New housing development for Boyle
Boyle could be in line for 16 new homes if plans by Roscommon Co Co are successful. The local authority has indicated that they plan to build 16 houses at Cnoc na hAbhainn adjacent to Forest View in Boyle. They will seek to move a Part 8 planning application for the development which will be discussed by Councillors at their July meeting. The development will consist of 6 three bed dwellings, 9 two bed dwellings and 1 four bed dwelling at various sites in the estate.
Where a project is being progressed by the Local Authority, planning permission is applied for under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended). If any submissions or observations are received, a report is presented to the members of the Council.
Arising from consideration of the representations, the report sets out whether or not it is proposed to proceed as originally planned, or to proceed with a modified proposal.
The development of these houses is most welcome. The lack of housing in Boyle, (like everywhere in Ireland), is holding the town back. Many of the larger scale employers in Boyle will tell you that it is near impossible for their employees to rent a house in the town. Likewise, any young couple trying to get on the property ladder cannot afford the prices being quoted for detached houses in the town. Therefore, this plan by the Council is indeed welcomed.
Another ‘local’ tourist attraction
Recently we suggested here that the Caves of Keash should be included in historic attractions that one could visit when in Boyle. Another such location not that far from the town, and one that receive grant aid this week is Moygara Castle. The Castle is located just off the main road between Boyle and Gurteen and with its four towers, gatehouse and high curtain walls, is one of the most impressive masonry-built monuments in north Connacht. Constructed in the late fourteenth/early fifteenth century by the O’Garas, the castle functioned as a centre for their lordship of Coolavin.
During the week the castle received €100,000 under the Community Monuments Fund to help preserve and promote the site.
‘There’s no show like a Joe show’
If you are flying out of Knock Airport today (Friday), give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport as American President Joe Biden flies into and out of the facility. Passengers are advised that normal operations will continue at the airport, however, travelling members of the public should allow additional time to arrive at the airport due to possible rolling road closures. Only those who are travelling on flights or collecting incoming passengers will be permitted access to the airport as the approach roads into the airport will be closed to the general public today Friday April 14th.
President Biden will arrive into Knock from Dublin onboard the US presidential 757 ar around 1pm. (Not the 747 he arrived into Belfast on). If that is the case, one of the most important planes in the world should fly over Boyle on approach (wind permitting) giving the President and his entourage a great view of beautiful Lough Key. There will also be additional air operations in support of the President’s visit so keep your eyes skywards today and you never know what you might see!
The ugly side of Facebook
Last week we published a post on our social media pages with a picture of a dog that followed a walker home. The person thought the dog was lost, as it had made it’s way from the town centre to the Warren. Following publication of the photograph, the dog and it’s owner we quickly identified but not before a war of words erupted on the subject on our Facebook page – showing the ugly side of the social media platform. Some of the posts got quiet personal in nature between individuals who seemingly did not know each other and resulted in us having to delete a number of comments.
One thing you can be guaranteed here on Boyletoday.com – we will never allow bad language, libelous or slanderous comments or hate speech to be published on our website or social media platforms. Neither will we tolerate posts from fictitious accounts set up to incite hatred and ignite debate, of which there are many in this town. It is pain staking trying to moderate comments and posts 24/7 but that is and should be the duty of any administrator of any Facebook page in Boyle or elsewhere.
Storm damaged walkway should be removed
There were not that many sad faces when the walk way hoarding outside the Royal building came tumbling down during Wednesday’s storm. Thankfully no one was walking under the structure at the time of it’s collapse but it’s unsightly visual state is currently detracting from the town and the upgrade work that is nearing completion on the building. With members of the public now having to walk on the busy roadway, maybe the storm has given rise to the opportunity to now remove the structure in full and expose the front of the renovated building.
Broad welcome for new canoe launch platforms
The publication of tenders for the wheelchair friendly canoe launch platforms, swim dock facility and trail upgrades as detailed yesterday here on Boyletoday.com is another positive step. These platforms will make Lough Key easily accessible to all kayaker and canoe enthusiasts. Upgrades to the parking area and roadway to the launch platform at the Woodenbridge is also welcomed. Let’s hope this work leads to agreement on an upgrade of the old wooden jetty area at the Woodenbridge which is reportedly being held up due to a legality.
And finally….!
An old lady walked into a pet store, found a parrot and asked the owner if she could buy it.
The owner said, “Ah no! That parrot has a bad mouth! Trust me – you do not want that parrot!”
She said, “That’s no problem. I can teach it good manners.”
But, when she got home the parrot let a few F’s out of it, so she put it in the freezer for 10 seconds.
She took it out and said, “Now, did you learn your lesson?”
It said another bad word so she put it back in the freezer for 30 seconds.
She took it out and asked if it learned its lesson yet.
The parrot said “Jazus it’s freezing in there..… Yes I’ve learned my lesson, but, can you tell me, what the hell did the chicken do?”
