Carrick-on-Shannon Parks Project: Council seeks public input on 2026 plans
Leitrim County Council has announced that it will be launching a Part 8 consultation on a new parks development project for the town centre of Carrick‑on‑Shannon. The consultation, which is part of the council’s 2026 development plan, invites residents, businesses and other stakeholders to give their views on the proposed changes to the town’s green spaces. The council’s website notes that the project is intended to enhance the quality of life for local residents and to support the town’s economic and cultural activities by creating a more attractive and accessible public environment.
The Part 8 consultation is a statutory process that allows the council to seek detailed feedback on proposals that are likely to have a significant impact on the local area. In this case, the proposals cover a range of improvements to the town’s parks, including new walking paths, landscaped gardens, seating areas and play equipment. The council has also indicated that the project will incorporate elements of biodiversity and environmental sustainability, in line with the county’s broader biodiversity action plan. The aim is to create a space that is not only visually appealing but also supports local wildlife and promotes healthy lifestyles.
The consultation period is open until the end of May, giving residents ample time to review the proposals and submit their comments. Feedback can be submitted online through the council’s website, by post or in person at the council office in Carrick‑on‑Shannon. The council has emphasised that it will consider all submissions carefully before finalising the design and securing the necessary planning permissions. The consultation is a key step in ensuring that the project reflects the needs and aspirations of the community, and that it is delivered in a way that is both cost‑effective and environmentally responsible.
Carrick‑on‑Shannon is a market town situated on the banks of the River Shannon in the north of County Leitrim. The town has a long history of community involvement in local development projects, and the council’s recent initiatives have reflected this collaborative spirit. In addition to the parks project, the council has opened public consultations on a range of other proposals, including a new 24‑hour gym and residential units in Leitrim town, a mobile sauna pilot at five Leitrim locations, and a major wind farm planned for South Leitrim. These projects all fall under the council’s 2026 development plan, which seeks to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and community well‑being.
The parks development is part of a broader strategy to improve the town’s public amenities and to encourage greater use of the River Shannon corridor. The council has highlighted that the project will complement existing greenways and trails, such as the Carrick‑on‑Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway and the South Leitrim Greenway. By creating a more cohesive network of parks and pathways, the council hopes to promote walking, cycling and other active pursuits, while also providing a venue for cultural events and community gatherings.
Residents who wish to contribute to the consultation are encouraged to read the full set of proposals, which are available on the council’s website. The proposals include detailed drawings and descriptions of the planned improvements, as well as information on the expected costs and funding sources. The council has also provided a summary of the key issues that it is seeking feedback on, such as the layout of the new park areas, the types of facilities to be included, and the environmental impact of the development.
The council’s decision to open a Part 8 consultation reflects its commitment to transparency and public participation. By inviting community input early in the planning process, the council aims to avoid costly revisions later on and to ensure that the final design meets the needs of all stakeholders. The consultation also provides an opportunity for residents to raise concerns about potential traffic impacts, noise, or other issues that may arise from the construction and operation of the new parks.
In addition to the parks project, the council has been actively engaging the public on other matters that affect the town. For example, a recent consultation on pay parking bye‑laws in Carrick‑on‑Shannon sought feedback from residents and businesses on proposed changes to parking regulations. The council has also been working on flood relief schemes for the River Shannon corridor, as well as on initiatives to support local businesses and promote tourism in the region.
The Part 8 consultation for the Carrick‑on‑Shannon parks project is a significant step in the town’s ongoing development. It offers residents a chance to shape the future of their public spaces and to ensure that the project aligns with the community’s values and priorities. The council’s openness to public input is expected to foster a sense of ownership and pride among residents, and to help create a park that will serve as a vibrant hub for recreation, culture and environmental stewardship.
For more information on the consultation and to view the full proposals, please visit the Leitrim County Council website.
Summary written by localnews.ie from the original source coverage. Click through for the full report.