1- Landscape Character - Front Cover - Roscommon County Council

DRAFT ROSCOMMON 

COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 

2014-2020 

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT 

OF 

COUNTY ROSCOMMON 

MAY 2013 

Roscommon County Council 

Comhairle Chontae Ros Comáin

Landscape Character Assessment of County Roscommon 

Roscommon County Council 


OF 

COUNTY ROSCOMMON 

May 2013 

By 

Draft Roscommon County Development Plan 2014 – 2020 May 2013 Page i


Draft Roscommon County Development Plan 2014 – 2020 May 2013 Page ii


TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Pages 

SECTION 1 

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT OF COUNTY ROSCOMMON 1 

SECTION 2 

1.1 The Brief 1 

1.2 What is Landscape Character Assessment? 1 

OBJECTIVES AND GUIDELINES 5 

SECTION 3 

2.1 Introduction 5 

2.2 Opportunities Presented by the Unique 

Landscape Character of County Roscommon 5 

2.3 Consideration of General Landscape Objectives 6 

2.3.1 Influences 6 

2.3.2 Objectives 8 

2.4 Development Controls to Ameliorate Landscape 

Constraints and Facilitate Sustainable 

Development 9 

LANDSCAPE APPROACH TO BUILT DEVELOPMENT 12 

SECTION 4 


3.2 Housing 12 

3.2.1 Housing in Existing Settlement 12 

3.2.2 Housing in Rural Areas 13 

3.3 Rural Buildings and Alternative Enterprise 

Proposals 16 

3.4 Quarries 17 

3.5 Wind Farm Development 20 

3.6 Forestry and Bio-fuels 22 

LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT STUDY 27 


4.2 GIS analysis and Desk Study Mapping 

Of County Roscommon 27 

4.3 Landscape Character and Values Mapping 38 

4.4 Detailed Landscape Assessment 43 

APPENDICES: APPENDIX 1: Map of Scenic Routes and Scenic Views 117 

APPENDIX 2: Minutes of Stakeholder Consultation Meetings 145 

Draft Roscommon County Development Plan 2014 – 2020 May 2013 Page iii


SECTION 1: 

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT OF COUNTY ROSCOMMON 

1.1 THE BRIEF 

The aim of the project was to carry out a landscape character assessment that will provide the technical 

background for the Planning Authority to formulate a set of Landscape Objectives and Policy 

Recommendations for County Roscommon. These objectives and policy recommendations strive to achieve 

a balance between the proactive need to accommodate change, optimising of landscape aesthetics and 

due reflection of the sensitivity of various landscape (including social and economic) related values, 

involving: 

The conservation and enhancement of the landscape diversity, character and quality of the County; 

Protection of sensitive areas from development that would detract from or be injurious to the amenity 

of the area; 

Provision for development and change that would benefit the economy of the county including the 

rural economy while protecting and enhancing the landscape; 

Identification of suitable ‘working’ landscapes where there is potential to accommodate development. 

The landscape objectives and policy recommendations focus on the following five specific development 

types: 

Housing (including housing in existing settlements as well as single rural dwellings relating to the 

guidance set out in the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities); 

Quarries 1 ; 

Wind farms; 

Afforestation; and 

Rural buildings and alternative enterprise proposals (an increase of farm buildings is anticipated as a 

result of the recent EU Nitrates Directive 2 ). 

1.2 WHAT IS LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT? 

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 is to provide a tool for 

decision making regarding development control and to influence landscape policy at Local Authority level. 

There are two stages in the LCA process. The first is ‘characterisation’ and the second is ‘making of 

judgements’ about landscape character. 

Definition of ‘landscape’? 

Landscape is understood to be a combination of the physical, the ‘seen’, the cultural and the perceived 

elements that merge together to form the general character of an area. Landscape has been defined as: 

All that is visible when looking across areas of land 3 ; 

1 Under Section 261 of the Planning and Development Act as amended, the Planning Authority are retrospectively granting 

permission to existing sites or requiring them to apply for planning permission. 

2 National Action Programme under the Nitrates Directive. Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government 

(DEHLG) and the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAF), 2005 

3 Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (2000), Draft Landscape and Landscape Assessment Guidelines 

Draft Roscommon County Development Plan 2014 – 2020 May 2013 Page 1


The relationship between people and place…The term does not mean just special or 

designated landscapes and it does not apply to the countryside…It results from the way 

different components of our environment – both natural and cultural – interact together and 

are perceived by us 4 ; 

Landscape means an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action 

and interaction of natural and/or human factors; 

Why do a Landscape Character Assessment? 

Section 10, Planning and Development Act 2000 5 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 interest 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. 

LCA Stage 1: 

Characterisation 

Characterisation is the first stage of the process and involves a desk study to ascertain from existing 

available information with the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) the landform and landcover of 

a given landscape. Other aspects such as nature designations and historical monuments are also taken into 

account. Initial draft maps of the character areas and character types are produced based on professional 

interpretation of the desk information and field work is then conducted to ‘ground truth’ the maps. The 

refinements are made to the maps accordingly. 

Landscape Character Type 

Landscape Character Types are distinct landscapes that are relatively homogeneous in 

character. They are generic in nature in that they may occur in different areas in different 

parts of the country, but wherever they occur they broadly share similar combinations of 

geology, topography, drainage patterns, vegetation, historical land use and settlement 

pattern. For example drumlins and mountain moorlands are recognisable and distinct 

landscape character types 6 . 

Landscape Character Areas 

Landscape Character Areas are unique, geographically-specific areas of a particular landscape 

type. Each has its own individual character and identity, even though it shares the same 

generic characteristics with other areas of the same type. This distinction is reflected in the 

naming of types and areas: landscape character types have generic names, but landscape 

character areas ake on the names of specific places. Example might be the south Leitrim 

drumlins and the Wicklow mountain moorlands 7 . 

4 The Countryside Agency and the Scottish Natural Heritage (2002), Landscape Character Assessment: Guidance for England and 

Scotland 

5 Part II, s10(e) of the Local Government Planning and Development Act 2000 

6 The Countryside Agency and the Scottish Natural Heritage (2002), Landscape Character Assessment: Guidance for England and 

Scotland 

7 Ibid 



LCA Stage 2: 

Making of Judgements 

The second stage of the process is to record the value placed on the landscape character areas. The 

Roscommon LCA has put huge weight on the importance of consulting widely with both local and national 

interest groups and, more importantly, the people of Roscommon to discover what landscapes are valued 

and why. 

Mapping of Landscape Value 

A number of different studies were undertaken to classify landscape values in County Roscommon. These 

involved to varying degrees Community Groups, Roscommon County Council and the Consultants. An 

outline of the stepwise procedure used is provided below. 

Desk Reviews 

The Landscape Consultants first carried out a literature review of the most pertinent documents relating to 

landscape value and sensitivity, including the current County Development Plan. 

Consultation with Planning Staff 

All available members of the County Council Planning staff were invited to take part in an exercise to map 

(1) landscape quality and (2) the location of scenic views and scenic routes. They were provided with maps 

of the county and asked to map roads currently not designated in the CDP as Scenic Routes but which are 

perceived to be of such high quality that they might warrant designation. 

Initial Field Work 

Following the consultation with Planning staff, the Consultants spent a number of day’s in-the-field 

examining the landscapes of County Roscommon and assessing them in terms of value. The field work also 

enabled the Consultants to examine those locations identified by the Council Planning staff as being 

potential scenic routes and scenic views. The outcome of this latter study was the preparation of a draft 

Scenic Routes and Scenic Views Map, a copy of which is depicted in Appendix 1. 

Community Consultation 

The Consultants placed a high priority on consulting with local community groups on their aspirations and 

concerns for the Roscommon landscape. In total three community focus group meetings were held, one in 

Boyle, the other two in Roscommon Town. Those community groups deemed to be most relevant to the 

landscape study were selected from the Community Forum database and invited to attend the events. 

There was also some public advertisement of the events in local newspapers as well as on local radio. 

Following introductory presentations by the Consultants, the focus group attendees were organised into 

tables comprising 5 to 6 individuals. They were then asked to engage in a mapping exercise with the 

principle aim of identifying landscapes of high value. They were asked to highlight those landscapes they 

most value using coloured markers and to indicate in writing why those landscapes are regarded as being 

special. The Consultants deliberately provided no guidance on how landscapes should be judged. Instead, 

the attendees were encouraged to approach their assessment of landscape with a broad appreciation of 

what makes certain areas more special, whether for aesthetic, cultural, natural or environmental reasons. 

The mapping exercise proved to be a very effective medium for highlighting the landscapes perceived to be 

most valued in County Roscommon. The open and informal forum also encouraged much debate within 

and between groups as a representative from each group had to present an overview of their table’s 

deliberations on landscape value. Despite the wide ranging views held by different individuals and groups 



(ranging from pro-development to conservative), common ground could be recognised when all the maps 

were collectively reviewed. 

In addition to mapping of special landscapes, the focus group attendees were asked to openly debate a 

number of forces of change, including single rural dwellings, forestry and wind farms. The main issues 

which emerged during this discussion are noted in the minutes of the meetings, presented in Appendix 2. 

Preparation of Draft Landscape Values Map 

The marked-up maps prepared by the three Focus Groups were collated and reviewed by the Consultants. 

In the majority of locations, there was broad agreement between the professional judgement of the 

Consultants and the mapping prepared by the attendees. As a practical example of this, the Rathcroghan 

and Lough Key areas were identified early on in the study by the Consultants as being of exceptional 

landscape value. This judgement was later supported by the fact that practically all of the groups in the 

community meetings highlighted those same areas as being particularly special. 

Landscape value can be a mixture of criteria that combine to make an area special. Many of the focus group 

attendees described the places they valued using these same criteria, as follows: 

Distinctiveness – A landscape that is highly distinctive from its surrounds as being easily identifiable in 

its own right (Drumlin Lakelands in the north east of the county). 

Quality – Landscapes of very high quality and which are in good condition tend to be highly valued 

(Lough Key Forest Park) 

Rarity – whether at a national or international level (Rathcroghan archaeological site) 

Representativeness – The area might represents such a particularly good example of a given landscape 

type that it is highly valued (Esker landscapes in the south and north west of the county) 

Regarding the classification of landscape value, the Consultants decided to use the following four levels: 

Exceptional Value 

Very High Value 

High Value 

Moderate Value 8 . 

Those landscapes of Exceptional Value tend to be generally sensitive to forces of change and development 

should be more restricted in such areas. Landscapes of Moderate Value, on the other hand, tend to be less 

sensitive and are therefore more tolerant of change. Each of the 36 landscape character areas were 

classified according to the above four levels of landscape value, the result of which is presented later in 

Section 4. 

LCA Stage 3 

Landscape Policies and Recommendations 

The final stage is to combine the physical and perceived elements of landscape character and interpret 

these with regard to built development. In other words, how sensitive the landscape character areas are to 

built development. This information is often presented in matrix format. In this study, however, a 

prescriptive matrix is not proposed. Instead, detailed recommendations are made for each of the 36 

landscape character areas. 

8 In the study pertaining to County Roscommon, the Consultants chose not to use the ‘Low Landscape Value’ classification as it is 

felt that there are be no landscapes of low level. 



SECTION 2: 

OBJECTIVES AND GUIDELINES 

2.1 INTRODUCTION 

The public consultation aspect of Roscommon Landscape Character Assessment has identified places that 

are of most value to the people of Roscommon. The study will help to ensure built development will have 

regard to the surrounding landscape. By integrating new development sensitively with landscape character 

a strong sense of place will be maintained and the quality of life of the people of Roscommon improved. 

When describing the places of most value many people identified the quiet, remote spots (like bogs, lakes, 

forests or elevated view points) as well as places with strong built heritage (such as archaeological 

landscapes, old demesnes, castles and stonewalls) and nature conservation areas. People valued these not 

least because of their tourism potential, but because they are proud of them. Generally speaking, people 

were open to all kinds of development in different types of landscapes, but also recognised the need for 

balance and restraint where appropriate. Many expressed concern at the quality of housing from both a 

design and environmental perspective. There was widespread agreement that design guidelines were 

necessary in this regard. Increasing biodiversity through tree and hedgerow planting in towns, villages and 

rural areas was repeatedly mentioned. 

Overall, it would be fair to say that the people of Roscommon are very proud of their landscape and feel 

that it is an untapped resource, which is in danger of being eroded by insensitive development. People 

would like to see the quality of their landscapes improved and their built heritage recovered or preserved 

as an everyday visible reminder of what it means to live in County Roscommon. 

The landscape policies that will be recommended seek to address insofar as practicable the concerns 

expressed by people at the focus group meetings. They will focus on key development types such as single 

rural dwellings, farm buildings, wind farms, quarries (particularly in relation to eskers) and forestry. The 

tourism potential of County Roscommon cannot be overstated, given its rich water based amenities and 

opportunities for tranquil nature based activities. These landscape resources must be highlighted and 

developed where ever possible. 

2.2 OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTED BY THE UNIQUE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF COUNTY 

ROSCOMMON 

The urban and rural landscape of Roscommon offer many opportunities for sustainable development. 

These have been identified during the public debate: 

1. There is a spread of towns and villages within the county that are already serviced with water and 

waste water treatment systems. An audit of physical and social infrastructure will identify where 

there is spare capacity to accommodate expansion of the urban footprint. 

2. The heritage quality of towns such as Roscommon, Boyle and Elphin is highly valued and viewed as 

an opportunity to provide a quality living environment if developed sensitively. 

3. Certain landscape types found in the County provide a good opportunity to accommodate change 

without compromising the landscape. Landscape character types such as Drumlin Lakeland, Wet 

Farmland and Bog and Farmland Complex can often absorb the impact of new development due to 

their visual complexity created by variation in both landform and landcover. A landscape visual 

capacity matrix is attached in Appendix 1. 



There is a major opportunity to bring about an improvement to the quality of single rural dwellings in the 

countryside through the introduction of character-specific design guidance. Such guidance could build on 

the work initiated in County Cork through the inclusion of recommendations regarding low energy and 

even Passive House standard design. 

4. The mix of rare landscape features including bogs, turloughs, callows and eskers create a unique 

character to County Roscommon and provide a valuable opportunity for geo-tourism. 

5. The considerable extent of waterways including rivers, turloughs, wetlands and fens offer a rich and 

varied resource offering sites of significant ecological importance and scenic value as well as 

considerable potential for fishing and tourism development. 

6. Remnants of earlier settlements at Rathcroghan, Tulsk, Rindoon and the various O’Connor’s castles 

bring a sense of continuity to the county. An appreciation of the heritage value and tourism 

potential of these sites was well highlighted in public consultation sessions. 

7. There are areas of agriculture, forestry and bogland that may in the future offer sustainable 

resources for new enterprise, for example: 

Eco Tourism with walking trails in cut-bogs and forests. 

Bio-energy including the wider use of anaerobic digesters to produce bio-fuel from the waste 

streams of abattoir slurry and sewage sludge. 

Ash tree afforestation. 

Commercial production of sheep wool for high quality insulation. 

8. The visitor centre at Arigna provides sound evidence of the potential to develop tourism 

enterprises based on previous industrial land uses. A similar project could perhaps be inspired by 

the bogs and electricity generation plant at Lanesborough. 

9. The development of wind energy projects was generally welcomed and could be facilitated by the 

high voltage grid connection found at Lanesborough in the east of the county. 

10. There are opportunities to improve degraded areas with potential to develop an economy of small 

scale rural enterprise and tourism. 

11. If details of access can be agreed in conjunction with private owners and the Local Authority, new 

areas may be opened up for the enjoyment by the public (examples include national monuments 

and lesser known archaeological sites). 

12. Particular locations were highlighted by members of the local community as being highly valued for 

the rare tranquility qualities that they offer. Whilst County Roscommon may not offer many and 

varied dramatic scenic landscapes there is clearly a great love of intimate scenic places such as 

wetland landscapes and the isolation of blanket bog areas, particularly in the north east of the 

county where attention was drawn to the ‘rare quality of the light’. 

13. As part of this study existing and proposed Scenic Routes and Scenic Views have been drafted to 

provide opportunities to improve the quality of life for residents and to encourage tourism. Such 

places can encourage passing tourists to stop and enjoy the Roscommon landscape. The mapping of 

such locations will provide an opportunity to protect the most important views 

14. There are greater opportunities to develop readily visible ‘gateway’ features on entry to the county, 

such as the notable warrior sculpture on the N4. 

2.3 CONSIDERATION OF GENERAL LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVES 

2.3.1 Influences 

Valued Landscapes 

Certain views are particularly valued by the local community for their local amenity and tourism value. A 

draft map of Scenic Routes and Scenic Views has been prepared identifying these. The focus group 

meetings identified a number of special places where it was considered that the quality of the landscape 

requires particular protection. The most highly valued landscapes are listed below, but a fuller discussion of 

the outcome of the focus group deliberations is presented later in Appendix 2: 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Lough Key Forest Park and surrounding area, including Boyle and the Curlew Mountains. 

Rathcroghan archeological complex. 

The Shannon and Suck river corridors which flow in a north-south direction on the eastern and 

western side of the county. 

Roscommon Town and surrounding areas, including Skrine Hill to the south, due to its unique built 

heritage. 

Castlerea bogland area retains a unique sense of isolation and tranquility which was particularly 

highlighted by the public as a quality that needed protection as a distinctive feature of the 

landscape in Roscommon. 

Eskers were considered sensitive to quarrying. This is further supported by discussions held with 

staff working at the GSI. 

Section Four of this document describes each character type and character area in detail, highlighting the 

key physical, cultural and ecological features. Each section will recommend ways in which the landscape 

quality can be protected by judicious strategies for development. There are also a number of other drivers 

of change that will need to be considered, particularly in relation to the natural environment of the County, 

which is mapped and described in Section Four of this report. 

Bio-diversity Plans 

The need to protect biodiversity is becoming increasingly stringent and policies within the County 

Development Plan will need to have regard to a number of international, national and regional plans, 

including Ireland’s commitment under the Convention on Biological Diversity to ‘Halt the Loss of 

biodiversity by 2010’. The newly opened National Biodiversity Records Centre, attached to Waterford 

Institute of Technology, may be able to contribute to providing baseline studies of County Roscommon. 

European Directives 

Recent opinions and legal proceedings from the European Court of Justice over failures to fully apply EU 

Directives requires much higher levels of compliance with European environment policy. Thus where 

development is proposed close to a designated ‘Natura 2000’ site it will be necessary to prepare an 

appropriate assessment under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), normally an Environmental 

Impact Statement to confirm that no damage will occur to the habitat as a result of the development. It is 

also a requirement that the habitat value of undesignated and other known sites of significance are 

protected from damage. 

Water Framework Directive 

There is a particular need to carefully consider the water abstraction needs of new development in a 

landscape replete with watery fens and turloughs. This will take on greater import as the Water 

Framework Directive is implemented in County Roscommon. 

An objective to produce Environmental Impact Statements for significant developments likely to impact on 

water tables will be appropriate to establish how much water can be abstracted before there is significant 

impact upon these ecologically valuable areas. 

The constraint of development on flood plains and the creation of 50m set backs from rivers will be 

necessary to protect water quality and watery habitats such as the Ballinturly SAC where wintering geese 

and swans are visible from the Athleague Road 



2.3.2 Objectives 

In response to issues raised in the public consultation and other expert advice the following general 

objectives relating to landscape characterisation may be appropriate. More specific recommendations for 

each Landscape Character Area will be presented later in Section 4. Policies are not designed to repeat 

national planning policy or regional planning guidelines but should explain how they apply to local 

circumstances. They will recommend the circumstances in which planning permission may or may not be 

granted in order to protect the countryside for the sake of its intrinsic quality, beauty and tranquility, the 

diversity of its landscape, heritage and wildlife, and the wealth of its natural resources, so that it may be 

enjoyed by all. 

1. Policies should reflect the spatial vision for the county, which will aim to channel new residential 

and commercial buildings into the towns, villages and rural areas as appropriate where necessary 

infrastructure can be provided. New development in the rural hinterland away from existing 

settlement will be encouraged where it supports the rural community and rural economy and is 

appropriate in terms of scale, character and location. 

2. Infrastructural development (including roads, public transport facilities, new bio-energy production 

units such as anaerobic digesters, waste management facilities), applications for forest and bio-fuel 

crops, wind turbines, and necessary quarries should also be encouraged in appropriate areas. 

Special attention should be directed towards the landscape values map wherein development can 

be expected to be constrained in areas of Exceptional Value. In the detailed landscape character 

descriptions that follow, recommendations regarding tolerance of change for various development 

kinds are summarised. 

3. Tourism economy will be encouraged by the development of the built and natural environment of 

the county, in particular the enhancement of waterways and islands, the promotion of walking in 

scenic and tranquil areas, the restoration of architectural heritage and archaeological sites in urban 

and rural settings, and the protection of Scenic Routes and Scenic Views. 

4. Applications should be assessed in regard to: 

The conservation of natural resources including the prudent use of land, energy, water and air 

quality. 

The protection, maintenance and restoration of the varied landscape qualities of each 

character area. To promote a sense of place, proposals for development should take into 

account the local distinctiveness and sensitivity of each character area as described in the 

Landscape Character Assessment. 

The protection and enhancement of the landscape setting of existing communities including 

view corridors, panoramic views from key vantage points and prominent ridgelines. The 

retention of separation (un-built land) between different settlements will be considered, 

especially where their context is regarded as worthy of preservation and enhancement. The 

existing pattern of woodland, trees, field boundaries, vegetation and other features should 

inform decisions regarding new development. 

The protection of the natural environment, bio-diversity and sites of geological interest. Close 

adherence to EU Directives and recent European Court judgements regarding priority habitats 

(such as limestone pavements, blanket bogs and turloughs), designated sites and other 

sensitive areas will be expected. 

Development proposals should have regard to the special qualities of water courses and water 

bodies and their surroundings such as valley floors, in particular the River Suck and the River 

Shannon. Not only do their scenic qualities provide a valuable resource for the encouragement 

of tourism within County Roscommon but they also present a rich and varied eco-system as 

well as providing a buffer to absorb changing rain patterns expected in a period of climate 

change. 

Development proposals should have regard to the special recognition of the eskers in the west 

and south of the county and their inter-related geo-morphological landscape and 

archaeological significance. 



Development proposals should have regard to the protection of the built environment, 

recognizing the historic character and heritage value of features identified in the Landscape 

Character Study. Development that restores historic buildings will be encouraged. New 

development in areas of built heritage of strong character should meet standards laid out in 

design guidelines. These will include guidance on the use of local traditional building materials 

and local building skills. It should be an objective to respect the cultural value of urban 

ephemera such as pillar boxes or railings. Remnants of a rural culture such as holy wells or 

stone walls should also be valued and retained in new development where practicable. 

Development proposals should have regard to the objective that development should not 

erode the rural character of landscape and settlements by introducing unnecessary light and 

noise into remote and tranquil areas. Insensitive or urbanised highway treatments, fencing and 

signage can erode the essential quality of these areas specifically identified by local 

communities as sensitive yet highly valued. 

2.4 DEVELOPMENT CONTROLS TO AMELIORATE LANDSCAPE CONSTRAINTS 

AND FACILITATE SUBSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 

Analysis of the distinct character areas in Section Four provides a key to answering many of the critical 

questions that need to be asked when considering the opportunities, constraints and possible mitigating 

measures of a particular application on a particular site in a particular landscape. 

A number of recurring themes arose in the public consultation sessions that may benefit from further 

investigation. Developments that follow strategies laid out in guidance notes will meet the objective of 

facilitating sustainable development by ensuring that the best possible proposal can be put forward, 

informed by the principles of best practice. 

Design Guidelines 

The objective of Roscommon County Council, during the currency of the County Development Plan 2014 – 

2020 is to adopt a set of design guidelines to assimilate new developments into the existing urban and rural 

landscapes. Detail on how best to locate a dwelling within a site, how to work with the vernacular style of 

the area including the use of local materials, how to treat boundaries and how to lay out an estate to create 

a pedestrian friendly environment should be included. Specific advice on how to protect landscape features 

during the construction phase of development may also be included. 

Design guidelines currently being developed by Roscommon County Council provide generic information 

that can be considered in relation to the local information provided in the descriptions of local character 

areas in Section Four. 

Landscaping Guidelines 

Landscaping Guidelines are needed to provide practical information to planning applicants on how to treat 

site boundaries by planting native species. The guidelines will address the loss of habitats and increase 

biodiversity. Landscape guidelines should be made a planning condition and enforced by the provision of a 

bond by the applicant and refunded by the Local Authority upon inspection at a later date. 

Light Pollution 

Lighting is needed for the safety and security of road users and pedestrians and can be used to great effect 

in highlighting attractive buildings of architectural interest. However, unsuitable lighting can cause 

problems of shadowing and intrusion by glare and dazzle and may affect both people and the natural 

environment. 



A variety of light sources may cause pollution including street lighting, illuminated signs and 

advertisements, security lighting, overspill from office/commercial premises and floodlighting of buildings 

and open spaces. 

'Skyglow' is now recognised as a form of light pollution. This is caused by the refraction of light, emanating 

from larger settlements, by water vapour and dust particles, so creating an orange colouring of the sky, 

which can eliminate views of the night sky. Where unaffected by Skyglow, the darkness of the countryside 

can provide a welcome contrast to an otherwise well-lit night sky. By reducing the amount of excess light 

spilling into the night sky, both Skyglow and energy consumption can be decreased. 

By considering the application of the following principles to all applications for planning permission, it 

should be possible to achieve an attractive and safe night-time environment that minimises light pollution. 

All lighting should be the minimum necessary to be effective. 

Energy-efficient installations should be used wherever possible, with consideration given to the colour 

of this lighting, especially in Architectural Conservation Areas. However, in some cases, high-pressure 

sodium lights that generate a white light will be preferable to the more energy-efficient, low-pressure 

sodium (orange) lights. This principle should also take into account the environmental impacts of the 

higher energy usage and production involved with the High Pressure lighting, as well as issues of 

increased light pollution and the County Council’s responsibility to provide public lighting within 

settlements. 

Lighting should be designed to limit spillage above the horizontal plane. 

Where reasonably achievable floodlights should be directed downwards onto the target, rather than 

upwards towards the sky. 

In some cases, it may be necessary to install baffles and shields, for example, in order to protect 

residential properties from light emanating from commercial, industrial or recreation facilities. 

Very specific information on how to meet these conditions is now available and could be incorporated into 

guidance notes. 

Sustainable Construction Values 

Guidance notes may be helpful to advise applicants on sustainable construction values, passive housing, 

energy ratings and water conservation methods to meet the challenge of climate change and declining 

energy resources that is predicted to impact within the lifetime of buildings being constructed now. 

The County Council will apply best practice on sustainable construction and energy conservation by 

reference to guidance from the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government. 

Sustainable Drainage Systems 

As an overarching consideration, developments will be required as appropriate, to be cognisant of Chapter 

4.4 “Flood Risk and Protection” within the Draft Roscommon County Development Plan 2014-2020. This 

chapter takes consideration of the departmental issue; “Planning Systems and Flood Risk Management 

Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2009”. Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) refers to an approach to 

the management of surface water drainage that involves the reduction, attenuation on site and/or slowing 

of surface water runoff to more closely follow the natural runoff patterns. SuDS provide a more sustainable 

approach to surface water management than conventional methods, which generally involve piping surface 

water directly to the nearest watercourse or river. SuDS can help to reduce the environmental impacts of 

development and storm water runoff, provide a more cost-effective surface water drainage system and 

create more visually appealing, ecologically functional and useable open space environments and amenities 

in developed areas. SuDS fall into three main groups which aim to: 



1. Reduce the quantity of runoff from the site (source control techniques). Examples include the use of 

permeable car parking surfaces, infiltration trenches, infiltration basins, etc. 

2. Slow the velocity of runoff to allow settlement, filtering and infiltration (permeable conveyance 

systems). Examples include filter (or French) drains and surface water swales. 

3. Provide passive treatment to collected surface water before discharge into land or to a watercourse 

(end of pipe systems). Examples include filter strips, detention basins, retention ponds, constructed 

wetlands, etc. 

All planning applications for developments consisting of more than single rural dwellings should carry out 

hydrological investigations as part of standard EPA tests. 

Useful guidance notes already published by various Government agencies 

Requirements for the Protection of Fisheries Habitat during Construction and Development Works at 

River Sites. Eastern Regional fisheries Board. (This deals with bridges and culverts). 

Policy Statement on Development Management and Access to National roads. NRA, June 2006 (this 

deals with ribbon development on regional roads). 

Pilot Landscape Character Assessment of County Clare. The Heritage Council, 1999. 

Cork Rural Design Guide: Building a new House in the Countryside. Cork County Council, 1993. 

Landscape and Landscape Assessment. Consultation Draft of Guidelines for Local Authorities. 

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 2000. 

A Guide to Landscape Treatments for National Road Schemes in Ireland. National Roads Authority, 

2006. 

Wind Energy Development Guidelines for Planning Authorities. Department of the Environment, 

Heritage and Local Government, 2006. 

Forestry and the Landscape Guidelines. Forest Service, 1998. 

Urban Design Compendium. Rural Partnership. (This deals with urban design standards and lists criteria 

by which to assess the design of urban estates). 

Farm buildings and the environment. An Foras Taluntais. 

County Roscommon Hedgerow Survey, by Neil Foulkes and Anja Murray. Heritage office & Roscommon 

County Council, 2005. This document presents specific policy recommendations to retain hedgerows 

wherever possible, particularly those hedgerows identified has having unique qualities. The document 

proposes that retention, relocation and re-establishment of hedgerows should be the subject of 

financial bonds as a planning condition. 

Study of the extent and conservation status of springs, Fens and Fisheries in Ireland, by Peter Foss. 

NPWS 2007. 



SECTION 3: 

LANDSCAPE APPROACH TO BUILT DEVELOPMENT 


The determination of a planning application depends not only on the receiving environment and any 

ameliorating measures prescribed but also on the type of development proposed. 

The notes below constitute the main issues around five types of development likely to come to the 

forefront of planning choices within the time frame of the next development plan. These are listed below: 

Housing; 

Rural buildings and alternative enterprise proposals; 

Wind farms; 

Quarries; and 

Forestry (and bio-fuels crops). 

Where the analysis of a character area throws up particular issues relating to the assimilation of these 

types of development, recommendations are noted with the individual descriptions. 

3.2 HOUSING 

3.2.1 Housing in Existing Settlements 

Trends 

Trends indicate increasing demand for new housing in county Roscommon. This is to be welcomed, 

particularly where it is concentrated in existing settlements to encourage a strong urban structure which is 

essential to the economic well being of the County. 

Issues 

A number of concerns were raised by attendees at the focus group meetings regarding new development in 

existing settlements. These include: 

1. New development and in-migration generally was welcomed by the community for the diversity 

and energy that it may bring to County Roscommon. 

2. The importance of appreciating the architectural heritage of the built environment. There were 

objections to the development of housing within the grounds of heritage houses and castles. 

3. The monotony and sterility of some housing estate design in villages and towns does not improve 

the sense of place. Gated developments evoked a negative response from consultees. 

4. New building does not integrate well with the surrounding area. 

5. New developments must be pedestrian friendly, ensuring ease of connection to services and 

amenities by foot. 

6. Poor construction values and insufficient attention paid to providing low energy demand and group 

supply technologies (for example district heating systems using wood pellets) will leave a legacy of 

fuel poverty for home owners. 



Key Recommendations 

General response and recommendations regarding the relationship between new urban development and 

the existing urban character of the location are as follows: 

1. Include policy objectives that ensure the consideration of landscape character, value and sensitivity 

when assessing applications for new development. 

2. The National Spatial Strategy includes a valuable chart box 5.2 in chapter 5 on the location of 

housing in urban areas. This lists the criteria that can be used to assess new development 

proposals. 

The asset test: Are there existing community resources such as schools etc with spare capacity? 

The carrying capacity test: Is the environmental setting capable of absorbing development in 

terms of drainage etc? 

The transport test: Is there potential for reinforcing usage of public transport, walking or 

cycling? 

The economic development test: is there the potential to ensure integration between housing 

and employment? 

The character test: will the proposal reinforce the sense of place and character? 

The community test: Will the proposal reinforce the integrity and vitality of the local 

community and services that can be provided? 

The integration test. Will the proposal aid an integrated approach to catering for the housing 

needs of all sections of society? 

3. It should be an objective of the Council to establish a rolling programme to encourage the 

preparation of Village Design Statements in co-operation in with local communities for settlements 

in County Roscommon that are experiencing development pressure or where the local community 

express an interest. The objectives of the Statement would be to Identify and describe the 

distinctive character of the village and the surrounding countryside and to establish design 

principles based on that distinctive character. The Statement will provide a strong, locally based, 

advisory input into future development and planning policy in the area. 

4. Include development control objectives to encourage and promote the use of local building 

materials and skills. 

3.2.2 Housing in Rural Areas 

Existing patterns and trends 

The settlement pattern in County Roscommon may be characterised as dispersed with low levels of 

population across the county, particularly in the north, and a high percentage of single rural housing. 

The National Spatial Strategy 9 identifies an important need to support the role of rural towns and villages at 

the local level, as a focus for investment, economic activity and housing development, which at the same 

time will support the vitality of wider rural areas. The West Regional Authority Planning Guidelines 10 has an 

objective to minimise sprawling development of towns and villages so as to create consolidated village form 

and to support development in the towns and villages in the region that is in sympathy with the existing 

built environment, ensuring that any approved developments are in keeping with the town or village ethos 

which may be unique to each settlement. 

Whilst there is a population trend towards urban areas there is still a significant demand for single rural 

housing where land is cheaper. 

9 National Spatial Strategy. 2002-2020. People Places and Potential. Department of the Environment 2002. 

10 Regional Planning Guidelines. West Region, published by the West Regional authority, 2003. 



Dispersed settlement pattern can constitute the least sustainable response to meeting housing demand 11 

however the need for some rural housing is acknowledged in the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines 

2006 to allow for permanent settlement in structurally weak areas of the county to stop the decline of 

population and to provide for local demand from people needing to live outside of the towns for economic 

or social reasons. 

Issues 

1. The County Development Plan will define policy to manage the development of dispersed housing 

but the aspect that this report specifically considers is the visual impact within the landscape. This 

was a matter of great concern for many members of the focus groups, particularly as the sites most 

in demand appear to be elevated scenic areas close to urban centres. The need to preserve valued 

Scenic Routes and Scenic Views was raised and this report includes a table of special views both in 

rural and urban areas. 12 

2. There was also a strong voice from the focus groups that certain areas were too precious to spoil, 

not least the remote and tranquil landscapes found in areas of boglands, upland forests and 

lakelands. 

3. The quality of architecture and position of new buildings in scenic areas was also an issue of 

concern with an expressed preference for the use of local materials in designs in keeping with the 

local vernacular (Figure 1). The retention of stone walls and native hedgerows was raised by 

consultees. These endower the countryside with a distinctive and attractive appearance. In 

particular, regional and local variations in hedgerows contribute significantly to the distinctiveness 

of Roscommon’s landscape character. 

They make up the familiar setting that is so central to the cultural heritage and tourism and 

give the impression of a wooded landscape. 13 

There was considerable interest by members of the focus groups in the need for design guidelines. 

11 Whilst some people express a preference for rural living for the space and low crime levels that it may offer, there is a need to 

ensure that all the external costs of rural housing are taken into account when assessing applications for permission to build. This 

will include the economic costs of providing services in rural areas, the social costs of families facing long commutes to work and 

the environmental costs of carbon credits where commuting patterns of residents involve long distances and high global warming 

emissions. 

12 See Appendix 1 

13 Ibid 



Figure 1: 

Examples of vernacular architecture in Roscommon 

4. Another key issue in relation to rural housing is the impact of water abstraction and water quality. 

Landscape qualities described in the main section of this report will assist in identifying areas where 

the potential to drain important wet lands or the potential to pollute ground water is most likely 

(for example in karst areas). The usefulness of proprietary water treatment systems to overcome 

the potential to pollute should be considered in the light of resources available to monitor the 

maintenance of these systems. Roscommon County Council should introduce strict controls to 

ensure that maintenance contracts on proprietary sewage treatment plants for single dwellings are 

applied and continued particularly in the ongoing life of the system. 

Recommendations 

Certain areas of Roscommon, for example rolling drumlin lakelands are characterised by landscape that can 

more easily assimilate housing and other development due to the inherent screening provided by rolling 

landform and dense arrangement of heavy hedgerows. 

In Section Four special recommendations will be made as to how housing can best be assimilated by 

implementing policies to direct development into the most favoured sites. 

In addition the concerns raised by members of the public suggest a number of specific responses and 

objectives that Roscommon County Council could adopt to assist in encouraging and controlling sustainable 

development of housing in rural areas. 

1. A draft map of Scenic Routes and Scenic Views is presented in Appendix 1 and these should be 

taken into consideration in the determination of planning applications for development. 

2. The appearance of development and its relationship to its surroundings should be a material 

consideration in the determination of planning applications. A survey of the site should be part of 

an application to develop and should include a site plan, site layout and a plan of existing built and 

natural landscape features that will be informed by the Landscape Character Study. For private 

single rural dwellings, the guidance notes titled Landscaping your House in County Roscommon with 

Native Trees and Shrubs (2007) prepared by the County Council of rural sites should be followed 

with a special emphasis on using local materials and tree species found in the immediate vicinity. 



3. Development proposals should minimise the loss of hedgerows, trees and woodlands and pay 

regard to the Hedgerow survey. Where appropriate development proposals should include 

landscaping schemes that reflect the landscape character of the location as identified in the 

Landscape Character Study. 

4. Applications should also include details of all services and infrastructure. Regard should be had to 

the provision of drains, pipe lines or cable routes that may cross the path of features that have 

been identified as significant in the Landscape Character Study. 

5. The architectural design should take into consideration the vernacular style of the area and pay 

regard to any design guidelines adopted by Roscommon County Council. 

6. Noise and light pollution will be taken into consideration in determining planning applications. In 

areas identified in the Landscape Character Study as being particularly valued for their tranquility 

applicants should be asked to submit management plans to limit the impact of pollution. 

7. Sufficient measures should be put into place to avoid adverse impacts upon features noted in the 

Landscape Character Study during the period of construction particularly in relation to protecting 

existing mature trees and hedgerows, as well as the removal and storage of top soil, on site during 

the construction phase. 

3.3 RURAL BUILDINGS AND ALTERNATIVE ENTERPRISE PROPOSALS 

Trends 

Future trends indicate a substantial number of new proposals for building in the rural area, possibly outside 

of existing settlements. 

The implementation of the EU Nitrates Directive will lead to many applications for slatted sheds and 

slurry pits. 

An evolving national energy policy will also encourage innovative enterprise in the rural areas for new 

processes including anaerobic digesters and bio-ethanol plants. Unlike forestry, which requires 

planning permission for blocks of over 50 hectares, planting bio-energy crops does not require planning 

permission, despite the fact that they will have considerable impact on the visual appearance of the 

landscape with bright yellow fields of rape or the bright blue of flax. However the processing new crops 

will require considerable modern infrastructure and new building. 

Other supports for farmers may encourage other alternative enterprises resulting in applications for 

change of use of existing farm buildings, for example tourism and leisure projects attached to farm 

buildings, sawmilling and other timber based industry, large scale vehicle and machinery depots, 

recycling services, engineering fabrication workshops for the construction industry. Many of these 

require large concrete aprons and the visual impact would be far more significant than existing farm 

use. 

Response 

While the most sustainable location for such infrastructure is adjacent to existing settlements, the County 

Council are required to agree objectives and polices to regulate applications for development in rural areas. 

The criteria by which applications will be assessed will include the following: 

Will the development contribute to the local economy? Can the applicant demonstrate a particular 

locational, process or workforce related need to locate in the rural area? 

Are the traffic implications acceptable? Will this location add significantly to increased dependency on 

motor vehicles? Are the local roads adequate to absorb increased HGV traffic? New development will 

not be permitted with access to national primary roads except in existing settlements where the speed 

limit of 50-60kph applies, in accordance with NRA guidelines. 



Does the application include strategies for the ecological management of the site including loss of 

habitat and potential pollutants of air, soil and water? Is there a plan for the management of waste, 

energy and resources? 

How will the proposal impact on the local community? Are noise and light implications acceptable? Is 

the visual amenity in the area degraded? Is there any impact on local access? 

Many of these questions can be answered by reference to the Landscape Character Assessment, 

particularly, but not only, questions regarding the ability of the landscape to visually absorb new 

development. These assessments are laid out in Section Four. 

In order to meet the objectives proposed for landscape it will be necessary to include the following policies: 

Proposals should not negatively impact on the integrity of local amenities and landscape. Applications 

for development in the rural area will be assessed with regard to the Landscape Character Assessment 

of each area, especially regarding Scenic Routes and Scenic Views as well as those locations near 

features of visual and amenity attraction such as lakes and water courses as well as areas of strong 

cultural heritage. 

It will be an objective of the council to publish design guidelines to assist applicants in the preparation 

of proposals. These will cover matters regarding layout and building design, car parking and circulation, 

boundary treatments appropriate to the landscape area, drainage, water supply, lighting, noise and 

advertising. 

Design controls included to minimise the impact of farm buildings and buildings for other alternative 

enterprises in rural areas will include a requirement to provide screening and shelter belts composed 

principally of native species. Where cladding is used on the exterior of farm buildings, dark colours 

(preferably dark green, red or grey) with matt finishes will be preferred. 

3.4 QUARRIES 

Current situation and future trends 

Aggregates are a significant natural resource and the extractive industry makes an important contribution 

to economic development in Roscommon. During the last decade there has been increasing pressure to 

exploit eskers for sand and gravel. Many of the quarries operating today have a history of operation from 

before the introduction of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963 on 1 October 

1964, whether permanently or on a seasonal or occasional basis. 

Under the Planning and Development Act 2000 Section 261 all quarries, except those which obtained 

planning permission in the previous 5 years had to register with the planning authority. All quarries in the 

functional area of Roscommon County Council were assessed during 2012 in accordance with Section 261A 

of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 – 2011. As a result of this assessment it was determined that 

certain quarries, which due to their scale or potential impacts, should have had an Appropriate Assessment 

or Environmental Impact Assessment but did not, were required to apply to An Bord Pleanala for Substitute 

Consent or were subject to the service of a notice requiring the cessation of quarrying according to the 

circumstances. A number of cases are currently being reviewed by An Bord Pleanala. 

However, there will be a continuing need for some new or expanded aggregate quarrying operations on 

land to meet regional and local requirements. There is thus a need to identify and protect aggregate 

resource areas through the planning system, to ensure an adequate supply of aggregates to meet the likely 

future demands, while at the same time protecting Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage. 

In addition to aggregate quarries, there will likely be a need for road building rock in the near future to 

construct the N5 (works ongoing)and N4 (future bypass of Carrick-on-Shannon) which both pass through 

Roscommon. 



Issues 

A number of issues regarding quarries were raised during public consultation in the preparation of this 

document. 

1. The visual impact of quarrying in esker regions. 

2. General dis-amenity created by noise and dust, as well as heavy traffic on small country roads. 

3. Water pollution. Esker sand and gravel frequently contain the best source of good quality ground 

water in the midlands therefore it is important to take this into consideration when assessing 

discharge licenses for new or existing quarries. 

4. Proper restoration was also raised as a concern. 

Eskers 

Eskers are long narrow sinuous ridges of sand and gravel that typically formed in sub glacial river channels 

during the ice age. They are an irreplaceable eco-system, having unique landscape features. Irish eskers are 

recognised as having European importance in need of special protection (see Council of European 

Communities 1992). Indeed the word ‘esker’ is the Anglicisation of the Irish word Eiscir. They are often 

bounded by raised bogs and therefore form the only high and dry ground in the area. As a consequence 

eskers were used as route ways through the midlands since ancient times. The Eiscir Riada divides the 

country stretching from Meath, through Westmeath, Offaly, Roscommon and Galway and is mentioned in 

the Annals of the Four Masters 14 . 

The Castlesampson Esker, close to Athlone, has been identified by the NPWS as an NHA and is described as 

one of the best examples of eskers in Roscommon. The importance of the site lies in its almost intact 

structure, something that is very rare in Irish eskers, in its relatively undisturbed state and in the presence 

of good quality, species-rich dry calcareous grassland of a type listed, with priority status, on Annex I of the 

EU Habitats Directive (Special Area of Conservation). It provides a good contrast to the more acidic eskers 

nearby. 

Other eskers of particular note in County Roscommon in LCA 24 are seen from Garranlahan. 

Response 

In order to encourage the sustainable development of quarries in Roscommon it should be an objective of 

Roscommon County Council to identify the location of major deposits and to safeguard valuable unworked 

deposits for future extraction. 

The GSI has begun developing a new mineral resources programme with the aim of producing a series of 

maps including aggregate potential maps 

In areas where aggregate potential has been identified, objectives should be included in the development 

plan in relation to the following: 

The protection of residential amenities. 

The prevention of pollution and the safeguarding of aquifers and groundwater. 

The protection of landscape. 

Quarries will not be permissible on European sites (SAC’s), Natural Heritage Areas (NHA's), or other areas of 

importance for the conservation of flora and fauna, or in areas of significant archaeological potential, 

unless it can clearly be demonstrated within the framework of an Environmental Impact Statement that 

such quarries would not have significant adverse impacts on amenities or the environment. 

14 Annals of the four masters, by Brother Michael O’Clery. The Convent of Dunagall, 1636, 



Special recognition should be given to the esker area in LCAs 34, 35, and 8 in south Roscommon and LCAs 

24 and 25 in north Roscommon including all inter-related geo-morphological landscapes of archaeological 

significance. 

The following development control objectives are extracted from the Department of the Environment, 

Heritage and Local Government ‘Quarries and ancillary activities Guidelines 2004’ will contribute towards 

the achievement of more sustainable aggregates development and restoration schemes, by seeking to 

avoid or minimise adverse impacts on the environment: 

Where possible, existing landscape features (such as hills and trees) should be used to screen new 

extractive industry development. Native species of trees and shrubs can be planted to create food 

reserves for wildlife. 

Heavy traffic should not be permitted on unsuitable roads and/or other specified roads, unless suitable 

upgrading or other improvements agreed with the planning authority are carried out. 

Landscaped mounds, sometimes using topsoil and overburden from the aggregate workings, can be 

constructed to screen unsightly excavations, plant or storage ponds. Topsoil and subsoil should be 

stored separately after surface clearance to facilitate re-use and should also be seeded. Once work has 

started, it may be possible to move equipment and structures to well within the site and in some cases 

to locate plant in the deepest part, so as to lessen the visual, noise and dust nuisance impacts on 

adjoining properties. Suitable selection of colours and finishes for buildings and plant may help lessen 

the visual impact. 

Restoration is a process that will enable the worked-out quarry or sand pit to be used for its original 

purpose (such as agriculture) or adapted for a new use (such as amenity). Restoration includes design, 

initial landscaping works, soil spreading, final landform construction and aftercare. Aftercare is the 

work done after the replacement of the soil and includes fertilising, planting, construction of pathways, 

vegetation maintenance and an ongoing long-term commitment to the restored land. For successful 

restoration, steps must be taken at every stage, from design through operation to decommissioning of 

the facility, to ensure that restoration is integrated into the process. 

All proposed extractive development proposals must be accompanied by detailed restoration and aftercare 

plans (although in the case of sites with a long working life, it may be appropriate to establish the 

need for such plans at the outset, while leaving the details to be agreed either on a phased basis or 

towards the end of the extractive process). Progressive restoration should be employed where relevant 

and practicable, e.g. for sand and gravel pits. 

All buildings, plant, internal roads and paved areas should be removed when extraction is completed, 

unless otherwise agreed as part of the restoration plan. Depending on the terrain, the existing 

character of the area, and the nature and scale of the aggregates extraction, a variety of after-uses may 

be possible, including farming, forestry, recreation/amenity uses, nature conservation, or industry. 

Where the excavated area will be below the water table, a landscaped pond or lake may be possible. It 

is important that the acceptability of the proposed after-use be discussed with the planning authority 

at the pre-application stage. The aspirations of the local community should be taken into account in 

this regard. 

The planning authority may, as a matter of policy, attach planning conditions requiring the developer to 

lodge a financial bond to ensure satisfactory reinstatement of the site following the completion of 

extraction, or to pay a contribution towards the cost of upgrading or repairing the local road network; 

Other potential impacts such as noise, dust, vibration, the effect on the amount of water and lowering the 

water table (which would be a particular problem in Roscommon with its very watery habitats,) are 

discussed in the DoEHLG guidelines. 

It is also recommended that planning authorities should familiarise themselves with evolving best 

environmental management practice as set out in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines 

“Environmental Management in the Extractive Industry: Non-Scheduled Minerals”. 



The Irish Concrete Federation (ICF) has drawn up an Environmental Code for the aggregate and concrete 

product industries, to promote member awareness of, and commitment to, good environmental principles. 

3.5 WIND FARM DEVELOPMENT 

Current situation and future trends 

The Atlas of wind Speeds 15 indicate large areas of Roscommon that meet technical requirements for the 

development of wind turbine sites. However, Roscommon County has a very dispersed settlement pattern 

and, outside of areas that may be deemed inappropriate for one reason or another, there are few sites left 

that are more than 400 metres from a dwelling. Currently there are commercial wind farms in the Arigna 

Mountains and near Bockagh Hill north of Ballaghadereen. 

The Energy White Paper March 2007 from the Department of Marine sets out important new policies to 

reduce fossil fuel dependency. 33% of energy supply is to be met by renewable energy sources by 2020 

with wind energy as a significant component of this target. Additional government support and the 

proposed transfer of the electricity grid from ESB to EirGrid may result in further applications in County 


Issues 

1. Outcome of the public consultation sessions indicated that there is generally a very positive attitude 

towards the visual appearance of wind turbines in the landscape. There exists the perception that 

the turbines contribute towards green energy and are pollution free. There is also an appreciation of 

the abstract sculptural qualities of turbines, which can bring a positive contribution to the landscape. 

This confirms the research undertaken previously by SEI and involving MosArt 16 . 

2. There were some concerns regarding the visual and ecological impact of necessary infrastructure. It 

is important that the County Development Plan achieves a balance between responding to 

Government policy on renewable energy and enabling the County’s energy resources to be 

harnessed in a manner that is consistent with proper planning and sustainable development. 

The main potential impacts on habitats that can result in the reduction, or loss, of biodiversity are: 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct loss of habitat to the developments’ infrastructure, including turbine foundations, 

buildings, roads, quarries and borrow pits; 

Degradation of habitats through alteration or disturbance, in particular arising from changes to 

hydrology that may alter the surface or groundwater flows and levels, and drainage patterns 

critical in peatlands and river headwaters; 

Fragmentation of habitats and increased edge effects; and 

Degradation and loss of habitats outside the development site, especially wetland habitats 

that may arise from pollution, siltation and erosion originating from within the development 

site. 

In particular it was noted that there has been little scientific work done on the impacts caused 

to Blanket Bog and Heath habitats by wind turbine developments. It is known however, that 

they may impact severely on the functioning of an intact peatland system. It is a widely 

accepted conservation policy within blanket bog areas to avoid any fragmentation of the 

extensive blanket bog with developments including wind farms, as these impact adversely on 

the wildlife, eco-hydrology and physical characteristics of the peatland ecosystem. The laying 

of turbine foundations causes drying out and compaction of peat accompanied by habitat 

15 SEI's Wind Atlas is a digital map of Ireland's wind energy resource. It provides detailed information on wind speeds, electricity 

transmission and distribution networks for specific locations around Ireland at national and county levels 

16 Attitudes towards the Development of Wind Farms in Ireland. Sustainable Energy Ireland, 2003. 



destruction. The infrastructure (servicing roads, power lines etc.) that must be installed causes 

further damage. The work carried out during construction cause major destruction to the 

habitats that may be irreversible. Peatlands are fragile hydrological systems that are difficult to 

restore once disturbed. 

3. Wind Energy. Planning Guidelines 2006 propose that local authorities identify the key areas where 

there is sufficient wind energy potential and where wind energy development will be acceptable in 

principle subject to assessment regarding the built and natural environment and certain design and 

landscaping criteria. 

Recourse to the Landscape Character Assessment in Section Four gives a clear indication that, subject to 

specific controls, examples of potentially appropriate locations might be found in such places as the Arigna 

Mountains, Bockagh Hill and surrounds, upland near Garranlahan, Greywood Hill uplands, Slieve Bawn and 

high ground to the east of Lough Funshinagh. 

The Landscape Assessment will also offer additional information on each character area that will be 

necessary in order to assess the visual, cultural and environmental impacts of applications for wind turbines 

should they arise in any of the character areas. 

Response 

It is recommended that the following objectives and policies be adopted with the County Development 

Plan: 

1. It will be an objective of the Council to encourage the development of wind energy in suitable 

locations in an environmentally sensitive way in accordance with Wind Energy Planning Guidelines 

and land use policies of the County Development Plan. 

2. It will be an objective of the Council to investigate the potential for relatively small-scale wind energy 

developments within urban and industrial areas, and for small community-based proposals outside 

the key areas that are identified as being potentially appropriate for wind energy development. 

Community ownership of wind energy projects enables local communities to benefit directly from 

local wind energy resources being developed in their local areas, ensuring long-term income for rural 

communities. 

3. It should be a policy of the Council that applications for wind turbines be assessed with regard to: 

Wind Speed Atlas produced by SEI. 

Accessibility to the National Electricity Transmission and Distribution Grid. (This can be found in 

the Wind Atlas with further information available in the Transmission System Operators Forecast 

Statement www.eirgrid.com). 

The suitability of the site having regard to other land use policies and objectives to protect all 

aspects of the landscape including visual, cultural and environmental. All wind turbine proposals, 

irrespective of size should be subject to full and proper Environmental Impact Assessment. 

4. Assessment of visual impact of proposals will have regard to the Landscape Character Assessment 

and in particular: 

The immediate visual impact and long distance views. 

Scenic Routes and Scenic Views depicted in Appendix 1. 

Sites of special value for example in the bogland north of Castlerea (LCA 27) and Upper Lough 

Ree (LCA 6) which has been identified as of particular importance for their sense of isolation and 

tranquility. 

5. Applications should pay regard to guidance on the siting and design of wind farm projects that are 

included in the Wind Energy Planning Guidelines 2006. 



6. Applications should pay regard to the Wind Energy Planning Guidelines 2006 regarding the landscape 

impact of associated development (including roads and tracks, power poles and lines, the control 

building, wind measuring mast and the compound) and during the construction phase. 

7. Where wind energy developments are permitted on peatlands, the implementation of the following 

construction guidelines (along with others that are recommended in the Environmental Impact 

Statement) may serve to reduce impacts, including minimising habitat disturbance and loss, 

hydrological disruption and the risk of erosion: 

A thorough ground investigation, including hydro-geological investigations where appropriate, 

and a detailed evaluation of the nature of the peat, its geotechnical properties and the 

associated risk of instability and habitat loss or disturbance during construction and operation of 

the wind energy development, is to be carried out where the depth of peat is in excess of 50cm. 

Avoid construction, if possible, on wet areas, flushes and easily eroded soils. 

Avoid the excavation of drains, where possible, unless it is necessary for geotechnical or 

hydrological reasons. 

If drains are unavoidable, ensure that silt traps are constructed and that there is only diffuse 

discharge of water. 

Avoid blocking existing drains. 

Where blasting is being used in or near a peatland area for borrow pits, foundations etc, the 

possible effect on the peat stability should be assessed. 

Avoid stock grazing on any disturbed peat until local peatland vegetation has recovered (e.g., by 

use of temporary electric fencing). 

3.6 FORESTRY AND BIO-FUELS 

Current situation 

Data from 2011 shows that nearly 21,000 ha of forestry has been planted, representing 8.7% of the total 

land cover in the County (Landcover Map of Landscape Character Areas in Section 4). Some 13,000 ha of 

this is on private land with over 8,000 ha in public ownership. Much of this is currently on marginal land, in 

particular on Slieve Bawn, across the upper Arigna Valley, close to Strokestown and around Ballinlough 

where it provides a significant element of the landscape character. 

Trends in Forestry 

There was a significant amount of planting in the county in the mid 1990’s and private applications for 

forestry are still grant driven. In the recent past demand has fallen as competing land uses, such as house 

building, have driven up the price of land and made the returns on forestry appear less rewarding. However 

if predictions of decline in the construction industry and falling prices for beef materialize there is likely to 

be renewed interest from the farming community for forestry, even in better quality land to the south of 

the county, particularly following the introduction of the Forest Environment Protection Scheme (FEPS) for 

farmers in REPS and greater uptake of the Native Woodland Scheme 

Trends in Biofuels 

It is too early to say whether the recent Bio-energy Action Plan for Ireland March 2007 17 will result in a 

change of land use towards the production of various energy crops such as Miscanthus and willow. 

Certainly in Roscommon the underlying watery nature of much of the land will deter production of willow. 

Even though these crops have some effect of drying out land, heavy machinery is required to harvest the 

17 Bio-energy Action Plan for Ireland. Department of Agriculture and food. 2007. This includes proposals that Peat fired Power 

Stations in Lanesborough and Shannonbridge be co-fired by 30% renewables by 2015. New bio-fuel obligations for transport should 

average 5.75% by 2009 all public buses should use bio-fuel mix. 



crop during wet winter months when the land may be boggy. Willow requires high quality fertile soils in low 

lying, sheltered areas which will place it in competition with grain production, and willow does not like 

peaty soils which will rule it out over much of Roscommon. 

Miscanthus tolerates a wider range of soils and although it requires plenty of summer rain it may prove 

more attractive to Roscommon farmers. Best Practice Manuals produced by the Department of Agriculture 

and Food include references to landscape and environment. The manuals indicate that production requires 

large scale equipment thus grassland rides at headlands and verges will make the retention of hedgerows 

and grass strips likely thereby reducing the visual impact on landscape and encouraging a healthy ecosystem. 

10% uncropped land allowed for in the grant system can accommodate landscape issues and 

assessors should be encouraged to refer to the Roscommon landscape character assessment when 

considering applications. 

The manuals also indicate that bio-fuels should be grown close to their intended production units and there 

may be an increase in applications for Bio-energy Stations which will impact on landscape. These matters 

have been discussed in the section on Farm buildings. 

Issues 

Afforestation is not generally a concern for those people from the community present at the focus 

meetings however a number of matters were raised regarding coniferous forests which are perceived to 

reduce biodiversity, damage eco-systems, block views and provide poor amenity for associated leisure 

activity. Clear felling was deemed to be a problem. It was generally considered that more sensitive planting 

including increased broadleaf trees would be an improvement, together with more protection for 

hedgerows and existing trees in the old demesnes and urban areas. 

The following five guidelines, published by the Department of Agriculture are the mechanisms by which the 

Forest Service will ensure that the environmental aspects of Sustainable Forest Management are 

implemented. Adherence to the guidelines is a condition of grant aid and the issuing of a felling license. 

1. Forestry and the Landscape Guidelines - Presented to ensure that all new plantations 

complement, rather than detract from, the landscape. The objectives of landscape design are 

introduced, together with a landscape character type approach. The forest cycle is outlined in 

terms of operations and their impact on the landscape. Also outlined are measures to mitigate 

adverse impacts and to enhance the overall landscape, involving shape, scale, diversity, visual 

force and unity. 

2. Forestry and Water Quality Guidelines - Sensitive water catchment areas are defined and their 

management prescribed. Guidelines are given relating to the best forest management practices 

3. to ensure the maintenance of high water quality. Recommendations are also made in relation to 

cultivation, drainage, fertilising and storage, the use of chemicals, herbicides and fuels, roadmaking, 

bridges and culverts, and harvesting. 

4. Forestry and Archaeology Guidelines - Designed to ensure that Ireland’s rich heritage of 

archaeological sites and artifacts is not damaged by forest operations. They deal specifically with 

relevant legislation, sources of records of known archaeological sites, types of sites, protective 

measures to be employed, and contact details. 

5. Forest Biodiversity Guidelines - To recognise the importance of the maintenance and 

enhancement of forest biodiversity, and implement the objectives in a forestry context of the 

National Biodiversity Plan. They describe a range of measures to conserve and enhance 

biodiversity in forests, such as species and structural diversity, retained habitats and open spaces, 

the retention of deadwood, the control of troublesome species such as rhododendron, and the 

use and conservation of native provenances. 



6. Forest Harvesting and Environmental Guidelines - Produced to ensure that all forest harvesting 

operations, including felling, extraction, road and site restoration, are environmentally 

sustainable. They describe the impact of harvesting on water, forest soils, landscape, 

archaeological sites, forest health and vitality, and biodiversity, and lay down clear instructions to 

ensure best practice. 

In all cases, reference to the Landscape Characterisation Assessment will be necessary in order to 

implement the guidelines. 

Response to Landscape Character 

Roscommon’s landscape character varies considerably in regard to both landform and land cover. Any 

approach to forest landscape planning and design should therefore deal with the forest in the context of 

the surrounding landscape, as described in the Landscape Characterisation Assessment in section Four of 

this report. 

The Forestry and Landscape Guidelines provide precise recommendations for various forest development 

scenarios and for four distinct landscape character types 

Rolling moorland, represented in County Roscommon by the Landscape Character Type of Hills and 

Uplands and Bogland. 

Rolling fertile farmland, represented by Wet Farmland, Dry Farmland, River Corridors. 

Drumlins, represented by Drumlin Lakelands. 

Mountain and farmland complex, including Bog and Farmland Complex. 

Planning and design criteria 

Many of the concerns frequently raised relating the visual impact on landscape can be dealt with by 

sensitive design as outlined below. 

Roadsides 

Forests located very close to the roadside often present a continuous solid conifer wall. In order to provide 

visual variety and stimulation for road users, design along roadsides should aim to create a sequence of 

varying spaces and to provide views into the forest interior. 

Blocking views along roadsides 

A common criticism of forests along roadsides is that they block views of the surrounding landscape. This is 

particularly frustrating where there is a sense of the possibility of panoramic or attractive views, such as 

that experienced at the brow of a hill. In scenic areas or along Scenic Routes or at Scenic Views, it is 

therefore necessary to retain a reasonable number of views throughout the full forest rotation for the 

benefit of road users. 

Water bodies 

The same principles that apply to roadsides are also relevant to aquatic zones, including streams, rivers and 

lakes. An informal natural layout and the inclusion of native riparian trees also play a major role in 

promoting aquatic ecosystems. (See Forestry and Water Quality Guidelines regarding the creation and 

appropriate treatment of associated buffer zones.) 



Houses 

Houses and other buildings such as churches and schools can be visually isolated by forestry that is located 

too close. 

Planting should be kept 60 m from the site boundaries of dwellings and associated buildings. 

Set-back distance is most critical when a building is surrounded by forest on two sides or more. Where 

adjoining properties are 0.2 ha or less, it is recommended that planting be kept back 30 m from the 

property boundary. 

Wider edge spacing and the incorporation of lower growing broadleaves such as birch and rowan will 

soften the forest edge. 

In the case of existing forests, the pruning and re-spacing of edge trees should be considered to allow 

more filtered light into the forest. 

Forest developers shall liaise with the owners of neighbouring properties, to resolve in advance any 

potential concerns. 

Size 

In some situations, forests are too small in relation to the scale of the surrounding landscape. Achieving 

successful integration of small plots presents a considerable challenge, particularly on open ground. 

Create a visual link with surrounding landscape elements. For example, a generous broadleaf margin of 

varying width and linked in with nearby hedgerows could be used. 

Shape the forest with projections and recesses which reflect the proportion of the surrounding 

landscape context. 

Arrangement 

Due to the pattern of land ownership in Ireland, forests on hill or mountain sites are often established as 

long narrow belts running uphill in isolation. Where a number of these are planted in close proximity, the 

resulting ‘ladder’ effect involving alternate strips of forest and open ground creates a disjointed landscape. 

The ideal solution is to plant the land separating adjacent forests, i.e. to undertake forest infill. However, 

where such land does not become available for planting, establishing a relationship between the forest and 

unplanted ground becomes critical. This can be achieved through; pattern variation, e.g. by creating open 

spaces in the canopy and recesses along the edge; and consideration of margin, colour and texture, by 

using species which relate to the colours of the open ground, e.g. the colour of larch during the dormant 

season relates well to mountain landscape. 

Location 

Due to land ownership and/or site productivity, forests are sometimes located mid-slope on open 

mountainsides. Failure to visually connect such forests with other landscape features such as field 

boundaries, streams, gullies or rock outcrops creates the impression of the forests ‘sliding’ downhill. 

This effect is further strengthened if the forest is lopsided or imbalanced on the mountain slope, as viewed 

from, for example, a public road or settlement. 

Where possible, extend the plot in the direction of the above mentioned landscape features. It may also be 

necessary to consider pattern, proportion, edge and margin to directly relating the forest visually to its 

surrounds. 



Shape 

As with the above design factors, the shape of forests in Ireland has been primarily determined by land 

ownership. Given that fields or properties are invariably angular in outline, resulting forests often resemble 

‘blocks’ on the landscape. This may create an adverse visual impact, particularly on open mountainsides. 

The most effective solution is to break down the angular geometry of the forest plot through recessing and 

curving corners, leaving some areas unplanted and softening edges by incorporating ‘outliers’, i.e. outlying 

groups and single trees. 

Angular shaped compartments defined by, for example, straight ridgelines, should also be avoided. Where 

possible, ridgelines should run along the contour and should not be in line with the main view. 

Pattern 

Due to lack of variation, forests sometimes resemble homogeneous ‘blankets’ in the landscape, without 

variation of pattern. Such forests can often conceal the underlying pattern of the ground surface produced 

by, for example, rock, vegetation and water. 

The creation of open spaces within the canopy is particularly important in the case of large forests on 

mountainsides. These open spaces might include attractive rocky outcrops, land incapable of supporting a 

commercial crop, or areas where planting is curtailed or undesirable, e.g. areas in the vicinity of aquatic 

zones and archaeological sites and monuments. If no such features exist to prompt variety of pattern, open 

spaces should still be created at locations where they will be easily perceived externally. Ensure that these 

open areas are large enough to enable their continued visibility as the forest matures. Plant a mixture of 

species carefully located throughout the canopy to reflect and highlight existing ground surface patterns. 

Edge 

Successful design of the forest edge is critical, particularly when viewed at close proximity from, for 

example, a road or house, or when located adjacent to an attractive feature such as a lake or river. 

It is essential to avoid creating a solid forest ‘wall’ and to provide views into the interior. There are several 

ways of opening the forest edge. 

A diffuse edge can be created by pulling the forest back from the site boundary and by creating a zone 

of loosely scattered trees or ‘outliers’, using wide spacing and low growing species such as rowan and 

birch. 

The incorporation of particular species into the forest margin can also enhance edge appearance. For 

example, the inclusion of self-pruning or lightly branched conifers such as Scots pine or larch into the 

margin can be of great benefit, by increasing visibility into the stand. 

Margin, Colour, Texture 

Some forests, mainly in upland areas, are occasionally regarded as being monotonous, due to the lack of 

colour or textural variation of both the margin and the main forest body. The primary objective concerning 

margin, colour and texture is to introduce an appropriate level of species and age variation. 



SECTION 4: 

LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT STUDY 


In this section the results of the landscape assessment are presented both in map form as well as in written 

descriptions and guidance. The base maps that were created in a geographic information system (GIS) are 

first presented, including analysis of elevation and landform, land cover, nature designations, historical 

landscapes and wind speeds, followed by maps detailing the location of both landscape character types and 

landscape character areas as well as a classification of landscape value and a draft map indicating the 

location of Scenic Routes and Scenic Views (Appendix 1). In all, nine maps of the county are presented 

below, providing the basis for a thorough analysis of the landscapes of County Roscommon. 

Following presentation of the above maps, an outline description of each of the landscape character areas 

has been prepared. These descriptions focus on the key characteristics of each landscape character area, 

followed by a discussion regarding landscape value and forces of change and culminating in proposing area 

specific recommendations. A photograph depicting the essential character of each area is also included as 

well as a key map to illustrate county context. 

4.2 GIS ANALYSIS AND DESK STUDY MAPPING OF COUNTY ROSCOMMON 

The initial appraisal of landscape in County Roscommon was completed through desk studies involving 

mostly GIS. This computerised mapping and analysis tool enables the preparation of base maps that give 

the landscape assessors a detailed impression of the aesthetic, natural and cultural qualities of landscape 

prior to engaging in field work. The key maps prepared as part of this study are described below. 

Landform and Elevation 

The map presented below entitled Landform and Elevation Map of Landscape Character Areas depicts a 

computer generated 3D model of the landform of County Roscommon overlaid with contours. The map 

summarises at a glance the key landform characteristics of the county including, for example, the following: 

Upland areas in the extreme northeast and northwest as well as a ridge of high ground in the mid-east 

region. 

Distinct rolling drumlin hills and Lakeland extending from the northeast in a southwesterly direction. 

Low lying areas and river corridors along the eastern and western boundaries. 

Elevated plateaus and low undulating hills located in the centre region. 

Finger-like esker ridges located mostly in the south of the county but also found in the northwest and 

the east. 





Landcover 

The elevation and landform map above presents what might be considered as the ‘skeleton’ of the 

landscape upon which the ‘skin’ or land cover is draped. An overview of the map entitled Landcover Map of 

Landscape Character Areas is included below and an overview of the key characteristics can be summarised 

as follows: 

In the center of the county landcover is predominantly dry grassland, reflecting for the most part the 

well draining pure limestone bedrock geology of the area. There are also patches of reclaimed blanket 

bog throughout, however, indicating that soil conditions are somewhat limiting in terms of crop 

production. 

The northwestern and northeastern landcover pattern is markedly different to that of the centre of the 

county, comprising a complex of mostly bogland (including raised bog and reclaimed raised bog) as well 

as wet grasslands. Similar landcover is found along the mid-east section of the county. These areas are 

clearly more marginal in terms of agricultural production and are a product of both landform as well as 

the underlying bedrock geology which includes muddy limestone as well as sandstones and mudstones. 

The river corridors defining the eastern, southern and western boundaries typically comprise a 

combination of extensive areas of bogland fringed by swaths of dry grassland. 

Nature Designations 

The wetland nature of landcover in Roscommon, comprising extensive bogs and lakes, creates a landscape 

of high nature value. There are several areas of NHA, cSAC and SPA throughout the county as can be seen in 

the map below entitled Nature Designations with Landscape Value of Character Areas. Not surprisingly, 

there is a strong correlation between this map and that of landcover with many of the bogland and wetland 

areas being designated for their natural heritage. Often there is a strong correlation between nature 

designations and overall landscape value as can be seen from the map presented. 







Historical Landscapes 

A map presenting an interpretation of the historical landscapes of County Roscommon is also presented in 

this section. A summary overview of this analysis is discussed below. 

A total of thirteen historic land-use types were identified. Each type is characterised by its period of origin 

as well as its form and function. Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) brings to the fore the effect of 

human activity on the landscape and how people have interacted with and manipulated the natural 

environment. The emphasis is on the present day landscape character as created by human interaction and 

perception. 

Towns/Villages (Early Medieval 4 th - 8 th Century): The earliest towns in Ireland often grew up around 

monastic settlements. There are several examples of towns/villages in Roscommon that had early inception 

dates and formed proto-towns: Roscommon Town and Elphin. 

Towns/Villages (Medieval 12th century – Modern): The concept of a true town was introduced by the 

Anglo-Normans. Extant medieval towns and villages in Roscommon county are: Knockvicar, Boyle, 

Castleplunket, Tulsk, Ballintober, Athleague, Termonbarry, Castlerea and Athlone. 

Towns/Villages (Post-Medieval – Modern): These smaller urban areas owe their inception to the 

Plantation settlements of the 17 th century, the Estate towns of the 18 th century (e.g. Strokestown and 

Frenchpark) and towns that developed during the 19 th century. Extant towns and villages from this period 

are: Keadew, Ballinameen, Cootehall, Ballyfarnon, Arigna, Frenchpark, Ballaghaderreen, Loughglynn, 

Ballinalough, Cloonfad, Bellanagare, Strokestown, Lanesborough, Roosky, Castlecoote and Knockcroghery. 

Rectilinear Fields – Hedgerows (18 th – 19 th Centuries): This is the predominant historic landscape type in 

County Roscommon. These enclosed fields are typically rectangular or sub-rectangular in shape with 

relatively straight sides. The boundaries of these fields are made up of hedgerows with possible banks and 

ditches. This landscape was significantly remodeled by the work of the Congested Districts Board in the 

middle of the nineteenth century replacing the older, more informal clachan-and-rundale system. The 

result was the regimented ladder farms that we see today. 

A clachan (or baile or ‘village’) was a nucleated group of farmhouses, with landholding organised 

communally (often on a townland basis and often with kinship ties). The houses were surrounded by the 

best possible land in the area known as the infield (a large open-field unenclosed and permanently 

cultivated). Outside of the infield was the outfield which would be poorer land and used as commonage. 

Many clachans were initiated in the 18 th century (due to population increases and the ability of the potato 

to grow in poor soils) but were probably even earlier. 

Rectilinear Fields – Stone Walls (18 th – 19 th Centuries): There are several areas of the county where the 

material used to enclose the field systems are stone. 

Rectilinear Fields – Hedgerows – Cutover Blanket Bogs (19 th – 20 th Centuries): Enclosed fields bounded by 

hedgerows on reclaimed upland wetland. 

Rectilinear Fields – Hedgerows – Cutover Raised Bogs (19 th – 20 th Centuries): 

Enclosed fields bounded by hedgerows on reclaimed wetland. 

Extractive Industries (17 th -20 th Centuries): 

These consist of commercial peat milling, iron and coal mining. The commercial peat milling has taken place 

in the 20 th century. The Arigna mine was originally in the 17 th century an iron mine but later on large coal 

seams were found. 



Mature Forest (17 th -19 th Centuries): Woods that were possibly managed for timber production or as part 

of parkland of large estates. Mixed deciduous and coniferous species. 

Coniferous Plantations (20 th Century): Trees planted as part of grant schemes or by Coillte. 

Bogland (Prehistoric-Modern): Areas of bog with no visible evidence of peat extraction or land 

improvement. These areas often contain archaeological features with no above ground expression. 

Rathcroghan, Carns, Tulsk (Late Prehistory, Early Medieval, Medieval): Settlement, ceremonial activities 

(inauguration site for Kings of Connaught), agricultural systems (elongated rectangular fields, dating to 

Early Medieval Period or earlier), roadways. 

Demesnes (18 th -19 th Centuries): Lands held by a large house which incorporated farmland, gardens, woods 

and buildings. These include: Strokestown, Frenchpark, Rockingham, Mote Park, Kilronan Castle Demesne 

(NGR 188110, 312821) and Cootehall. 





Wind Speeds 

The Project Brief required consideration of planning issues concerning wind farm development in County 

Roscommon and throughout the detailed descriptions presented in Section 4.3 below, reference is made to 

potential for development in this regard. In order to ensure that recommendations are practicable in terms 

of commercial viability of wind farms, an analysis of average wind speeds was completed. In the map below 

entitled Wind Speed Map of Landscape Character Areas, all those locations with wind speeds of eight 

metres per second and above are highlighted. A summary of the key issues relating to this map is presented 

below: 

Not surprisingly windy areas tend to be concentrated on higher ground and ridges as discussed earlier 

under the landform and elevation map. 

There are very extensive areas of high wind speeds on what might be described as slightly elevated 

land in the middle of the county as well as in the northwest. 

The extensive bogland areas located along the river corridors on the eastern and western boundaries 

have very poor wind resource. 

Community Consultation Values 

As detailed in Section 1 of this report, a number of community consultation focus group meetings took 

place in Roscommon during the early part of this project. As a medium for identifying those locations of 

value to the people of Roscommon, the consultees engaged in a mapping exercise highlighting special 

places. A sample map annotated by one of the groups is included below for the purpose of illustration. This 

exercise proved most valuable in terms of highlighting landscape issues of concern and interest to local 

people. 





Community Landscape Values, one of many maps produced during the public consultation workshops 


4.3 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VALUES MAPPING 


Following completion of a detailed GIS and desk study analysis of the County Roscommon landscapes, 

coupled with the community consultation focus group meetings, the consultants prepared the following 

three key maps which are presented and discussed below: 

Landscape Character Types 


Landscape Value 

Landscape Character Types 

Landscape Character Types are distinct landscapes that are relatively consistent in character. They are 

generic in nature in that they may occur in different areas in different parts of the county, but wherever 

they occur they broadly share similar combinations of geology, topography, drainage patterns, vegetation, 

historical land use and settlement pattern. In County Roscommon seven landscape character types have 

been identified and mapped, as follows: 

River Corridor (located along eastern and western boundaries); 

Hills and Upland (mostly located in the north of the county but also including relatively confined areas 

in the middle and west); 

Drumlin Lakelands (concentrated in the northeast); 

Bogland (located throughout including along river corridors as well as in the east and northwest); 

Wet Farmland (concentrated in the northern half of the county); 

Dry farmland (located in the middle of the county stretching from north to south); and 

Bog and Farmland Complex (located in the south and middle of the county highlighting the interface 

between wetter and drier land). 


Landscape Character Areas are unique, geographically-specific areas of a particular landscape type. Each 

has its own individual character and identity, even though it shares the same generic characteristics with 

other areas of the same type. This distinction is reflected in the naming of types and areas: landscape 

character types have generic names, but landscape character areas take on the names of specific places. 

In total, 36 landscape character areas have been identified and mapped in County Roscommon. They are 

each described in detail in Section 4.4 below. 







Landscape Values 

The landscape values map presented below classifies each of the landscape character areas into one of the 

following four classes: 

Exceptional Value 

Very High Value 

High Value 

Moderate Value. 

There are two landscape classified as of Exceptional Value, namely the Tulsk and Rathcroghan Plateau in 

the centre of the county (LCA 28) and the Lough Key and Boyle River Network in the northeast of the 

county (LCA 16). Classification of the former area is greatly influenced by the cultural heritage significance 

of Rathcroghan, whereas the latter area is valued for its aesthetic and amenity qualities. 

The Shannon System running along the eastern boundary of the county has been classified as of Very High 

Value, along with Boyle and Curlew Mountains (LCA 17) and the Arigna Mountains (LCA 14) and Lough 

Meelagh Drumlins (LCA 15) located in the northeast. The Shannon System is of high aesthetic and 

ecological quality and the other upland areas provide important scenic amenities. 

The River Suck corridor running along the western boundary of the county is judged to be of High Value due 

to its amenity, ecological and aesthetic qualities. The Castlerea Raised Bogland (LCA 27) is valued for its 

tranquility as well as ecological importance, the Roscommon Town Hinterland (LCA 32) for its cultural 

heritage significance and Skrine Hill and Limestone Pavement (LCA 33) for its unusual geology. 

All of the remaining landscape character areas have been classified as of Moderate Value. 

None of the landscape character areas are of Low Value. 





4.4 DETAILED LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT 

In the following section each of the 36 landscape character areas are described in qualitative terms 

highlighting key characteristics regarding landform, landcover and overall image. The rationale for the 

classification of Landscape Value in each area is explained and the primary forces of change are 

summarised in order to draw attention to current and future influences on the character, quality and value 

of that landscape. Lastly, key recommendations are proposed for each landscape character area concerning 

the tolerance or otherwise for change from various development kinds. 



Roscommon LCA 1: 

Lough Allen and Arigna foothills 

Key Characteristics 

The Lough Allen and Arigna Foothills character area 

is in the very north of the county and represents the 

northern extreme of the Shannon system which 

flows from this location along the eastern boundary 

of County Roscommon as far as Shannon Bridge in 

the south. This LCA stretches from the Arigna River 

in the south to the border with County Sligo in the 

north. The area forms a distinctly flat region 

between the Arigna Mountains and Lough Allen. The 

land cover is predominantly peat bog and moorland, 

however there are areas of marginal farmland as 

well as small pockets of good quality arable land. 

The main regional road, the R280, runs north-south 

through the area, close to the shoreline of Lough 

Allen. There are very few other roads in the area. 

While the R280 is classified as a Scenic Route views 

to the east across the Lough Allen to are currently 

intermittent and typically blocked completely due to 

overgrown vegetation along the shoreline. It is 

possible to see Slieve Anierin to the east over the 

screening vegetation and there are extensive views 

looking west up to the Arigna Mountains from 

the road. 

The overall image of the character area is a quiet, sparsely populated broad valley defined by high 

mountains overlooking a very large lake. 


The Lough Allen and Arigna Foothills character area is classified as of Very High Value due its scenic setting 

and the fishing and boating amenity offered by Lough Allen. There is a designated Scenic Route which runs 

along the R280 from its junction with the R285 in the south as far as the county boundary to the north. The 

rich industrial archaeological heritage in the upland areas to the west of Lough Allen is visible from this 

character area and therefore is part of the experience to be had in this low lying landscape. There are no 

nature designations visible from this LCA and so it is not regarded as especially sensitive from a natural 

heritage perspective. 

Forces of Change 

The obstruction of views by overgrown scrub around Lough Allen and the toe of Slieve Anierin to the east is 

the main threat to the landscape quality of this LCA. The majority of this vegetation comprises broadleaf 

scrub which has grown naturally in the area both along hedgerows as well as along the shoreline. 

This landscape is also likely to be a popular target for single rural dwellings given the lakeside amenities and 

views on offer. This would undermine the visual quality and devalue its scenic quality. 




• The quality of views on offer from the Scenic Route would be greatly enhanced by the selective 

thinning and removal of heaving screening vegetation located between the R280 and the shoreline. 

It should be an objective of the Council to explore opportunities with the local landowners for the 

thinning and removal of heavy screening in this area in order to re establish the scenic views across 

Lough Allen. 

• An increase in single rural housing and associated traffic would undermine the tranquil lake shore 

amenity of Lough Allen and it is recommended that development be prohibited between the 

scenic route and Lough Allen to avoid the potential for pollution of the water, blocking views of the 

lake or creating adverse impacts on the overall character of the area. Where essential housing is 

required this should be directed to the west of the scenic route if it can be demonstrated that the 

design and landscaping will not negatively impact on the receiving landscape. 

Views of Lough Allen are substantially screened by vegetation from the R280 




Upper Shannon and Derreenannagh Drumlin Belt 


This area stretches northwest from the border of 

County Leitrim, at Carrick-on-Shannon, to a hill at 

Ballytormoyle. The upper Shannon forms the eastern 

boundary and the western boundary is determined 

by the zone of theoretical visibility from the river. 

The landform of the area is of low undulating 

drumlins flanking the River Shannon as it emerges 

from the southern tip of Lough Allen. There is one 

larger hill located at Ballyformoyle, rising to a height 

of 153m ASL. The other principal river is the Feorish 

River which drains Lough Skean in the west to the 

River Shannon in the east. The land cover is a 

complex mix of transitional woodland scrub, raised 

bog, fens and marginal farmland. The diversity of 

landcover in the LCA is one of the greatest among all 

the character areas studied in the county. The road 

network is comprised of mainly small rural roads 

with some third class roads and only one regional 

road, the R284, linking Leitrim Town in the south 

east to the village of Keadew in the north. While 

there are no major settlements in this character 

area, there are a number of towns just outside the 

boundaries (Leitrim Town to the east and Carrick-on- 

Shannon to the south) from which development is 

creeping into the area. A large portion of the 

southern part of the character area is 

designated a Natural Heritage Area (NHA). 

The overall image of this character area is one of a sparsely populated wooded drumlin landscape sloping 

down to the Upper Shannon. 


The Upper Shannon and Derreenannagh Drumlin Belt is considered to be of Very High Value as it forms part 

of the River Shannon corridor which is popular with both water based and land based tourists. Strategically, 

this stretch of the River Shannon is a very important node for inland navigation in Ireland as it connects 

Lough Allen, the Shannon Erne Link canal, the Lough Key waterways and the whole Shannon system to the 

south. The sparsely populated landscape offers tranquility for pleasure craft users. 


The main forces of change in the landscape are farm marginalisation which typically leads to downgrading 

of the quality of the farmland, as well as increasing single rural dwelling development pressure along roads 

approaching towns and villages. Poor siting and design of individual houses along the River Shannon 

corridor could also have a negative visual impact on the amenity of the upper River Shannon. Ribbon 

development along the R284 and also along the road leading into the village of Cootehall (located in LCA 16 

to the west) erodes the tranquil character of the rural landscape. Given the extent of wet grassland in this 

LCA, there may be increased afforestation of coniferous plantations in the future. 




• There are no elevated viewpoints in this character area which is typical of most drumlin landscapes 

as roads tend to travel on lower ground winding their way between the hills. Views of drumlin 

landscapes are rare. It should be an objective of the council to assess where views occur of this 

Drumlin landscape and identify which are especially representative of that landscape character 

type. 

• There is also a trend generally in the county that single rural dwellings are positioned overlooking 

lakes and rivers. This trend can erode the visual quality for tourists using waterway amenities and 

could have a negative impact on the tourism economy and the scenic reputation of the river 

corridor. Any applications for development located on the shoreline of lakes and river corridors 

should include a Visual Impact Statement. Regard should be had to The Heritage Council’s 

Waterways Corridor Study 18 . This includes objectives supporting this recommendation, for example 

“Maintain and preserve the aesthetic value of the waterways and its shoreline from the impacts of 

dispersed and highly visible inappropriate development and discourage speculative development” 

(Strategic Aim 6.2.1, Objective No. 2). 

• In this character area there are views of Slieve Anierin to the north and Sheemore Hill to the north 

east from Hartley Bridge. Such views create a sense of place and should be protected. It is 

recommended that it be an objective of the council to protect views from bridges. 

Hartley Bridge set in the drumlin wetland 

18 Waterways Corridor Study, The Heritage Council (2005) 




Lough Corry Drumlin Basin 


The Lough Corry Drumlin Basin is in the north east of 

the county. The southern and western boundaries of 

this LCA are formed by a zone of theoretical visibility 

created by a series of drumlins which also mark a 

change in elevation between neighbouring character 

areas. The majority of this area drains north and 

northeastwards into Lough Corry and River Shannon. 

The drainage pattern reflects the general alignment 

of drumlins which are arranged on a southwest to 

northeast alignment. The predominant land cover is 

dry grassland but there are areas of wet grassland as 

well as reclaimed blanket bog throughout. The latter 

two land cover types are typically found in the 

drumlin flats and hollows. Hedgerows comprise 

mostly broadleaf species including ash. In some 

areas there is a strong sense of openness created by 

loose light hedgerows. This drumlin landscape is well 

drained and relatively dry compared to the drumlin 

landscapes found both to the north and south. The 

road network throughout the area is quite dense 

with a mix of national (N4 linking Boyle and Carrickon-Shannon), 

regional (R370 and R368), local class 

and lanes. While there are no large settlements in 

this LCA, the town of Carrick-on-Shannon spills 

over the Shannon River into the northeastern 

corner and brings with it both residential and 

commercial development. 

The overall image of this LCA is of a relatively well drained drumlin farmland, with strong tourist amenities 

along the River Shannon including Lough Corry. 


The Lough Corry Drumlin Basin is classified as Very High Value to reflect the boating, fishing and scenic 

amenities along the River Shannon. It is valued by tourists for its peaceful and largely undeveloped 

condition. 


Inappropriate and poorly sited development on the shoreline of Lough Corry and along the River Shannon 

would have a negative visual and environmental impact on the wetland landscape. There is increasing 

development pressure along the R370 leading into Carrick-on-Shannon which is contributing to the erosion 

of the rural character of the area. Unchecked ribbon development along the R368 and other local roads 

connecting to Carrick-on-Shannon could have a comparable adverse impact. Increasingly marginalised 

farmland could also lead to a gradual down grading of the visual quality of the landscape. 




• It is important to protect the visual amenities in the immediate vicinity of the Shannon system. 

However, in this LCA the drumlins located in the middle and to the west are less sensitive to 

development generally because views do not extend from the Shannon River or Lough Corry. In 

other words, the depth of view is shallow and there would be greater tolerance of development 

generally with increasing distance from the wetland landscape. Therefore it is recommended that 

only those planning applications within the immediate visual catchment of the Shannon system will 

require a Visual Impact Statement. 

Elevated view over the well drained drumlin landscape 




Kilglass Drumlin Lakelands 


This character area is located on the eastern 

boundary of County Roscommon in the northern half 

of the county. It is defined by a ridge of high ground 

in the south, the Shannon and a series of lakes, the 

largest of which is Lough Bo Berg, to the east and 

north and by a cluster of three hills to the west. The 

area comprises low undulating drumlins which are 

well drained in the north and interspersed with a 

number of large lakes, the largest being Kilglass 

Lake, in the south. The drumlins are aligned on a 

northeast southwest axis and this arrangement 

determines the pattern of lakes in the greater area. 

The lakes fan out from east to west similar to fingers 

extending into the rolling drumlin landscape. The 

effect of this pattern of lake and hill is unique in the 

context of the county. Land cover comprises mostly 

dry grassland and reclaimed blanket bog with 

patches of raised bog on lower ground, with the 

higher ground on the southern ridge covered mostly 

in wet grassland as well as some areas of conifer 

forest. Many of the small hills defining Kilglass Lake 

are covered in broadleaf woodland cover. This 

landscape character area is thus complex, both from 

a landform perspective as well as considering 

landcover. There are no major settlements in 

the area and the closest one outside the area 

is Strokestown to the south. There is a dense 

network of mostly local roads nestled into the 

rolling landscape. Kilglass Lake serves boating 

and fishing enthusiasts and includes a marina 

with pleasure boats. 

The image of this landscape character area is of a drowned and dramatic drumlin lakeland and floodplain 

offering a tranquil boating amenity. 


The Kilglass Drumlin Lakeland area is considered to be of Very High Value due to it its tourist amenities 

including fishing, boating and extensive scenic views. The only regional road, the R371, is located in the 

south of the LCA and provides elevated and panoramic views over Kilglass Lakes as far as Slieve Anerin and 

the Arigna Mountains in the distance. A section of this road is proposed as a Scenic Route. Another Scenic 

Route is proposed further north in a low lying area along a local road and provides a closer view of Kilglass 

Lake, its wetland and a marina. This LCA is thus highly visually sensitive. The whole of Kilglass Lake is 

designated an NHA, increasing its sensitivity regarding natural heritage. 


The area is of very high visual amenity and thus tends to attract considerable interest in people wishing to 

build single rural dwellings. There are several locations where houses have been built in the recent past 

overlooking the lakes and this trend is likely to continue unless measures are put in place to afford greater 

protection to the landscape. There is also likely to be an increase in the extent of afforestation in this 

landscape due to the marginal quality of farmland. The N5 is due to be realigned over a 32 kilometer length 

and therefore it may be anticipated that there will be increased demand for quarrying in the area. 

In terms of quarrying, there is a very large deep-excavation type quarry in operation on hills to the west but 

this does not create a significantly adverse impact on the quality of view from either of the Scenic Routes. 




• Development of any kind between the Scenic Routes and the lakeland landscape beyond should be 

discouraged due to the quality of views that are available and objective adopted to prohibit 

development on the lake side of the Scenic Route. 

• Furthermore, applications for single rural dwellings located on the opposite side of the road should 

include a Visual Impact Statement which will ensure maximum visual integration into their 

surrounds with a strong emphasis on screening, landscaping and use of natural materials and 

finishes. 

• The rock cutting that exists on the hill to the west at Greywood Hill is part of the local landscape 

character. However, where further applications for quarrying arise decisions should have regard to 

national quarrying guidelines 19 including potential impact on the landscape. 

View from the proposed Scenic Route located on the elevated R371 

19 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines “Environmental Management in the Extractive Industry: Non-Scheduled 

Minerals” 




Slieve Bawn and Feorish Bogland Basin 


Slieve Bawn and Feorish Bogland Basin is one of the 

largest character areas in the county stretching from 

Lanesborough in the south to Lough Bo Derg in the 

north. Slieve Bawn forms the western edge from 

where the landform gently slopes eastward draining 

into low lying bogland where it meets the eastern 

boundary defined by the meandering Shannon. The 

mountain is one of the highest ridges in the county, 

peaking at 262m ASL and creates strong visual 

separation between the Shannon River and the 

remainder of the county in this area. Higher ground 

is predominantly covered in wet grassland with 

extensive areas of coniferous plantation as well as 

transitional woodland scrub. The lower region, 

occupying most of this landscape character area, is 

made up of cutover raised bog, most of which has 

been commercially harvested. Elevated views from 

Slieve Bawn to the east are of a highly mechanised 

landscape of commercial peatland and the peat 

burning electricity plant in the distance at 

Lanesborough. Although much of the land in the 

area remains sparsely populated and isolated there 

is a broad network of roads leading into the cutover 

bog. The main settlement in the area is the village of 

Lanesborough from where ribbon development 

spreads northwards along the main regional 

road, the R371, and along a third class road at 

the foothills of Slieve Bawn. The settlement 

pattern associated with the village of Roosky, 

County Leitrim, spills over the River Shannon 

into the northeastern corner of the LCA. 

The image of the area is of mechanised peatland landscape of low lying cutover bog contained between the 

River Shannon and a ridge of high forested ground. 


The Slieve Bawn and Feorish Bogland Basin is considered to be Very High Value. This LCA is one of the most 

varied in the entire county, comprising a major waterway, extensive bogland and forest upland. These 

elements are valuable amenity resources for locals and visiting tourists. The upland area is considered 

valuable for its potential as a walking route offering extended views across the adjoining low lying 

landscape. The commercially cut bog is also considered valuable as a tourist amenity not least for its 

potential as a walking route but also because it is an isolated and tranquil place. There are plans for 

development involving the local community for an extensive nature park in this area. 

In terms of natural heritage, the lake in the north of the LCA is designated an NHA, Lough Forbes in the east 

is designated an NHA, SAC and a SPA and an area of bog in the south of the character area is designated an 

NHA and an SAC. The River Shannon provides a valuable amenity for water based activities. 




The bogland in this area has an industrial character in parts with a view of Lanesborough in the distance, 

which gives it a strong sense of place. This is at risk from inappropriate built development and should be 

protected. The continued use of peat for generating electricity is unlikely in the future as pressure increases 

both nationally and internationally for greater use of renewable energy sources such as wind, biomass and 

hydroelectric. There is potential for this landscape to revert to its original bogland state. 

There is likely to be an increase in the number of houses built in the area as there have been a number of 

houses recently built on Slieve Bawn looking east over the bogland and River Shannon in the distance. 

These can detract from the landscape quality. Several houses have been built along the R371. 


• The industrial land use of the area is an integral part of the landscape character and the 

development of wind energy projects would be acceptable from a landscape perspective on the 

ridge of Slieve Bawn. There are existing infrastructural services associated with the powerstation at 

Lanesborough which could accommodate national grid connection for future wind turbines. There 

are also sufficient wind resources in this area to make it commercially viable. Applications for wind 

turbines should be considered with regard to the national planning guidelines for wind farms. 

View of the extensive bogland area north of the R63 




Upper Lough Ree Bogland 


Upper Lough Ree Bogland character area extends 

from the N63 and Lanesborough village in the north 

to the Hind River in the south. It is one of the flattest 

areas in the county with the western boundary 

delineated by the zone of theoretical visibility from 

Lough Ree. The area is predominantly covered in 

raise bog, fens and marginal farmland with 

transitional woodland scrub and coniferous 

plantation in places. There are no major settlements 

in this character area and the road network consists 

of only third class and smaller roads. As a result this 

character area is very sparsely populated. Vast tracts 

of the area come under NHA and SAC designations 

and the entire shoreline of Lough Ree is designated 

as an SPA. Although the area is not elevated the 

open character of the bogland landscape affords an 

extended viewshed towards Lough Ree and it’s 

islands. There is a designed Scenic Route located on 

the R63 heading west from Lanesborough 

with the feature of interest being Lough Ree. 

The overall image of this character area is of an isolated flat bogland bordering an extensive lake of high 

nature value. 


The Upper Lough Ree Bogland character area is of Very High Value because of its nature designations and 

the sense of isolation. This is a landscape of contrasting scales and variations of enclosure. Views are 

intimate and enclosed in areas of birch woodland, while vast expansive views open up close to the shores 

of Lough Ree. 


The urban edge of Lanesborough is gradually extending westwards along the R63. If development 

continued in this direction, the quality of the view over Lough Ree would be severely compromised. Given 

the extensive nature designations, the open landscape and the limited amount of development in the area, 

including road infrastructure, most types of built development would have a negative impact on the 

character of the area. 




• There should be an objective to prohibit development between the designated Scenic View on the 

R63 and Lough Ree in recognition of the high value of open views and sense of isolation across this 

landscape. 

• This high quality landscape would provide a valuable resource for low-impact passive tourism, 

including walking trails and cycling routes. It is recommended that a study investigating the 

possibility of providing access to the lake shore from such routes be carried out. 

Designated Scenic View from the edge of Lanesborough over Lough Ree in the mist 

View of the edge of Lough Ree defined by bright grasses and heathers 

View of the floodplain of Lough Ree with shipwrecked trees and rushy edge 




Mid Lough Ree Pastureland 


The Mid Lough Ree Pastureland character area 

extends from the Hind River in the north to just 

north of Hudson's Bay. Its western boundary is 

formed by the hills to the east of Lough Funshinagh 

which drain in an easterly direction down to the 

shores of Lough Ree. The shoreline of Lough Ree is 

defined by secluded bays dotted with small marinas 

and harbours, as well as peninsulas, the most 

important of which is Warren Point on which is 

located the medieval site of Rhindoon. The extensive 

broadleaved forest of St. John’s Wood is situated on 

the headland at Blackbrink Bay. Although the island 

of Inchenagh is in County Longford, it forms part of 

the viewshed over Lough Ree. Dry grassland is the 

predominant land cover as this area is very well 

drained. There is also a strong stone wall character 

to this landscape, especially in the vicinity of 

Knockcroghery. There are also extensive patches of 

wet grassland located mostly in the floodplain of the 

lake as well as areas of reclaimed bog running along 

the centre of a shallow valley running north. There is 

an esker situated between the Dublin-Galway 

railway track and the road south of the village of 

Lecarrow. The entire shoreline of Lough Ree is 

designated as an NHA, SPA and SAC. The road 

network is made up of the N61, which runs 

diagonally through the area linking Athlone in 

the south with Roscommon Town in the north. 

The remaining roads are mostly third class in 

status. There are no major settlements in the 

area outside the villages of Knockcroghery and 

Lecarrow. 

The overall image of the Mid Lough Ree Pastureland character area is one of gently rolling good quality 

farmland with extensive views of Lough Ree and its islands in more elevated places. 


The Mid Lough Ree Pastureland character area is of Very High Value due to it’s nature designations, good 

quality farmland landscape and extensive lake views as well as built heritage including windmill, church and 

graveyard and the canal connecting the village of Lecarrow and Blackbrink Bay as well as the medieval site 

at Rhindoon. There are two designated Scenic Views on tops of hills which provides panoramic views 

overlooking Lough Ree, one at Killeenrevagh and the other at Lissanisky. 


Overall this is quite a stable farmland landscape. Despite the network of roads and availability of good 

quality land the density of built development is quite low and housing is dispersed. However, if this 

situation were to change and the demand for development was to significantly increase, the sensitive 

landscapes along the shore of Lough Ree would be vulnerable and existing Scenic Views from elevated 

locations could be lost. 




• It should be an objective of the council that development along the shores Lough Ree should be 

prohibited in order to protect the visual amenity and the natural habitats of the lake. 

• In recognition of the high value of open views across this landscape it should be an objective of the 

council that applications for development on the lake side of Scenic Views should be accompanied 

by a Visual Impact Statement. 

• The Rhindoon peninsula and associated bays are highly sensitive and applications for development 

within this area should also be accompanied by a Visual Impact Statement recognising the high 

value of this cultural landscape. 

• There is a distinct sense of elevation on the high hills in the west of this LCA which could be further 

enhanced by the kinetic form of wind turbines. Wind speeds in excess of eight metres per second 

would make wind energy commercially viable. Applications for wind farms should be assessed with 

regard to the national guidelines. 

Panoramic view overlooking Lough Ree from Killeenrevagh 

Distant view of Lough Ree from high ground at Lissanisky 




Lower Lough Ree and Athlone Environs 


The Lower Lough Ree and Athlone Environs 

character area stretches southwards from Hudson's 

Bay to north of the village of Cornafulla. The western 

boundary is delineated by the zone of visibility from 

the River Shannon. This low lying area is 

predominantly made up of dry grassland and raised 

bog, most of which is reclaimed, as well smaller 

pockets of wet grassland and wetland. There is a 

large coniferous plantation just west of Athlone 

Town. Two esker ridges run through the area, one 

running in a northerly direction towards the 

Hudson’s Bay peninsula, the other running in a 

westerly direction from just outside of Athlone 

Town, part of which is currently a mineral extraction 

site. The former esker remains in a very intact form 

whereas the latter as been substantially altered due 

to encroachment of development. Although this 

character area is adjacent to Athlone Town (in 

neighbouring Westmeath) the amount of road 

infrastructure is quite low with the N61 running 

diagonally northward linking Athlone with 

Roscommon Town and the N6 heading southwest 

towards Ballinasloe in County Galway. The 

main development pressure from Athlone 

spreads westward along the R362. 

The overall image of the Lower Lough Ree and Athlone Environs character area is of a peri-urban lakeshore 

area experiencing increasing development pressure. 


The Lower Lough Ree and Athlone Environs character area is of Very High Value reflecting the presence of 

the Shannon river corridor. The public consultation identified an area of Beech woodland just north of 

Athlone to be as valuable. Much of the shoreline of the area is designated as an NHA, SAC and SPA. 


Development pressure is evident along the shores of Lough Ree north and south of Athlone town along the 

Shannon Callows, as well as along the small roads leading into the Callows. This is of concern not least 

because of the potential negative impact on the ecology of the flood plain, but also because of the negative 

impact such development will have on the visual amenity on the Shannon river corridor. 




• It should be an objective of the council that development along the shores Lough Ree and the River 

Shannon south of Athlone should be prohibited in order to protect the visual amenity and the 

natural habitats of the water corridor. 

The harbour and hotel amenity at Hodson Bay 




Cloonown and Shannon Callows 


This landscape character area is located on the 

southern tip of County Roscommon and is the 

flattest character area in the county. It is made up of 

mostly raised bog, a lot of which is a mix of 

reclaimed and cutover bog, as well as dry grassland 

along the shoreline with small patches of wet 

grassland in places. The western boundary is defined 

by the location where the River Suck and River 

Shannon join at Shannonbridge and by the only 

major road in the area (the R357). There is a very 

loose network of regional roads leading down into 

the Callows (grassland flooded in winter). Many of 

the smaller roads leading into the raised bog were 

built to remain above the water level in times of 

flooding, creating a causeway effect in winter 

months. In places an increasing number of dwellings 

backing onto the River Shannon is evident. Land 

along the banks of the River Shannon is protected by 

a number of nature designations. An esker ridge 

runs in an east west direction through Cornaveagh. A 

number of Scenic Views provide extended vistas 

across the River Shannon into adjoining 

counties. One view is of a particularly high 

esker in County Offaly, at Clonmacnoise. 


The Cloonown and Shannon Callows is of Very High Value due to its flood plain habitat and unique ecology. 

Its flat landform affords extended views from the River Shannon across the raised bogland landscape. 


The scenic views along the Shannon waterway are important to protect from poorly sited dwellings, farm 

buildings and other types of development. Building development along roads may also pose a risk to the 

water quality and associated habitats as flooding can reach right up to the road side in winter months. 




• It should be an objective of the council to prohibit further development in low lying areas of the 

callows in order to protect the water quality and habitats of this very sensitive landscape. 

View of the Shannon callows to the left of the road showing the flood water reaching into a 

submerged field on the right 

View to the south west across the River Shannon showing an esker ridge in County Offaly 




Suck River Source and Lough O'Flynn Boglands 


Situated in the north west of the county, the Suck 

River Source and Lough O'Flynn Boglands character 

area is a low undulating complex mix of mostly 

raised bog and fens which drain into the meandering 

River Suck, creating a subtle ‘valley’ running in an 

east west direction. Lough O’Flynn, the source of the 

River Suck, is well known for its fishing and boating 

amenity. There are a number of nature designations 

throughout the area. There are no major 

settlements in the area and apart from the N60 the 

road network is very light comprising mainly of third 

class and other smaller roads. There is a Scenic 

Route overlooking Lough O’Flynn, as well as Scenic 

Views from the lake shore. A ridge of eskers runs in 

an east west direction just north of the River Suck 

and a quarry is located very close to the south 

western shore of Lough O’Flynn. 

The overall image of the Suck River Source and Lough O'Flynn Boglands character area is of a sparsely 

populated wetland bogland landscape. 


The Suck River Source and Lough O'Flynn Boglands character area is of High Value due to its quiet wetland 

landscape offering fishing, boating and walking amenities. The scenic views around Lough O’Flynn are 

valued and should be protected from inappropriate development, especially along its shoreline. 


At present the area is very sparsely populated. However there is evidence of increasing development 

pressure around Lough O’Flynn. As this area has two designated scenic views (both of which overlook 

Lough O’Flynn), as well as nature designations, further increased development could have a negative 

impact on the visual and ecological amenity of the Lakeland. 




• It should be an objective of the council that applications for development along the shores Lough 

O’Flynn should be accompanied by a Visual Impact Statement in order to protect the visual 

amenity of the lake. 

• Design should have special regard to rural design guidelines being prepared by the council. Careful 

attention should be paid to the use of materials and colour. A natural stone colour would be 

preferred. Native tree planting should be used to soften the impact of ridgelines against the sky in 

this low lying area. 

View across Lough O’Flynn illustrating the impact of brightly coloured and poorly screened housing 

in contrast with housing that is more natural in colour and surrounded by trees. 




Castlerea and Upper Suck Valley 


Situated in the west of the county the eastern 

boundary of the Castlerea and Upper Suck Valley 

character area is defined by a subtle ridgeline which 

gently slopes and drains west into the Suck River. 

The area stretches from Castlerea in the north to 

Derryhippo River, just south of the village of 

Dunamon. The predominant land cover is dry 

grassland in elevated places with raised and 

reclaimed bog in low lying areas. Conifer plantations 

occur in pockets in the north and south of the area. 

The main settlements are Castlerea and Ballintober 

village. While built development appears to be 

evenly spread in the area there is increasing ribbon 

expansion along the third class road leading into the 

villages of Ballintober and Dunamon. The N60 cuts 

diagonally through the area linking Castlerea and 

Roscommon Town. 

The overall image of the Castlerea and Upper Suck Valley character area is of a gently undulating dry 

grassland farmland with the River Suck winding its way through to create a subtle river valley. 


The Castlerea and Upper Suck Valley character area is of High Value reflecting its river corridor landscape 

type and associated ecology and habitats. The Suck Valley Way provides quiet walking amenities much 

valued by local people. 


An increase in built development along the River Suck and the Suck Valley Way could adversely impact on 

the tranquil amenity which is the most significant feature in this landscape area, thus undermining the 

potential economy of walking tourism. 




• Where applications arise for development including alternative rural enterprise buildings and 

tourist facilities, regard should be paid to design guidelines to limit the impact on the landscape. 

View of Dunamon Castle from a bridge crossing on the River Suck 




Athleague and Lower Suck Valley 


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 

Skrine 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 land form 

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 is a proposed Scenic View just south of 

Castlecoote with extended views overlooking the 

Suck River and farmland valley. 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 and the villages of Ballyforan, Dysert 

and Taghmaconnell (north of Ballinasloe). 

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. 


The Athleague and Lower Suck Valley character area is of High Value reflecting its river corridor landscape 

type with associated ecology and habitat. 


This is generally an area where change has been and is likely to be a gentle and gradual process. Alternative 

rural enterprise is the most likely trend to emerge in this area. 




• Where any applications arise for development they should be assessed against this rural character 

with a view to protecting landscape values. 

View of Suck River from bridge in village of Athleague 

View from the outskirts of Castlecoote overlooking the gentle Suck River Valley 

‘La Tene’ stone at Castlestrange 




Suck Callows 


The Suck Callows character area is in the very 

southwestern tip of the county. Dry grassland in 

the north drains southward into large areas of 

raised bog and reclaimed raised bog and into the 

southern boundary of the River Suck. This 

southern boundary becomes a floodplain in the 

wetter months known as the Suck Callows. An 

esker ridgeline running in an east west direction 

forms a border between the dry grassland and 

the wetter areas of raised bog. There are very 

few roads and no major settlement in the LCA, 

however the R357 cuts through diagonally linking 

Ballinasloe in County Galway with Shannonbridge 

in County Offaly and it is along this route that 

ribbon development is evident. Large tracks of 

the Callows are designated as an NHA and SPA. 

The overall image of the Suck Callows character area is of a farming and bogland landscape, a significant 

portion of which is flooded in winter months. 


The Value of this LCA is High. When flooded in winter the Suck River and adjoining raised bogs become a 

valuable habitat for wintering birds. This habitat is further supported by the tranquility of the area because 

it is sparsely populated and there are very few roads. 


An increase in built development in this LCA could have a negative impact on water quality and the 

tranquility of the area and therefore undermine the nature designations in place. There are a number of 

existing small fishing lodges set well away from the shoreline hidden in hedgerows and trees. These had a 

very low impact on the landscape in contrast with the type of holiday home generally applied for in more 

recent times. 



Key Recommendation 

• It should be an objective of the council to protect the designated areas along the River Suck and the 

callows from inappropriate development. 

View from elevated ground over the Suck Callows 

View of the River Suck close to where it connects to the River Shannon at Shannonbridge 




Arigna Mountains 


This is one of the most elevated character areas in 

County Roscommon, adjoining County Sligo to the 

north. The character area comprises rolling ridges 

sloping steeply to lower ground at Lough Allen. Land 

cover comprises a mix of mountain moorland, 

exposed rock, marginal farmland and coniferous 

forests. There are scattered and clustered 

homesteads on lower elevations and a wind farm on 

higher ground. There are a number of designated 

Scenic Routes and Scenic Views in the area, 

providing an elevated panorama of rolling farmland 

down to Lough Allen. Another elevated panoramic 

view takes in extended views of the drumlin 

landscape further south towards the Kilglass 

lakelands. Located on the southern side of Kilronan 

Mountain, this view provides an elevated panoramic 

vista to the south west over Lough Skean and Lough 

Meelagh. Ribbon development occurs along the 

more elevated regional roads over looking Lough 

Allen, particularly between the two mountain peaks. 

The mountain moorland crest of Kilronan is 

designated as NHA. 

The image is one of a rugged mountain steeped in mining history and providing some of the best views in 

the county. 


The Arigna Mountains have been classified as of Very High Value because they provide elevated views to 

the east over Lough Allen and are popular with tourists not least for their rich archaeological heritage and 

the visitor centre at the disused Arigna Mines. The Miner’s Way walking route is a valuable tourist 

attraction taking in lower and higher ground, the Arigna Mines Experience and views of the area. 


Continued ribbon development in the ‘view side’ of the Scenic Routes and Scenic Views, as listed above, 

will undermine the designations and have a negative visual impact on the landscape and its attractiveness 

for visitors. Insensitively positioned and brightly coloured housing development on lower ground is very 

visible from elevated places and impacts negatively on the quality of the viewshed. 




Planning issues such as the capacity of local roads will provide a constraint on development. However 

where applications arise it should be an objective of the council to influence the design of new 

buildings to protect the scenic quality of the landscape including its historic industrialised image. The 

policy should be to require that new buildings comply with design guidelines. The issue in this character 

area would be the views from above. Where developments are not sympathetically integrated into the 

countryside, for example the early 20 th century council estate near Derreenavoggy, they detract from 

the quality of the view. It should be possible to achieve a more sympathetically integrated scheme by 

having regard to the choice of colour and materials, boundary treatment, site location and soft 

landscaping. 

Extended panorama from the Arigna Mountains to the north east overlooking Lough Allen and Slieve 

Anierin 




Lough Meelagh Drumlins 


This undulating drumlin LCA is located in the 

north of the county and is a complex mix of 

raised bog, wet grassland, under storey forest 

and scrub, as well as large areas of mature 

forestry. Two large lakes dominate to the north, 

Lough Skean and Lough Meelagh and are 

connected by the Feorish River which continues 

east into the next LCA to link with the River 

Shannon. The R285 runs along the foot hills of 

Kilronan Mountain linking the villages of Keadew 

in the south with Ballyfarnon in the north, and an 

increase in built development is evident on the 

approaches to these villages along the road. The 

R285 also runs diagonally linking the villages of 

Keadew and Knockvicar in the next LCA in the 

south. Ribbon development has not occurred 

along this route. Otherwise built development is 

spread lightly and evenly across the LCA. A Scenic 

View overlooks Lough Derrynasallagh (pictured 

below) which has naturally occurring birch 

woodland along its shoreline and extended views 

to Kilronan in the far distance. 

The image of the Lough Meelagh Drumlins character area is of a gently undulating forested drumlin 

lakeland. 


The LCA is of Very High Value. Lough Meelagh and Lough Skean and the river Feorish are valuable for their 

fishing amenity. The Historical Trail takes in the shoreline of Lough Meelagh and links up with the Miner’s 

Way on Kilronan Mountian and attracts visitors to the area. 


There is some mixed broadleaf and conifer forestry in this area. There could be more demand for forestry 

here. Also, large areas of forestry may be harvested in the next few years offering an opportunity to replant 

with regard to new guidelines advising on forestry design and landscape issues 20 . The scenic quality of the 

landscape may attract new tourist investment, for example a high quality hotel that is currently being 

developed near Lough Meelagh. 

20 Department of Agriculture and Food, Forest Service (2002) Forestry and the Landscape Guidelines 




Special consideration should be given to the landscape character of this area when applications for 

development, including forestry or tourism, are received. 

View to the north west overlooking Lough Derrynasallagh 

View to south overlooking Lough Meelagh 




Lough Key and Boyle River Network 


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. 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. 


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 it 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 Ways further north 

in the Arigna Mountains. Without doubt it is one of the most scenic area in County Roscommon and is of 

national repute. 


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 there was concern that 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. 




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. 

View from the R280 to the north east over looking Lough Key Forest Park. 




Boyle and Curlew Mountains 


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. 


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. 


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. 


Attention should be paid to existing policies that constrain sprawling development around Boyle 

Town and encourage a compact form. 

View from Curlew Mountains to the south east showing the dispersed housing around Boyle Town 




Plains of Boyle 


Although this character area is known as the Plains 

of Boyle in fact it undulates to the south east 

draining into Cavetown Lough before petering out 

into low lands where it meets a ridgeline of drumlins 

delineating the southern boundary of the LCA. In 

elevated places, particularly around Cavetown Lough 

the land cover is predominantly rolling dry grassland 

farmland with mature beech, ash and hawthorn 

hedgerows. This extends into low land areas, where 

patches of wet grassland and reclaimed raised bog 

occur. Small areas of wetland can be found along 

water courses. In the very north of the LCA, just 

south of the N4 in the Kaeloges townland a mineral 

extraction site is located in an area of heath. The 

road network in the area is very light and built 

development sparse. The Dublin-Galway railway line 

passes through the north eastern corner of the LCA. 

The overall image of this LCA is one of an elevated plateau providing lake views both to the north and 

south. 


This LCA is Moderate Value. The main feature of interest is Cavetown Lough and its adjoining water courses 

which is a relatively unspoilt and scenic. 


Overall this is a stable and mature farmland landscape. The demand for single rural dwellings is the most 

pressing issue for this LCA and there is evidence of this along the shoreline of Cavetown Lough and 

adjoining lakes. Any type of development on the lakeshore will have a negative impact on the visual quality 

of the scenic area. 




Any applications for development around the shorelines of Cavetown Lake and adjoining water 

bodies should be accompanied by a Visual Impact Statement. 

Applications for single rural dwellings in this mature rolling farmland should have special regard to 

existing hedgerow and tree cover. Applicants should plant similar native species, such as ash, 

hawthorn and beech trees to sustain the high quality hedgerow character of the area. 

View to north overlooking rolling grassland 

to north overlooking Cavetown Lough 

View 




Elphin Drumlins 


The Elphin Drumlins landscape character area is 

located in the northern half of County Roscommon. 

It is positioned to the west of the Shannon corridor 

and is defined by a low rounded ridge of high ground 

to the west, lakeland drumlins to the southeast and 

the Plains of Boyle to the north. As its title suggests, 

the overriding characteristic of this LCA is the rolling 

drumlins hills, sometimes described as a resembling 

a ‘basket of eggs’. While the drumlins in this LCA are 

not as pronounced as they are in other nearby LCAs 

(LCA 3 and LCA 4 for example), there is nevertheless 

a series of low rounded hills aligned on a northeast 

southwest axis along with a number of small lakes. 

The hills give way to a low rounded ridge to the 

west, providing some distant views. On this ridge in 

a townland known as Windmillpark is located a 

working windmill, restored by the people of Elphin. 

There is an interpretative centre at the windmill 

which provides a visitor attraction. The principal 

drainage pattern in this LCA is to the northwest in 

the direction of the Shannon corridor. The principle 

river in this LCA is the Killukin River which connects a 

number of small lakes including Corbally Lough. 

While there are some patches of raised bog 

especially in the northwest corner of this LCA, 

landcover is otherwise primarily dry grassland with 

some wet grassland found scattered particularly on 

low ground between drumlin hills. Lastly in terms of 

landcover, there are patches of coniferous 

forest in the northern section of this LCA. The 

primary settlement is the elevated and 

exposed town of Elphin which has a cathedral. 

Elphin is served primarily by the R368 which 

connects to the busier N61 located to the 

west. There is also a small but picturesque 

village located in the north of the LCA at 

Croghan. 

The overall image of this landscape character area is one of edge of drumlin belt comprising hills and lakes 

and terminating by a continuous ridge of drumlins to the south. 


This LCA is of Moderate landscape value. This landscape is strongly anthropogenic farmland landscape 

comprised of small fields and mixed broadleaf hedgerows. 


Currently it appears that the farmland is not intensively managed as evidenced by poorly maintained 

hedgerows and rush infested pasture. This trend may change. As alternative economy in construction 

declines there maybe new applications for alternative rural enterprises such as forestry, bio fuels and small 

enterprise buildings. 

The trend in this area has been for dispersed rural settlement and there is a lot of new housing along the 

roads around the village of Elphin. 




Drumlin landscapes typically have a reasonably high assimilative capacity for built development due 

to the ‘now-you-see-me now-you-don’t’ nature of the rolling landform and heavy mature 

hedgerows. Care should be taken, however, to ensure that views from elevated ground, for 

example overlooking lakes, are not marred by intrusive development. Therefore planning decisions 

should have regard to design guidelines currently being prepared by the Council. 

Wind speeds of over 8 metres per second on high ground to the west and the presence of high 

voltage line in this area may make wind turbine development commercially viable. Applications for 

development should have regard to national guidelines. 

Similarly, any applications for forestry should have regard to the forestry and landscape guidelines 

prepared by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Forest Service. 

The town of Elphin as viewed from the south 




Breedoge Bogland Basin 


This LCA is located in the northern region of County 

Roscommon, defined by the Sligo county boundary 

to the north, the general catchment of the River 

Breedoge and landcover pattern. The landform is 

one of a broad shallow basin draining to the 

northwest serving the above mentioned river and 

contained by higher ground to the west and east. 

The Breedoge River is fed in turn by other smaller 

rivers including the Mantua River and the Finasclin 

River. The Breedoge feeds the southern extreme of 

Lough Gara, providing scenic views from nearby local 

roads. Three distinct shifts of surface vegetation are 

readily apparent. In the east of the LCA, landcover 

comprises mostly wet and dry grassland complex 

with low hedgerows of hawthorn and willow. There 

is a dramatic shift to raised bog and reclaimed raised 

bog in the centre of the LCA where birch and willow 

woodland occurs along drainage channels. This 

eventually gives way to drier grassland in the 

northwestern corner where coniferous stands and 

high hedgerows flank local roads. The areas of bog 

are very extensive as can be seen from image below. 

The LCA is served by a series of regional roads (R361, 

R370 and R369) linking to the north-south national 

road (N61). The largest settlement in the LCA 

is the village of Ballinameen, located on dry 

and slightly elevated ground to the east. 

The overall image is one of a broad bogland basin draining into Lough Gara in neighbouring County Sligo. 


This LCA has been classified as Moderate in terms of landscape value. The principle feature of interest is the 

vast area of bogland in the centre of the LCA, which has intrinsic ecological qualities and is remote. There is 

a designated Scenic View located on the N61 to the east providing a broadly panoramic and elevated view 

overlooking this LCA as seen below. 


The principle forces of change in this LCA include afforestation of bogland, encroachment of rural housing 

into bogland fringes and overlooking Lough Gara as well as increased marginalisation of farmland 

particularly to the east. 




In an area where bogland predominates the best opportunity is for alternative rural enterprises. 

Where applications arise they should have regard to normal planning controls with particular 

attention to design. 

Extensive bogland of heather and grasses with distant coniferous afforestation 

Panoramic view at dusk from the N61 heading south (LCA 20 visible to right of view) 




Mullaghnashee Wet Farmland Plateau 


This LCA is located in the northwest of County 

Roscommon, defined by its relatively elevated 

position overlooking wetter areas of bogland to the 

northwest. Its landcover contrasts strongly with the 

extensive areas of bog located to the southwest. 

Landform comprises a broad elevated and rounded 

plateau sweeping gradually to lower ground to the 

north in the vicinity of Lough Gara. This area of 

raised ground climaxes at Mullaghnashee where 

elevated and panoramic views are provided of the 

surrounding landscape. The largest river in this LCA 

is the Carricknabraher River which flows northeast 

eventually connecting to Lough Gara. Landcover 

comprises a complex of raised bogland on higher 

ground near Mullaghnashee and otherwise a 

patchwork of both wet and dry grassland throughout 

the remainder of the LCA. The quality of farmland 

improves from the southwest to the northeast, with 

the lower lands north of the busy N5 comprising well 

drained pasture lands. Aside from the N5, the LCA is 

served by the R361 and a dense network of local 

roads. The principle settlement in the LCA is 

Frenchpark, a town that appears to be rapidly 

expanding. Of cultural heritage interest is 

Frenchpark Demesne located north of the N5 

and the burial place of Douglas Hyde, first 

President of Ireland in a nearby graveyard. 

The overall image of this LCA is of dry and elevated undulating farmland with pockets of cultural interest. 


This LCA is of Moderate landscape value, much like its neighbouring LCAs to the east and west. The main 

features of special value include the elevated views available from the summit of Mullaghnashee and the 

cultural heritage interest in the Douglas Hyde burial place and the adjacent Frenchpark Demesne with its 

walled estate grounds, parkland landscape and folly. The abovementioned Carricknabraher River is 

important from a fisheries perspective. 


The N5 is due to be realigned in the medium term, with route selection studies currently underway. 

Whichever direction the revised route will take, the new road will bring about significant change in the 

character of the northern end of this LCA. The likelihood is for increased demand for alternative rural 

enterprise buildings. The village of Frenchpark is currently undergoing rapid expansion and this was raised 

as an issue of concern in the focus group meetings. Care should be taken that this expansion does not 

compromise the heritage value of the parkland landscape of Frenchpark Demesne located to the west of 

the village. There is a scattering of rural dwellings elsewhere. 




Applications for new development including residential and alternative rural development should 

have regard to design guidelines. In particular policies should protect the water quality of the 

Carricknabraher River, the walled estate grounds of French Park Demesne and the scenic views at 

Fairymount. 

View north from elevated ground at Fairymount 



Roscommon LCA Area 22: 

Cloona Lough and Lung River Bogland Basin 


This landscape character area is located in the 

northwest of County Roscommon and is mostly 

defined by the catchment of the Lung River which 

drains in a northeasterly direction from a cluster of 

lakes close to the border with County Mayo. The 

largest of these lakes is Cloonagh Lough, flanked by 

Clooacolly Lough to the north, Errit Lough to the 

south and Loughglynn further to the east. This 

landscape character area is very low lying and 

without spatial relief. The Lung River slowly 

meanders its way towards Lough Gara in the 

neighbouring County Sligo. There is almost no sense 

of a valley created by the river, instead a broad 

floodplain or elongated shallow saucer. Landcover 

varies in this character area, but it is visually 

dominated in the west and east by extensive areas 

of raised bog and reclaimed raised bog. The largest 

area of bog can be found along the Roscommon 

Sligo border where the Lung River connects to Lough 

Gara. The extensive plane of bright straw coloured 

marginal grass is striking. On drier ground can be 

found a scattering of green farmland oases 

comprising both wet and dry grasslands. The N5 cuts 

through the eastern end of the LCA and the 

remainder of the area is served by regional 

and local roads. The largest settlement in this 

LCA is Loughglynn, although there is 

considerable influence from Ballaghaderreen 

located on the northern edge on the N5. 

Overall image is one of a wide river corridor feeding an extensive bogland. 


The value of this is Moderate. The Lung River and associated bogland and wetland corridors is the strongest 

asset in the area, along with the cluster of lakes found to the west. This landscape is of high nature value 

and the low lying scenery of river and lake is also of considerable interest for passive recreation as well as 

angling. The areas of bogland particularly in the east provide a rare opportunity for isolation and tranquility 

as there is very little anthropogenic influence in this area. 


The large settlement of Ballaghaderreen is exerting some influence on spread of housing into the northern 

fringes of this LCA. There is also evidence of development pressure along the regional roads and in the 

village of Loughglynn. Otherwise, the western and eastern fringes are very sparsely populated due to the 

presence of extensive areas of bogland. There has been some degree of afforestation in wet areas in the 

east of the LCA which threaten to block views of Lough Gara. 




Normal planning controls should strengthen the structure of Ballaghaderreen and protect the 

intrinsic value of the surrounding landscape and bogland ecosystem. 

The Lung River corridor is a distinctive feature in the landscape therefore care should be exercised 

not to compromise its quality through inappropriate development. In particular, there should be an 

objective to control development within the viewsheds of bridges which provide elevated views of 

the river. 

Bogland in the eastern edge of the landscape character area 

The Lung River slowly winding through low lying farmland near Ballaghaderreen 




Ballaghaderreen and Bockagh Hill Uplands 



northwestern corner of County Roscommon, defined 

to the north and west by the county boundary and 

to the southeast by the R293 which defines the 

northern edge of planar bogland surrounding the 

Lung River. The area is punctuated by Bockagh Hill 

(227m ASL), a low rounded cone-shaped hill that 

provides elevated views over the surrounding 

landscape. Landcover is extremely varied in this 

character area, comprising an intimate mix of wet 

and dry grassland on lower elevations and raised bog 

and upland blanket bog at higher elevations. There 

has also been some degree of coniferous 

afforestation at higher elevations. The character 

area drains both to the north and the south, the 

latter feeding the Lung River network. In terms of 

road networks, the N5 winds its way through a 

shallow valley connecting with the east-west R293 

and a dense network of local roads throughout. The 

largest settlement in this character area is the large 

market town of Ballaghaderreen. There is a wind 

farm in this landscape of medium spatial extent and 

some telecommunication masts near the 

summit of the hill. 

Overall image is one of a marginal upland landscape defining the gateway to Mayo and the wild landscape 

of the west of Ireland. 


This landscape is of Moderate value. The elevated Scenic Route from Bockagh Hill of the Roscommon and 

Mayo landscape provides spatial relief from the predominantly low lying landscape of much of the rest of 

the county. The intimate landscapes of small fields and stone walls to the northwest of the character area 

signal the transition from the midlands to the west of Ireland. 


The N5 is due to be realigned in the short to medium term and this is likely to bring about some change in 

the character of the landscape. The high ground at this location might attract additional telecommunication 

infrastructure as well as wind farm development. The marginal quality of the farmland at this location may 

attract additional applications for afforestation. 




Care must be exercised that elevated and panoramic views from higher ground are not lost or 

materially altered and that the value of high nature value bogland is not compromised. Any 

application for development on the down slope from the proposed Scenic Route should be 

accompanied by a Visual Impact Statement to demonstrate that the integrity of the view is not 

adversely affected. 

The intimate character of the stone wall landscape to the northwest of the character area should 

also be considered. 

Panoramic view of rolling uplands in the northwest of Character Area 23. 




Ballinlough Bogland and Esker Ridges 


This LCA is located in the very west of the county 

taking in the village of Ballinlough and the N60 along 

its northern boundary and stretches south to the 

town land of Garranlahan. The area is predominantly 

low lying with high hedgerows along roads and 

conifer shelter belts around homesteads all 

contributing to shallow depth of views across the 

landscape. Esker ridges running in a northwest 

direction is the major landscape feature and forms 

part of the southern boundary of the LCA. Slieve 

O’Flynn in the north east and the Clydagh hills in the 

west drain into the central lowland areas of raised 

bog and reclaimed raised bog. An area of raised bog 

along the county border in the town land of 

Foxborough is designated as an NHA. 

The image of this LCA is of low lying esker landscape under pressure from development. 


The landscape in this area is of Moderate Value. This area was highlighted for its esker landscape which was 

considered unusual and valuable. 


The main force of change in this character area is the partial removal of eskers for the development of 

single rural dwellings and for quarrying purposes. There is evidence of development pressure along the 

narrow third class road leading into the town of Ballinlough and the village of Garranlahan. 




Where eskers are the dominant landscape characteristic of an area, the partial removal or 

quarrying in an insensitive manner will permanently damage the visual quality of the landscape. 

The eskers in the south of this character area are clustered and vary height and length. The most 

southerly of these is the most conspicuous due to its continuous nature and high elevation. Any 

development of this esker would have a significant permanent impact on the character of the 

landscape. Any application for development should have special regard to this feature. In 

accordance with national guidelines all applications for quarrying of eskers in the area should pay 

careful attention to closure plans before work commences. 

The gorse covered esker is the main landscape feature of this LCA and is overlooked from the village of 

Garranlahan. 




Cloonfad Hills 


Situated in the very western part of the county the 

Cloonfad Hills and Esker Ridges character area is 

relatively raised dry ground in comparison to its 

neighbouring character areas. It is made up of 

generally well managed dry grassland with low 

hedgerows of hawthorn and ash as well as 

stonewalls. Small areas of raised bog and wet 

grassland occur in lower regions. An esker ridge 

delineates the northwestern boundary, while the 

R327 marks the change in landform and land cover 

to the south. Built development is quite sparse 

throughout the area, mostly occurring along the 

third class road leading into Garranlahan, the R327 

and a concentration of dwellings around the village 

of Cloonfad. Coolcam Lough in the east of the area is 

designated an NHA and an SAC, while an area of 

lowland in the west at Moigh Upper is an NHA. 

The image of the LCA is elevated pasture land with stone walls overlooking surrounding lower regions. 


The Cloonfad Hills character area is of Moderate Value. Marginalisation of farmland has in places eroded 

what is generally well maintained farmland. In places hedgerows along field boundaries have fallen into 

decline. The removal of stone walls to allow for the creation of sight lines, or where they are replaced by 

render finished walls at the entrance of single rural dwellings has undermined one of the main 

characteristics of the area. There is limited capacity for increased traffic from sporadic development on the 

narrow third class road leading into the village of Garranlahan. 


There appears to be little recent change in this area. Potential for development of the economy will depend 

on alternative rural enterprise. 




Any application for development, particularly single rural dwellings, should have special regard to 

the existing stone walls along boundaries, as well as the capacity of the road to take increased 

traffic. Due to the elevated landform of this area, any applications for development should pay 

careful attention to the softening of ridgelines of buildings against the sky through the planting of 

native species. 

Stonewalls and hedgerows have been removed in places eroding the character of the area around the 

village of Garranlahan. 




Cloonfad Bog and Upland 


Situated in the very western tip of the county the Cloonfad 

Bog and Upland character area rises in the south east at 

Slieve Dairt and slopes and drains to the northwest into 

lowlands. Coniferous plantation, understorey forestry and 

scrub dominate the uplands in the southeast, providing 

scenic walking amenities for local residents. Areas of raised 

bog, cutover raised bog and reclaimed raised bog 

characterise the land cover in lower regions. The area south 

of the village of Cloonfad isvery open and has weak 

deciduous tree and hedgerow cover, while conifer 

shelterbelts around homesteads punctuate the flat region. 

The LCA is sparsely developed, although there is 

development pressure around Cloonfad village. 

The image of the Cloonfad Bog and Upland character area is 

of open low lying wet grassland complex with elevated forest 

amenity to the south east. 


The Cloonfad Bog and Upland character area is of Moderate Value. The walking trails and views from the 

forests on Slieve Dairt are a valued amenity to the local people in the Cloonfad area. 


In lower regions, particularly in areas of reclaimed raised bogland there is a distinct lack of hedgerow 

planting along field boundaries. There may be a future trend towards development of rural enterprises and 

conifer plantations. 




All applications for development in this LCA should be viewed as an opportunity to bring cohesion 

to an area that is structurally weak in deciduous tree and hedgerow cover, especially in the low 

lying regions. In accordance with national guidelines any applications for forestry in low lying areas 

should pay careful attention to the treatment of boundaries by planting naturally occurring species 

such as ash, alder, birch and willow. Applications for single rural dwellings or rural enterprise 

developments should pay special attention to the treatment of its boundaries and where ever 

possible encourage the planting hedgerows of native and naturally occurring species such as 

willow, hazel and hawthorn. 

View across reclaimed raised bog in open low lying area south of the village of Cloonfad. 

View to the northwest from the walking trail at Slieve Dairt looking toward the village of Cloonfad. 




Castlerea Raised Bogland 


This LCA is one of the smallest LCAs in the county 

located towards the northwest of County 

Roscommon with a very striking character. The 

Castlerea Raised Bogland is predominantly a 

plateau which drops off very gradually along the 

southeastern edge to a swath of dry grassland 

providing a very strong contrast in terms of 

colour and texture. There are no major rivers in 

this LCA, however an orthogonal drain runs on an 

northeast-southwest axis before shifting at right 

angles to join to the Owennaforeeshe River. 

Landcover is greatly influenced by the dominance 

of bog, comprising almost exclusively heather 

and grass. There is very little afforestation, 

except perhaps at the outer fringes to the 

northeast and southwest. There are almost no 

houses in or around the bogland and the only 

settlement is the village of Ballangare to the 

northeast. The eastern boundary of the LCA is 

defined in the most part by the N5. Otherwise, 

the LCA is served by regional road R361 to the 

north and a local road to the south. 

This LCA has a very distinctive image of a remote, isolated and tranquil bogland. 


This landscape character area is of High value due to the extent of bogland, the sense of remoteness and 

tranquility and the contrast provided with its broad surrounds. It was mentioned by a number of attendees 

at the focus group meetings as a special place to ‘get away from it all’. The area of bogland in this LCA is 

highly valued for its natural heritage, designed as an NHA, SPA and cSAC. 


The N5 mentioned above is due to be realigned in the medium term, which could potentially involve 

shifting the axis of the road inside this LCA. It is important that appraisal of alternative routes takes into 

consideration the special quality of the core bog area as described above. There currently appears to be a 

low threat from single rural dwellings in and around the bogland itself, although some development has 

taken place towards the west. Any increase in afforestation would impact on the sense of openness. 




This landscape character area would be very vulnerable to change, especially in the central bogland area. 

Care should be taken not to permit housing that would erode the sense of remoteness and special 

tranquility that currently prevails in the central bogland. 

Panorama of extensive and remote bogland views 

Draft Roscommon County Development Plan 2014 – 2020 February 2013 Page 96



Tulsk and Rathcroghan Plateau 


This LCA is located in the centre of the northern 

half of County Roscommon and is generally 

higher and drier than the neighbouring LCAs. The 

character area rises to the summit of a hill at 

Rathkineely (161m ASL), with a slightly lower hill 

to the east at Rathcroghan Cross Roads (125m 

ASL). This landscape is also distinguished from its 

surrounds due to the visually striking 

concentration of archaeological monuments 

located therein comprising mounds ringforts, ring 

barrows, ancient roads and field systems, 

megalithic tombs, souterrains. The principle 

feature of public attraction is the large mound 

located on the west side of the N5 

Ballaghaderreen Road and located approximately 

in the centre of the overall archaeological 

complex. This site is signposted and has a small 

car park and information sign. Driving or walking 

through this LCA gives a strong impression of a 

very rich heritage, one that dates from the Early 

Prehistoric Period right the way through into the 

Early Medieval Period (AD400-AD800). It is best 

known as a major royal settlement (the seat of 

the legendary Queen Maeve). It is also described 

as a location of a great cemetery, an assembly 

site and an inauguration site of the Kings of 

Connaught. The LCA is therefore one of the most 

important archaeological and historical 

landscapes not just in County Roscommon but in 

fact on a national scale. 

The landscape here is reasonably well drained, 

comprising tightly grazed grassland with stone 

walls and low hedgerows. There are 

opportunities for long distant views, particularly 

from the ring fort at Rathcroghan as well as 

further west at Toberrory. The N5 passes through 

this LCA connecting otherwise to a network of 

local roads and farm lanes. The only settlement in 

this character area is the historical town of Tulsk 

located in the east. This town is strategically 

positioned on a major crossroads between the 

east west N5 and the north-south N61. There is a 

visitor centre there. 

The overall image of this LCA is of an ancient landscape extremely rich in heritage and full of curious and 

memorable human-made landscape features. 


This landscape is of Exceptional value and is one of just two landscapes in the entire county which have 

been classified as such. The rich archaeological heritage to be discovered in this LCA is of national 

significance and this is fully appreciated not only by scientists and academics but also by the people of 

Roscommon. In the three focus group meetings the Rathcroghan area was time and time again highlighted 

as a jewel in the Roscommon landscape. Rathcroghan is one of the four ‘royal sites’ that feature 

prominently in early Irish literature (along with Tara, Navan and Knockaulin) particularly in the epic Cattle 

Raid of Cooley, the Táin Bó Cúailgne which was intitiated there. 




The N5 is due to be realigned in the medium term and this could bring about the most significant shift in 

the character of this LCA depending upon its ultimate routing. The existing N5 passes immediately adjacent 

to several of the monuments that form the Rathcroghan archaeological complex and detracts considerably 

from the visitor experience due to the intrusion of noise and the irritation of constant traffic winding its 

way through Roscommon. When the traffic is diverted away from this road there is huge potential to 

significantly improve the quality of the experience of Rathcroghan. It is therefore essential that future 

applications for development along this road takes into account the exceptional heritage value of this area. 

Other forces of change include afforestation particularly on wetter farmland, as well as some single rural 

dwellings (although this is not as pronounced as in other parts of Roscommon). 


It should be an objective of the Council to give special recognition to the exceptional heritage value 

of the Rathcroghan archaeological complex. All applications for development within the vicinity 

should require an Impact Assessment to ensure the protection of Rathcroghan. 

There are issues of public access within the archaeological complex. It should be an objective of the 

Council to fulfill the recommendations of the Conservation Plan for the Rathcroghan Archaeological 

Complex and any subsequent reports. 

View from the Rathmore mound at Rathcroghan 

View overlooking the Carns archaeological site towards Slieve Bawn in the far distance 



View of the inauguration site for Kings of Connaught, the main Rathcroghan archaeological site. 




Strokestown Drumlin and Turlough Belt 



northern half of County Roscommon. It is a 

relatively large LCA and is defined by a series of 

rounded hills to the east, an area of high ground 

to the west at Rathcroghan and otherwise by the 

clustering of lakes and turloughs. These turloughs 

combine with the rolling drumlin hills to create 

the essence of the character of this landscape. 

The drumlin hills are aligned on a northeast to 

southwest axis and fade out to flatter ground in 

the western half of the LCA. The hills determine 

the drainage pattern which flows northeast in the 

direction of the Shannon corridor. There are 

several lakes and turloughs in this landscape and 

they combine with the low hills to create a 

distinctive and very strong character. The 

landscape changes throughout the year as the 

turloughs fill and empty, creating a very dramatic 

seasonal effect. The sight of hedgerows 

descending gradually underwater is a curiosity 

and must draw a strange look from passers-by 

not familiar with the character of this most fluid 

landscape. The pattern of drumlins also has a 

major influence on the landcover in this LCA with 

higher ground comprising mostly well drained dry 

grassland and lower ground typically comprising 

reclaimed blanket bog and wetland. This 

combination of the bright green hills and russet 

dips and valleys is striking. The largest settlement 

in this LCA is the town of Strokestown. The town 

was planned around Strokestown Park House 

(1720-1740) and is a fine example of an estate 

town. It is an impressive town not least for its 

unusually wide main street and the axial 

relationship created between the grand entrance 

to Strokestown House in the east and the 

elevated church to the west. Strokestown House 

is currently undergoing major improvement 

works and will be of significant tourist 

importance once completed. Of heritage value is 

the Famine Museum in Strokestown as well as 

the birth place of the renowned poet Percy 

French at Cloonyquin. The main street currently 

serves the N5. The other main road in this LCA is 

the R61 to the west along with the regional road 

R366 which passes close to the eastern edge of 

this area. 

Overall image of this landscape is one of a rolling wetland with a strong cultural node at Strokestown. 


This character area is of Moderate landscape value. The main features of value are planned settlement of 

Strokestown with its associated demesne developed in the 18 th century. The area is characterised by the 

amount of lakes and turloughs which are visually significant. 




The N5 is due to be realigned between Strokestown and Ballaghadereen and this could bring about 

considerable change in this LCA. The existing road currently meanders on dry ground away from lakes and 

turloughs and it is important that the new road makes the least possible impact on these special attributes 

as well as the heritage qualities of Strokestown House and grounds. Aside from this development, there is 

evidence of single rural dwelling development throughout this LCA but particularly concentrated on hills 

overlooking lakes and turloughs. 


Although the rolling landform may visually accommodate built development, the natural heritage 

value around the lakes and turloughs should constrain development. The Council should adopt an 

objective that recognises the lakeland nature of this LCA. 

It should be an objective of the Council to prepare, as part of the LAP review, a Design Statement in 

order to protect the special heritage of Strokestown. 

View of the drowned drumlin landscape 




Oran Undulating Open Farmland 


This LCA is located in the middle of County 

Roscommon, just west of Roscommon Town. It 

comprises a shallow saucer defined by low hills to 

the west, north and east. Elevation here is low 

and the land generally drains in a southerly 

direction towards the River Suck. Landform is 

very gently undulating, creating subtle hills and 

hollows, the latter of which often contains lakes 

or turloughs. The landscape here is remarkably 

open in terms of providing long distant views. 

This is especially noticeable as one travels 

between Ballymoe and Roscommon on the main 

road in the LCA, the N60. The scale of landscape 

is quite large, therefore, with open fields of tight 

low boundaries. Landcover comprises a 

combination of dry grassland throughout 

contrasting with significant patches of reclaimed 

blanket bog as well as some raised bog in the 

centre of the LCA. It is thus a landscape of 

considerable visual contrast. In addition to these 

two landcover types, there is also some degree of 

wet grassland scattered throughout. The only 

settlement of any significance in this LCA is 

Castleplunket in the north and aside from the 

N60 which travels west to east and the N61 

which passes north-south, all other roads are 

local in character. 

The overall image of this landscape is one of a very open and gently undulating farmland with occasional 

turloughs. 


This character area is of Moderate landscape value. There are a number of NHA’s in the northern part of 

the LCA, mostly concentrated around the low lying wetlands. There are some cultural features of interest in 

the area, including St. Patrick’s Well at Oran. 


In common with many areas of Roscommon, there are a considerable number of houses being built in the 

countryside in this area. There is also evidence of declining quality of farmland with the onset of rush 

particularly on wetter ground. 




Due to the open character of the area the landscape is vulnerable to the negative visual impact 

from built development. It should be an objective of the Council to assess all development with 

regard to design guidelines. 

Open farmland landscape with a large turlough in the centre of the view 




Scramoge River Basin 


This LCA is located in the centre of Roscommon, 

north of Roscommon Town. It is defined to the 

east by the highest ridge in County Roscommon, 

namely Slieve Bawn which rises to a height of 

262m ASL, to the north by a series of drumlin 

hills, to the west by a low ridge of high ground 

and to the south by landcover pattern. The 

centre of this LCA is a low basin serving the 

Scramoge River which drains in a northeasterly 

direction towards the Kilglass Lakes and onwards 

to the Shannon system. The Scramoge River Basin 

character area is thus one of the most varied of 

all the LCAs in this study concerning landform. 

The central area is a flat raised bog, surrounded 

by a series of reclaimed raised bogs. Higher 

ground is dominated by extensive areas of wet 

grassland with the ridge of Slieve Bawn being 

mostly afforested with coniferous plantations. 

This LCA also provides huge contrast in terms of 

landcover, therefore. There are no settlements in 

this LCA and the central bogland area provides an 

opportunity for tranquility and isolation. In the 

northeastern corner of this LCA, the N5 passes 

through a gap of low ground between Slieve 

Bawn and a ridge running north to Kilglass. This 

pass creates a gateway experience and is readily 

appreciable to users of the N5. Aside from this 

road, the N61 defines parts of the western 

boundary of the LCA and regional road R368 

passes to the north. 

The overall image of this LCA is one of a low river and bogland basin flanked by an elevated forest ridge. 


This LCA is of Moderate landscape value. There is one extensive NHA in the centre of the area which is of 

ecological and habitat value. 


There have been quite a number of single rural dwellings built in this LCA in the recent past, likely driven by 

the proximity to the county town of Roscommon just a short distance to the south as well as Strokestown 

to the north. On higher ground, there has been a considerable amount of coniferous afforestation and this 

is likely to gradually creep downhill as farmers consider their land use options. 




The bogland NHA would be vulnerable to any change of any kind. There may also be potential for 

wind farm development on the top of Slieve Bawn due to its elevated and exposed position. Any 

applications for wind farms in this area should be assessed with regard to the visual impact in 

accordance with the national guidelines. 

It should be an objective to direct single rural dwellings to lower ground in farmland areas where 

there are mature hedgerows which can assist in the visual integration of such change, away from 

the edges of raised bogland or higher areas of land where they would be visually intrusive. 

View to south overlooking raised bog with areas of coniferous plantation 

View to northeast overlooking reclaimed raised bog and raised bog complex, with Slieve Bawn in the 

distance 




Roscommon Town and Hinterland 


Roscommon Town is the principal town and is 

centrally located in the very heart of the county. 

Outside of the town the landcover in this area is 

mostly low lying dry grassland with some areas of 

reclaimed raised bog and forestry to the south. 

The rolling drumlin hills in the north slope and 

drain in an easterly direction in the Hind River 

which connects to Lough Ree. Skrine Hill defines 

the boundary in the south. Roscommon town 

itself has a very distinctive character and 

comprises many features of important cultural 

heritage. These include the remains of 

Roscommon Castle (on the northwestern side of 

the town) as well as the ruined Friary on the 

south eastern side of the town centre. Both of 

these features have been preserved and are open 

to the public in very pleasant settings. They 

provide not only cultural interest but are also of 

high amenity value. The castle is located in the 

context of a large public park, with lake, tree 

planting and playground and provides an 

excellent backdrop to views of the Church in the 

middle ground. Located close to the park is a well 

known turlough. There is also an important 

amenity area to the south of the town at Mote 

Park, providing walking routes in a woodland 

setting. There is a considerable amount of 

development currently taking place on the 

eastern and northeastern approaches to the 

town, involving mostly commercial buildings. The 

town is very well connected with a number of 

regional roads converging in the town. The Dublin 

to Westport railway line also passes through this 

LCA. 

The overall image for this LCA is of a nodal county town of rich cultural heritage located in the context of 

fertile farmland. 


Roscommon town and hinterland is of High landscape value. This reflects the high quality of cultural 

heritage features to be found in the town environs as described above. This classification is supported by 

the views expressed by the attendees at the project focus group meetings who demonstrated a great sense 

of pride in their county town. 


Roscommon Town is expanding. New developments and population growth bring prosperity and greatly 

improved services for the residents. However, care must be taken to ensure that applications for 

development take into consideration the protection of the built heritage of the town. Objectives set in the 

Local Area Plan for Roscommon should include the protection and enhancement of heritage features 

including those small details that enrich the streetscape. In the greater hinterland, there is a high demand 

for single rural dwellings on all approach roads. This tendency for the urban area to sprawl into the 

surrounding countryside should be resisted in accordance with national and regional policy 




The Local Area Plan should include objectives to protect and enhance the existing character of 


The setting of the town within a rural landscape is also valuable and should be protected by a 

presumption against development outside town boundaries. 

Development should only be permitted where it is of the highest quality of design and will not 

significantly adversely impact on the surrounding landscape character. 

Three views from the town are listed in the current plan and it is recommended that a fourth view 

from the entrance to the town park overlooking the turlough be listed. 

View of the Roman Catholic Church from the public park at Roscommon Town 



Roscommon Castle as viewed over the lake in the town park 





Skrine Hill and Limestone Pavement 

the above mentioned peaks. 

Situated just south of Roscommon Town in the 

centre of the county, this upland LCA is defined 

by its relative elevation compared to the 

surrounding lowlands. The landform is generally 

quite complex with hills and hollows and steep 

slopes particularly to the north. This LCA is known 

locally for its limestone pavements visible in the 

photograph below. Areas of exposed flat rock as 

well as naturally occurring and hewn rock faces 

provide strong visual contrast with to the 

otherwise softness of well drained grassy fields. 

Landcover is generally very well drained 

comprising predominantly dry grassland, with 

very small patches of wet grassland in places. The 

land cover is a result of the well drained 

limestone geology found throughout. The area is 

sparsely populated and served only by roads of 

local status. In terms of other development, there 

is a telecommunication tower located on one of 

The overall image of the area is one of a well drained and complex upland with unusual rock outcrops and 

panoramic views. 


The Skrine Hill and Limestone Pavement is of High Value reflecting the elevated panoramic views in the 

direction of Lough Ree to the east and its unique limestone pavement and rock faces. A Scenic View located 

at the crest of Moydow Hill overlooks rolling farmland, Lough Ree and Rhindoon in the distance to the east. 

Although highly regarded at a local level for its geology and flora, this area currently does not have any 

official nature designations. 


While this LCA is currently sparsely populated, a number of houses have recently been built in elevated 

positions which detract from the overall character of this otherwise rocky upland. Scrub is encroaching 

onto poorer areas of farmland which may in turn have an adverse impact on the ecology of this limestone 

area. 




Applications for development within this area should be accompanied by a visual impact statement 

recognising the high value of open views across this landscape. 

Limestone rock face, well drained grassland and scattered scrub located close to the top of Skrine Hill 




Lough Funshinagh, Stone Wall Grasslands 

and Esker Ridges 


This LCA is located south of the centre of County 

Roscommon and is one of the largest areas 

identified in the study. The landform rolls from 

north to south and is primarily dry grassland 

farmland. There is an area of low lying dry 

grassland in the south where eskers run in a 

northeast to southwest direction and make a 

significant contribution towards the overall 

character and quality of the landscape. Lough 

Funshinagh is the main landscape feature in the 

north east. Stone walls evolved as the system of 

enclosure throughout this area and in places the 

field sizes are particularly small contributing 

significantly to the landscape character and sense 

of place. There are no major settlements in this 

area and the roads in the area are generally third 

class. 

The overall image of this LCA is of a rolling stonewalled grassland landscape with a distinctive esker area to 

the south. 


This landscape is of Moderate Value. There are several locations where views are provided from local roads 

overlooking Lough Funshinagh. Lough Funshinagh is designated as an NHA and a cSAC and so is not just of 

aesthetic interest but also of high ecological quality. The other features of value in this landscape character 

area are the eskers highlighted in the description above. They are a poignant reminder of our glacial 

history and in some places hazel wood cover creates a strong aesthetic and ecological interest. 


The demand for single rural dwellings on the high ground overlooking Lough Funshinagh availing of the 

elevated panoramic views. The impact is significant and undermines the visual quality of the landscape. 

The houses in the esker belt can sometimes also create an adverse landscape impact as they may require 

the full or partial removal of the gravelly ridges. Demand for quarried stone and gravel is likely to continue. 




It is recommended that applications for single rural dwellings located between public roads and 

Lough Funshinagh be accompanied by a Visual Impact Statement. 

It should be an objective of the council to give special recognition to the esker area in LCA 34 

and the inter-related geo-morphological landscape of archaeological significance. 

In assessing planning applications for quarrying the Council will have regard to the Department 

of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Quarries and ancillary activities Guidelines 

2004 

View to southwest overlooking Lough Funshinagh from Scenic View No.22 

View to east overlooking undulating fields enclosed by stonewalls 




Brideswell Esker Belt 


running in a straight line from east to west. 


south of the county and has been defined to the 

north and south primarily on the basis of land 

cover and to the east and west primarily on the 

basis of subtle enclosure by landform. The area is 

predominantly low lying and flat with just a few 

low hills located to the west and east. The 

flatness of terrain has had a significant impact on 

drainage of the LCA, creating extensive areas of 

raised bog and reclaimed raised bog throughout. 

The predominance of bogland tends to dissipate 

towards the east of the LCA, being replaced by 

dry grassland, reclaimed raised bog and some 

patches of wet grassland. In contrast to the 

planar bogs, there are a series of ridges located in 

the northeastern end of the LCA. These eskers 

fan out from the Athlone environs to the north 

and west. Land cover in the northeastern corner 

is complex, combining a mix of both wet and dry 

environments. There are three regional roads 

which pass through this LCA and the Dublin to 

Galway railway line also passes through this LCA 

The overall image of this landscape is one of bogs and eskers experiencing localised development pressure 

from nearby urban area. 


This landscape is of moderate value. There are two areas of NHA and cSAC in the eastern part and one 

small NHA in the southwest. Castlesampson esker is in this LCA and has been identified as being of 

particular value as an NHA for its geological significance (refer to the discussion on quarrying in section 

three of this report). 


There has been considerable quarrying activity in the esker belt of this LCA, adjoining the boundary of LCA 

34. This has brought about considerable landscape change. While the quarry pits themselves might be 

screened from public roads, the dust created by vehicles emerging from the quarry is clearly evident and 

creates an adverse visual impact. 

The proximity of this LCA to the large town of Athlone brings with it pressure for development, involving 

both single dwellings as well as commercial buildings. 




It should be an objective of the council to give special recognition the esker area in LCA 35 and 

the inter-related geo-morphological landscape of archaeological significance. 

In assessing planning applications for quarrying the Council will have regard to the Department 

of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Quarries and ancillary activities Guidelines 

2004 

It is recommended that a study of the eskers in County Roscommon be undertaken to identify 

those which are most sensitive to development and to thereafter prioritise those which 

warrant protection from development. 

View overlooking an esker farmland with scrub 

View overlooking an esker farmland which has been cleared and improved 




Ballydangan Pastures 


This landscape character area is located close to 

the southern tip of the County, defined on the 

basis of land cover comprising of well drained 

farmland and contrasting strongly with 

surrounding LCAs which tend to be largely 

dominated by extensive areas of bog. This LCA is 

gently undulating, sloping very slightly from 

northwest to southeast in the direction of the 

River Shannon. The quality of farmland here is 

quite good, with just small patches of wet 

grassland located in the southwest alongside 

reclaimed bogland. The landscape is quite open 

with loose hedgerows of broadleaf species. The 

N4 passes in a southwesterly direction through 

this LCA. The status of roads is otherwise local. 

There are no large settlements in this LCA with 

crossroads settlements and scattered single rural 

dwellings located throughout. 


This landscape is of Moderate value. 


If demand for new housing continues there are likely to be many applications in this area on the approach 

to Athlone Town, in neighbouring County Westmeath. 


Applications for development in this region should comply with all the usual planning objectives 

with particular attention to design guidelines. 

View to the east along the N6 of the Ballydangan pastures 





Appendix 1: 

Map of Scenic Routes and Scenic Views 




























































Ref 

No. 

R1 

R2 

R3 

Scenic 

Route/ View 

Point 

Start of 

Scenic Route 

End of Scenic 

Route 

Start of 

Scenic Route 

Intermittent 

views 

End of Scenic 

Route 

Intermittent 

views 

Start of 

Scenic Route 

Intermittent 

views 

Existing/ 

Proposed 

Proposed 

As above 

Proposed 

As above 

Proposed 

Character 

Type 

Character 

Area 

Location 

Lough Allen 

River 

Corridor 

and Arigna 

foothills Lough Allen 

River 

Corridor As above As above 

Hills & 

Uplands 

Arigna 

Mountains 

Kilronan Mt. 

Hills & 

Uplands As above As above 

Drumlin 

Lakeland 

Lough Key 

and Boyle 

River 

Network 

Tinarinnow 

Point 

Irish Grid Direction Feature(s) Landscape of Character Assessment of County Roscommon 

Reference of view interest Forces of change Action/ Control 

Scenic route 

along R280 with 

views across 

Lough Allen and 

Slieve Anierin 

and views from Poorly managed 

R280 up to hedgerows Maintenance of 

Kilronan compromising hedgerows and thinning 

(E) 91427 

Mountain and views across of trees on lake side of 

(N) 15357 

the Arigna Mines. lake. 

road. 

(E) 93097 

(N) 13091 As above As above As above 

(E) 91427 

(N) 15357 

Elevated scenic 

route along third 

class road 

overlooking 

Lough Allen and 

Slieve Anierin. 

Development on 

view side of road. 

Planning Control 

(E) 93097 


Elevated scenic 

route along third 

class road 

overlooking 

Lough Key, it's Highly sensitive 

islands and between 

(E) 81805 

Lough Key Forest roadside & lake. 

(N) 07785 

& Activity Park. Stable landscape Planning Control 



R4 

R5 

End of Scenic 

Route 

Intermittent 

views 

Start of 

Scenic Route 

End of Scenic 

Route 

Start of 

Scenic Route 

As above 

Proposed 

As above 

Proposed 

Drumlin 

Lakeland As above As above 

Drumlin 

Lakeland 

Drumlin 

Lakeland 

River 

Corridor 

Lough Key 

and Boyle 

River 

Network 

As above 

Kilglass 

Drumlin 

Lakeland's 

Kilteasheen 

Smutternag 

h 

Carrandoe 

(E) 82000 


Scenic route 

along third class 

road overlooking 

Lough Key, it's 

islands and 

(E) 86300 

Lough Key Forest Development on 

(N) 06400 

& Activity Park. view side of road. Planning Control 

(E) 84500 


Large amenity 

area (Marina). 

Lough Boderg to 

north east. 

Gently 

Undulating. 

Conifer & broad 

leaf woodland. 

(E) 00301 

Inlets & wetland Holiday home 

(N) 90244 360° habitats. development. Planning Control 

R6 

End of Scenic 

Route 

Start of 

Scenic Route 

As above 

Existing 

view 4 

CDP 

Proposed 

new 

route 

River 

Corridor As above Sheenaun 

Drumlin 

Lakeland 

Kilglass 

Drumlin 

Lakeland's 

Carrownskeheen 

(E) 99427 

(N) 87925 306° As above As above As above 

Elevated 

panoramic scenic 

route 

overlooking 

Kilglass Lakes. Sensitive to 

(E) 98878 

Quarry spoil development on 

(N) 85180 220°-20° heaps, farmland view side of road. Planning Control 



R7 

R8 

End of Scenic 

Route 

Intermittent 

views As above As above As above Glen 

Start of 

Scenic Route 

End of Scenic 

Route 

Start of 

Scenic Route 

View No 5 

in CDP 

As above 

Proposed 

River 

Corridor 

Upper Lough 

Ree Bogland Ballyclare 

River 

Corridor As above Culliaghy 

Ballynasagg 

art 

River 

Corridor 

Mid Lough 

Ree 

Pastureland 

field patterns & 

low hills in near 

distance. 

Kilronan 

Mountain and 

Slieve Anierin in 

far distance. 

(E) 97873 

(N) 82677 230°-45° As above As above As above 

Scenic route 

along N63 with 

views to south 

(E) 00126 

over looking Development on 

(N) 69491 

Lough Ree. view side of road. 

(E) 99000 


(E) 95804 

(N) 51486 50°-160° 

Elevated, 

panoramic scenic 

route 

overlooking 

Lough Ree and 

stonewalled field 

patterns. Athlone 

and Rindoon 

archaeological 

site in distance. 

Highly sensitive 

between 

roadside and 

lake. Stable 

landscape 

Scenic route along N63 

with views to south over 

looking Lough Ree. 


End of Scenic 

Route 

As above 

River 

Corridor As above As above 

(E) 95119 

(N) 50926 220°-336° As above As above As above 

R9 

Start of 

Scenic Route 

Proposed 

Wet 

Farmland 

Cloonfad Bog 

and Upland 

Derrylahan 

(E) 53543 

(N) 69498 

Intermittent 

views from road 

Views blocked by 

forestry 

Design guidelines for 

Forestry 



to the north 

overlooking 

forest plantation 

and stonewalled 

field patterns. 

plantation 

V 1 

V2 

End of Scenic 

Route 

View Point 

View Point 

As above 

Existing 

View No 1 

in CDP 

Existing 

View No 2 

in CDP 

V3 View Point Proposed 

Wet 

Farmland As above As above 

Hills & 

Uplands Arigna Mts Cuiltygower 

Hills & 

Uplands Arigna Mts Arigna 

Drumlin 

Lakeland 

Lough 

Meelagh 

Drumlins 

Derryclare 

(E) 53057 


Elevated view of 

Lough Skean and 

rolling farmland Abandonment of 

and forestry to farmland. 

the south. Development 

Tranquil and and farm 

(E) 88353 

sparsely buildings 

(N) 14028 180°-308° populated. blocking views. 

(E) 92270 

(N) 14187 

(E) 84450 

(N) 09550 

Elevated 

panoramic view 

over Lough Allen 

and Slieve 

Anierin. Long 

distance views of 

rolling drumlins 

and farmland. 

Sheemore Hill 

and beyond in far 

distance. 

View of 

Derrynasallagh 

Lough with 

naturally 

occurring birch 

woodland and 

heath. Long 

Poor 

afforestation on 

Slieve Anierin. 

Clusters of 

brightly coloured 

houses at 

foothills of 

Arigna mines. 

Large farm 

buildings 

inappropriately 

positioned. 






mooreland ridge 

to north in 

distance. 

V4 

View Point 

Existing 

View No 3 

in CDP 



Drumlin 

Lakeland 

Drumlin 

Lakeland 

Drumlin 

Lakeland 

Lough Key 

and Boyle 

River 

Network 

Lough Key 

and Boyle 

River 

Network 

Lough Key 

and Boyle 

River 

Network 

Derryvunny 

Tinarinnow 

Point 

Drumcormic 

k 

(E) 81805 

(N) 07785 140° 

(E) 81800 

(N) 07200 

(E) 85259 

(N) 07126 210° 

Elevated, 

extended views 

over Lough Key 

Forest & Activity 

Park. Extensive 

natural 

woodland, inlets 

& islands. Castle 

on islands in 

distance. Highly 

sensitive 

landscape. 

Elevated, 

extended views 

over Lough Key 

Forest & Activity 

Park. Extensive 

natural 

woodland, inlets 

& islands. Castle 

on islands in 

distance. Highly 

sensitive 

landscape. 

View to south 

west over Lough 

Key Forest & 

Activity Park and 

islands. Intimate 

viewshed. Highly 

sensitive. 


the view side of 

the road. 

As above 

Farm 

abandonment. 



the road. 


Proposed scenic car 

park/ picnic area 




New 




V 10 

View Point 

Existing 

View 6 in 

CDP 

Hills & 

Uplands 

Drumlin 

Lakeland 

Drumlin 

Lakeland 

Drumlin 

Lakeland 

Boyle and 

Curlew 

Mountains 

Upper 

Shannon and 

Derreenannagh 

Drumlin Belt 

Elphin 

Drumlins 

Breedoge 

Bogland 

Basin 

Mocmoyne 

Cleaheen 

Boherroe 

Carrowkeel 

(E) 79334 

(N) 02792 

(E) 93912 

(N) 01866 180°-360° 

(E) 86669 

(N) 93700 

(E) 84008 

(N) 91056 

View of rolling 

farmland with 

some single rural 

dwellings and 

forest ridgeline in 

distance. 

View from Hartly 

Bridge to north 

to Slieve Anierin, 

Lough Eidin to 

the south and 

windfarm on 

Kilronan 

Mountain to the 

north west. Low 

undulating 

sparsly 

populated 

landscape in the 

foreground. 

View from third 

class road of 

undulating 

farmland with 

mature trees and 

light hedgrowes. 

Mature 

woodland in 

distance. 

Elevated view 

from N61 to west 

overlooking 

undulating 

farmland with 

Poorly screened 

and brightly 

coloured single 

rural dwellings. 


Poorly positioned 

single rural 

dwellings. 

Conifer forestry 

on raised bog. 

Abandoned 

farmland. 

Increased 

population/traffi 

c. Planning Control 


view side of road. 

Farm 

abandonment. 1 

off houses on 

wrong side of 

road. 





V 11 View Point Proposed 


Wet 

Farmland 

Dry 

Farmland 

Mullaghnashee 

Wet 

Farmland 

Plateau 

Tulsk and 

Rathcroghan 

Plateau 

Fairymount 

Hill 

Rathcrogha 

n Cross 

Roads 

(E) 67959 

(N) 88207 

(E) 79627 

(N) 84450 

mixed forest and 

woodland in 

distance. Known 

as the Central 

Plains. 

Elevated 


from reservoir of 

surrounding 

farmland 

landscape. Long 

distant views to 

the north and 

northwest. Planning Control 

View from 

Rathmore 


site. A prominent 

raised rath 

(ringfort) or 

chieftain’s Poorly sited and 

residence dating poorly screened 

from the Early rural enterprise 

Medieval Period. development. 

The site, its views Built 

and surrounding development 

landscape encroaching from 

context are the Tulsk 

highly sensitive. direction. Planning Control 







Dry 

Farmland 

River 

Corridor 

River 

Corridor 

Dry 

Farmland 

Tulsk and 

Rathcroghan 

Plateau 

Suck River 

Source and 

Lough 

O'Flynn 

Boglands 

Suck River 

Source and 

Lough 

O'Flynn 

Boglands 

Tulsk and 

Rathcroghan 

Plateau 

Rathcrogha 

n Cross 

Roads 

Cloontarsna 

Willsboroug 

h 

Carns 

(E) 80000 

(N) 83700 

(E) 58482 

(N) 81121 

(E) 58656 

(N) 78448 

(E) 83250 

(N) 78258 

Elevated 


from the 

inauguration site 

for Kings of 

Connaught, the 

main 

Rathcroghan 


site. The site, its 

views and 

surrounding 

landscape 

context are 

highly sensitive. 


class road across 

Lough O'Flynn. 

View from 

carpark across 

Lough O'Flynn. 

Flat wetland 

habitat. Sparsely 

populated. 

Elevated 


from Carns 


site overlooking 

the surrounding 

undulating 

Poorly sited and 

poorly screened 

rural enterprise 

development. 

Built 

development 

encroaching from 

the Tulsk 

direction. 


view side of the 

road and close to 

the shoreline on 

the far side of 

the lake. 


the far side of 

the lake. 

Development 

encroaching from 

the Tulsk 

direction. 










Dry 

Farmland 

Dry 

Farmland 

Hills & 

Uplands 

Roscommon 

Town and 

Hinterland 


Town and 

Hinterland 

Skrine Hill 

and 

Limestone 

Pavement 


Town 


Town 

Knockmean 

e 

(E) 87226 

(N) 64685 

(E) 87684 

(N) 63912 

(E) 89194 

(N) 57705 

stonewalled 

farmland 

landscape with 

mature trees and 

hedgerows. Long 

distance views of 

Slieve Bawn to 

the south east. 

View of 


Castle and 

turlough. 

View in 


Town 

Elevated views of 

surrounding 

stonewall 

farmland 


Lough Ree in 

distance. 

Encroaching 

development. 

Encroaching 

development. 

Poorly located 

and poorly 

screened single 

rural dwellings. 






River 

Corridor 

River 

Corridor 

Mid Lough 

Ree 

Pastureland 

Athleague 

and Lower 

Suck Valley 

Mountplunk 

ett 

Creemully 

and 

Aghagad 

Beg 

(E) 96404 

(N) 56785 

(E) 80477 

(N) 61889 

View over Lough 

Ree from crest of 

hill along third 

class road. 

View from R366 

overlooking Suck 

River and low 

undulating 

farmland. 

Holiday home 

development. 



the road. 









Dry 

Farmland 

River 

Corridor 

River 

Corridor 

River 

Corridor 

Lough 

Funshinagh, 

Stone Wall 

Grassland 

and Esker 

Ridges 

Cloonown 

and Shannon 

Callows 

Cloonown 

and Shannon 

Callows 

Suck Callows 

Lisfelim, 

Inchiroe and 

Gortfree 

Bunua 

Cunna 

Curraghnab 

oll 

Sugarloaf 

Hill 

(E) 94585 

(N) 50016 

(E) 03444 

(N) 34618 

(E) 02647 

(N) 32317 

(E) 94779 

(N) 25030 


class road 

overlooking 

Lough 

Funshinagh and 

mature 

woodland on the 

opposite side of 

the lake. 



the Shannon 

callows. 



the Shannon 

callows and esker 

ridge in County 

Offaly. 



the road and 

along the 

shoreline on the 

opposite side of 

the lake. 



the road. 



the road. 




Elevated view 

from third class 

road overlooking 

the Shannon 

callows to the 

south/southwest, 

with undulating 

farmland and 

mature trees. 

View to 

north/northwest 

overlooking flat 

raised cutover 

bog. Stable landscape Planning Control 




Dry 

Farmland 

Plains of 

Boyle 

Cloonshaghan 

(E) 83558 

(N) 97161 



Cavetown Lough 

and wetland 

habitat. A stable 

farmland 


mature 

hedgerows and 

trees. 

Brightly coloured 

and poorly 

screened single 

rural dwellings 

close to lake 

shore. 






Appendix 2: 

Minutes of Stakeholder Consultation Meetings 





COMMUNITY CONSULTATION AS PART OF THE ROSCOMMON 


Focus Group Meetings held on the 7 th , 8 th and 21 st of February 2007 

Unless otherwise stated the views and opinions reported below are those of the focus group attendees and 

do not reflect the opinions of either Roscommon County Council or the consultants. 

Three focus group meetings were held in both the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon Town and King House, Boyle 

as part of the public consultation process for the Roscommon Landscape Character Assessment. Two of the 

meetings comprised of representatives from community groups and individual members of the public. The 

third meeting was made up of representatives from statutory agencies and other interested interest 

groups. In total 53 people attended the three events. 

The meetings comprised of a short introduction and a slide show by MosArt and then group work and 

discussion. The attendees were divided into groups of approximately five to six people and asked to map 

Landscape Value. Discussion then followed on Forces of Change in the landscape such as one-off housing, 

wind farms, quarries, forestry and farm buildings. Attendees had the opportunity to air their views on these 

types of development and the impact they might have on the landscapes of Roscommon. The main points 

under each heading are highlighted below. 

1. OVERALL CONCLUSION OF FOCUS GROUP MEETINGS 

A summary of the key issues raised at each of the focus group meetings under the topics of Landscape 

Value, One-off Housing, Wind Farms, Quarries and Forestry are summarised as follows: 

1. The ecology, water quality, elevated scenic places, tranquil places and archaeological sites are all 

very highly valued by the people of Roscommon. The County’s strongest assets are it’s quiet 

tranquil landscapes and built heritage and these should be positively exploited for their tourism 

potential and for the benefit of the people of the county. 

2. Eskers are valuable and important and are in need of protection from over quarrying. 

3. Bogs are highly regarded, providing valuable opportunities for isolation and tranquillity with 

tourism potential for walking routes. 

4. Turloughs and Callows are considered valuable areas for wintering bird populations and are 

therefore sensitive to development. They are also regarded with pride as part of the defining 

character of County Roscommon. 

5. One-off housing is generally regarded as acceptable in rural areas if character specific design 

guidelines are introduced and implemented by the County Council. These guidelines should 

address the architectural vernacular, scale and siting of development, screening and replanting of 

native species. 

6. Tax incentives that encourage large scale developments in small towns and rural areas are 

perceived to have had a negative impact on local communities and the environment. 

7. Wind Farms are widely accepted as a positive development and do not have a negative visual 

impact on the landscape. Appropriate siting and design in response to local character is 

important. 

8. Afforestation is generally not considered a major issue for the people of Roscommon. However, 

they could provide greater opportunities for amenity and nature if there was a lesser reliance on 

coniferous afforestation. 

9. More native tree planting is needed in the county to encourage biodiversity and visually improve 

rural and urban areas. 

10. Poor public access to amenity and archaeological sites is perceived to be a major issue for tourism 

potential and the people of Roscommon. 


2. ASSESSMENT OF LANDSCAPE VALUE 


When asked to identify the landscapes considered most valuable to focus group attendees a wide variety of 

areas were identified. Some identified ‘types’ of landscapes and others identified actual areas as being 

valuable. There was some overlap from group to group when identifying valued landscapes of a large scale. 

However other smaller scale landscapes were also identified by individual groups. A summary of the 

comments is provided below. 

2.1 ECOLOGY 

“Roscommon is a ‘schizo’ landscape, flooded in winter 

and dry in summer” 

• Eskers are considered to be very sensitive and therefore of very high landscape value. 

• Bogs are valued due to their beauty and isolation. Blanket Bogs provide better flora and fauna 

diversity than raised bogs, whereas it is perceived that Cut Bogs have greater tourism potential. 

Examples of beautiful wetland and bog areas are to be found in Castlerea and Ballyhaunis. The 

heath lands and wetlands in the east of the county are also special. 

• The upper Shannon system is seen as valuable for its fishing and wetland habitats. As an example of 

this, Lough Ree and Lough Allen pollen populations were highlighted as very important and should 

be protected. Concern for wildlife along the Shannon was expressed in connection with recent tax 

incentives for marinas. The River Hind was also mentioned as important as a feeder river for Lough 

Ree and the Suck Valley is regarded as a natural heritage area with great walks. 

• There is a wetland landscape between the areas of Ballygalda, Ballinturly, Carrowstellan, 

Carrowkeel and Stonepark near Roscommon Town. These areas are ecologically connected when 

the water table is high and are perceived to be vulnerable from farm pollution. Furthermore, the 

cluster of turloughs around the Castleturlough are very unique. 

• Ballinturly SCA was highlighted for the wintering geese and swans (population of approx 300), 

which are visible from the Athleague road. 

• Limestone pavement in the Skrine area to the south of Roscommon Town is unique and is visually 

similar to the Burren with similar rare flora. However this area needs to be designated as it has 

recently come under development pressure. 

• The bluebells growing in the woodlands near Cootehall are spectacular. 

2.2 BUILT HERITAGE 

• Roscommon should positively exploit the wealth of built heritage in the county, not only for the 

benefit of tourists but to raise awareness and sense of pride in the people of County Roscommon 

proud. 

• The Rathcroghan archaeological monuments are of national importance. However access is very 

poor and there was a suggestion that the Government should acquire the land should it become 

available. 

• The medieval site in Tulsk was also highlighted as important and the nearby town of Elphin is of 

special heritage value as it was once an ancient Cathedral City. 

• Boyle is special due to its built heritage as is Athleague which has lots of parks which are rich in 

wildlife and pleasant walks which need further development. Related to this, the built heritage in 

and around Roscommon Town is very special (especially Roscommon Castle); however the more 

recent commercial development trends in the town are causing some considerable concern. If the 

Mart is moved out of the market square it is felt that Roscommon Town will loose its rural 

character. 



• Between Lecarrow and Lough Ree areas there are many examples of intact but abandoned 

historical monuments, mills and canals which are in need of care and investment. The nearby 

Rindoon archaeological site is highly regarded but again but the issue of poor access was raised. 

• Ballintubber Castle is important and should be protected and Mote Demesne is the ‘Jewel’ of the 

county providing a very valuable amenity in terms of walking. 

2.3 TOURISM POTENTIAL 

• It is felt that County Roscommon will never attract big industry so it is very important therefore to 

positively exploit the built and natural heritage of the county for tourism potential. 

• Lough Key Forest Park and surrounding scenic landscape are highly regarded and the many 

important views between Lough Key and route through the Curlew Mountains to Sligo should be 

protected. The issue of locals having to pay for entry into the park is of some concern and the 

increase of water sports in the area needs to be policed better as it is impacting on the sense of 

tranquillity. 

• The waterways of Roscommon are valuable for their scenic quality (including views from 

waterways), habitats, bridges and old structures and islands on Lough Ree were highlighted for 

their tourism potential (views to the islands and the archaeology on the islands). Lough O’ Flynn 

was mentioned by several attendees for its fishing, scenic views and woodlands. The Lung River and 

wetlands are also reputedly great for fishing. The perceived limited access to Lough Ree needs to 

be addressed and the Suck Callows are sensitive and therefore valuable for tourism. Lough 

Fuinshinagh is beautiful but its quality is fast being eroded. 

• The Dublin/Sligo railway line provides a scenic journey through County Roscommon and is a highly 

recommended trip (especially in winter). There are good views to the North from Fairymount near 

Frenchpark and long distance views from Slieve Bawn. The views around the Kilglass area are also 

highly regarded and there are long distance views from Skrine Hill near Roscommon Town due to 

the surrounding low lying landscape. There are also fantastic skyscapes in this area. There was 

general agreement that all elevated areas in the county should be protected as they provide good 

views (due to the surrounding low landscape). 

• The Arigna area is valuable for its fishing (Lough Allen), walking and megalithic tombs and its mining 

heritage is important for tourism. 

• Forestry around the Cloonfad area has great walking potential and the Suck Valley Way is also 

important for walking and wildlife. The Mount Talbot forest also has tourism potential. 

• Roscommon Town is regarded as a heritage town with good Eco-tourism potential, as is 


• The warrior statue on the Sligo road is a strong landmark. There are many opportunities like this for 

sculpture around the county, as it draws attention to an area and gives people a reason for 

stopping. 

• One individual expressed concern that the name Roscommon did not do justice to the county as it 

made the place sound ‘common’. There was general agreement that people would have more pride 

if they used the original Irish name Ros Comáin, meaning ‘Coman’s Wood’, as it emphasised the 

heritage of St. Coman who founded a monastery in the 6 th century. Another individual pointed out 

that when driving from Longford to Lanesborough there is no obvious ‘entrance’ or gateway to 

County Roscommon, but instead an ugly industrial landscape is your first impression. 

• The light quality in County Roscommon is very special with low light pollution at night also. The 

light reflection on lakes and rivers is unique. There is astrological interest in the Curlew Mountains 

area. 

• Areas of stonewall character are valuable to tourism. 


3. CONSIDERATION OF FORCES OF CHANGE 

3.1 ONE-OFF HOUSING 


The issue of one-off housing initiated a lot of debate within and between the groups. At times the debate 

brought in wider discussions about the planning system in general. There was considerable unease about 

the impact of larger developments as well as one-off housing in the landscape. Concerns about housing 

development included the visual and environmental impact on the landscape, as well as the perceived 

negative impact that tax incentives are having on communities and development in Roscommon generally. 

“Nowadays you can’t build small” 

3.1.1 Building in Rural Areas 

• It is generally felt that people who work on the land should be able to build on their land and live 

close to where they work. It was also generally agreed that sons and daughters building on family 

land was sustainable, but that there is a need to limit the amount of homes built on family land. 

Some degree of development in rural places is necessary - otherwise these areas will go into 

decline. 

• In general there is no difficulty with ‘outsiders’ moving into an area. The problem tends to be the 

type of house they want to build. Some types of houses are visually inappropriate for the 

landscape. Some attendees felt that there should be no restriction on building of one-off housing in 

the countryside, but that strict guidelines concerning design should be adhered to fully. 

• It was felt that many new housing developments are too individualistic in design and that the 

traditional way of positioning houses on site was best i.e.: houses nestled into the landscape for 

shelter, with communities living in clusters. It was agreed by attendees at all of the focus group 

meetings that there is need for Rural Design Guidelines similar to those produced by Cork for 

integrating housing in rural areas. This is especially important in ‘cultural landscapes’. 

• The removal of hedgerows for new houses is considered to be a big problem. The groups felt it 

should be a condition of planning in County Roscommon that people replant a certain amount of 

native species on their site and that a bond type system should be implemented by Roscommon 

County Council. Energy efficient houses should be encouraged in the planning process, including 

houses that incorporate energy generation (like wind turbines). There is a perceived potential for 

developing sheep’s wool commercially as an insulation product for the building industry. 

• Scenic, elevated areas close to urban centres are most at threat from what is regarded as 

inappropriate one off housing development. Housing development should not be permitted in 

isolated bogs as it can have a negative impact on the tranquillity, flora and fauna of the area. 

3.1.2 Building in Urban Areas 

• Large private ‘gated’ schemes are perceived to be destroying small towns such as Tulsk and 

Cootehall. 

• Strokestown is commercially decimated; “you can no longer buy a pair of shoes in the town”! 

• Some individuals felt that new development should be concentrated around villages and not in 

rural areas. Attendees felt new developments should be built with local materials and should be in 

keeping with the local vernacular architecture. Furthermore, housing development should not be 

permitted close to Old Houses or Castles. 

3.1.3 Impact of building on Water Quality 

• There was a perception held by some that developments are granted permission without adequate 

water treatment provision. There were also genuine concerns from fishing groups regarding the 

negative impact of poorly sited housing development on or nearby watercourses. 



• There was concern about the negative impact of building development along feeder streams to the 

Shannon and Lough Ree. Buffer zones restricting development along rivers are needed. 

3.1.4 Tax Incentives Schemes 

• The tax incentives in North West Roscommon are seen to be perpetuating a culture of over 

speculation with houses being bought for investment (buy-to-let) instead of homes. In some places 

it appears that it is easier to get planning permission for ten houses rather that one. 

• Tax incentives in the Shannon Callows South of Athlone is a concern as it is considered a sensitive 

area (wintering birds were mentioned). 

3.2 WIND FARMS 

“A tree makes more noise than a wind turbine” 

“Turn off the oil!” 

• There is generally a favourable impression of wind farms in the Roscommon landscape. Most focus 

group attendees commented on how ‘beautiful’ and ‘elegant’ wind turbines appear and that in 

some areas wind farms have become features in the landscape. To some wind farms look exciting 

and are a sign of progress and that the appearance of wind farms doesn’t matter as they are 

necessary. It is good to see power being generated locally wind energy projects are considered as 

‘power without pollution’. 

• It is felt that wind farms are not harmful to tourism and that they are most suited to large scale 

landscapes with rolling hills (even in scenic landscapes) as they do not dominate in such locations. 

However they are not suitable in enclosed type landscapes or near archaeological sites. Landscape 

sale is therefore very important when siting a wind farm. 

• Others expressed strong dislike to wind farms, some expressing concerns about the colour of the 

wind turbines. It was commented that wind farms may ‘look’ clean, but the subsequent 

underground cables and access roads are often overlooked. Some people say that light flicker is an 

issue for those who live beneath wind turbines and the power lines (and their location) required to 

connect to the national grid can be a problem. 

• From a fisheries point of view there are some concerns regarding the construction of wind turbines. 

Runoff on elevated sites can be destabilising and may pose a risk to nearby rivers and lakes. The 

landslide (and subsequent fish kill) at Derrybrien in Mayo was quoted as an example. 

3.3 QUARRIES 

“Eskers were the highways of the past; perhaps they will 

also be the highways of the future…” 

• Great care should be exercised that the esker landscape is not “flattened”, which is what reportedly 

happened in Kiltimagh, County Mayo. It was considered that deep excavation quarries are 

preferable to the quarrying of eskers because they can be filled-in afterwards. The quarrying of 

eskers is regarded as undesirable as it results in the removal of an entire micro landscape. An 

alternative to the removal (quarrying) of sand and gravel from eskers was proposed, namely stone 

crushing. An argument was put forward that quarrying of eskers is therefore unnecessary. 

• There was a lot of concern regarding the reopening of old quarries, including those for extracting 

valuable limestone. Development of quarries can lead to heavy duty trucks driving through scenic 

areas. Noise and dust are also a concern. 



• There were fears regarding retrospective granting of discharge licences to pre 1964 1 quarries in 

relation to potential limited capacity of some watercourses to adequately dilute the discharge. 

• At present some eskers and turloughs are protected under the National Monuments Acts as they 

form part of old roads and pathways. However according to one attendee, the DoEHLG are 

considering removing old roads and pathways from the Record of Monuments and Places which 

will leave these landscapes open to development. 

• The groups expressed caution generally in relation to quarries, but also recognised the pragmatic 

need to quarry for building materials. On a positive note, there was a suggestion that disused deep 

extraction quarries are a potential bird and flora habitat sites and could be developed as such. 

There was also a proposal that used hardcore and rubble from building sites should be returned to 

quarries for recycling. 

3.4 FORESTRY 

“Forestry is necessary because some land 

is not much good for anything else” 

• The groups did not express any major concerns in relation to forestry in County Roscommon. They 

did, however, feel that there was a need for more planting of native species and tree planting in 

general in urban areas. Turloughs and other nature areas should not be afforested and it is also 

important that scenic views are not blocked by afforestation. 

• The perceived poor quality of coniferous plantations is an issue as it is felt that they are too dense. 

There was a suggestion that if the trees were spaced to allow light to reach the forest floor that 

these forests would support more plant life and increase biodiversity. It was proposed that 

measures be taken to better manage clear felling as the result is regarded as unsightly on the 

landscape. There was general concern regarding the dominance of coniferous plantations in 


• A tree culture needs to be fostered in the county and there is a need for more native tree planting 

generally. The mature broadleaf trees that exist today around old demesnes where originally 

planted as a result of a grant scheme. Similar grant schemes would encourage planting of broad 

leaf trees and ensure continuity of parkland landscapes. Hedgerows are being lost to development 

and hedgerow planting would help to increase biodiversity. It is felt that more Tree Preservation 

Orders need to be put in place to protect existing trees. 

• The county should be maintained as a GM Free zone when it comes to forestry and bio-energy 

crops. 

3.5 OTHER ISSUES RAISED 

At each meeting other landscape issues were raised by attendees that did not form part of the agenda as 

set out by the Consultants. 

“The three landscape issues are: 

Access, Access and Access!” 

1 

Section 261 of the 2000 Planning and Development Act requires registration of quarries and at this stage a quarry could 

be registered and conditions imposed for pre-1964 quarries 



Access 

• Access for boat users along rivers in areas of low population is reportedly poor, with few services 

available. There is a need to balance the quiet and peaceful nature of these places on one hand, 

but also the provision of services in these places is important 

• Access for tourists to archaeological landscapes (Rathcroghan, Rindoon) is very poor. Also, old 

roads and pathways are inaccessible. The litigation concerns of farmers are preventing tourism 

opportunities. 

• Farmers who availed of grants to develop and maintain walking routes on their land are now 

caught in a situation where they now find it difficult to get planning permission for housing 

development on these routes as a right of way has been established. 

• When the County Council indemnified the Suck Valley Way access to the area was improved. Other 

important areas such as Rathcroghan archaeological sites should also be indemnified to improve 

access. 

Built Heritage 

• Stone walls are generally considered valuable to tourism and provide character to an area. 

• Tourism tends to focus on large developments like Strokestown House. However, Roscommon 

should focus on developing smaller attractions and sites as there are many examples in the county 

and these could provide a unique tourist experience. 

Land Drainage 

• Drainage works in the area North of Athlone is a concern due to the impact it could have on 

flooding of the Shannon in the area

1- Landscape Character - Front Cover - Roscommon County Council

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