Work Commences on riverside green area in Cortober

The much anticipated redevelopment of the riverside green area adjacent to the Bridge in Cortober, Carrick-on-Shannon commenced on June 9th.

Roscommon County Council has been working on this project for over 12 months taking the project from original concept through the design and tendering processes and subsequent appointment of main construction contractor.

Waterways Ireland has worked with Roscommon County Council on the project from the outset and has contributed significantly to the redevelopment works by making the site available, contributing to the design phase, as well as part-financing the project.

The redevelopment scheme, which was designed by a Dublin based Landscape Architecture firm, Murray and Associates, consists of features including new paving and pathways, a new harbour edge and harbour railing (designed to be in keeping with the new board-walk on the opposite side of the river), terracing and grading, major landscape works including new planting and shrubberies. Most of the new park will be wheelchair accessible however some aspects of the site will not, as certain features cannot be changed including the Limestone Steps at the bridge end of the park.

Roscommon County Council appointed Streamline Construction, a Sligo based company, by means of tender process to undertake the work earlier in 2008. The start of the work was postponed until now to allow for water levels to recede sufficiently to enable work to commence in a safe manner.

The County Manager of Roscommon County Council, Mr John Tiernan, stated that he was delighted to see work commencing on this very worthwhile project and further added that he was thankful for the significant contribution Waterways Ireland has made to the project, both at the design stage as well as their financial input.

Mr John Martin, Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland added his congratulations to Roscommon County Council on the commencement of this project and for the initiative and pro-active approach to river and water side amenity development along the River Shannon. He added, "Waterways Ireland is delighted to be involved in the development of recreational resources along the River Shannon in partnership with local Councils as we have done so with Leitrim County Council for the service block at the new moorings and Riverside park in Carrick on Shannon and now for the Cortober green area in conjunction with Roscommon County Council. The River Shannon is one of the finest assets to the tourism industry in Ireland and it is wonderful to see a collaborative approach being taken to enhance it further for visitors and locals alike".

Roscommon County Council and Waterways Ireland have worked on a number of projects together in the past number of years combining expertise, resources and capital to provide high class tourism amenities and facilities along the Shannon Waterway including developments at Ballyleague, Kilglass Lakes, Boyle Harbour, and Portrunny. These projects have demonstrated that by working in partnership both agencies can achieve more than if working individually.

The design scheme of the new park has allowed for the possibility of additional boat jetties and fishing stands to be developed from the Roscommon side of the river in the future. However, there are no plans afoot to develop either of these at present.

Construction work in Cortober is likely to take up to four months during which time public access to the amenity area will be restricted at all times. Parents are asked to be vigilant in informing children of the dangers of building sites and ensuring that they do not enter the site at any time. Roscommon County Council regrets any inconvenience caused while work is underway.