop the local economy such that it can sustain 

activities proportionate with the needs and scale of 

the expanding town. 

• Work with all strategic partners and local 

stakeholders in the delivery of this goal and the 

enhancement of the local economy. 

7.3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & 

EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY 

In general, there are three different strategies to 

promote economic activity within towns and villages 

and these include; attracting new companies; 

retaining/growing existing companies; and starting 

new companies. Attracting new companies usually 

takes the form of attracting Foreign Direct Investment 

(FDI) by means of offering tax incentives or making 

development sites available. The policy of attracting 

this type of investment to peripheral or declining 

regions in terms of long term economic growth may be 

questionable. The availability of land with appropriate 

infrastructure, availability of skilled labor, amenities 

and quality of life are critical location factors. More 

often than not these criteria are difficult to fulfill all at 

once. 

It has also become much more difficult to attract such 

investment due to increased international competition 

and the enlargement of the EU which has opened up 

cheaper labour markets. Furthermore, other towns in 

Ireland are also competing aggressively for FDI with 

the majority of projects located in urban areas. In 

response, economic development efforts have had to 

re-focus on new strategies aimed at increasing the size 

of home-grown businesses. Entrepreneurial 

development, therefore, forms a key part of this new 

perspective. Given the nature of the rural economy and 

the lack of a national approach to rural enterprise, 

devolved funding and other supports available through 

LEADER, the County Enterprise Board and the 

Western Development Commission, are especially 

relevant to rural enterprises. It is essential that these 

combined supports under the new NDP are 

coordinated effectively and are targeted at rural 

entrepreneurs and in providing rural business 


The development of infrastructure in smaller or more 

remote areas, such as Boyle, is a key factor in 

attracting people and especially small enterprise 

projects. These include; Broadband 

telecommunications, office accommodation and home 

office facilities, work/life balance opportunities, good 

road links and access to public transport, and 

marketing of these opportunities. 

Having regard to the size, scale, and nature of the town, 

the strategy for economic development in Boyle must 

focus on the attainable delivery of local services and 

potential employment generation. As outlined above, the 

zoning of appropriate sites in the town centre to 

accommodate mixed use development can aid the 

development of small-scale services which can enlarge in 

time if required. 


PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR 2012 – 2018 & BEYOND Chapter 8: Urban Development 

CHAPTER 8: 

URBAN DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN 


Urban areas act as vital economic, social and cultural 

hubs and the continuing challenge is to sustain and 

enhance the viability and diversity of these settlements 

through appropriate development and growth. (See 

appended Map 11 - Constraints in Boyle, Map 12 - 

Opportunities in Boyle, and Maps 14a & 14b - Boyle 

Land Use Zoning) 

The vision and strategic aims of this LAP, as 

highlighted in Chapter 2, are based on the role of Boyle 

as defined in national, regional and local planning 

policy and the aspirations of the people and 

stakeholders within Boyle as outlined during the public 

consultation and the Pre-Draft submissions / 

observations received. The main strategic aims for this 

LAP are set out in Chapter 2, and include, amongst 

others, those set out below. The following strategic 

aims are imperative for sustainable urban development 

and design, and are the guiding principles for the 

formation of urban development and design related 

policies and objectives: 

‣ Plan for, and support, the sustainable development of 

Boyle as a vibrant socially and economically 

successful settlement, supporting and contributing to 

the economic development of the County. 

‣ Limit new development in areas where necessary 

physical infrastructure (public sewerage/water 

supply, public street lighting/public footpaths) and 

social infrastructure including, but not limited to 

schools, and community facilities are unavailable. 

‣ Seek an acceptable balance and mix in the provision 

of social/affordable and private housing in order to 

promote an appropriate social and demographic 

balance. 

‣ Provide for the future wellbeing of the residents of 

Boyle by: 

• promoting the growth of economic activity and 

increasing employment opportunities, 

• protecting and improving the quality of the built and 

natural environment, 

• ensuring the provision of necessary infrastructure 

and community services, and 

• providing passive and active amenity and recreation 

spaces. 

‣ Avoid urban sprawl on the edges of the town, and 

maintain a clear distinction between urban areas and 

the rural hinterland. 

‣ Strengthen the economic and population base of the 

area, and encourage retention of the local population 

within the Boyle area. 

‣ Ensure that developments are completed to design 

and construction standards that result in a visually 

and functionally pleasing sustainable environment. 

The Development Strategy has taken into consideration; 

the minimum targets to 2022 and the residential units 

required over the 2010 – 2016 detailed in the Regional 

Planning Guidelines for the West Region 2010 – 2022; 

the additional household formations provided in the 

Roscommon Housing Strategy 2008 – 2014; the 

average number of dwellings per hectare in Boyle 

Town calculated at 20 units per Ha; residential vacancy 

rates and the permitted residential development in the 

LAP area. The housing estates which are incomplete 

and may or may not have extensions of their planning 

permissions have also been considered as well as 

whether land is serviced or not. 


8.2.1 Housing Strategy & Residential 

Development 

It is a Strategic Aim of this LAP to further develop the 

residential and service sectors within Boyle ensuring 

that existing and potential future residents have a choice 

of high quality house types at a range of locations, 

within a reasonable distance of neighbourhood 

shopping facilities. It is also desirable to provide for an 

attractive and vibrant town centre which will meet the 

retailing needs of the population of the town and its 

hinterland, in addition to attracting new businesses. The 

provision of well designed and well located open spaces 

will further add to the residential experience within the 


A key aim of the LAP is to strengthen the economic and 

population base of the area, and to encourage retention 

of the local population within the Boyle area. The 

provision of carefully sited, designed and “laid out” 

residential development will assist this process. The 

majority of existing residential development in the 

Boyle LAP area consists of privately owned singlestorey 

and two-storey dwellings. Two-storey is the 

predominant house type. There are several recently 

constructed residential estates in the area and it is 

estimated that a significant portion of future 

development will be of a similar scale and nature. There 

is a need to improve the connectivity and accessibility 

of a number of recent residential developments in the 

area with Boyle Town Centre. 

Boyle Local Area Plan 2012 – 2018 Page 97


The Planning Authority will encourage the vitality of 

the town through the refurbishment and replacement of 

buildings, where appropriate. Small pockets of infill 

development and individual replacement residential 

units, within the town centre, will also be encouraged. 

Appropriate higher density development in appropriate 

locations, on serviced land, will also be encouraged. 

Town centre locations are suitable for appropriate 

increased densities and increased populations will assist 

in urban regeneration, make more intensive use of 

existing infrastructure, support local services and 

employment, and encourage affordable housing 

provision. Increased populations will also assist in 

sustaining alternative modes of travel, such as walking, 

cycling and public transport. Densities which reinforce 

street patterns can also assist in retaining the character 

of towns and villages. 

The scale of historic and more recent residential 

development trends in County Roscommon indicate 

that residential dwelling densities have, as a rule of 

thumb, not exceeded 20 dwellings per hectare, even in 

the more developed parts of County. County 

Roscommon is by nature a predominantly rural area, 

where a significant proportion of residential 

development is in rural locations. 

In Boyle, the density of existing development will be 

taken into consideration and where appropriate higher 

densities will be encouraged. Densities may decrease 

further from the town core and may fall below 20 per 

hectare in limited circumstances on serviced land, in 

order to act as an alternative to the provision of one-off 

rural housing. 

When planning for the intensification and 

rationalisation of the existing residential footprint of the 

town it is imperative to consider the following 

objectives and principles of sustainable development 

which will be met: 

‣ a reduction in the need for transportation and 

travelling; 

‣ making more efficient use of the land resource 

available in Boyle; 

‣ reduction in the extent of urban expansion and 

sprawl, combined with the avoidance of and 

safeguarding against urban coalescence, which 

results from a loss of distinction between urban and 

rural areas; and 

‣ promotion of development on ‘brown-field’ sites 

thereby reducing the need for new development on 

‘green-field’ sites. 

These objectives meet with the aspirations of national 

and local policy as well as best practice in sustainable 

development. 

As outlined in Chapter 2, the population increase 

between 2011 and 2017, based on minimum population 

targets, is 299 persons. The total number of residential 

units required over the period 2011 – 2017 is indicated 

at 120 units with a projected average household size of 

2.5 (even though the figure given in the 2006 census 

was 2.6 for aggregate town areas in County 

Roscommon). These are then used to calculate the total 

zoned housing land required over the period 2011 – 

2017 (incorporating a 50% over zoning, as per the 

Development Plan guidelines) 1 (120+60) i.e.180 

units/households. Therefore, the land requirement 

calculated at a density of 20 units (which is the 

1 Development Plans – Guidelines for Planning Authorities 

(2007), Department of the Envoronment, Heritage & Local 

Government. 

average for the Boyle LAP area) per Ha is 

approximately 9ha. 

The population increase between 2017 and 2023, based 

on minimum population targets, is approximately 308 

persons. The total number of residential units required 

over the period 2017 – 2023 is indicated at 

approximately 123 units with a projected average 

household size of 2.5 (even though the figure given in 

the 2006 census was 2.6 for aggregate town area in 

County Roscommon). These are then used to calculate 

the total zoned housing land required over the period 

2017 – 2023 (incorporating a 50% over zoning, as per 

the Development Plan guidelines) 2 (123+62) i.e. 185. 

Therefore, the land requirement calculated at a 

density of 20 units (which is the average for the 

Boyle LAP area) per Ha is approximately 9.25 Ha. 

As recommended within the guidelines, Sustainable 

Residential Development in Urban Areas (DEHLG, 

December 2008), a phasing programme is proposed 

within this LAP to “ensure that the physical and social 

infrastructure required is provided in tandem to 

residential development.” 

The sequential approach indicates lands zoned for new 

development extending outwards from the centre of an 

urban area taking account of optimum locations within 

serviced areas into consideration. This approach also 

aims to consolidate development as much as possible in 

the area. The phasing programme for this LAP is set out 

in Table 8 below and in order to establish this phasing 

the sequential approach was used, whilst permitted 

development and infill opportunities were also 

considered. Therefore not all of the phased land follows 

a direct sequential approach, as permitted development 

and appropriate infill opportunities are also included. 

Vacancy levels for constructed dwellings in Boyle have 



also been considered and the An Post Geodirectory was 

used to give an indicative number of vacant units in the 

Plan area (See appended Map 13). It should be noted 

that we cannot assume that every vacant house is for 

sale or even available, or that all permitted residential 

development will be built. However, the Planning 

Authority does encourage the principle of using vacant 

residential buildings or those under construction to 

satisfy its population growth estimates over the Plan 

period, and existing planning permissions have also 

been taken into consideration in the various phases, as 

appropriate. 

Table 8: Residential Phasing within the Boyle LAP 

Type Term Area 

Phase 1 

(Years 1-9) 

Short Term 8.73 Hectares 

(21.57 Acres) 

Phase 2 

(Years 6-15) 

Medium 

Term 

9.24 Hectares 

(22.83 Acres) 

Phase 3 

(Years 12-21) 

Long Term 9.53 Hectares 

(23.55 Acres) 

In terms of the physical suitability of the subject lands it 

is considered that all of the lands within the phasing 

programme can be serviced by existing water, sewerage 

and road infrastructure and are not subject to flooding. 

With regard to environmental & heritage policy, the 

development of all land within the phasing programme 

will be sensitive to the natural and built heritage of the 

area and will not have a significant negative impact. 

The proposed phasing programme is in line with all 

policies outlined in this Plan. 

Justification of Phase 1, 2 & 3 lands 

Determining Factors for Phase 1 

1. Location & Need 

Phase 1 lands include four land parcels; (A, B, C) east 

of the town centre and (D) south of the town centre (See 

Figure 11 below and Maps 14a & 14b). These lands 

provide an opportunity to consolidate residential 

development and to enhance the viability and diversity 

of the area. These lands do not directly follow the 

sequential approach but there are existing permissions 

for residential development on two of the land parcels; 

A (PD/10/3025) and D (PD/10/3075). The remainder of 

the Phase 1 lands (B & C) provides opportunity for 

appropriate infill development adjacent to existing 

residential development. Appropriate infill development 

on such sites will assist in rationalising residential 

development in the area. 

In addition, additional lands have been added for Phase 

1 NR lands on the northern boundary of the 

development envelope (J) (see Figure 11 and appended 

Maps 14a and 14b). 

As outlined above, the population increase between 

2011 and 2017, based on minimum population targets, 

is 299 persons. This translates to a requirement of 180 

units/ households (incorporating 50% overzoning). The 

land requirement calculated at a density of 20 units 

(which is the average for the Boyle LAP area) per Ha is 

9 Ha. 

The population increase between 2017 and 2023, based 

on minimum population targets, is 308 persons. This 

translates to the requirement of 185 units / households 

(incorporating 50% overzoning). The land requirement 

calculated at a density of 20 units (which is the average 

for the Boyle LAP area) per Ha is 9.25 Ha. 

2. Capacity of Water, Drainage & Roads 


Water: The current water supply is considered adequate 

but the water quality needs attention. The contract 

documents for the provision of a Design/Build/Operate 

Water Treatment plant at Rockingham Springs have 

been submitted to the DEHLG. The works have been 

included in the 2010-2012 Roscommon Water Services 

Investment Programme (WSIP), which is currently on 

hold but expected to commence during the lifetime of 

this LAP. This will ensure that sufficient potable water 

is supplied to meet the commercial, industrial, 

residential and agricultural water needs during the LAP 

period. 

Sewerage: Of adequate capacity. The Waste Water 

Treatment Plant in Boyle is designed for a population 

equivalent (PE) of 6,000. The plant can be increased to 

an ultimate design population equivalent of 

approximately 9,000 within the current site. Therefore, 

it is considered that the wastewater treatment and 

disposal network has sufficient capacity for the LAP 

period. 

Lands indicated at J will need to get access to the public 

wastewater treatment network for any development 

proposed on the lands. 

Roads: Roads infrastructure within developments will 

be required, possibly extensions from neighbouring 

estates. The provision of footpaths, street lighting and 

other road accommodation works will need to be 

provided, where necessary. 

Lands indicated at J will need to ensure the setting back 

of the boundary and possible widening of the public 

road in order to facilitate development. 

3. Supporting Infrastructure & Facilities 

Education: Taking into account the growth of the 

existing population in Boyle, and the development of 

approximately 172 additional households over the Plan 

period (21.57 acres x 8 houses per acre) it may be 



necessary to extend by approximately 2 classrooms at 

primary level. It may also be necessary to extend by 

approximately 1-2 classrooms at secondary level, to 

accommodate the scale of residential development 

proposed over the period of the Plan. 

Childcare: Additional childcare facilities will be 

provided as part of permitted residential development. 

Healthcare: Additional healthcare facilities may be 

needed within the lifetime of this Plan. 

Retail: - Additional retail facilities may also be required 

within the lifetime of this plan. The Local Centre in 

Abbeytown may be a suitable location. 



Phase 2 lands consist of land parcels E, F, and G, east of 

the town (See Figure 7 below and Maps 14a & 14b). 

These lands have access to existing water, sewerage and 

road networks. There is an existing permission for 

residential development on a portion of land parcel E. 

Parcels F and G provide opportunities for appropriate 

infill development. In depth development of these lands 

will be considered appropriate after 70% of Phase 1 

lands are developed, or have development consent. In 

year 3 of this LAP, RCC may conduct an interim review 

to assess the “take-up” of Phase 1 lands and the overall 

phasing plan may then be reviewed. 



Water: Adequate capacity 

Sewerage: Adequate capacity. (See Chapter 3) 

Roads: Internal roads infrastructure within developments 

will be required, possibly extensions from neighbouring 

estates. Provision of footpaths and street-lighting etc 

may also be required. 



existing population in Boyle, and the development of 

approximately 183 additional households on Phase 2 

lands (22.83 acres x 8 houses per acre), it will be 

necessary to provide an additional 2 classrooms at 

primary level and 1-2 at secondary level (See Chapter 4). 

These should be sufficient to accommodate this scale of 



provided by developers. 

Healthcare: Additional healthcare facilities may need to 

be provided in the area. 

Community Facilities: Additional facilities may be 

needed and will be provided as part of permitted 

residential development. Playing pitches with associated 

facilities and a playground are amongst these. 

Retail: Additional retail facilities within the Local 

Centre in Abbeytown may be required within the 

lifetime of this plan. 



Phase 3 lands consist of two parcels of land; H (north of 

the Abbeytown Road) and I (south of the Abbeytown 

Road). These lands have access to water, sewerage and 

the existing road network. Development of these lands 

will be considered appropriate after 70% of Phase 2 

lands are developed or have development consent. 



Water: Adequate capacity (See Chapter 3) 

Sewerage: The plant is designed for a population 

equivalent (PE) of 6,000 and capacity may need to be 

expanded for this phase. The plant can be increased to 

an ultimate design population equivalent of 

approximately 9,000 within the current site. 

Roads: Internal roads infrastructure within 

developments will be required, possibly extensions 

from neighbouring estates. Provision of and/or upgrade 

of footpaths and street-lighting etc may also be 

required. 



existing population in Boyle and the development of 

approx. 188 additional households (23.55 acres x 8 

houses per acre) on Phase 3 lands, it will be necessary 

to consider an additional 2 classrooms at primary level 

and 1-2 at secondary level (see Chapter 4) to 

accommodate this scale of residential development. A 

possible extension to the existing Community School 

facilities may be required. 


provided by developers. 

Community Facilities: Additional facilities will be 

needed within the lifetime of this Plan such as sports 

and recreation facilities, and a playground, amongst 

others, and will be provided as part of permitted 


Healthcare: Additional healthcare facilities need to be 

provided in the area. 

Retail: Additional retail facilities need to be provided in 

the area particularly within the local centre. 

In addition to land zoned for residential purposes, it is 

recommended that approximately 93.3 Acres / 37.7 Ha 

of land be zoned for Business, Enterprise Park/Light 



Industry, and 62.9 Acres / 25.46 Ha be zoned for 

Industrial Uses. Table 9 below illustrates the areas 

which are zoned within the Plan area (See appended 

Maps 14a & 14b). 

Table 9: Zoning areas for the Boyle LAP 

Area 

(Acres) 

Area 

(Hectares) 

Zoning 

Public Utilities, Services & 

Facilities 2.972 1.203 

Peripheral Town Centre 4.579 1.853 

Transitional Agricultural 

Uses 539.6 218.3 

Greenbelt 248.6 100.6 

New Residential 67.87 27.47 

Community & Educational 

Facilities 48.26 19.53 

Business, Enterprise 

Park/Light Industry 93.3 37.7 

Industrial Uses 62.9 25.46 

Existing Residential 341.5 138.2 

Core Town Centre 16 6.474 

Outer Town Centre 11.04 4.467 

Car Parking/Transport 

Node 0.872 0.353 

Local Centre 3.442 1.393 

Leisure Tourism 64.41 26.1 

Recreation, Amenity & 

Open Space 49.34 19.97 

TOTAL 1554.40 629.04 

8.2.2 Further development within the LAP area 

As mentioned within the earlier part of the LAP, further 

increases in housing and population within the LAP 

area will generate demand and need for the provision of 

an adequate level of community facilities, public 

transport services, employment opportunities, shopping 

facilities, road network capacity and general 

infrastructure in the immediate and broader area. There 

is also a need for a more attractive and safer pedestrian 

environment which should include the provision of 

pedestrian crossings, high quality pavements and cycle 

paths, street lighting and street furniture in the area. 

Roscommon County Council has an ongoing 

requirement for social and affordable housing and will 

continue to provide this in an orderly manner. This will 

be achieved through the development of existing Local 

Authority (LA) housing land as well as through land 

acquisition, purchase and/or development through the 

Part V process. 

Roscommon County Council, in carrying out its 

housing functions, will have regard to Government 

Policy as established in ‘Delivering Homes, Sustaining 

Communities, DoEHLG (2007)’ and the Housing 

Strategy for County Roscommon. These documents set 

out the broad aim of ensuring that every household has 

a dwelling suitable to its needs, located in an acceptable 

environment and at a price or rent they can afford. The 

Council will seek the inclusion of a significant social 

and affordable housing element in large housing 

scheme proposals. It remains the policy of the Council 

to encourage the purchase of public housing units by 

current tenants. 

To ensure the proper planning and sustainable 

development of the Boyle LAP area, the Council will 

require that housing proposals do not cause traffic or 

environmental problems or damage visual amenity, and 

that all new residential accommodation is designed to 

modern standards of energy consumption, convenience 

and sanitation. 

The provision of a range of housing forms, types and 

locations will ensure that the needs of persons seeking 

housing in the area can be met. Where infill housing or 

higher density development is proposed it should reflect 

the existing character of the street and/or immediate 

area in terms of height, proportion and materials used. 

Generally, proposals will be required to maintain 

existing building lines and to respect existing roof 

pitches, fenestration and other details. The Council will 

also encourage the renovation and re-occupation of 

derelict and vacant houses in both urban and rural areas. 

The provision of quality homes in the Boyle area that 

are suitable for citizens throughout their lives and 

adaptable to peoples changing circumstances is 

fundamental in creating a compact town with 

sustainable neighbourhoods. Requiring apartment 

schemes to have good local facilities, and that large 

schemes are phased to ensure support infrastructure is 

provided in tandem with residential development will 

assist in achieving the development strategy. An 

emphasis on effective property management for both 

apartment and housing complexes will also improve the 

quality of residential development. Providing quality 

homes for all citizens includes the provision of social 

and affordable housing. 

The Council will seek to minimise ribbon type 

development of individual houses along roads in the 

Plan Area. This can result in a loss of visual amenity, 

traffic hazards, pollution and the demand for 

uneconomic extension of services along the outskirts of 

the Plan Area. The Council will therefore seek to ensure 

that future development is located within serviceable 

areas. This will aid the proper planning and sustainable 

development of the Plan Area. 





Development within areas zoned for Transitional 

Agriculture will be governed by guidelines contained 

within the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines 

(DEHLG, 2004). The Council will only consider 

granting permission for single dwelling houses in these 

areas where it is clearly proven that there is a 

requirement to reside in an agricultural area. 

Monitoring 

It is anticipated that monitoring is essential during the 

lifetime of this Plan in order to manage the delivery of 

appropriate development in the town of Boyle. In 

particular, the Council will monitor and review the 

implications of the following for Boyle; Regional 

Planning Guidelines for the West Region (2010-2022), 

Roscommon County Development Plan, Census 2011, 

and progression of developments that are ongoing, 

amongst others. 

Objectives for Residential Development 

Objective 102 

Development within the Boyle LAP area should take 

place in accordance with the phasing schedule 

recommended above. 

Objective 103 

Assess and ensure that all proposals for housing 

developments comply with the Development 

Management Guidelines and Standards section, Chapter 

8 of this LAP. 

8.2.3 Land Use Zoning Objectives & Matrix 

The Land Use Zoning Objectives and a Zoning Matrix 

indicate the uses and type of development, which the 

Council considers to be appropriate for each zone. They 

are intended to provide guidance to anyone seeking 

permission for development as well as the general 

public. The indication that a proposal is ‘permitted in 

principle’ in the Matrix does not imply a grant of 

permission or that a planning application will be 

successful as each planning application will be 

determined on an individual basis by the Planning 

Authority. Equally the indication that a particular type 

of development is not permitted in any particular 

category does not rule same out and there may be 

situations where said development could be permitted. 

Land uses not listed in the Matrix will be considered on 

the merits of the individual planning application, the 

general policies and zoning objectives for the area 

including the proper planning and sustainable 

development of the area. Development proposals should 

be compatible with the Matrix, however, consideration 

may be given to proposals, which would benefit the 

local community and are in the interests of the proper 

planning and sustainable development of the area. 

These proposals will also need to be consistent with the 

development standards and the requirements on public 

health, traffic safety, residential amenity, heritage, 

design and visual amenity. 

Land Use Zoning Objectives 

TC1: Core Town Centre (Mixed Development) 

• Protect and enhance the special physical and 

social character of the existing town centre and 

provide for new and improved town centre 

facilities and uses such as shopping and retail 

stores, office development, tourism-related 

activities and appropriate public services, and any 

over the shop type uses. 

• Protect and enhance the vitality, function and 

form of the town centre having regard to any 

Architectural Conservation Area and the overall 

status of the heritage in the area. 

• Provide for a range of residential and commercial 

facilities within an attractive accessible 

environment with adequate provision for 

associated vehicular requirements – including 

parking and loading. 

• Improve civic amenity by requiring high 

standards of urban design. 

• Encourage the regeneration of backlands and 

derelict buildings, particularly the use of upper 

floors, preferably for residential use, and 

backlands. 

• Prohibit disorderly development of backlands. 

• Require the inclusion of appropriate open spaces 

in development in this zone 

TC2: Peripheral Town Centre 

• Retain the character and use of existing 

predominantly residential streets. 

• Provide for the development of mixed-use 

neighbourhood areas containing a mixture of 

residential, retail and commercial facilities in an 

integrated, sustainable setting. 

• Provide for and facilitate mixed residential and 

business uses in existing mixed use areas. 






• Improve civic amenity by requiring high standards 

of urban design. 

• Provide for appropriate development on infill sites 

including residential development and upper floor 

apartments. 



• Regulate where appropriate any subdivision of 

existing residential units. 

• Encourage the regeneration of derelict buildings, 

particularly the use of upper floors, preferably for 

residential use, and backlands. 


• Have regard to ACA’s and the overall heritage of 

the area 

• New development in this zone should not 

prejudice the viability of established land uses. 

• Require the inclusion of appropriate open spaces in 

development in this zone. 

TC3: Outer Town Centre 

• Preserve the existing and provide for new 

residential and appropriate commercial uses. 






• New development in this zone should not 

prejudice the viability of established land uses. 

• Provide for appropriate development on infill sites 

including residential development and upper floor 

apartments. 

• Regulate where appropriate the subdivision of 

existing residential units. 

• Encourage the regeneration of derelict buildings, 

particularly the use of upper floors, preferably for 

residential use, and backlands. 


• Have regard to ACA’s and the overall heritage of 

the area 

• Ensure new development respects the character 

and context of the area 



ER: Existing Residential 

• Protect and enhance the residential amenities of 

existing and new residential communities and 

provide a high level of services within walking 

distances of residential developments. 

• Provide for infill residential development at a 

density and design appropriate to the area and 

needs of the community. 

• Provide for new and improved ancillary social and 

community services. 

• Improve accessibility from these areas to town 

centers 

• Provide for the appropriate retail facilities in 

addition to local community and social facilities 

for the immediate community 



NR: New Residential 

• Provide for new residential development, including 

a mix of residential options, as well as appropriate 

local services and community facilities such as 

recreation, education, crèche/playschool, 

community buildings, sheltered housing, and 

corner shops. 

• Provide for local shopping, amenity, recreation, 

education, childcare, community and recycling 

facilities, public services, public transport, tourist 

accommodation, and renewable energy options. 

• Preserve the residential amenity of the 

neighbourhood. 

• Provide for appropriate retail facilities in addition 

to local community and social facilities for the 

immediate local community 

• Have regard to the overall heritage of the area 

• Require the inclusion of appropriate open spaces in 

development in this zone 

LC: Local Centre 

• Protect, provide for and / or improve local centre 

facilities 

BE: Business, Enterprise Park/Light Industry & 

Warehousing 

• Provide for light industry, warehousing and 

enterprise units and ancillary uses such as training, 

education, childcare, financial, cafés, hotel, petrol 

station, fitness centre, parking and recycling 

facilities. 

• Prohibit heavy industry and incinerators/thermal 

treatment plants. 

• Encourage appropriate scale, density, type and 

location of development to reduce traffic generated 

and the demand for travel and sustainable modes of 

transport such as connections to public transport, 

walking and cycling networks. 

• Provide transitional areas with appropriate 

landscaping where this zone adjoins other land uses. 

• Provide for appropriate advertising and advertising 

structures. 

• Provide for construction and demolition waste to be 

used as fill, with the associated licensing, prior to 

development of these sites 

I: Industrial Uses 

• Reserve lands for the provision of heavy industry, 

incinerators and thermal treatment and employment 

related uses. 

• Provide for manufacturing and service industry, and 



storage facilities as well as ancillary facilities such as 

training, education, childcare, financial, parking and 

recycling facilities and waste disposal options. 

• Provide for appropriate advertising and advertising 

structures. 

• Provide for construction and demolition waste to be 

used as fill, with the associated licensing, prior to 

development of these sites 

CP: Car parking / Transport node 

• Provide for car parking as well as other transport 

facilities such as public transport, tour bus parking 

etc. at appropriate locations and taking account of 

through traffic 

• Ensure that traffic safety and the car parking 

requirements are fulfilled 

PU: Public Utilities, Services & Facilities 

• Provide for and improve public utilities such as 

electricity, telecommunications, water, wastewater, 

gas etc to ensure the long-term sustainability of 

these services and to meet wider regional and 

national objectives. 

CE: Community & Educational Facilities 

• Provide for health, welfare, community, education 

and institutional uses including schools, childcare, 

community meeting areas, churches, hospitals etc. 

in close proximity to existing and planned 

residential communities as well as the other 

ancillary services such as public services and 

recycling facilities. 

• Provide for dual use of community facilities where 

possible and appropriate. 

• Childcare facilities would also be easily accessible 

to employees working within the area and can be 

considered a safe environment for children. 

RA: Recreation, Amenity & Open Space 

• Preserve and improve active and passive 

recreational public and private open space and 

provide for new leisure & amenity facilities in the 

town. 

• Provide for local amenities and recreational 

facilities including playing fields and dedicated 

amenity areas. 

• Protect the natural amenity, including waterways. 

• Prevent the loss of existing open space, recreation 

and sporting grounds. 

GB: Green Belt 

• Protect the setting, character and environmental 

quality of areas of high natural beauty and 

safeguard their environmental, archaeological and 

ecological amenities. 

• Provide a visual and environmental buffer, where 

appropriate, to preserve the natural amenity of the 

area such as alongside waterways, rivers and 

floodplains. 

• Ensure this area is not used to satisfy the open 

space provision of adjoining housing 

developments. 

• Prohibit development, which would detract from 

the visual amenity of the area or result in a loss of 

recreational open space. 

LT: Leisure Tourism 

• Consider developments for leisure and recreational 

based activities including water based activities as 

well as appropriately scaled coffee shops, hotel, 

restaurant(s) and public house(s), etc. 

TA: Transitional Agricultural Uses 

• Preserve the character of rural or edge areas and 

provide for agricultural development as well as 

other uses not directly associated with agriculture, 

such as housing for family members, or those with 

a housing need, tourist related projects such as 

caravan parks or campsites, and amenity such as 

playing fields and parks, in order to avoid a sharp 

transition between the urban edge and primarily 

agricultural areas. 

• Prohibit development that would create premature 

demand for infrastructural services. 

• Prohibit new residential development to essential 

housing need. 

• Agricultural diversification will be considered in 

these areas. 

• Guard against urban sprawl and ribbon 

development particularly along the national road 

network. 

LA: Leisure & Amenity 

• Provide for new leisure and amenity facilities such 

as bowling, swimming pool and hotel/gym/leisure 

facilities as well as cinema, theatre and associated 

retail facilities. Rivers and lakes may be included 

in this use. 



ZONING MATRIX 

The land use zoning matrix details those land uses 

permitted in principle, open for consideration and not 

normally permitted, under each use class. It should be 

noted that this section should be read in conjunction 

with Section 8.3 of this LAP and Chapter 12 

Development Management Guidelines and Standards of 

the RCDP 2008-2014. 

Permitted in Principle = √ 

A use, which is ‘Permitted in Principle’, is generally 

acceptable subject to the normal planning process and 

compliance with the relevant policies and objectives, 

standards and requirements set out in the Plan. 

Open for Consideration = O 

A use, which is ‘Open for Consideration’, may be 

permitted where the Planning Authority is satisfied it is 

compatible with the policies and objectives for the 

zone, will not conflict with the permitted, existing or 

adjoining land uses and conforms with the proper 

planning and sustainable development of the area. 

Not Normally Permitted = X 

A use, which is ‘Not Normally Permitted’, is one, 

which will not be considered by the Planning Authority 

except in exceptional circumstances. This may be due 

to its perceived effect on existing and permitted uses, its 

incompatibility with the policies and objectives 

contained in this Plan or the fact that it may be 

inconsistent with the proper planning and sustainable 

development of the area. 

Other Uses 

Proposed land uses not listed in the Land Use Zoning 

Matrix will be considered on an individual basis with 

regard to the general policies and zoning objectives for 

the area including the proper planning and sustainable 

development of the area. All zones should be 

considered as mixed development zones with primary 

use/uses but not necessarily excluding other 

development that in the opinion of the Council are 

necessary for the vitality and proper development of the 

town. 

Established Use 

Many established uses exist in locations where they do 

not correspond to the designated land use zoning 

objective of the area as set out in the Plan. Improvement 

works to established premises may be permitted where 

the proposed development would not be injurious to the 

amenities of the area and is consistent with proper 

planning and sustainable development. 

Transitional Areas 

While the zoning objectives indicate the different uses 

permitted in each zone it is important to avoid abrupt 

transitions in scale and use at the boundary of adjoining 

land use zones. In these areas it is necessary to avoid 

developments that would be detrimental to amenity, for 

example in zones abutting residential areas, particular 

attention will be paid to the uses, scale and density and 

appearance of development proposals as well as to 

landscaping and screening proposals in order to protect 

the amenities of residents. It is particularly important to 

include buffer zones between land zoned as Existing 

and New Residential and Industrial or Business, 

Enterprise Park/Light Industry & Warehousing. 

Non-conforming uses 

Throughout the Plan area there are uses that do not 

conform to the zoning objectives. These may include 

uses that were in existence on 1 October 1964 that 

subsequently received planning permission or have no 

permission and may not be the subject of enforcement 

proceedings. 

The extension of premises accommodating nonconforming 

uses, including residential properties, will 

be considered on their merits and may be permitted 

where the development does not seriously injure the 

amenities of the area and is otherwise in accordance 

with the proper planning and development of the area. 

Land Use Zoning Matrix 

TC1 

TC2 

TC3 

ER 

NR 

BE 

I 

CP 

PU 

CE 

RA 

GB 

LT 

LA 

TA 

LC 

Core Town Centre (Mixed Development) 

Peripheral Town Centre 

Outer Town Centre 

Existing Residential 

New Residential 

Business, Enterprise Park/Light Industry & 

Warehousing 


Car parking/Transport Node 

Public Utilities, Services & Facilities 

Community & Educational Facilities 

Recreation, Amenity & Open Space 

Greenbelt 


Leisure & Amenity 

Transitional Agricultural Use 

Local Centre 



USE TC1 TC2 TC3 ER NR BE I CP PU CE RA GB LA LT TA RC LC 

Abattoir 2 X X X X X O O X X X X X X X O X X 

Advertisements and Advertising 

Structures (e.g. permanent large √ √ O X X √ √ O O O O 3 X O O X O √ 

billboards) 

Agricultural Buildings X X X X X X X X X X X X X X O X X 

Allotments 4 X X O O O X X X X O O O O O O O X 

Amusement arcade √ √ O X X √ X X X X X X X O X O X 

Apartments √ √ √ √ √ X X X X X X X X O X O O 

Bank / Building Society / ATM √ √ √ X X O X X X O X X X O X X O 

Betting Office √ √ O O O X X X X X X X X X X X √ 

Boarding Kennels X X X X X X X X X X X X X X O X X 

Bring Banks O O O O O √ √ O X O O X X X O X √ 

Café √ √ O X O O* O* X X O √ X O* √* O √ O 

Caravan Park-Holiday X X X X X X X X X O 5 X X O √ O X X 

Caravan Park-Residential X X O X O X X X X X O X X O O X X 

Car Dismantler / Scrapyard X X X X X O √ X X X X X X X X X X 

Car Park 6 √ √ √ O O √ √ √ O O O O* O O O √ √ 

Car Park Multi Storey √ O O X X O O √ O O X X X O X X X 

Cash and Carry / Wholesale Outlet X O O X X √ X X X X X X X X X X X 

Cemetery X X X O O X X X O √ O X X X O X X 

Childcare Facilities (Crèche/ Nursery) √ √ √ √ √ O* X X X √ X X √* O* O O √ 

Cultural / Community Use 7 e.g. Garda 

Station, Fire Station, Ambulance Service 

√ √ O O O O X X X √ O X O O O O O 

Civic Amenity Site X X X X X √ √ X √ O X X X X O X X 

Conference Centre √ √ O X X O X X X O X X X O X O X 

2 Must be small in town centres where serving a butchers shop 

3 For sporting clubs 

4 Open for consideration on a temporary basis on all undeveloped lands 

5 Temporary overnight use 

6 Excluding car parking ancillary to other uses, such as employee’s car parking at office. 

7 Includes Class 10 & 11 uses, page 199, Planning and Development Regulations 2001 




Construction and Demolition (C&D) 

Landfill 8 O O O O O √ √ √ O O X X X O O O O 

Disco /Nightclub O O X X X O X X X X X X X O X O X 

Doctor / Dentist / Medical and Related 

Consultants / Veterinary Surgery 

√ √ O O O √ X X X O X X O O X √ O 

Drive-through Restaurant X O O X X O X O X X X X X O X O O 

Educational Facilities √ √ O O O O X X X √ X X O O* O O O 

Electricity generation / power plant X X X X X O √ X O X X X X X O X X 

Funeral Home O √ O X O O X X X O X X X X X O X 

Garden Centre / Garden Shop X X O X X √ X X X X O X X X √ X O 

Guesthouse / Hostel √ √ √ O O X X X X O X X O √ O √ X 

Halting Site / Group Housing X X X O O X X X X X X X X X X O X 

Hazardous Waste Depot X X X X X O √ X X X X X X X X X X 

Hazardous Waste Processing X X X X X X O X X X X X X X X X X 

Heavy Vehicle Park X X X X X O √ O O X X X X X X X X 

Holiday Home – Short term lettings X X O X O X X X X X X X X √ X X X 

Hospital X O O X X X X X X √ X X X X X X X 

Hotel / Motel √ √ O O O X X X X X X X O √ X O X 

ICT Masts X X X X X O √ X O X O X O O O O X 

Industry-Extractive X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Industry-Heavy 9 X X X X X X √ X O X X X X X X X X 

Industry-Light 10 X X X X X √ √ X X O X X X X X O X 

Leisure Centre / Health Spa O √ √ O O O X X X O O X √ √ X O X 

Mart / Co-op X X X X X O O X X X X X X X O X X 

Motor Sales Outlet / Showroom X √ √ X X √ √ X X X X X X X X O O 

8 Subject to government guidelines on Flood Risk Management 

9 As defined in Part 1 and those above the threshold in Part II of Schedule 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. 

10 As defined in Article 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 




Municipal Waste Incinerator X X X X X X √ X X X X X X X X X X 

Offices less than 100m 2 √ √ √ O O O O* X X O X X X O* X √ √ 

Offices 100m 2 to 1000m 2 √ √ √ X X O O X X O X X X X X O X 

Offices over 1000m 2 √ √ √ X X O X X X O X X X X X O X 

Open Air Market √ √ √ X X O X X X O O X O O O O √ 

Park and Ride Facility X X X X O √ √ √ X O X X X X O X X 

Petrol Station X X O X X √ √ O X X X X X X O X √ 

Place of Public Worship √ √ √ √ √ X X X X √ X X X X O O √ 

Plant / tool hire X O O X O X √ X X X X X X X O X O 

Public House √ √ √ O O O X X X X X X X O X O √ 

Recycling Facility e.g. Composting, 

waste recovery etc. 

X X X X X O √ X X X X X X X X X X 

Residential √** √ √ √ √ X X X X X X X X O O*** √ O 

Residential (Institutional) O O O O √ X X X X O X X X X X √ X 

Restaurant √ √ √ O O O * X X X O * O * X O * √ O √ √ 

Retail Warehouse e.g. bulky goods such 

as furniture 

X X X X X √ X X X X X X X X X O X 

Rural Industry-Food processing X X X X X O O X X X X X X X O O X 

Science and Technology Based 

Enterprise (Large scale) 

X X X X X √ √ X X X X X X X X X X 

Service Garage < 100m 2 excluding sales 

and storage 

X X O X X √ √ X X X X X X X X X O 

Shop - Comparison √ √ O X X X X X X O X X O O X O O 

- Retail Park √ √ √ X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

- Retail warehouse X X O X X √ X X X X X X X X X O X 

- Warehouse clubs X X O X X √ X X X X X X X X X O X 

- Factory Shop X O O X X O O X X X X X X X X √ O 

- Factory outlet centre 

X X X X X O X X X X X X X X X O X 




Shop – Convenience Outlet) √ √ √ O O O * X X X O* X X X O X O √ 

Shop - Discount Food Store X O O X X O X X X X X X X X X √ O 

Shop - Supermarket √ √ √ X O O 11 X X X X X X X X X O 11 X 

Shop - Superstore X X O X X O 12 X X X X X X X X X O X 

Small Scale Manufacturing (e.g. 

framing) 

O O O O O √ X X X X X X X O O O O 

Sports Fields X X O O √ O X X X √ √ X O O O O O 

Take-away (not drive thru) √ √ O X X √ X X X X X X O O* X O O 

Transport Depot X X X X X O √ √ X X X X X X X X X 

Veterinary Surgery O O O X X √ X X X O X X X X X O O 

Water-based recreational / cultural 

activities 

O O O X O X X X X √ √ X O √ O O O 

Note: 

* If ancillary to main use, will be permitted in principle. 

** Exclusively residential proposals in Core Town Centre zones will not normally be permitted. 

*** Open to consideration in accordance with the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines (2005) 

11 Only permitted if a suitable site is not available on lands zoned for town centre uses 

12 Only permitted if a suitable site is not available on lands zoned for town centre uses 


PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR 2012 – 2018 & BEYOND Chapter 8: Urban Development & Design 

8.2.4 Urban Development within the LAP Area 

Boyle has a rich blend of history and modern day 

activity. The town and surrounding area has a 

considerable wealth of historic and natural features. In 

order to achieve sustainable development and foster 

vital communities, neighbourhoods should be 

encouraged to evolve and grow. Whilst the town has 

attractive streetscapes with many fine vernacular 

buildings and traditional fascia, it has a run-down 

appearance in parts. The town has had little investment 

in recent years and many retail premises are gradually 

being replaced by service and office functions. As 

outlined in Chapter 2 there are opportunities for 

significant regeneration and redevelopment within the 

town core and indeed throughout the Plan area. 

In addition to the policies and objectives outlined in the 

RCDP 2008-2014, policies and objectives for Urban 

Development in Boyle are outlined below. 

Policies for Urban development 

Policy 70 

Consider good urban design principles in the 

development of the LAP area, and require new 

development to enhance the existing urban areas and 

improve pedestrian priority. 

Policy 71 

Development over the lifetime of this Plan shall be 

focused on employment generation, the consolidation of 

the town centre, the completion of ongoing 

developments and the provision of community and 

social services (where feasible). 

Objective for Urban development 

Objective 104 

Prevent urban sprawl and ribbon development into the 

countryside surrounding Boyle, with particular 

emphasis on control of ribbon development along main 

approaches to the town. 

‣ Residential Development Design 

It is the policy of the Council to ensure that all 

residential developments comply with the requirements 

of the RCDP 2008-2014; Chapter 12; Development 

Management Guidelines and Standards and Chapter 8 

of this LAP, and to ensure that all residential 

developments have regard to the guidelines published 

within the Urban Design Manual – A Best Practice, 

(DEHLG, 2008). It is also the policy of the Council to 

ensure that all residential proposals protect and improve 

existing residential amenities and to provide for 

appropriate residential/infill development, having 

regard to the topography, scale, character and amenities 

of the area. 

A renewed emphasis is required on how quality urban 

design, based on the principles of good urban spaces, 

active streets, and a sustainable mix of uses will 

contribute to the vision of a compact, green town with 

an enduring economy and quality neighbourhoods. 

The quality of design, layouts and architectural 

treatments are essential considerations of the 

development process. High quality design has a 

considerable positive impact on the character and 

vitality of areas where it is achieved. RCC aims to 

ensure that developments are carried out to design and 

construction standards which are aesthetically pleasing 

and functionally and environmentally sustainable. Preplanning 

discussions with the Planning Authority can 

assist in achieving quality environments. 

Policies for Residential Development 

Policy 72 

Facilitate the Housing Authority’s programme for 

housing, including; 

• the provision of new housing, 

• renovation/refurbishment of existing buildings; 

• the provision of suitable accommodation and 

facilities for the Traveller Community; 

• the provision of suitable accommodation for people 

with disabilities; 

• the provision of social and affordable housing; and, 

• implementation of the provisions of Part V. 

Policy 73 

Require that new residential accommodation meets the 

following; 

• necessary standards of energy consumption, 

sanitation and high standards of design; 

• avoiding unnecessary development on floodplains; 

• avoid traffic or environmental problems or damage 

to visual amenity; 

• encourage suitable infill development on 

appropriate sites; and, 

• prevent further ribbon development along roads 

within the development envelope and immediately 

contiguous thereto. 

Policy 74 

Ensure that a high standard of design is incorporated 

into residential developments through careful 

consideration of the layout to facilitate pedestrian safety 

and restrict vehicular traffic speeds. 



Policy 75 

Ensure that developments are appropriately designed in 

terms of their form, density, size and dwelling types 

within residential areas, such that they contribute to the 

built character of the area. 

Policy 76 

Require the naming of residential developments to 

reflect local place names, language or topographical 

features as appropriate. 

Policy 77 

Facilitate the refurbishment of rundown/dilapidated 

dwellings whether for permanent or holiday home 

usage. Any proposal must respect the scale of 

refurbishment and any extension to same should respect 

the residential amenity of adjoining properties. 

Objectives for Residential Development 

Objective 105 

Encourage infill housing developments on appropriate 

sites where the proposals respect the existing scale and 

character of the area, and sufficiently protect the 

amenities of adjoining properties in the area 

Objective 106 

Assess and ensure that all proposals for residential 

developments comply with the Development 

Management Guidelines and Standards section of the 

RCDP 2008 – 2014 as well as those contained at the 

end of this chapter. 

Objective 107 

Encourage strong frontages onto main thoroughfares 

creating definite building lines and continuity of the 

structure of the Town Centre. 

‣ Re-Use & Regeneration of Derelict Sites & 

Buildings 

Dereliction and vacancy along the town’s main streets 

remains a significant issue that needs to be addressed in 

Boyle. This high level of dereliction coupled with a 

lack of maintenance of many properties detracts from 

the town’s visual attractiveness thereby discouraging 

tourists and shoppers. Sporadic dereliction and vacancy 

has impacted particularly on Green Street, Patrick 

Street, and Main Street where the commercial base has 

become eroded and dispersed. The Council, in 

conjunction with landowners, has a core responsibility 

with regard to the re-use and regeneration of derelict 

sites and buildings, particularly given the legal 

mechanisms available to it under the Derelict Sites Act. 

The Derelict Sites Act 1990 was enacted in June 1990 

provides for more effective arrangements against land 

dereliction. It repeals the Derelict Sites Act 1961 and 

restates its relevant provisions thus consolidating the 

law on derelict sites and provides for an annual levy on 

certain derelict sites in urban areas. 

RCC Policy on Derelict Sites (October 2010) can be 

viewed on the Council’s website; 

www.roscommoncoco.ie, in the Corporate Services 

Section. Under this policy the Council will continue to 

focus on towns and villages within the county and will 

work with owners to improve the appearance of their 

properties. RCC will however enforce the provisions of 

the derelict site legislation where necessary. There are 

currently 29 townlands within the county and Boyle 

Town which are prescribed as “urban areas” for the 

purpose of the Derelict Sites Act 1990. RCC is 

petitioning the Minister for Environment, Heritage and 

Local Government to have over 60 areas described as 

“urban areas”. A levy applies to all properties on the 

Derelict Sites Register at 31 December each year in 

urban areas and any area prescribed by the Minister. 

The amount of the levy is 3% of the Market value. 

However, in subsequent the amount shall not exceed 

10% of the market value. A valuation can be appealed 

to the Valuation Tribunal. If a property is sold the levy 

that is accumulated is recouped to the Local Authority. 

It is RCC policy to charge a derelict site levy on all 

sites on the Derelict Sites Register. This levy shall be 

payable on demand where a derelict site in an urban 

area is on the Derelict Site Register. RCC will continue 

to inspect properties around the county but members of 

the public are empowered to report a derelict site in 

their town or village by completing a complaints form 

on the Council website. The Derelict Site Register is 

available on the council website at the Courthouse in 


In accordance with Roscommon County Council’s 

Development Contribution Scheme 2008, all 

developments on sites which are on the Derelict Sites 

Register will receive a 50% reduction on the full 

development contribution. 

In addition to derelict sites, Boyle town has a number of 

traditional shop fronts which add character to the town 

and should be retained as part of any refurbishment. 

Businesses are encouraged to contribute to the upkeep 

of these shop fronts and structures in the interests of the 

general visual amenity of the town. 

Policy for the Re-Use & Regeneration of Derelict 

Sites & Buildings 

Policy 78 

Identify and facilitate the development and renewal of 

obsolete areas, derelict sites and derelict buildings in a 

manner appropriate to the area. 



‣ Backland Development 

Urban sprawl and ribbon development may often result 

in unsustainable infrastructure costs. It is therefore 

more appropriate to look to existing town centre 

serviced land as an untapped resource in towns. 

Traditionally, a typical feature of urban development is 

the existence of relatively large rear garden spaces. 

These typically take the form of elongated strips of land 

which, in many cases are disused and disorderly. Such a 

land bank, due to its town centre location, is often 

serviceable and may provide potential for appropriate 

sustainable development. 

Whilst the appropriate development of such land 

parcels is desirable, the Planning Authority would 

encourage such development where the various land 

owners can combine the holdings to form a viable and 

developable land parcel. In this regard, the Planning 

Authority would not be in favor of the development of 

individual plots, a piece-meal approach to new 

development. The development of larger plots of land is 

more desirable, as it allows for a more strategic and 

sustainable means of providing residential and 

commercial accommodation. This is also dependent on 

whether such development is appropriate in terms of the 

built heritage of the area. 

‣ Town Centre Development 

Local retailers in towns and villages play a vital role in 

maintaining the rural economy in many parts of the 

County. The location of small retailers in the heart of a 

town or village creates a focal point and a sense of 

community. Boyle requires investment due to a lack of 

street activity brought on by an excessive number of 

vacant units. Boyle has the potential to develop its role 

in supporting the network of smaller towns and villages 

across the County. With regard to retail policy, RCC 

seeks to encourage the development and expansion of 

the retail sector in Boyle. This is to be achieved by 

promoting and developing the vitality of the existing 

shopping area within the town facilitating the provision 

of local retail needs, and the expansion of the retail 

area. The Council also recognises the important 

contribution of family run and owned businesses to the 

vitality of the town and will seek to encourage these. 

Boyle has a compact retail and commercial base and 

provides neighbourhood and local retail services to a 

relatively local catchment. This serves an important 

function in providing vitality and sustaining the area. 

The demand for additional facilities will depend on 

population increase and ongoing tourism developments 

may augment shopping and commercial activities. It is 

recognised that the town requires a more diverse retail 

base and this will be encouraged. 

Commercial activities in Boyle are relatively limited. 

The Council will seek to facilitate the continual growth 

of the service sector in the town in order to sustain the 

commercial base, increase business confidence and 

provide an improved service. 

‣ Shopfronts & Advertising 

In view of the rich built heritage in Boyle all 

stakeholders in the town are encouraged to improve the 

visual appearance of the town. Proposals for new shop 

fronts and advertising signs should be sensitively 

designed to protect and retain the historic character of 

the town. The Council will consider the possibility of 

encouraging high quality shop fronts through 

competitions for best shop front, best streetscape etc. 

‣ Public Realm Improvement 

The Cresent area encompassing the car park, 

Courthouse, Clock Tower and open space is the focal 

area of the town (see Figure 12). However, this area is 

currently dominated by hard surfaced car parking rather 

than casual retailing and recreational uses. 

The potential replacement of a portion of the car 

parking provision in this location with a larger 

improved landscaped public realm, essentially making 

the town centre a pedestrian priority area, could greatly 

enhance the Town Centre. Blurring the lines between 

public and private space and creating a signature place 

for community interaction and involvement could be of 

great benefit to Boyle. 

The use of additional landscaping and street furniture 

would encourage residents and tourists alike to use this 

space and in turn improve the vitality and vibrancy of 

the area. 

The enhancement of this area in the town would also 

allow for an improved area for markets and an 

entertainment space for street performance and music 

events, when and if the need arose. An improved 

planting scheme would also really enhance this area. 

Ultimately the improvement works set out above would 

assist in developing the retail function, a café culture 

and vitality and vibrancy of the town centre in tandem 

with the provision of additional off street car parking. 



Policy for Town Centre Development 

Policy 79 

Strengthen the retail/commercial, residential and recreational functions of the town 

centre, retaining retail uses at ground floor level. 

Policy 80 

Seek improvements to the visual quality of the town centre as part of new 

development and facilitate the appropriate development of the town centre subject to 

compliance with the relevant development standards where applicable. 

Policy 81 

Development proposals incorporating wires, pipes and cables should be undergrounded 

(i.e. electrical, gas, water, sewerage, telecoms, broadband, fibre optics). 

Objectives for Town Centre Development 

Objective 108 

Encourage appropriate small-scale infill developments on vacant/derelict sites. 

Figure 12: The Crescent Area in Boyle 

Objective 109 

Monitor the levels of dereliction in the town centre and take action when necessary, 

in accordance with the Derelict Sites Act 1990. 

‣ Pedestrian Linkages & Accessibility Objective 110 

Desirable pedestrian linkages, such as those outlined in Figure 4B on page 19 and 

appended Map 12, aim to enhance permeability and connectively within the Town 

Centre in addition to drawing Boyle Harbour closer to the public realm; making it 

more accessible from the Town Centre. Furthermore the pedestrian linkages aim to 

connect features of interest, tourist attractions (Boyle Abbey to King House for 

example), opportunity sites and car parking facilities. When linked in a successful 

manner these amenities are of greater value to existing and future residents and there 

is a better opportunity to sell these attributes as an entire tourism package. 

Secure, where appropriate, the conservation of traditional shop fronts and promote an 

increased awareness of good shop front design. 

Objective 111 

Encourage retail development in Boyle, including new forms of shopping, which 

relate to the regeneration of the existing town centre. Proposals which would 

undermine the vitality and viability of the town centre will not be permitted. 

Objective 112 

Investigate the potential replacement of a portion of the car parking provision in the 

Crescent area (see Figure 8) with a larger improved hard landscaped open 

space/plaza. 



Objective 113 

In exercising the development management function, 

assist in the delivery of the pedestrian linkages, having 

regard to the conservation value of the town and river. 

Objective 114 

Consider engaging with local property owners and 

stakeholders in an attempt to encourage vacant premises 

to be used for the display of works of art or 

alternatively goods from trading stores. 

Objective 115 

Maintain and improve accessibility to and within the 

town centre and develop a comprehensive approach to 

the provision of car parking and pedestrian access. 

8.2.5 Architecture & Urban Design 

Good urban design is essential if we are to produce 

attractive, high-quality places in which people will want 

to live, work, socialise and visit. It can be achieved by 

the way streets and spaces are arranged and how the 

mass, scale and position of buildings within the 

landscape is planned. Carefully considered and planned 

neighbourhoods result in – a clear centre, a place that is 

easy to walk around and also feels safe, high quality 

buildings and attractive spaces between buildings. Good 

design can provide a clear and distinct sense of place in 

which people take pride. 

Urban Design focuses on how urban areas best respond 

to people’s needs and the manner in which they best 

respond can be broken down into; 

1. the character of the area – a place with its own 

identity; ease of movement – a place that is easy to 

get to and move through; 

2. continuity and enclosure – a place where good 

public and private spaces are clearly distinguished; 

3. quality of public realm – an appealing place with 

attractive and successful outdoor areas; 

4. legibility – a place that has a clear image and is 

easy to understand; 

5. adaptability – a place that can change easily and 

incrementally; 

6. diversity and a mix of uses – a place with 

diversity and choice; 

7. sustainability / balance with nature – a place 

where a balance has been achieved between the 

natural and built environment; 

8. value - a place where value can be created to 

sustain the desired mix of uses and quality of 

townscape; and, 

9. inclusivity – a place which has something for 

everyone and where a diverse range of user needs 

are met. 

This LAP therefore seeks to promote high standards of 

development and quality design in Boyle. It is 

imperative that development carried out during the 

lifetime of this LAP contributes positively to the built 

environment and the quality of life of the people of 

Boyle. RCC will require a high standard of 

development for each individual site and or planning 

application. Specific Development Standards are set out 

in Chapter 12 of the Roscommon County Development 

Plan 2008-2014 and it will be a requirement of all new 

development to comply with these. 

Best practice in urban design and layout is encouraged 

by RCC at all times and planning applications should 

strive to demonstrate that the best principles have been 

applied and full congnisance has been taken of all 

relevant matters for the development of any site in the 

Boyle area. Good urban design plays an essential role in 

delivering a built environment which is sustainable and 

creates social and environmental well being. It also has 

a significant economic value to any area. Best practice 

principles for urban design should be applied to all new 

developments in the LAP area, particularly those 

located with the town centre, for the following reasons: 

• reinforcement of local identity and sense of place 

• reduction in conflict between pedestrians and traffic 

• creation of a high quality environment with a 

clearly defined urban structure 

• stimulation of commercial investment and 

sustainable economic development through the 

creation of an attractive and viable urban 

environment 

• unique distinctive town centre where locals desire 

to stay and others to visit 

‣ Opportunity Sites 

The potential opportunity sites that have been identified 

in this LAP present great opportunities for development 

or re-development which would contribute significantly 

to the renewal, enhancement and regeneration of the 

town. There are various reasons such as dereliction, 

under-utilization of land, amongst others, as to why 

these areas have been identified. Not all of the 

boundaries of these sites have been clearly defined. 

They can be added to, where appropriate, in order to 

provide for rational site boundaries or the amalgamation 

of a number of sites. Where land parcels are considered 

to be fragmented in terms of ownership a collaborative 

approach by landowners will be encouraged in order for 

a logical development strategy to advance. This 

approach will be strongly encouraged by RCC, 

particularly over a piecemeal approach to development 

or re-development. 



‣ Ongoing Developments & Vacancy 

There are a number of unfinished and ongoing 

residential estates in the Boyle area such as 

Mockmoyne Heights (Green Street), Canal View (Canal 

Road) and Foxwood Manor (Warren Road), amongst 

others. See appended Map 13 Dealing with the legacy 

of unfinished estates in Boyle will be an issue over the 

lifetime of this LAP. 

RCC will, where legislation permits, seek to address 

issues relating to derelict and dangerous sites that are 

negatively impacting on residents living in, and in close 

proximity to, unfinished developments. Community led 

solutions to prominent unfinished residential sites may 

be an option in some cases, facilitated by the landowner 

and in co-operation with RCC where appropriate. RCC 

will consider innovative solutions, where appropriate, 

in such cases. 

Policies for Vacancy & New Residential 

Development 

Policy 82 

Identify and facilitate the development and renewal of 

derelict sites and derelict buildings in a manner 

appropriate to the area. 

Policy 83 

Encourage property owners / developers to improve the 

appearance of vacant / derelict / buildings, in particular 

in housing estates. The following measures should be 

considered: 

‣ Simple maintenance (painting, cleaning, removal of 

vegetation, removal of defunct inappropriate 

signage, securing property to protect from 

vandalism, installation of temporary window 

displays). 

‣ Screening or boundary treatment. 

Policy 84 

Promote the reuse of small vacant sites within the town 

for pocket parks, temporary exhibitions etc. and the use 

of larger sites for community gardens, allotments etc. 

Objective for Vacancy & New Residential 

Development 

Objective 116 

Request applicants to provide phasing plans in 

particular developments, which will ensure that a high 

percentage of the preceding phases are occupied before 

the commencement of subsequent phases. This would 

apply to all new residential developments over 10 

dwellings. 

‣ Landscape Considerations 

Landscaping is an integral part of any development and 

there is a need to ensure that existing trees are protected 

and integrated into the development and that new 

planting is well designed and adequately carried out. 

The potential of existing site features should be fully 

explored and planning applications should include an 

accurate landscape survey plan. Wherever practicable, 

existing healthy trees should be protected and retained. 

A tree survey shall normally be required and healthy 

specimens shall be preserved. Where other trees need to 

be removed, these shall be replaced at a ratio of 3 semimature 

trees of similar, indigenous species for each tree 

removed. 

Photos 52: Landscaping in Residential Areas (Source: 

www.sapgroup.com) 

Photos 53: Landscaping in Residential Areas (Source: 

www.sapgroup.com) 

Landscaping Plans 



Policy 87 

Promote accessibility and local permeability by 

developments that connect with each other and are easy 

to move through, putting people before traffic and 

integrating land uses and transport. 

A landscaping plan should be provided with 

development applications. The landscaping plan should 

provide the following information: 

1. Overall landscape design with details of both hard 

and soft landscaping. 

2. Survey of all existing planting and drainage lines 

on the development site. 

3. Details of the location, number and species names 

of all planting proposed to be retained, removed 

and/or planted on the site. All proposed planting 

should be suitable to the site and soil conditions. 

Photo 54 – 57: Landscaping in Residential Areas (Source: 

www.christylandscaping.com) 

Photos 58 – 60: Landscaping in Tourism & Leisure Areas 

(Source: www.sapgroup.com) 

Policies for Architecture and Urban Design 

Policy 85 

Promote character in Boyle by development that 

responds to and reinforces local distinctive patterns of 

development, landscape and culture. 

Policy 86 

Promote the continuity of street frontages and the 

enclosure of space by development, which clearly 

defines private and public spaces and has a hierarchy of 

open spaces: private, semi-private and public. 

Policy 88 

Ensure that adequate open spaces and landscaping are 

established to structure developments, provide visual 

relief to built areas and to ensure adequate aspects and 

natural lighting to buildings. This landscaping will 

soften the impact and setting of development, provide a 

limit to its extent, a buffer between the development 

and adjacent land uses. 

Objectives for Architecture & Urban Design 

Objective 117 

Require designers to; 

‣ identify and recognise the essential elements of 

quality, which determine the character of an area, 

‣ demonstrate that the proposed development has 

continuity and enclosure of spaces, and that public 

and private spaces are defined, and 

‣ demonstrate the adaptability, diversity and mix of 

the proposed development. 

Objective 118 

Ensure that all new developments and extensions or 

alterations to existing premises shall incorporate 

suitable site landscaping plans showing existing 

planting to be retained or removed and additional 

planting suitable to the site and soil conditions to be 

planted. Other measures to reduce or ameliorate 

impacts on surrounding land uses, including residential 

areas may also be required, where necessary. 



‣ Sustainable Energy & Design 

Ireland is currently more dependent on imported oil for 

our energy requirements than almost any other 

European country and it will take up to 10 years to 

significantly reduce this dependence. The promotion of 

renewable energy throughout the county is important 

both for economic and environmental reasons. 

Environmentally, the harnessing of renewables for 

energy production releases no harmful greenhouse 

gases, reduces local air pollution and produces little or 

no waste. In addition, renewable energy can contribute 

to employment generation either directly in the 

renewables industry or indirectly in the supply industry. 

Renewable energy comes from natural, inexhaustible 

sources such as the sun (solar), wind, falling water 

(hydro), oceans (wave), plants (biomass and biofuels) 

and the earth (geothermal heat pumps). 

(Source: www.energysolve.ie & www.environ.ie) 

Renewable energy can also be derived from a range of 

waste products (sewage, municipal solid waste and 

agricultural waste). The Council recognises the 

significant environmental and economic benefits 

associated with energy production from renewable 

resources as well as; the importance of reducing our 

CO2 emissions and our dependence on oil in an 

uncertain global market. The technology of renewable 

energy is well advanced and widely available. Grants 

are now available to householders to provide systems in 

existing or new housing. 

The Council will encourage more sustainable 

development through energy end use efficiency, 

increasing the use of renewable energy, and improved 

energy performance of all new building developments 

throughout the County. 

‣ Building Construction & Energy Use 

The Building Control Bill 2005 is intended in part to 

implement certain provisions of European Parliament 

Directive 2002/91/EC on the energy performance of 

buildings. Following the enactment of this Bill, in 

January 2007 any new dwelling that applied for 

planning permission on or after the 1st of January 2007 

will require a BER before they are offered for sale or 

rent. This requirement has been extended to all new 

non-residential buildings since July 2008 and to 

existing buildings offered for sale or rent in January 

2009. In addition, all public buildings with a floor area 

of 1,000 square metres must display a building energy 

rating BER certificate; and proposals for buildings 

exceeding 1,000 square metres, must consider the 

technical, environmental and economic feasibility of 

using alternative energy systems in the proposed 

building, and use of such systems has to be taken into 

account, as far as practicable, in the design of the 

proposed building. 

Building Energy Rating (BER) 

Houses being offered for sale or letting must produce 

details of this energy rating. The requirement that 

building designs will have to be energy rated for 

building regulation compliance reasons, facilitates the 

Council in setting energy requirements for new 

buildings by giving the means for creating or specifying 

benchmarks for all buildings based on these national 

methodologies. 

Further information on both Sustainable Energy and 

Design, and Building Construction and Energy Use is 

contained in Chapter 5 of the RCDP, 2008-2014. 

8.3 DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT 

GUIDELINES & STANDARDS 

It is an obligation of the Council to ensure that planning 

permissions granted under the Planning Acts are 

consistent with the policies and objectives set out in the 

Roscommon County Development Plan 2008 – 2014 

(RCDP) and any Local Area Plan (LAP) for the area, 

and the proper planning and sustainable development of 

the area. These standards are intended to give 

information and a general guideline as to the Planning 

Authority's requirements regarding particular aspects of 

proposed developments but they are not intended to be 

inflexible. The standards are intended to give an 

indication of the criteria the Council will take into 

account when assessing applications for new 



developments. These standards and guidelines are 

complimentary to the overall development strategy and 

the individual objectives and policies of the RCDP 

2008 – 2014 as well as the Boyle LAP 2011 - 2017. 

The Development Management Guidelines and 

Standards are set out in Chapter 12 of the Roscommon 

County Development Plan 2008 – 2014 and it will be a 

requirement of all new developments to comply with 

these whilst they are in force as well as their successors 

from 2014 to 2020. 

For residential development, further requirements are 

outlined in the DEHLG, Sustainable Residential 

Development in Urban Areas: Guidelines for Planning 

Authorities (May 2009) and Urban Design Manual: A 

best practice guide (May 2009), as well as Guidelines 

for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Urban 

Housing: Design Standards for Apartments (DEHLG, 

2007), which Roscommon County Council will have 

regard to when assessing applications for residential 

development which replace the 1999 Guidelines. 

With regard to traditional shopfronts and buildings on 

the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) or within 

Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA) the 

Architectural Heritage Protection - Guidelines for 

Planning Authorities (DEHLG, 2005), should be used 

to guide development. 

Roscommon County Council has adopted a Policy on 

Advertising Signs and this should be referred to and 

read in conjunction with the section on Advertising 

when such signs are considered within the LAP area. 

Potential applicants are advised to contact the Planning 

Authority prior to lodging a planning application 

particularly in the case of large developments and those 

requiring an Environmental Impact Statement. Prior 

consultation with the Planning Authority can reduce 

delays in the planning process. 

Included hereunder are sections of guidelines and 

standards which may have changed from those included 

within the RCDP 2008 – 2014. 

8.3.1 Wastewater Treatment 

The Council recognises that large areas outside the 

mains sewerage system are dependent on individual 

wastewater treatment facilities. Where such systems are 

used it is important that they are installed and 

maintained to the highest possible standards and that 

they conform to the requirements set out in the EPA 

Waste Water Treatment Manual, and more up-to-date 

standards if issued. Individual treatment systems will 

not be permitted in serviced areas and will only be 

allowed in zoned areas in the most exceptional 

circumstances. 

8.3.2 Flood Risk & Protection 

This section should be read in conjunction with the 

guidelines produced by the DEHLG and the OPW, The 

Planning System and Flood Risk Management (2009). 

New development will be required to meet the 

following criteria; 

• Development, which is sensitive to the effects of 

flooding, will not be permitted in flood prone or 

marginal areas 

• Appropriately designed development, which is not 

sensitive to the effects of flooding, may be 

permissible in flood plains provided it does not 

significantly reduce the flood plain area or 

otherwise restrict flow across floodplains 

• Development, must so far as is reasonably 

practicable, incorporate the maximum provision in 

terms of attenuation to reduce the rate and quantity 

of runoff. 

• For developments adjacent to water courses of a 

significant conveyance capacity any structures must 

be set back from the edge of the watercourse to 

allow access for channel clearing/maintenance. 

This would usually be a minimum of 10 metres. 

• Any new development must be designed and 

constructed to meet the following minimum flood 

design standards: 

- For urban areas and where development 

(existing, proposed or anticipated) are involved 

the 100 year flood 

- For Rural areas or where further developments 

(existing, proposed or anticipated) are not 

involved – the 25 year flood. 

8.3.3 Residential Site Maintenance and 

Management 

The Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, 

provides for the inclusion of conditions attached to a 

planning permission regarding the maintenance and 

management of a proposed development. This includes 

the establishment of a management company or the 

appointment of a person to carry out such management 

(including waste management) or maintenance. Once 

the development is complete, provisions for estate 

management should be created in order to maintain the 

amenity, quality and visual quality of a development. 

Details of the management company, inclusive of the 

framework of the management company, must be 



agreed with the Local Authority prior to the 

commencement of development: 

- Establish a management company, with a board, 

including representatives of the residents, to 

oversee estate management. 

- Develop policies in relation to the overall 

appearance of the development as well as to 

maintenance of common areas. 

- The provision of a bond to ensure the ongoing 

maintenance of public facilities until taken in 

charge by the County Council 

8.3.4 Derelict Sites 

The council will continue to take appropriate action in 

accordance with the provisions of the Derelict Sites Act 

1990, and amendments, to ensure the elimination of 

dereliction as it occurs. At the community meeting 

several sites within the LAP area were identified as 

derelict. As mentioned previously, in accordance with 

RCC Development Contribution Scheme 2008, all 

developments on sites which are on The Derelict Sites 

Register will receive a 50% reduction on the full 

development contribution. 

8.3.5 Infill developments 

Infill development must have due regard to the 

predominant existing uses, building lines and heights, 

design features, as well as the existence of particular 

features such as built heritage, trees and open spaces. 

Proposals for infill development must demonstrate how 

they will integrate satisfactorily with the adjoining 

developments, without loss of amenity. In the town 

centre area, greater flexibility over the normal 

development standards may be given, provided good 

planning and design are achieved. In town centre 

locations, where minimum parking standards may not 

be achievable or desirable, a contribution in lieu may be 

accepted. Similarly, good quality infill proposals in the 

town centre may be afforded a relaxation in the 

minimum open space standards. 

8.3.6 Backland Developments 

Backland sites can be defined as sites without adequate 

frontage onto a public road. Similar to infill 

developments, proposals for backland development 

require to be undertaken in an orderly manner that does 

not prejudice existing local amenity. Piecemeal 

backland development can result in uncoordinated and 

inappropriate development that can adversely affect the 

amenity of adjoining properties. Additionally, access 

into backland areas should be co-ordinated with 

adjoining lands. 

The Planning Authority will therefore give 

consideration to well-designed and well-located 

backland development that is in the interests of proper 

planning and sustainable use of land, provided there is 

no detrimental impact on local amenity or urban form. 

8.3.7 Access for All 

In the interests of providing access for everyone, the 

specific access requirements for the elderly, children 

and people with disabilities must be incorporated into 

the design of shops, commercial buildings and all other 

buildings, public spaces, facilities and services likely to 

be used by the general public. 

8.3.8 Lighting, Signage and Advertising 

Advertisement signs have the potential to add particular 

interest to an area. The excessive use of signs, 

particularly illuminated signs, however can detract from 

the very location they are advertising. The use of 

signage must therefore be closely monitored. The use of 

external advertising signs will generally be restricted to 

one per business. 

Objective for Lighting, Signage & Advertising 

Objective 119 

Control the proliferation of non-road traffic signage on 

and adjacent to national roads. 

8.3.9 Car Parking 

All developments shall be required to provide adequate 

provision within the site for servicing of the proposal 

and for the parking and maneuvering of vehicles 

associated with it. Parking accommodation will be 

expected to locate within, or in close proximity to, the 

site of the proposed development, and will normally be 

established behind the building lines in each 

development. The minimum parking requirement shall 

be calculated in accordance with the standards as laid 

out in Table 11 below. 

The layout and design of roads in housing 

developments shall have regard to the "Traffic 

Management Guidelines" issued jointly by the 

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local 

Government, the Department of Transport and the 

Dublin Transportation Office (2003) and any updates: 

• Requirements for numbers of car parking spaces 

are set out in Table 11 below. 

• In dealing with planning applications for change of 

use or for replacement buildings, allowance will be 

made for the former site use in calculating the car 



parking requirements generated by the new 

development; 

• Where the provision of on-site parking is not 

possible, the Council may, in exceptional 

circumstances, accept a financial contribution in 

respect of the shortfall in the number of spaces. 

This will however be at the discretion of the 

Council, and is likely only to apply to small scale 

town centre locations where the Council has 

provided, or intends to provide additional public car 

parking spaces. 

• Parking and service spaces must be located on site 

so as to prevent road/street obstruction, and should 

be located where possible to the rear and side of 

buildings and in such a manner to ensure minimal 

injury to the amenity of adjoining premises; 

• Planting and landscaping of all car parks shall be 

required. 

• Parking facilities for mobility impaired drivers and 

their vehicles shall be provided at the general rate 

of 2 to 5 per 100 spaces, such spaces shall be 

proximate to the entry points of the proposed 

buildings. 

• The parking spaces shall be proximate to the entry 

points of the proposed buildings. 

• The parking standards for residential development 

will be reviewed in town centre locations and 

where innovative design principles are adopted. In 

such cases grouped parking will be encouraged 

• Where reference is made to Floor Area, it refers to 

gross floor area, unless otherwise indicated 

• Standard/Minimum parking dimensions shall be 2.5 

X 5.0 metres 

• For Primary and Secondary schools, a bus 

circulation area may be required 

• Provision should be made for parking commercial 

vehicles, where appropriate. 

Table 10: Car Parking Requirements 

Residential Car Parking Requirements 

Dwelling Houses 2 per House 

Apartment/Flat 2 per apartment/flat 

Guest 

1 space per bedroom* 

House/B&B 

Hotel 

1 space per bedroom* 

Hostel 

1 space per bedroom* or 1 space 

per 10 bed dormitory* 

Motel 

1 space per bedroom or 1 space 

per 10 bed dormitory* 

Caravan/Camping 1 space per pitch* 

Site 

*Facilities are required for the set down and pick up for cars and 

coaches 

Note: Large complex development may be assessed separately with 

regard to the circumstances 

Commercial 

Shops ( 1000 m 2 gross) 

Banks 

Car Parking Requirements 

Retail Floorspace 1 space 

per 20sq.m 

Retail Floorspace 1 space per 

14sq.m 

Retail Floorspace 1 space per 

10sq.m 

1 per 14 sq. 

Service Garages To be determined by PA 

Offices (Town Centre) 

Gross Floorspace 1 space per 30 sq.m 

Offices (Office Park) 

Gross Floorspace 

1 space per 20 sq.m 

Public Houses/Restaurants/ 

Lounge Bars 1 space per 3 seats* ** 

Hot Food Take Aways 

Minimum of 10 spaces per 

unit or 1 space per 10 sq.m of 

retail space 

Dance Halls/ Ballroom/ 1 space per 3 sq.m* ** 

Disco 

Cinemas, Theatres, Stadia 

Conference Centres: Public 

Areas 

Churches / Church Hall 

Hospitals / Nursing homes 

Surgeries 

Petrol Filling Station 

1 space per 5 seats 



1.5 per bed 

2 spaces per consultants room 

2 spaces per pump plus 

requirement for other uses 

5 waiting spaces without 

interference to other spaces 

or the public road 

Carwash 

* For buildings which have mixed use the calculation will 

be based upon the highest demand 

** Applicable during normal business hours only. Outside 

of these hours existing parking areas may suffice. 

Industrial 


Man. Ind./ Light Ind. 

Gross Floorspace 1 space per 50sq.m* 

Showrooms: Gross 

Floorspace 

1 space per 50 sq.m* 

Warehouses: Gross 

Floorspace 


Garages 


*Facilities are required for the parking and turning of 

vehicles serving the development 

Community 

Athletics Playing 

Field 

Library 

Funeral Home 

Primary school 

Secondary school 

Childcare facilities 

Golf driving range 


20 per track/field 

1 space per 25sq.m 


3 spaces per classroom 

3 car spaces per classroom 

1 car parking space per staff 

member + 1 car parking space per 4 

children 

1 space per 2m of base line/ per trap 



Golf/pitch and putt 

courses 

Sports Clubs incl. 

swimming pools, 

tennis courts. Etc 

Stadia 

Bowling Alley 

Pool / gym 

Community 

Centre 

6 spaces per hole 

2 spaces per court, 5 spaces per 

100m 2 


3 spaces per Lane 



Bicycle Parking Relevant Cycle Parking Standard 

Standards 

Dwelling houses 1 unit per dwelling 

and flats 

Shops 

1 unit for every 200 sq.m of gross 

floor space 

Supermarkets and 1 unit for every 200 sq.m of gross 

large stores floor space 

Offices 

1 stand for every 500 sq. m of gross 

floor space 

Industry 

1 stand for every 500 sq. m of gross 

floor space 

Warehousing 1 stand for every 1000 sq.m of gross 

floor space 

Theatre, cinema, 1 stand for every 100 seats 

church, stadium 

Hotels, guest houses 1 stand per 50 bedrooms 

Lounge bars 1 stand for every 200 sq.m of public 

floor space 

Restaurants 1 stand for every 200 sq.m of public 

floor space 

Function room, 1 stand for every 200 sq.m 

dance halls, clubs 

Playing fields 4 stands per pitch 

Schools 

1 stand per 50 pupils 

Nursing home 1 stand per 20 members of staff 

Note: one stand = 5 units 

Where the parking standards shown in the above table 

do not cover the type of development proposed, the 

requirement shall be calculated relative to the most 

appropriate standards. 

1. Loading and Unloading 

In addition to the general car parking requirements, 

service parking spaces may be required for cars or other 

vehicles involved in the operation of the business or a 

particular building, e.g. delivery and collection of 

goods. In all major developments of an 

industrial/commercial nature, developers will be 

required to provide loading and unloading facilities 

sufficient to meet the likely demand of such 

development. Off-street loading facilities shall be 

designed to conform to the following requirements: 

• Loading spaces may be enclosed within a structure, 

and must be, if located within 15m of the curtilage 

of the residence where the use involves regular 

night operation. 

• There shall be appropriate means of access to a 

street or road as well as adequate maneuvering 

space. 

• The maximum width of driveway openings at the 

street boundary shall be 7.6 metres and the 

minimum width shall be 3.6 metres. 

Loading facilities shall be provided and maintained as 

long as the use exists. All reasonable precautions shall 

be taken by the owner or occupier to assure availability 

of required facilities to the delivery and pick-up 

vehicles. The Planning Authority may modify the 

requirements of loading and unloading facilities in any 

specific case, where it appears that it would be in the 

interests of the proper planning and sustainable 

development of the areas to do so. 

It is important to identify areas for loading bays 

adequate to meet local business requirements and in 

order to assist with traffic flow in towns. 

2. Heavy Vehicles 

The indiscriminate parking of heavy commercial 

vehicles or machinery in residential areas detracts 

greatly from the amenities of these areas and traffic 

safety concerns. The Planning Authorities will cooperate 

with all other bodies that exercise control over 

this type of parking, to eliminate the nuisance created. 

3. Cycle Facilities 

Cycle routes and bicycle parking shall be well provided 

for in new office, residential, retail and employment 

generating developments. The Department of Transport 

has several guidance documents concerning the design 

of cycle facilities within urban areas and these should 

form the basis of such development. All long-term 

(more than three hours) cycle racks should be protected 

from the weather. From a security viewpoint cycle 

racks should not be located in out-of-the-way locations 

and shall be conveniently located, secure, easy to use, 

adequately lit and well posted. 



8.3.10 Transport (To be read in conjunction with 

Chapter 3 of this LAP and Chapter 6 of the 

RCDP 2008 - 2014 ) 

In order for the road network to full fill its primary 

function in an era of rapid growth in car ownership and 

freight movement, it will be necessary to limit the 

number of accesses and junctions to the network. 

Failure to do so would result in: 

• Traffic hazard and congestion; 

• Reduction in carrying capacity; 

• High maintenance costs; and, 

• Inadequate return on public investment. 

The Council will not approve a proposal that will create 

a serious traffic hazard. The positioning of the access, 

the ability to obtain adequate sight lines and the number 

of existing accesses and junctions on a stretch of road 

will all be taken into account. The standard of sight 

lines required will vary according to the type of road. In 

siting and designing the access, existing hedgerows and 

trees should be retained, where possible. The 

replacement of hedgerows removed with indigenous 

species will be viewed favourably by the Council. Car 

parking standards (Table 11) will also be required to 

ensure that proposals do not result in cars or delivery 

vehicles parking on the public road. 

1. National and Regional Roads 

The National Road network should provide safe and 

efficient links between the principle towns and villages 

and thus contribute significantly to the economic 

prosperity of the county and state as a whole. Chapter 6 

of the RCDP 2008 – 2014 provides specific policies and 

objectives with regard to development on National and 

Regional Routes and Chapter 3 of this LAP provides 

more specific policies and objectives for the Boyle area. 

2. Public Transport 

RCC will fully support the RTI scheme in Roscommon 

and will encourage any attempts to expand this scheme 

to other parts of the county. Proactive efforts will be 

made by the Council to consolidate development in 

areas which are in close proximity to public transport 

services. 

The Council shall encourage developments that attempt 

to harness the benefits that would be derived from 

improving existing rail links and establishing new 

commuter rail links that may be proposed e.g. 

Roscommon to Athlone. The Council supports the 

extension of public transport options through the 

development of new/additional Quality Bus Corridors 

as Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region 

2010 – 2022. 

8.3.11 Discount Food Stores (To be read in 

conjunction with Chapter 7) 

Discount food stores typically have a gross floor area of 

approximately 1,500-1,800 sq. metres and are served by 

a surface car park with approximately 80 – 100 spaces. 

The areas where these are ‘permitted’, ‘open for 

consideration’ and ‘not normally permitted’ is indicated 

in the Zoning Matrix within this chapter of the LAP. 

8.3.12 Neighbourhood or Local Centres (To be read 

in conjunction with Chapter 7) 

It is likely that as Boyle continues to grow in population 

terms, that there may be demand for the development of 

neighbourhood or local centres to cater for newly 

developing residential estates. The areas where these 

are ‘permitted’, ‘open for consideration’ and ‘not 

normally permitted’ is indicated in the Zoning Matrix in 

this chapter of the LAP. 

8.3.13 Key Development Areas (To be read in 

conjunction with Chapter 2) 

Town Core Regeneration 

Riverside Area 

RCC will ensure that developments in this area have 

bulk, massing, scale and appearance which are 

appropriate to their surroundings. Single storey, two 

storey and potentially three storey buildings will be 

considered in this area, subject to appropriate design. 

Development should pay particular attention to the 

distinctive architectural character and historic interest 

of the town. Proposals for significant developments 

within this area should be accompanied by a design 

statement showing how the proposal relates to its 

riverside context. 

Development should respect its riverside setting in 

height and design, but should be of varied form and 

should avoid a predominance of horizontal emphasis 

and roof lines where possible. Careful positioning of 

new buildings will be imperative in order to maximise 

variety, giving the appearance of differing volumes and 

heights and taking advantage of the area’s access to 

unique views and natural light. Natural materials which 

form a more solid presence on the riverside will 

generally be more appropriate than extensive glazing or 

reflective materials. Development in this area should 

incorporate environmentally friendly features such as; 

eco-buildings (energy efficient design), enhanced 

thermal insulation, improved recycling facilities, and 



secure bicycle spaces to encourage cyclists, amongst 

many others. 

Well designed floodlighting can enhance the riverside 

where it is appropriate to the character of a building or 

its setting; otherwise it could have a negative impact on 

the overall balance of the riverside panorama at night 

through unwanted light pollution or inappropriate light 

colour or intensity. 

Development should maintain or improve important 

views of the River itself and the surrounding townscape 

which are available from the River bridges and banks. 

Development should be of the highest quality and 

should respect surviving historic structures associated 

with the River such as steps and stairs. Improved access 

to and from the River can enhance public safety and 

therefore RCC may seek to reinstate historic access 

points where appropriate during redevelopment. RCC 

will promote safety measures, such as the provision of 

grab-chains, ladders and life rings on the riverside, 

where appropriate. 

RCC regards the Boyle River and the Town’s riverside 

as an area which is particularly sensitive to the impact 

of advertisements. Careful control will be exercised 

over the siting, size and nature of advertising material. 

Illuminated and electronic display advertisements will 

be discouraged. Within the riverside area RCC will 

expect all advertisements to be appropriate in size and 

in choice of materials to their locality and to be 

properly maintained. 

In order to maintain and improve accessibility along the 

riverside, redevelopment of this area should not 

adversely affect or interfere with pedestrian movement 

along the riverside. A pedestrian/cycle linkage from 

Bridge Street to the Sligo Road, along both sides of the 

river, would be of significant value to the town core and 

general LAP area. It would also help to improve 

linkages between the town core and harbour; drawing 

them closer together (see Figure: 3). Careful attention to 

details such as lighting, surface materials, soft and hard 

landscaping, seating, signage, the appearance of the 

river wall, and the inclusion of features which enhance 

this pedestrian/cycle linkage and the environmental 

attractiveness of the area. The provision of public art in 

this area should also be encouraged. Successful 

regeneration of this riverside area will require it’s 

redevelopment to occur in a fully planned and coordinated 

manner. 

Business Enterprise Park/Light Industry 

The following points are some of the general principles 

that can be applied to the development of a Business 

Enterprise Park/Technology Park: 

‣ Conservation of the site’s natural features in order 

to achieve a suitable relationship between new 

development and its environment. 

‣ Ensuring a high quality physical environment 

throughout the Park. 

‣ Creation of a system of useable open spaces that is 

defined and enclosed by buildings, structures and 

landscape. 

‣ Ensuring an effective network of connected spaces 

and routes for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. 

‣ Ensuring best practice in ongoing property-related 

design and maintenance standards. 

‣ Consideration of the use of local materials and 

details, interpreted in a contemporary manner, to 

enhance local distinctiveness. 

‣ Ability to respond flexibly to the needs of different 

organisations. 


Business Park & Industrial Estate Design 

In relation to site and building design RCC will 

promote sensitive site planning and low impact 

development for business parks and industrial estates. 

Emphasis on the siting of buildings should be placed on 

clustering buildings and parking to preserve open space 

and significant natural features as community 

amenities, and to take advantage of opportunities to 

reflect and express the community’s semi-rural 

character through the arrangement of buildings and 

landscape. 

It is imperative that the development of such areas is 

characterised by high quality physical environments 

which are unified and legible. Good design principles 

will be required to facilitate the delivery of quality 

development within industrial and business park 

settings. 

The development of a potential business park and 

industrial estate in Boyle is intended to provide high 

quality physical environment for businesses and 

industry reflecting the character of the area. The 

principle aims of such development are to achieve high 

quality design, visual continuity and pedestrian/cycle 

friendly environments, whilst ensuring the functioning 

of business and industrial locations. It is also considered 

that good design will assist in the long term economic 

viability of such estates. 




Boyle Harbour 

Development should respect the existing setting in 

height and design, be of varied form, and should avoid 

a predominance of horizontal emphasis and roof lines 

where possible. Natural materials which form a more 

solid presence at the harbour will generally be more 

appropriate than extensive glazing or reflective 

materials. Well designed floodlighting can enhance the 

harbour where it is appropriate to the character of a 

building or its setting; otherwise it could upset the 

overall balance of the harbour panorama at night 

through unwanted light pollution or inappropriate light 

colour or intensity. 

Careful control will be exercised over the siting, size 

and nature of advertising material. Illuminated and 

electronic display advertisements will be resisted. 

Within the harbour area RCC will expect all 

advertisements to be appropriate in size and in choice of 

materials to their locality and to be properly maintained. 

In order to maintain and improve accessibility along the 

riverside, redevelopment of this area should not 

adversely affect or interfere with pedestrian movement 

along the riverside. Development in this area shall be 

planned so as to ensure that public access to the area is 

maximised, through the development of quality and 

legible public access links, which link to the harbour, 

town centre, and adjoining areas such as Lough Key 

Forest and Amenity Park. 

New Residential Development 

The proposed pattern for future residential development 

reflects a compact urban form. This will promote 

accessibility to employment and to commercial, 

educational, social and other services. All residential 

development proposals should incorporate an 

appreciation of their context, compliment the existing 

built environment, create sustainable movement 

systems where pedestrians, cyclists and vehicular 

traffic, offer a range of house types and include 

attractive and well considered detailing i.e. quality of 

the public realm and the interface between the public 

realm and buildings. 

Dwelling Type 

A suitable mix of house types is required in each 

development proposal. This mix should ensure a 

suitable combination of one, two and three bed units, as 

well as larger units in suitable locations. Applicants are 

also required to provide these units in a range of 

formats, including detached, semi-detached and 

terraced. 

Building Line 

Applicants, when making an application, will normally 

be required to respect the established building line in 

place. In instances where the existing structure being 

replaced has previously broken the building line, 

applicants will normally be requested to reinstate the 

general building line. Applicants will normally be 

required to provide a minimum set back of 6 metres 

from the road edge. This minimum set back must be 

increased in instances where the lands to the front of the 

development are required for visibility splays. 

Open Space Requirements 

Applicants will be required to provide sufficient, 

useable open space which is passively surveyed and 

easily accessible. Applicants should aim to include a 

mix of large and smaller open spaces which cater for a 

range of recreational activities. 

Traffic Management within Residential Developments 

Developers shall have regard to the Traffic 

Management Guidelines. Residential developments 

shall include natural traffic calming measures through 

the incorporation of natural vegetation, formal 

crossings, shared surfaces and on-street car parking. 

Sight distance/visibility splays shall be in accordance 

with those outlined in the County Development Plan. 

Design Statements 

To prevent the negative impacts on quality of life and 

the natural and/or built landscape associated with poor 

residential design, design statements justifying design 

proposals will be required to accompany applications 

for two or more houses. This must address the visual 

integration of the proposals in terms of design, siting 

and materials. Pedestrian access ways must also be 

addressed. 

Photo 61: Kayaking on the Boyle River 




Appendices 

APPENDICES 

Boyle Local Area Plan 2012 – 2018 App i

Boyle Local Area Plan 2012 – 2018 App ii 

Appendices

Appendices 

APPENDIX 1 

Record of Protected Structures (RPS) in the Boyle LAP Area (See appended Maps 6a & 6b) 

No RPS Ref Protected Structure Address Description 

1. 00600242 Boyle Abbey Knocknashee, Boyle Cistercian Abbey 

2. 00600243 King House Military Road, Boyle Palladian Mansion 

3. 00600244 Church of Ireland Knocknashee, Boyle Church of Ireland Church 

4. 00600245 Sloan’s Main Street, Boyle Town House 

5. 00600247 St. Joseph’s Church Warren or Drum, Boyle Catholic Church 

6. 00600248 Boyle Credit Union Green Street, Boyle Town House 

7. 00600249 Courthouse Bridge Street, Boyle Courthouse 

8. 00600250 Entrance Arcade Mocmoyne, Boyle Triple Stone Entrance Arch 

9. 00600251 Family Life Centre Military Road, Boyle Former Rent Office 

10. 00600253 Abbey View House Military Road, Boyle Country House 

11. 00600254 Stewart’s House (Millmount) Mocmoyne, Boyle House 

12. 00600255 Gothic Lodge The Crescent, Boyle Town House 

13. 00600285 Boyle Sports (now called Individual Hair Designs) Main Street, Boyle Town House 

14. 00600287 Linsfort B&B Main Street, Boyle Town House 

15. 00600288 Magee’s Main Street, Boyle Town House 

16. 00600292 Heran’s Patrick Street, Boyle Town House 

17. 00600297 National Irish Bank Patrick Street, Boyle Bank Building 

18. 00600298 Grehan’s Main Street, Boyle Town House 

19. 00600256 The Crescent The Crescent, Boyle Town House 




23. 00600262 Crescent Bar The Crescent, Boyle Town House 

24. 00600263 The Moving Stairs, The Crescent, Boyle Town House 

25. 00600264 An Craoibhin The Crescent, Boyle Town House 

26. 00600265 The Cresent The Crescent, Boyle Town House 

27. 00600268 Arch - Entrance to Rockingham Demesne Warren, Boyle Gothic style arched gateway & lodge 

28. 00600327 Water Pump Patrick Street, Boyle Cast Iron Water Pump 

29. 00600328 Water Pump Green Street, Boyle Cast Iron Water Pump 

Boyle Local Area Plan 2012 – 2018 App iii

Appendices 

30. 00600696 Terraced House Main Street, Boyle Pair of Terraced Houses/Shop 

31. 00600329 Bank of Ireland Main Street, Boyle Bank 

32. 00600330 Methodist Church Hall Military Road, Boyle Former Methodist Church Hall 

33. 00600331 Abbeytown Bridge Warren, Boyle Road Bridge 

34. 00600332 Post Box Warren, Boyle Cast Iron Post Box 

35. 00600333 Convent Laundry Warren, Boyle Former Convent Laundry 

36. 00600335 Convent & Chapel Warren, Boyle Convent & Chapel 

37. 00600336 Abbey House Knocknashee, Boyle Former Rectory 

38. 00600337 Post Box Military Road, Knocknasheee, Boyle Cast Iron Post Box 

39. 00600338 Belmont House Knocknashee, Boyle Country House 

40. 00600289 Terraced House Main Street, Knocknashee, Boyle Terraced House 

41. 00600290 Brendan Sheerin Main Street, Knocknashee, Boyle Terraced House/ Shop 

42. 00600343 Boles Bridge Street, Boyle House/Shop 

43. 00600344 Post Box Bridge Street, Boyle Cast Iron Post Box 

44. 00600348 Mill Race Mill Road, Boyle Mill Race 

45. 00600349 Boyle Mill Mocmoyne, Boyle Mill Complex 

46. 00600252 Frybrook House Mocmoyne, Boyle Country House 

47. 00600350 Bridge Bridge Street, Boyle Road Bridge 

48. 00600351 Fountain on Bridge Bridge Street, Boyle Fountain 

49. 00600352 Bridge Sligo Road, Boyle Road Bridge 

50. 00600353 Presbytery Warren, Boyle Parochial House 

51. 00600354 Mount St. Patrick (Mount St Joseph’s) Warren, Boyle Detached House 

52. 00600355 Post Office Carrick Road, Boyle Post Office 

53. 00600356 Post Box Elphin Street, Boyle Cast Iron Post Box 

54. 00600357 Boyle Federal Church (Methodist/Presbyterian Carrick Road, Boyle 

Methodist/Presbyterian Church 

Church) 

55. 00600358 Water Pump The Crescent, Boyle Cast Iron Water Pump 

56. 00600359 Clock Tower The Cresent, Boyle Limestone Clock Tower 

57. 00600360 Railway Station Termon, Boyle Railway Station 

58. 00600361 Waiting Room Termon, Boyle Former Waiting Room 

59. 00600362 Signal Box & Water Tower Termon, Boyle Signal Box & Water Tower 

60. 00600363 Foot Bridge Termon, Boyle Foot Bridge 

61. 00600539 Letfordspark House Letfordspark, Boyle Country House 

Boyle Local Area Plan 2012 – 2018 App iv

Appendices 

APPENDIX 2 

National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) in the Boyle Area (See appended Maps 6a & 6b) 

No. Ref No. Location Description 

1. 31804003 Green Street, Boyle Cast-iron water pump, erected c.1860. 

2. 31804001 Patrick Street, Boyle Cast-iron water pump, erected c.1860. 

3. 31804035 Patrick Street, Boyle Terraced three-bay two-storey house, built c.1840. 

4. 31804036 James Candon Ltd., Patrick Street, Boyle End-of-terrace four-bay two-storey house and shop, built c.1830. 

5. 31804014 Boyle, County Roscommon Freestanding cylindrical cast-iron pillar-box, erected c.1905. 

6. 31804034 Cosgrove's/Sheerin's/Corrigan's, Patrick Street, Boyle Terrace of three three-bay two-storey houses, built c.1860. 

7. 31804030 James Mullany, Main Street, Boyle Terraced four and three-bay three-storey houses, built c.1870. 

8. 31804029 House of Flowers, Main Street, Boyle Terraced two-bay three-storey house, built c.1870. 

9. 31804028 The Washing Well, Main Street, Boyle Terraced two-bay three-storey house, built c.1870. 

Boyle Local Area Plan 2012 – 2018 App v

Boyle Local Area Plan 2012 – 2018 App vi 

Appendices

Appendices 

APPENDIX 3 

Recorded Monuments & Places (RMP) in the Boyle Area (See appended Map 6c) 

No. National Monuments 

Service Reference No. Description Townland 

1. RO006-068001 Bastioned Fort Bellspark 

2. RO006-068002 Barrow – Unclassified MocMoyne 

3. RO006-066001 Ritual Site – Holy well Termon 

4. RO006-067 Ringfort – Rath Termon 

5. RO006-068008 Field Boundary Knocknashee 

6. RO006-068005 Religious House – Cisterian Monks Knocknashee 

7. RO006-068007 Bridge Knocknashee 

8. RO006-070002 Designed Landscape – Tree Ring Greatmeadow 

9. RO005-021 Road – Road/Trackway Termon 

10. RO006-205 Fulacht Fia Deerpark 

11. RO006-033002 Burnt Mount Erris 

12. RO006-083002 Burial (s) Erris 

13. RO006-076 Redundant Record Warren or Drum 

14. RO006-083005 Souterrain Warren or Drum 

15. RO006-071 Barrow Greatmeadow 

16. RO006-072 Barrow – Bowl - Barrow Cashelfinoge or Lugnamuddagh 

17. RO006-074 Enclosure Letfordspark 

18. RO006-075 Ringfort – (Rath/Cashel) Letfordspark 

29. RO006-079 Ring - Barrow Carrickmore 

30. RO006-026003 Souterrain Warren or Drum 

21. RO006-078003 House Warren or Drum 

22. RO006-078004 House Warren or Drum 

23. RO006-078002 Field System Warren or Drum 

24. RO006-073001 Ringfort - Rath Cashelfinoge or Lugnamuddagh 

25. RO006-073003 Earthwork Cashelfinoge or Lugnamuddagh 

Boyle Local Area Plan 2012 – 2018 App vii

Appendices 

26. RO006-024 Deerpark Lowparks & Bellspark 

27. RO006-026002 Field System Warren or Drum 

28. RO006-026001 Church Warren or Drum 

29. RO006-068 Historic Town Bellspark & Knocknashee 

30. RO006-069 Ringfort - Rath Warren or Drum 

31. RO006-066002 Ritual Site – Holy/Saints Stone Termon 

32. RO006-207002 Road – Unclassified Togher Erris 

33. RO006-083004 Ecclesiastical Enclosure Erris 

34. RO006-083001 Church Erris 

35. RO006-084001 House – Indeterminate date Erris 

36. RO006-077002 Road – Road/Trackway Warren or Drum 

37. RO006-083003 Ritual Site / Holy Well Erris 

38. RO006-026004 Road – Road/Trackway Warren or Drum 

Boyle Local Area Plan 2012 – 2018 App viii

boyle local area plan 2012 - 2018 - Roscommon County Council

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