#WeAreAthleague
A Community and Economic Plan for
and its Hinterlands
September 2019 Dening Athleague: The Plan focuses not just on Athleague village but also on its hinterlands. It covers from Scrine to Rookwood bridge to Castlestrange and Clooneen, all of which are within a 4km radius of the village centre. Contents
1. Introduction and Background n The Athleague Plan and its Background n How We Did Things: Our Planning Process 2. Athleague: Our Place and Our People n Where We Are n Where We’ve Come From n Who We Are and What We Do n Physical and Functional Athleague n What Others Think 3. Bringing Athleague Forward 01 n How We Shaped Our Work n Our Planning Workshops n What People Told Us: Our Consultation Feedback 4. Drawing It All Together: A Plan for Athleague n Introduction n Taking Things Forward: Our Priorities n Theme 1: Physical Athleague n Theme 2: Business Athleague n Theme 3: Tourist Athleague n Theme 4: Community Athleague Appendices: 1. Notes of a Planning Workshop, 4 April 2019 02
Roscommon Athleague and Hinterlands
Galway ONE Introduction and Background The Athleague Plan and its Background process was co-funded by the Athleague community, Athleague is an historic village of largely linear form, Roscommon County Council and the Department of located on a crossing of the River Suck and on the N63 in Community and Rural Affairs’ Town and Village Renewal west Roscommon, about five miles from Roscommon town. funds. The village itself is home to some 250 people and it lies at This Plan is the result of that process. the heart of a wider Athleague community of over 1,100 people. It is also a busy place economically and socially, How We Did Things: Our Planning hosting several micro-businesses (largely service-oriented) as well as significant meat-processing activity. All of this is Process underpinned by a strong combination of ‘community 03 infrastructure + heritage legacy + environmental assets + The Athleague planning process was multi-layered and strategic location’. involved: n In 2009 and again in 2015/16 the village was seriously Desk research and analyses flooded which led to a robust and successful community n Interactive local community planning workshops response. Flood remedial works are now in place, but the n Presentations from external speakers who shared their community was keen to maintain and build on the personal and professional local development development and self-help momentum created. experiences: this ‘Dragons Den’ approach was an innovative approach to community planning which Accordingly, in early 2019 the local Athleague community brought a new energy to the process, provided and Roscommon County Council came together to facilitate Athleague with different perspectives and was firmly the development of a Local Community and Economic Plan rooted in the principle and practice of learning from for Athleague village and its hinterlands. As well as people who’d ‘been there, done that’ in their own settings developing a Plan the process also involved energizing a collaborative Local Village Team which could lead out on n Consultation surveys and an engagement with local the development and implementation of the Plan. The National School pupils. n Study visits to Manorhamilton and Tyrone. The planning process looked at Athleague from four interlinked perspectives: Helping energize the n Physical Athleague, concerned with the village fabric, traffic, walkways, environment, appearance, public realm and dereliction/vacancy Athleague Planning n Business Athleague, looking at jobs, work, economic development, retailing and commercial activity Process were: n Tourist Athleague, bringing the focus onto attracting people into Athleague, in marketing and promoting our Athleague Active Age village and surroundings and in creating a ‘Wow’ factor. Athleague Amenity Group n Community Athleague, ‘bringing it all back home’ with a Athleague Apostolic Association focus on ourselves, on looking after our own home population, on developing our community and Athleague Community Centre understanding/celebrating our local history and heritage Athleague Fair and Festival Committee and natural environment/biodiversity. 04 Athleague Heritage Group This framework has been retained for the actual Plan itself. Athleague Hurling and Camogie Clubs Athleague National School Parents Association Athleague Parish Council Athleague Suck Valley Centre Athleague Tidy Towns Athleague/Tremane Debrillator Group Roscommon County Council St Ciaran’s Football Club Suck Valley Way Development Association Local businesses TWO Athleague: Our Place and Our People Where We Are Athleague village is in south-west Roscommon, some 8km from Roscommon town. It sits on the junction of the N63 National Route and the R362, where the latter crosses the River Suck. Its name is derived from Áth Liag, 'The ford of the flagstones', reflecting its historic strategic location as a major crossing point between the 7th/8th century kingdoms of the Uí Maine and Uí Briúin. It remains a busy place with 3,500 vehicles passing through daily. 05 The area is largely rural, low-lying and is set out in pastureland. The Roscommon County Development Plan 2014-20 Landscape Character Assessment (page 66) defines this area as ‘LCA 12, Athleague and Lower Suck Valley’ and assesses the local landscape character as follows:
‘The western edge of the Athleague and Lower Suck Valley character area is bounded by the River Suck while its eastern boundary is delineated by an elevated ridge line as far east as Scrine Hill. It is the longest character area in the county extending from the village of Castlecoote in the north to the N6 in the south. The landform gently undulates from the north to south petering into flat low land where it meets the flood plains of the Suck Callows east of Ballinasloe in County Galway. Dry grassland dominates the elevated regions in the north, while raised bog and reclaimed bog, as well as wet grassland, occur in the lowlands in the south. There are nature designations all along the Suck River. The R357 and R363 are the main regional roads, and although built development is generally evenly spread in the area there is an increase in concentration along these roads leading into Athleague. The overall image of this character area is of a gently undulating dry grassland farmland with the River Suck winding its way through creating a subtle valley.’ Where We’ve Come From Who We Are and What We Do There has been a settlement at Athleague for more than The 2016 Census showed that 1,117 people lived in the 1,500 years, with an original church founded around 500AD Athleague Plan’s catchment area, with 260 (23%) based in by Maenucan Atha Liacc ('Maonagán of Athleague'). It is the village itself. That represents a growth of about 50 referenced several times in the medieval Annals of people (5%) over the previous decade. Connacht, Lough Cé and The Four Masters. Athleague’s population is a fixed rather than a transient one Over time Athleague village has developed into a local with fewer than 5% having lived somewhere else a year residential, employment, service and community centre and before the 2016 Census. is an established, central part of community and economic The population is spread across 444 households, giving an life in this part of Roscommon. average household size of 2.52 (smaller than the national The local heritage assets include: average of 2.75). More than half Athleague's households (58%) are one or two-person households: n A significant water mill and drying kiln, built around 1800 but no longer in use ATHLEAGUE n Athleague Castle, a three-storey 17th century fortified Household Sizes 06 house n A stone and brick dovecote dating from around 1830 n The La Tene Stone at Castlestrange, Athleague n A former Church of Ireland built in 1841 on the banks of One Two Three Four the River Suck, and now reconfigured as an Person Person Person Person Angling/Tourist Centre 136 120 76 112 n A location on the 50 km Suck Valley Way and its connectivity with the national Beara Breifne walkway
Defining Athleague: For the purposes of this Plan, Athleague is defined as the CSO Census Small Areas 197007002, 197006002, 197085002, 197085001 and 197007001. They range across the Athleague East, Athleague West and Lisnaha Electoral Divisions. This catchment definition comprises an area within a 4km radius of Athleague village. The overall Athleague population age profile is older than the national average with 20% aged 65 or over compared with just 13% nationally: ATHLEAGUE Age Breakdown
65+ 20% 0-15 20%
16-39 26% 40-65 34%
In terms of educational attainment, Athleague's figures for its Over 16 population are as follows and are close to the national averages: 07
ATHLEAGUE Educational Attainment
Degree⁺ 5% No Formal 1%
Degree Primary 18% 16%
Post School 18% Secondary 42% Athleague's older age profile is reflected in the 17% of its Just over half (53%) of the local people who are in over 16-year-olds (the economically active sector) who are employment, work in 'white collar' jobs but, as expected in retired. One-person-in-ten is classed as a Home Maker a rural part of a largely rural County, agriculture remains whilst a similar proportion are Students. important as an employment sector: 08 ATHLEAGUE ATHLEAGUE ATHLEAGUE Employment How People What People Status Work Work At
Ill/Disabled 5% Other 15% Agriculture ⁺ 16% Managerial/Technical Other 18% Retired 17% Professional 31% Construction 5%
Home Makers 10% At Work 52% Skilled/Unskilled 17% Services 24% Manufacturing 12% Non Manual 22% Students 10% Commerce 16% Skilled 15% Public Unemployed 6% 9% ATHLEAGUE Physical and History Makers James Curley (1796-1889) Functional Athleague - Born in Athleague - An Astronomer who determined the latitude and longitude of Athleague is a linear village, east-to-west from ‘Keenagh to Washington, D.C. in 1846. Kepak’, but its hinterlands run north-to-south from Scrine - Best known as a teacher of maths, he was also a priest and had a strong interest in botany. to Castlestrange to Rookwood to Tremane, also crossing into County Galway. Thomas Curley (1825-1904) The village comprises three distinct blocs, (1) Residential, (2) - Born in Tremane, Athleague The village centre and (3) A mixed area around and west of - He served in the American Civil War, rising to the rank of Brigadier General the Suck. Back-land development is minimal and the back- - Later spent four years as a Democratic member of the Wisconsin lands area north of the village centre includes heritage State Assembly, representing Crawford County assets, existing walkways and parts that are community- owned. Aileen Cust (1868-1937) - Trained to be a Vet in Edinburgh and won gold medal for Unusually for a village of its size, Athleague hosts several 09 zoology successful services/businesses including barber, bars, B&B, - Denied membership of Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) butcher, chemist, coffee shop/restaurant, drycleaners, - Practised in Castlestrange, Athleague with William Byrne and estate agent, fancy good shop, garage, hairdresser, mini- subsequently on her own from Fort Lyster, Athleague market, solicitors, takeaway and undertaker. - She became the first female veterinary surgeon to be recognised by the RCVS. The wider locality also has several larger businesses including P&G Cards (which trades internationally), my IT Department (servicing companies nationwide), Naughten Kitchens, Mimar Media and Kepak. These are in turn complemented by smaller enterprises. Agri-food is important, with the Kepak meat plant and Aurivo Cooperative employing some 300 people between them. Not all of these jobs are occupied by local Athleague people. Many Eastern European nationals are employed here, some of whom have settled locally whilst others commute from Roscommon town.
James Curley Aileen Cust The village also acts as a community hub, bringing together St Patrick’s RC Church (built in 1842 and renovated in 1944), a National School and a Community Centre. The Community Centre is currently undergoing a significant LEADER-supported renovation and reconfiguration. Clár and Town and Village funding has also been used to good effect locally, including helping provide School playground facilities, undergrounding cables and resourcing the preparation of this Plan. Athleague is County Roscommon’s de facto hurling capital and hosts many inter-County/national hurling fixtures. The GAA and Camogie are important locally and the area has two Clubs, Athleague and Tremane. Crucially, they come together at Underage levels which helps create a strong area-wide community bond. Athleague athletes also play with Fuerty GAA which covers Athleague, Tremane and 10 Fuerty. Earlier in 2019 significant road and footpath resurfacing and some undergrounding of cables was completed in Athleague village. The village looks smart, attractive and active (something which was reflected strongly in the Plan’s community consultation feedback), but some properties are vacant and in small communities like this blight can quickly take hold. However this planning process has helped create a local energy, enthusiasm and momentum which has led to painting, cleaning and improvement throughout the village. ATHLEAGUE What Within the Roscommon County The development of local Development Plan 2014 – 2020, Others Think small-scale shops should Athleague has been designated a generally be steered Tier 4 settlement. These towards the centres of settlements (page 27) “… provide vital existing towns and villages to local service functions to varying provide a level of accessibility to degrees and have capacity to facilitate a all sections of the local community, in degree of residential demand over the lifetime of the particular older/disabled residents or those with County Development Plan.” limited forms of transport. The County Development Plan’s Retail Strategy Throughout Co. Roscommon there should be a broad (page 22) describes the village as follows: presumption in favour of new build small-scale retail development in the form of local shops in small towns and Athleague is located on the N63 to the south west of villages … Roscommon Town on the River Suck. The village has a 11 number of historical features including Athleague Castle, The Roscommon Local Economic and Community Plan Tobbervaddy Castle and the Mill. Athleague is an attractive (LECP) 2015 - 2021 sets out the framework for the village with a modest retail core. economic and community development of the County and is the primary mechanism, at local level, for bringing In terms of retail provision, Athleague appears to be forward relevant actions arising under the various relevant performing well and there is capacity to develop the regional and national plans and strategies. Based on convenience retail component of the village. widespread consultation and analysis, it identifies ‘notable The Strategy goes on (pages 40 – 41) to emphasise the issues and challenges’ that need to be addressed. Among ongoing importance of local retail provision: those most relevant to Athleague are: The local shop in the towns and villages throughout the n The County’s small rural towns and villages are suffering County has an important role not only in the provision of decline day to day/top-up shopping requirements, but also as a n There is a significant outflow of young working-age social medium in rural areas. It is important that these group, with very low graduate retention and facilities remain in place, although there are an increasing employment, resulting in a brain drain number of these local retailers closing due to the current economic climate. n Entrepreneurship and new job creation tend to be low n The farming/agriculture and food sectors remain and there are job losses in traditional sectors, but there is important, but farmers are getting older and viable growth in new knowledge sectors, though enterprise/ diversification alternatives are needed incubation infrastructure for these is low n A strong clean, green image, robust cultural and heritage n Tourism is underperforming but has potential for resources, a variety of archaeological, built and other development heritage all offer opportunities n The natural and cultural heritages are rich, with The County Roscommon Tourism Statement of Strategy development potential and Work Programme 2017 – 2022 focuses on three area, all n Quality of life is generally good, as is community of which are relevant to Athleague’s existing and potential volunteering, though it needs support. tourism offers – Natural and Environmental resources, n There are some deficits in community infrastructure and Culture and Heritage and Activities. accessibility issues The Healthy Roscommon Plan 2018 – 2021 meanwhile also n Youth provision needs to be addressed and the focuses on issues which emerged during this planning increasing older population presents challenges for process as having a strong resonance in Athleague: service provision. 12 n Reducing isolation The Roscommon (LEADER) Local Development Strategy n Providing activities accessible to all 2014-2020 repeats many of the LECP’s conclusions and among those again relevant to Athleague are: n Helping people become motivated to participate n Deprivation is above average, out-migration (including travel-to-work) remains strong, the population is ageing, n Getting families active “Athleague is an there are rural transport difficulties and service delivery together could be improved attractive village n Sharing information among n Graduate employment/retention is low and there are service providers. with a modest retail gaps in ICT, science, technical skills and languages core” n Public services/health and retailing are important for jobs, but entrepreneurship and exporting are low though there are emerging pockets of knowledge-based industry and a potential to improve tourism: enterprise supports are needed, particularly ‘digital supports’ Learning from Elsewhere ONE
As part of the Plan development process, under a ‘Dragons Den’ banner, four external speakers presented their thoughts to Athleague community meetings/discussion groups. The concept was for Athleague to hear ‘pitches’ from people how similar issues had been addressed elsewhere and/or to get an insight into current thinking in aspects of local development. It was then up to the Athleague community to decide which parts of which pitches Athleague might most usefully ‘invest’ in. ‘Is maith an scáthán súil charad … A friend’s eye is a good mirror’
Eimear Dowd, Roscommon County Council Tourism Emmet Humphreys, Architect and Urban Designer Officer pointed out to the group that Roscommon’s used his experience of regeneration projects developed tourism offer is centred around ‘water + heritage + in Drogheda and Boyle to suggest Athleague’s way culture’. Athleague equally offers all of that plus: forward could usefully include: 13 n An appealing pace of life, set within an attractive n Creating an ‘announcement’ for the village on its landscape: these should dovetail with a growing market approach roads. demand for wellness and mindfulness. n Putting effort into making itself (and particularly the n Extensive walking opportunities (walking tourism is of village core) an attractive place in which to live. growing significance). n Improving the connectivity between the village centre, n Safety, value for money and English-speaking, all the Fairgreen, River Suck and various community important tourism building-blocks. facilities. Currently 80%+ of tourism visits are planned via the n Making cycling and walking not just easy but attractive. internet and often two/three years ahead. A strong, n Planning for well into the future, and not just for the appealing digital marketing presence is therefore essential. next five years. Athleague has great potential to offer ‘real’ experiences and its proximity to Roscommon railway station is an added n Constantly looking at how planned projects/initiatives selling point. will help deliver higher level strategies such as Project Ireland 2040 as this is central to being able to attract funding. Patsy McShane, Workspace, Draperstown, Co. Derry Declan McAleer, Loughmacrory, Co. Tyrone explained showed how a community-based response to acute how a marginalized community in rural, upland mid- local unemployment 35 years ago has mushroomed Tyrone had used local energy, drive and leadership to 14 into an iconic and sector-leading multi-million-£- significantly improve circumstances for its people. turnover social enterprise. Among the lessons of the Among the lessons learned were: Workspace experience that Athleague could follow n Much of the early impetus came from the GAA Club are: deciding it ‘needed to do more’. n Identify and agree a vision for your community and stick n The development of a new pitch created momentum to it. but the realization that GAA, Handball, community, n Set wide horizons: Workspace runs businesses, trains Primary School, angling club and Parish all needed to people, builds community projects across different work together in meaningful ways for the overall sectors, works in many partnerships (business, betterment of Loughmacrory was crucial community, education, sport), delivers programmes, n Obtaining a lease on the 53-acre Loughmacrory lake was facilitates the creation of new initiatives (not all of which a ‘game-changer’ as it opened so many new survive) … but always with the aim of the betterment of opportunities to complement existing work. Draperstown. n Success creates more success: delivery creates n Bring good, committed people on board. momentum and local confidence and feel good, funders n As circumstances/markets change, change with them gravitate to those who can deliver, and the community remains on the lookout for ‘the next thing to be done’. 3 Bringing Athleague Forward
How We Shaped Our Work What People Told Us: Our Consultation The process put in place to develop the Plan was inclusive, Feedback focused and multi-layered. Desk research was carried out, Three other forms of structured consultation were carried surveys undertaken and community planning workshops out: held. The process also included an element based on the l ‘Dragon’s Den’ concept, but where the roles were reversed, An ad hoc structured survey of visitors to Athleague with external ‘experts’ making pitches to a team of local l A trawl of the opinions of local Primary School children ‘Dragons’, setting out what they had been involved with in l A Survey Monkey-based local community survey similar settings, how they saw Athleague possibly being taken forward. The process also involved study visits to As these surveys were not scientific, their findings cannot be 15 Leitrim and Tyrone. taken as statistically significant. They do nonetheless provide valuable views of and insights to Athleague and are Our Planning Workshops useful pointers within the planning process. A series of planning workshops were held in early summer The Visitors’ Survey 2019. These were held in the Athleague Community Centre and were open to all members of the local community. Up Sixteen people responded, all Irish and virtually all from to 40 people attended on each night. The opening workshop beyond Connacht. Their visits were spread across the seven scoped the project and agreed the main Themes which days of the week, but one only was an evening visitor. Most would underpin the Plan whilst the final workshop agreed (70%) were women and essentially half were aged 18-40 the actions and initiatives that were needed to progress and half aged 41-65. those Themes. A summary of the opening workshop The main reasons for visiting Athleague were tea/coffee, discussions is attached as Appendix 1 whilst the main shopping and visiting friends/relatives and its attractiveness output from the final consultation evening is the Action lay clearly in its peacefulness/friendliness, the Les Petites Plan that forms Section 4 of this Plan. Tartres café and the Town and Country gift shop. The main downside was the lack of things to do. Things that would bring people back to visit again were seen to be more opportunities for 'informed' walking, Les Petites Tartres, and more activity The Survey Monkey Survey in the evenings. People would like more paths/walkways, particularly associated with the River, and better signage, parking and shops. However, A total of 48 people took part in this Athleague's peacefulness, quiet and friendliness should not be tampered survey, 47 on-line and one via hard copy. with. The questionnaire used is attached as Appendix 3. Most respondents were women (52%) and three-quarters (75%) were aged 31 – 50. Just over a third were from Athleague village and all but three of the others were from the surrounding rural area. Virtually all the respondents (81%) were in work. A very clear pattern emerged when people were asked what they Liked Best about Athleague. More than half the respondents liked its friendliness and good community 16 spirit whilst just under half were influenced by its pleasant appearance, prettiness and rurality. Many people also highlighted its good range of facilities and services and its special riverside location. Primary School Children’s Feedback Meanwhile the things Liked Least (though put forward by significantly fewer numbers Thirty-nine responses were achieved here and the children's consistent of people) were the central area vacancies, 'Like' about Athleague is, simply, its overall village offer, complemented by the lack of activities for children and the its friendliness. The major deficit locally is the lack of an adventure/activity limited development of the river and local park and the loss of the Post Office was highlighted by a third of those heritage assets. responding. Some children have worries about crossing the road and the need to better manage litter/dog dirt was highlighted. The Survey also asked people to assess a series of statements about various aspects Well over half the children prioritized a new adventure/activity park for the of Athleague life. Their responses are village but several also suggested more flowers/planting, better parking presented here: and a zebra crossing. ONE What Athleague People Think:
Agree Strongly We need A local priority The Community something on it’s Athleague is has to be job approach roads to Centre should be Agree Strongly creation the ‘heart-and-soul’ a great place ‘announce’ to live Athleague of Athleague Agree n
Agree o Agree Agree Strongly Agree i n i
Agree Strongly p
No Opinion O o
No Opinion N No Opinion Disagree Don’t Know Don’t Know Don’t Know Disagree Disagree Disagree Don’t Know Disagree Strongly
Agree Strongly There should be Vacant premises Tourism more collaboration An Athleague are a big problem Agree Strongly accommodation between our Gaelic ‘Loop Walk’ should Games Clubs Agree Strongly for us in Athleague be a big priority 17 is needed in Agree Athleague for us Agree Agree
Agree n o Agree Strongly No Opinion i n n i o i p n
i Disagree O p o
O Disagree No Opinion Disagree N o
Don’t Know N Disagree Strongly Don’t Know Disagree Strongly Don’t Know Don’t Know Disagree
Agree Strongly
Agree Strongly We don’t do Athleague needs to We need to do more Athleague needs enough for young make more of the for our middle-aged more local health Agree Strongly people who aren’t River Suck people care provision into sport
Agree Agree Agree Agree Agree Strongly No Opinion No Opinion No Opinion Don’t Know Don’t Know Don’t Know Disagree Disagree No Opinion What Athleague People Think: TWO
Athleague has a Its hard to nd We need more good programme of out what’s going people living in community events We need more Agree Strongly Athleague village Agree on in Athleague playing pitches y centre l g No Opinion n
n Agree Disagree o o r i t n
y Agree n l S i Disagree o i
g Agree p e n n i e O r o p No Opinion r o g t O A N S o e N e Agree Strongly Don’t Know r Don’t Know Disagree
g Disagree
A Disagree Strongly Disagree Strongly Don’t Know Don’t Know Disagree Strongly Disagree Strongly
We should build We’re not positive We’re not doing 18 our links with enough about Athleague needs enough for older Roscommon town Athleague a drama club people
n Agree No Opinion o i
Agree n n o
Agree i i Agree p n i
O No Opinion p o Disagree O Agree Strongly N Agree Strongly o Disagree Agree Strongly Agree Strongly N Disagree Disagree Strongly Don’t Know Don’t Know Disagree Strongly Don’t Know Don’t Know Disagree
We don’t collaborate We need to look We need more at providing Athleague enough with each Hurling club needs other in Athleague shops in ‘hot desking’ Athleague opportunities a new pavilion/ Agree Agree building n n
Agree o
o Agree Strongly i Agree Strongly i Agree Strongly n n i i
Agree Strongly p p Agree No Opinion O O No Opinion o o N N Disagree Don’t Know Disagree Disagree Don’t Know Don’t Know Don’t Know Disagree Strongly Disagree Strongly Disagree Disagree Strongly Among the opinion patterns emerging are: l Athleague is seen as a good place in which to live l People feel the priorities for development action should be the River Suck, the 'loop walk', tackling central area vacancies and making full use of the Community Centre l Other things to be prioritized include responding to the needs of middle-years people and those young people not into sport, improving local community collaboration, providing accommodation for tourists and using good signage to 'announce' Athleague l The Survey gave people opportunities to develop their thinking on the development of Athleague and again clear patterns were evident. In descending order of popularity people's suggestions re physical development were: 19 l Make much more, better and more integrated use of the River Suck, the Suck Valley Visitor Centre, the Mill and associated walkways l Finish out the Community Centre and then make sure its use is maximized l Tackle central area vacancies and particularly the old forge and Cronin's sites: also look at developing central area public realm and installing zebra crossings l Look at providing an activity park for all ages l Set up a Men's Shed project Finally, half the respondents indicated a willingness to make use of a remore working facility were one to be provided locally. Áth Liag The ford of the flagstones
20 REFLECTING ITS HISTORIC STRATEGIC LOCATION AS A MAJOR CROSSING POINT BETWEEN THE KINGDOMS OF THE UÍ MAINE AND UÍ BRIÚIN.
21 The Athleague SWOT
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats Location on the River Suck Ageing population 'Slow tourism', especially Young people attracted away Broad range of heritage assets Limited evening economy walking Imbalanced, older age structure Variety of businesses and Limited tourism offers Participation in the Suck Valley Seen as 'just a place to pass Way services Growing central area vacancies through' Capitalize on the riverside 22 Les Petites Tartres café Poor signage/interpretation No differentiation, nothing location unique Good community infrastructure Busy trafc ows Development as GAA hurling Growing vacancy/dereliction An engaged, enthusiastic Village not 'introduced' to trafc venue community levels Perception of limited parking Distance working possibilities Good community spirit Community activists' burnout Limited children's play provision Digital responses to distance Recent momentum is lost Village fabric pleasing to the eye issues Offers 'short stops' only Funding goes elsewhere Very manageable scale Development of partnerships Little for young people beyond Local positivity and contentment sport Learning with/from others Strong attachment to place Not enough joint Live here, work elsewhere' Increasing National School working/collaboration model enrolment Markets provided by Growing track record of Roscommon town achievement Strategic funding such as RRDF, Stronger than most similar T&V, Outdoor Recreation villages Robust business presence Learning from Elsewhere TWO 23
In Summer 2019 members of the Athleague community undertook a study tour to Manorhamilton and Tyrone.
In Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim the group visited the Castle Finally, the group was hosted by Loughmacrory in mid- project (where a social enterprise now successfully manages Tyrone and experienced this multi-layered initiative which a café within the historic castle grounds), were walked builds on/incorporates the strength of the GAA locally, through the W8 complex (a major multi-use town centre exploits in sustainable ways the opportunities that development successfully 'rescued' following several years Loughmacrory lake itself offers, has put in place a range of of vacancy/imminent dereliction) and the Manor Hub (a community facilities which help fill what were previously privately-run business hub facilitating remote working by acute service gaps and has devised and works very professional services businesses). effectively within an inclusive community governance model. Tyrone GAA's Garvaghey Centre was visited as an example of a major multi-focused project that is largely community funded. 4 Drawing It All Together: A Plan for Athleague
Introduction This Plan is based on the outcomes of the planning processes described earlier. It also includes some detail of projects and initiatives that were already underway or had been scoped. Athleague: Now knows ... for 'ABC' It puts forward a Vision for Athleague and then sets out Actions which will help achieve that Vision. The Actions are grouped under the four Themes 24 which have been used throughout the planning process – Physical, Business, Tourist and Community Athleague.
ATHLEAGUE Potential tourist attractions Our Vision for Athleague near the bridge and along the banks of the River Suck at Athleague We want Athleague to be a place that is: n Pleasing to the eye and to the senses, making a positive impact on all who live or visit here n Precious about its heritages, both natural and man-made n Complementary to and complemented by the River Suck n Prosperous socially and economically n Open, welcoming, safe and accessible to all Plan for Athleague from the 1980s. Drawing by Albert Siggins Acronyms for Lead Agencies to take forward Actions Proposed AAG Athleague Active Age Group ABF Athleague Business Forum ACC Athleague Camogie Club ACCC Athleague Community Centre Company AHC Athleague Hurling Club AHG Athleague Heritage Group AMC Athleague Amenity Company 28 ATT Athleague Tidy Towns AUG Athleague Umbrella Group RCC Roscommon County Council RIDC Roscommon Integrated Development Co. RCB Roscommon County Board SVW Suck Valley Way THC Tremane Hurling Club
ATHLEAGUE POSITIVIES: Good location on N63 3,500 cars passing daily Taking Things Forward Our Priorities
Theme 1: Physical Athleague is such that whilst virtually everyone arrives here by car, the village can then readily be fully experienced and enjoyed on Rationale: foot. Athleague is a place of substance and visibility, with an The planning process has suggested that an effective way to underpinning heritage that goes back at least 1,500 years sustain and then grow Athleague village is by increasing its and a location on Ireland's important N63 national footfall. This would create more business and more activity Roscommon/Galway route. The village also sits on the River which in turn will halt and then reverse vacancies and help Suck, an important multi-layered natural and economic sustain the village as the social and economic hub for its resource within central Ireland. wider rural area. Greater footfall will introduce more people 26 Athleague is a linear village, east-to-west from 'Keenagh to to Athleague’s heritage assets and also offer increased Kepak', but its hinterlands run north-to-south from Scrine to access to the Suck Valley Way. Castlestrange to Rookwood, also crossing into County Galway. Our Plan Aims: The village comprises three distinct blocs, (1) Residential, (2) Our plan Aims are to achieve a greater village footfall by The village centre and (3) A mixed area around and west of working to make sure that: The Suck. Back-land development is minimal and the back- n The village centre is attractive, welcoming, different and lands area north of the village centre includes heritage works well for those using it and grows as a place within assets, existing walkways and parts that are community- which people want to live. owned. n People approaching/passing through Athleague are Central Athleague mixes and matches an attractive aware of what it offers and will want to stop off/spend streetscape, recent public realm investment and strong some time in it (bringing life to the Roscommon community and business presences. But the centre also has Heritage Strategy's strapline of Notice | Care | Enjoy a vacancy and potential dereliction issue. Athleague's scale n The village leaves a positive impact on those who use it Strategic Area Actions Led By When
Road and Street Works Complete the road and footpath improvements and the undergrounding of central area wire-scape RCC 2019
Signage and Branding Develop and implement a package which will include: 2019/20 n An Athleague community logo ACCG n ‘Welcome to Athleague’ signage ATT/AUG n Approach road and central area planting and branding ATT/AUG n Creation of a People’s Park mural (as a precursor to other murals/pieces of public art) ATT/AUG n Branded central area signage and interpretation ATT/AUG n Parking management RCC n Provision of bicycle stands AUG n Provision of angling stands on the River Suck ATT/AUG/IF
'Circle of Life' Park Commission a masterplan for an Athleague 'Circle of Life' public park which will: 2019/20 n Use community-owned land in the village centre ATT/AUG n Be inclusive for people at every stage in their 'circle of life' ATT/AUG/AAG n Complement and link with Athleague's other assets and facilities, including walkways and the River Suck AUG n Increase footfall within Athleague AUG/ABF
Athleague in Bloom Scope, plan and implement a community planting initiative for Athleague which will: n Use prominently placed owers, plants and shrubs to markedly differentiate Athleague ATT/AUG 2020 n Be based on good practice from elsewhere n Reect the seasons and have as strong a year-round life as possible n Be community owned and managed, involving all local sectors/groups
Community Centre Complete the current reconguration of the Community Centre ACCG 2020
Strategic Area Actions Who When
Distance Working Create an ‘Epi-Centre’ hot-desking project in the Community Centre which will: ATT/AUG 2020/21 n Provide a local resource from within which local people and others can work remotely n Will offer ICT/digital access to all members of the community
Increased Economic Footfall Use the #WeAreAthleague initiative to: n Develop an evening economy within the village ABF/AUG 2021/22 n Market Athleague as a differentiated destination shopping venue n Organise and promote the Community and Angling Centres and other local venues as locations for meetings, conferences, weddings and business training n Develop seasonal events to bring people into Athleague n Promote Athleague as a major hurling venue, hosting xtures at National and Provincial levels AHC/RCB 2020/25
Athleague Business Forum Establish a local Business Forum which: ABF/AUG 2020 n Brings together local businesses from across all sectors n Runs ‘learn-and-share’ events where local businesses celebrate and share their business experiences n Engages with the National School and local Clubs/groups to foster entrepreneurialism n Works with major local employers on matters of mutual interest
Land Use Planning Ensure that adequate land is considered for industrial use in any rolling forward of the Roscommon County AUG/RCC 2020/25 Development Plan. Taking Things Forward Our Priorities Theme 3: Tourism Athleague Rationale: Athleague's location gives it access to several significant Athleague has great potential to develop, offer and sell an natural assets, particularly those associated with the River 'Athleague Experience' that could last half-an-hour, half-a- Suck. That location also places it on a main traffic route and day, a day, or overnight/longer. Packages need to be within striking distance of some of County Roscommon's developed, people trained to deliver them, and a tourism flagships such as Rathcroghan, Strokestown, The digital/social media capacity put in place to market/sell Shannon, Baysports and Roscommon town, as well as them (80% of tourists plan their trips over the internet). Galway city and all it offers. 30 Our Plan Aims: 'Slow tourism' (the concept of visiting/staying in a place but at a slow pace) is a significantly growing part of the overall Our Plan aims are to develop Athleague as a tourism hub by: tourism market. At the same time, Failte Ireland 2017 n Investing in marketing/promotion, the development of analysis show that a quarter of domestic and overseas local physical assets and the building of tourism tourists in Ireland now engage in some form of walking or management capacity within local people. hiking. Through its location on both the 105km Suck Valley Way (part of the national Beara-Breifne Way) and the n Improving the offer of overnight accommodation for seven-stage 263km Green Heartlands cycle way within tourists, and particularly to those engaged in County Roscommon, Athleague is ideally placed to walking/hiking, angling and other water-based activities. capitalise on both these trends. The River Suck meanwhile offers added angling, boating and water-based options. Strategic Area Actions Led By When
Slow Tourism Use the #WeAreAthleague initiative to: AUG/SVW 2020/25 n Position Athleague strongly within the ‘walking/hiking tourism’ sector n Ensure Athleague’s own unique attributes and assets add value to what it offers as part of the Suck Valley Way
River and Heritage Quarter Seek resources to scope out and promote an Athleague ‘River and Heritage Quarter’ which will: AUG/SVW 2020/25 n Highlight assets such as the Castle, Dovecote, Famine Walk, La Téne Stone and Mill n Assess options such as oodlighting, connecting with the River Suck islands and providing a swimming option in the River
Local Capacity Devise a #WeAreAthleague training and awareness programme for local people which: ABF/AHG/AUG 2020 n Sets out the practice of good customer care n Raises locals’ awareness of ‘The Athleague Story’ (its history, heritage, etc) n Helps people become ‘business savvy’ re market opportunities attached to angling, walking, etc
Accommodation Investigate options for providing walking-related hostel-type and camping accommodation locally SVC/ABF/AUG 2020/21
Athleague Activation Investigate the potential to develop Athleague as: AHG/ATT/AUG 2020/21 n A learning-by-doing archaeological dig site (along the lines of Ballintober Castle) n A hands-on educational eld study centre exploring local assets and resources n The base for an Aileen Cust Summer School Taking Things Forward Our Priorities
Theme 4: Community Athleague Rationale: Like most communities in rural Ireland Athleague enjoys a are accelerating as is an acceptance that the best strong local community infrastructure. preventative work is that which is delivered locally, seamlessly and in low profile ways that are, and are seen to That infrastructure ranges across churches/Parish, be, just part of the mainstream of daily living. community development, culture, education, heritage, biodiversity, older people and sport (with the GAA Our Plan Aims: particularly strong and Athleague seen as the 'Home of 32 Roscommon Hurling'). Our Plan aims are to build on the work of a very strong and broadly-based local community sector through: Much of Athleague's current vitality is down to these groups but there is a consensus that collaboration/joined up n Better coordination and collaboration between the working between them could be better. There is a parallel various sectors and groups. need to get more people involved, to bring in new people to n Development of community wellness initiatives. help with specific projects/pieces of work and to avoid the burnout of volunteers. n The improvement of local GAA and other sport and recreation facilities. There is also a growing awareness locally of the need to focus on individual and community wellness and mindfulness. As in every community, mental health issues Esq.; Curramore, of Christopher Balfe, Esq.; and Thornfield, Athleague of J. Mahon, Esq. Near the river are some large insulated mills. Fairs are held on July 11th and Sept. 24th. The living is a vicarage, with the vicarages of Fuerty and Kilbegnet episcopally united in 1809, in the diocese of Elphin, and in As things were in 1837 the patronage of the Bishop: the rectory is impropriate in the Incorporated Society for Protestant Charter Schools, by ATHLEAGUE, a post-town and parish, partly in the barony of deed of request from Lord Ranelagh. The tithes amount to KILLIAN, county of GALWAY, but chiefly in that of £226. 3. 1., of which £90. 9. 2. is payable to the ATHLONE, county of ROSCOMMON, and in the province of impropriator, and the remainder to the vicar: the gross CONNAUGHT, 4 miles (S. W.) from Roscommon, and 79 amount of tithes in the union payable to the incumbent is (W.) from Dublin; containing 5361 inhabitants, of which £288. There are two churches in the union: that of number, 488 are in the town. This parish is situated on the Athleague, formerly a domestic chapel of the family of river Suck, and on the road from Roscommon to Mount- Lystre, is an old building in bad repair. The glebe-house was Talbot and Loughrea: it contains 7601 statute acres, as built by a gift of £400 and a loan of £214 from the late applotted under the tithe act; the state of agriculture is Board of First Fruits, in 1815: the glebe annexed to it improving. There are large tracts of bog, now being comprises 23 acres, besides 20 acres in the parish of Fuerty. 34 reclaimed, but not on an extensive scale; more than half of The R. C. parish is co-extensive with that of the Established the Galway portion of the parish consists of this species of Church: the chapel is situated in the town and is in bad land. Limestone and freestone of excellent quality abound; repair. The parochial school is supported by subscription; and mines of iron were formerly worked but were and there are several hedge schools, on the books of which discontinued from the scarcity of fuel. are 290 boys and 130 girls. Over the Suck is a long winding causeway bridge of ten Between Castle Kelly and Rookwood is a rath, in which arches carried from one islet to another, and forming a stood an abbey of Grey friars, where Maylesa O’Hanayn, communication between the two counties; from one end of abbot of Roscommon, died in 1266: and near it was a cell in it the houses stretch along the right bank of the river, with a which, according to tradition, four bishops were interred. In street or road ascending a hill at right angles; the number of 1819, some labourers digging for gravel under a bog that houses in the town, in 1831, was 84. The principal seats in had been cut away, on the estate of Castle Kelly, found a the parish are Rookwood, the handsome residence of E. gold fibula weighing 17 oz., now in the possession of the Kelly, Esq.; Castle Kelly, the seat of D. H. Kelly, Esq., Very Rev. H. R. Dawson, Dean of St. Patrick's, Dublin. A originally built as a castle in the 14th century, and of which chalybeate spring issues from the hill of Mount-Mary. the modern portion is castellated and part of the ancient structure still remains; Fortwilliam, the seats of N. J. Ffrench, (Lewis Topographical Dictionary of Ireland) Strategic Area Actions Led By When
Local Coordination and Learning Put in place an inclusive local umbrella group which will: Led by ATT 2019 n Be inclusive and reective of all local Athleague sectors and interests but including n Take ownership of the #WeAreAthleague Plan and its processes, including a twice-annual all groups structured planning/review event n Organise Athleague-wide and cross-sectoral/group initiatives such as litter picks, community days, well-being initiatives, etc n Undertake at least one study visit a year and host at least one similar visit n Agree and work to/collaborate on an annual calendar of events n Establish and maintain a strong and effective Athleague social media presence
Use #WeAreAthleague to coordinate and promote existing and plan new initiatives which focus on Active Athleague AUG 2019/2021 individual and community wellness and mindfulness. Initiatives might include: n ‘Green Gym’ provision n Cycle/walk-to-school initiatives n A Men’s Shed project n GAA Club-related programmes and activities n Gym for All n Events, programmes and activities in the Community Centre n PACE Programme (Promote Athleague’s Community Energy)
GAA Provision Continue to implement the Athleague Hurling Club Plan across its focus areas of: AHC 2020/2025 n Coaching and Games development n Club Structures and Administration n Finance and Fundraising n Facilities and Park Development, including: l Provision of hurling wall, walking path, playground and lighting l Improved branding and accessibility l Improved grounds maintenance n Communications, PR and Culture
Complete the Tremane Hurling Club facilities development plan comprising: THC 2020/2025 n Hurling wall and walking track n Grass training area n Astro-turf training area n Additional Club building ATHLEAGUE POSITIVIES: ‘Town and Country’ Heritage, La Tene stone Festivals and Events, Comhaltas/music
35 Appendix 1: Notes of a Planning Workshop, 4 April 2019
Theme 1: PHYSICAL Athleague Here we're concerned about our village fabric, trafc, walkways, environment, appearance, public realm, dereliction/vacancy.
What POSITIVES ANYTHING ELSE do we have here? What are the things you’d like to add? And what we COULD/SHOULD are the DO in response? NEGATIVES? And what are the Landscape the approach 36 Paint/upgrade derelict roads New footpaths … parking … things we should buildings … oblige owners People’s Park … village Make reservoir a feature to do something? AVOID doing? walks … streetscape … Derelict and vacant Finish off housing estates Seek fast track ood lovely village … general buildings … not enough Paint/put a mural on the defense information signage businesses on Main Street gazebo Cycle track Located on Suck Valley Flooding Allowing new signage Improved road layout Way Identify dangerous bends No loop walk … no footpath No more GREY (safety) at Keane’s Butcher National School - vibrant to the cemetery Encourage overall aesthetic Community Centre Waste from lorries … appearance of the village Sporting facilities recycling area untidy … Create a loop walk smell from Kepak Historical buildings Develop awareness of No pedestrian crossing … funding opportunities Four approach roads speed of trafc Maintenance of the River Lack of playgrounds Theme 2: BUSINESS Athleague Our focus here is on jobs, work, economic development, retailing and commercial activity.
And what are the NEGATIVES?
What POSITIVES What are the things ANYTHING ELSE do we have here? Few locals employed in Kepak we COULD/SHOULD you’d like to add? Post Ofce, HSE, Medical DO in response? 37 centre and Garda Station have all disappeared Kepak … Homeland … And what are the family businesses … P & G Young people leaving to live Entice motorists passing Cards … Naughton’s in cities through to stop, shop, eat, things we should Kitchens … IT … Visitors’ Lack of parking space for etc AVOID doing? Better broadband to entice Centre passing trade Rural transport an Incubation Hub Farming community Limited market Business Hub (high-speed Pubs … Pharmacy … No electrical charging point broadband –-Skibereen?) Auctioneer … Electrical … for cars Farmers’ Market By pass … speed ramps Solicitor … Hairdresser … Not supporting local Business Joinery business directory/advertisement on Lack of skilled labour approach Roads need frequent Invite GP practice to set up maintenance here Erect signage for parking Theme 3: TOURIST Athleague This time our interest is in attracting people into Athleague, in marketing and promoting our village and surroundings and in creating a 'Wow' factor.
And what are the NEGATIVES? ANYTHING ELSE you’d like to add? What are the things What POSITIVES Lack of accommodation do we have here? No public toilets at we COULD/SHOULD 38 River/village … no DO in response? appropriate family amenities, playgroup … no Mill wheel and waterfall … information signage on And what are the lighting River Suck … Mill … Looped walk … cycles … approach roads things we should Expand fair and Festival shing … kayaking … general purpose activity Lack of access to the River outdoor swimming … 4 x area AVOID doing? Weekend package holidays … no development of lovely bridges swimming facilities Develop a postcard … Partnership with (Castlestrange, Athleague, advertising campaign Castlecoote Rookwood, Ferdie Rush’s) Nowhere to buy shing tackle, etc … Angling Developing Camping Suck Valley Way/walk … Over-commercialization Centre not used enough … camping/camper facilities Upgrade of Suck Valley angling centre angling/shing moved at the Angling Centre Avoid developing ood Way Business, coffee shop, food, plain areas away from the village Playground in the eld Web page ‘Town and Country’ behind the Church Tacky signage Heritage needs to be Hostel-type Heritage … LeTene stone developed History and nature trail Alienate locals accommodation Annual fair and festival … More welcoming entrance AirBnB Comhaltas/music to the village Develop Castle and islands Organise a unique festival Theme 4: COMMUNITY Athleague Now we focus on ourselves, on looking after our own home population, on developing our community and understanding/celebrating our local history and heritage.
What POSITIVES What are the things do we have here? we COULD/SHOULD ANYTHING ELSE DO in response? you’d like to add? And what are And what are the Population growth … the NEGATIVES? County Council to help things we should diverse, young population pressurize owners of 39 … vibrant active retirement derelict property to improve AVOID doing? Thriving National School them Is féidir linn + Community Centre … 20 Ownership of the Mill and Playground … outdoor gym English classes to help voluntary groups sluice … nish the Community integration Being negative Modern streetscape Derelict buildings Centre … loop walk Men's Shed Avoid divisions in the Good infrastructure, No playground Develop health initiatives community Make the Community broadband, etc Waldron’s closed Council bring mobile library Centre THE Centre … 'The … need a Post Ofce … GP Losing further resources Big Hall' Good location on N63, Lack of integration … … mobile bank Having too many groups 3,500 cars passing daily residents of new housing Promote participation in striving for the same things River Suck and Suck Valley estates not involved Drama group … Culture sport, drama night … Scór group Way, walks, shing, Volunteer difculties … swimming same people, new blood Centre for needed Greenway/Blueway, Hidden No youth hub for teenagers Heartlands, built heritage 40
ATHLEAGUE POSITIVIES: River Suck & Suck Valley Way walks, shing, swimming Athleague is an historic village of largely linear form, located on a crossing of the river suck and on the N63 in west Roscommon, about ve miles from Roscommon town. The village itself is home to some 250 people and it lies at the heart of a wider Athleague community of over 1,100 people. #WeAreAthleague Athleague 2020: Local Area Development Plan www.athleague.ie
This project was part-funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Roscommon County Council under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme
ROSCOMMON 090 66 27 500