What is landscape character Assessment - Roscommon County ...

Roscommon County Council 

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT 

OF 

COUNTY ROSCOMMON 

June 2008 

By

Section 1: 

Table of Contents 

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT OF COUNTY ROSCOMMON 

1 

1.1 The Brief 1 

1.2 What is Landscape Character Assessment? 1 

Section 2 : OBJECTIVES AND GUIDELINES 6 

2.1 Introduction 6 

2.2 Opportunities Presented by the Unique 

Landscape Character of County Roscommon 6 

2.3 Consideration of General Landscape Objectives 7 

2.3.1 Influences 7 

2.3.2 Objectives 9 

2.4 Development Controls to Ameliorate Landscape 

Constraints and Facilitate Sustainable 

Development 10 

Section 3 LANDSCAPE APPROACH TO BUILT DEVELOPMENT 13 


3.2 Housing 13 

3.2.1 Housing in Existing Settlements 13 

3.3 Rural Buildings and Alternative Enterprise 

Proposals 17 

3.4 Quarries 18 

3.5 Wind Farm Development 20 

3.6 Forestry and Bio-fuels 23 

Section 4 LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT STUDY 28 


4.2 GIS Analysis and Desk Study Mapping 

of County Roscommon 28 

4.3 Landscape Character and Values Mapping 39 

4.4 Detailed Landscape Assessment 44 

Appendices 

APPENDIX 1: Map of Scenic Routes and Scenic Views 

APPENDIX 2: Minutes of Stakeholder Consultation Meetings

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 

Landscape Character Assessment of County Roscommon June 2008 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 inthe-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. 

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. 


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. 


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. 


4. 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. 

5. 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. 

6. 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. 

7. 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. 

8. 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. 

9. 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. 

10. 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. 

11. There are opportunities to improve degraded areas with potential to develop an 

economy of small scale rural enterprise and tourism. 

12. 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). 

13. 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’. 

14. 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 

15. 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 bioenergy 

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 geomorphological 

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 

Sustainable 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 new County 

Development Plan 2008 – 2014 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 

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. 

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 

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. 

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. 


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. 

Figure 1: 

Examples of vernacular architecture in Roscommon 

12 

See Appendix 1 

13 

Ibid 


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 bioenergy 

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 last 5 years, must register with the planning authority. 

Quarries which had not previously obtained planning permission may also be required to 

undergo environmental impact assessment and to apply for planning permission where there 

area is greater than 5 ha or where they are situated in designated sensitive areas where their 

continued operation would have significant effect on the environment. 

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 scale of future 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 and N4 which both pass through Roscommon and which are due 

for realignment in the short to medium term. 

Issues 

A number of issues regarding quarries were raised during public consultation. 

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. 

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 geomorphological 

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. 

14 

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


Topsoil and subsoil should be stored separately after surface clearance to facilitate reuse 

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 after-care 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 

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 


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 Roscommon. 

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 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. 

16 

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


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 communitybased 

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 2005 shows that nearly 20,000 ha of forestry has been planted, representing 8% 

of the total land cover in the County (Landcover Map of Landscape Character Areas in 

Section 4). Some 11,000 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 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 eco-system. 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. 

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. 


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 such as 

ash 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 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, road-making, bridges and 

culverts, and harvesting. 

3. 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. 

4. 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. 

5. 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 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 should 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 

Coillte. 

Century): Trees planted as part of grant schemes or by 

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 Character Areas 

‣ 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 

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. 

Landscape Value 

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 


Roscommon LCA 2: 

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) 


Roscommon LCA 3: 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 Carrick-on-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 Carrickon-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” 


Roscommon LCA 5: 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 


Roscommon LCA 6: 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 


Roscommon LCA 7: 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 


Roscommon LCA 8: 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 periurban 

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 


Roscommon LCA 9: 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 

View to north overlooking Cavetown Lough 



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 


Roscommon LCA Area 23: Ballaghaderreen and Bockagh Hill Uplands 


This landscape character area is located in 

the 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 

is very 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 



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 


This landscape character area is located 

in the 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. 

Recommendations 

‣ 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 LCA Area 32: 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 Roscommon Town. 

‣ 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 cathedral from the public park 


Roscommon Castle as viewed over the lake in the town park 




Skrine Hill and Limestone Pavement 

of 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 

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 

112 



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. 


113 

‣ 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 



in the 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 

running in a straight line from east to west. 

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 



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 

River 

Corridor 

Character 

Area 

Lough Allen 

and Arigna 

foothills 

Location 

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 

Reference 

(E) 91427 

(N) 15357 

(E) 93097 

Direction 

of view 

Feature(s) of 

interest 

Scenic route 

along R280 with 

views across 

Lough Allen and 

Slieve Anierin 

and views from 

R280 up to 

Kilronan 

Mountain and the 

Arigna Mines. 

Forces of 

change 

Poorly managed 

hedgerows 

compromising 

views across 

lake. 

(N) 13091 As above As above As above 

Elevated scenic 

route along third 

class road 

overlooking 

(E) 91427 

Lough Allen and Development on 

(N) 15357 

Slieve Anierin. view side of road. 

Action/ Control 

Maintenance of hedgerows 

and thinning of trees on lake 

side of road. 

Planning Control 

(E) 93097 


Elevated scenic 

route along third 

class road 

overlooking 

Lough Key, it's Highly sensitive 

islands and between roadside 

(E) 81805 

Lough Key Forest & lake. Stable 

(N) 07785 

& Activity Park. landscape Planning Control 

End of 

Scenic Route 

Intermittent 

views 

As above 

Drumlin 

Lakeland As above As above 

(E) 82000 

(N) 05500 As above As above As above

R4 

Start of 

Scenic Route 

Proposed 

Drumlin 

Lakeland 

Lough Key 

and Boyle 

River 

Network 

Kilteasheen 

(E) 86300 

(N) 06400 

Scenic route 

along third class 

road overlooking 

Lough Key, it's 

islands and 

Lough Key Forest 

& Activity Park. 

Development on 

view side of road. 


R5 

End of 

Scenic Route 

Start of 

Scenic Route 

As above 

Proposed 

Drumlin 

Lakeland As above Smutternagh 

River 

Corridor 

Kilglass 

Drumlin 

Lakeland's 

Carrandoe 

(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 

End of 

Scenic Route 

Intermittent 

views As above As above As above Glen 

(E) 99427 

(N) 87925 306° As above As above As above 

Elevated 

panoramic scenic 

route overlooking 

Kilglass Lakes. 

Quarry spoil 

heaps, farmland 

field patterns & 

low hills in near 

distance. 

Kilronan 

Mountain and Sensitive to 

(E) 98878 

Slieve Anierin in development on 

(N) 85180 220°-20° far distance. view side of road. Planning Control 

(E) 97873 

(N) 82677 230°-45° As above As above As above

R7 

R8 

Start of 

Scenic Route 

End of 

Scenic Route 

Start of 

Scenic Route 

View No 5 

in CDP 

As above 

Proposed 

River 

Corridor 

River 

River 

Corridor 

Upper Lough 

Ree Bogland 

Mid Lough 

Ree 

Pastureland 

Ballyclare 

Corridor As above Culliaghy 

Ballynasaggar 

t 

(E) 00126 

(N) 69491 

(E) 99000 

Scenic route 

along N63 with 

views to south 

over looking 

Lough Ree. 




Elevated, 

panoramic scenic 

route overlooking 

Lough Ree and 

stonewalled field 

patterns. Athlone Highly sensitive 

and Rindoon between roadside 

(E) 95804 

archaeological and lake. Stable 

(N) 51486 50°-160° site in distance. landscape 

Scenic route along N63 with 

views to south over looking 

Lough Ree. 


R9 

End of 

Scenic Route 

Start of 

Scenic Route 

As above 

Proposed 

River 

Corridor As above As above 

Wet 

Farmland 

Cloonfad 

Bog and 

Upland 

Derrylahan 

(E) 95119 

(N) 50926 220°-336° As above As above As above 

Intermittent views 

from road to the 

north overlooking 

forest plantation Views blocked by 

(E) 53543 

and stonewalled forestry 

(N) 69498 

field patterns. plantation Design guidelines for Forestry 

V 1 

End of 

Scenic Route 

View Point 

As above 


View No 1 

in CDP 

Wet 

Farmland As above As above 

Hills & 

Uplands Arigna Mts Cuiltygower 

(E) 53057 


Elevated view of 

Lough Skean and 

rolling farmland 

and forestry to Abandonment of 

the south. farmland. 

Tranquil and Development and 

(E) 88353 

sparsely 

farm buildings 

(N) 14028 180°-308° populated. blocking views. Planning Control

V2 

View Point 


View No 2 

in CDP 

V3 View Point Proposed 

V4 

View Point 


View No 3 

in CDP 


Hills & 

Uplands Arigna Mts Arigna 

Drumlin 

Lakeland 

Drumlin 

Lakeland 

Drumlin 

Lakeland 

Lough 

Meelagh 

Drumlins 

Lough Key 

and Boyle 

River 

Network 

Lough Key 

and Boyle 

River 

Network 

Derryclare 

Derryvunny 

Tinarinnow 

Point 

(E) 92270 

(N) 14187 

(E) 84450 

(N) 09550 

(E) 81805 

(N) 07785 140° 

(E) 81800 

(N) 07200 

Elevated 

panoramic view 

over Lough Allen 

and Slieve 

Anierin. Long 

distance views of 

rolling drumlins 

and farmland. 

Sheemore Hill 

and beyond in far 


View of 

Derrynasallagh 

Lough with 

naturally 

occurring birch 

woodland and 

heath. Long 

mooreland ridge 

to north in 


Elevated, 

extended views 

over Lough Key 

Forest & Activity 

Park. Extensive 

natural woodland, 

inlets & islands. 

Castle on islands 

in distance. 

Highly sensitive 


Elevated, 

extended views 

over Lough Key 

Forest & Activity 

Park. Extensive 

natural woodland, 

inlets & islands. 

Castle on islands 


Poor afforestation 

on Slieve Anierin. 

Clusters of 

brightly coloured 

houses at 

foothills of Arigna 

mines. 

Large farm 

buildings 

inappropriately 

positioned. 


the view side of 

the road. 

As above 




Proposed scenic car park/ 

picnic area

Highly sensitive 



New 




Drumlin 

Lakeland 

Hills & 

Uplands 

Drumlin 

Lakeland 

Drumlin 

Lakeland 

Lough Key 

and Boyle 

River 

Network 

Boyle and 

Curlew 

Mountains 

Upper 

Shannon 

and 

Derreenannagh 

Drumlin Belt 

Elphin 

Drumlins 

Drumcormick 

Mocmoyne 

Cleaheen 

Boherroe 

(E) 85259 

(N) 07126 210° 

(E) 79334 

(N) 02792 

(E) 93912 

(N) 01866 180°-360° 

(E) 86669 

(N) 93700 

View to south 

west over Lough 

Key Forest & 

Activity Park and 

islands. Intimate 

viewshed. Highly 

sensitive. 

View of rolling 

farmland with 

some single rural 

dwellings and 

forest ridgeline in 


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 


Farm 

abandonment. 



the road. 

Poorly screened 

and brightly 

coloured single 

rural dwellings. 

Poorly positioned 

single rural 

dwellings. Conifer 

forestry on raised 

bog. Abandoned 

farmland. 

Increased 

population/traffic. 






Planning Control

V 10 

View Point 


View 6 in 

CDP 

V 11 View Point Proposed 



Drumlin 

Lakeland 

Wet 

Farmland 

Dry 

Farmland 

Dry 

Farmland 

Breedoge 

Bogland 

Basin 

Mullaghnashee 

Wet 

Farmland 

Plateau 

Tulsk and 

Rathcroghan 

Plateau 

Tulsk and 

Rathcroghan 

Plateau 

Carrowkeel 

Fairymount 

Hill 

Rathcroghan 

Cross Roads 

Rathcroghan 

Cross Roads 

(E) 84008 

(N) 91056 

(E) 67959 

(N) 88207 

(E) 79627 

(N) 84450 

(E) 80000 

(N) 83700 

Elevated view 

from N61 to west 

overlooking 

undulating 

farmland with 

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 

Farm 

abandonment. 1 

off houses on 

wrong side of 

road. 


northwest. Planning Control 

View from 

Rathmore 

archaeological 

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 highly the Tulsk 

sensitive. direction. Planning Control 

Elevated 


from the 

inauguration site 

for Kings of 

Connaught, the 

main 

Poorly sited and 

poorly screened 

rural enterprise 

development. 

Built 

development 

encroaching from 

Planning Control





River 

Corridor 

River 

Corridor 

Dry 

Farmland 

Dry 

Farmland 

Suck River 

Source and 

Lough 

O'Flynn 

Boglands 

Suck River 

Source and 

Lough 

O'Flynn 

Boglands 

Tulsk and 

Rathcroghan 

Plateau 


Town and 

Hinterland 

Cloontarsna 

Willsborough 

Carns 


Town 

(E) 58482 

(N) 81121 

(E) 58656 

(N) 78448 

(E) 83250 

(N) 78258 

(E) 87226 

(N) 64685 

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 

stonewalled 

farmland 

landscape with 

mature trees and 

hedgerows. Long 

distance views of 

Slieve Bawn to 

the south east. 

View of 


Castle and 

turlough. 

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. 

Encroaching 

development. 






Dry 

Farmland 


Town and 


Town 

(E) 87684 

(N) 63912 

View in 


Encroaching 

development. 

Planning Control

Hinterland 

Town 


Hills & 

Uplands 

Skrine Hill 

and 

Limestone 

Pavement 

Knockmeane 

(E) 89194 

(N) 57705 

Elevated views of 

surrounding 

stonewall 

farmland 


Lough Ree in 


Poorly located 

and poorly 

screened single 

rural dwellings. 







River 

Corridor 

River 

Corridor 

Dry 

Farmland 

River 

Corridor 

River 

Corridor 

Mid Lough 

Ree 

Pastureland 

Athleague 

and Lower 

Suck Valley 

Lough 

Funshinagh, 

Stone Wall 

Grassland 

and Esker 

Ridges 

Cloonown 

and 

Shannon 

Callows 

Cloonown 

and 

Shannon 

Callows 

Mountplunkett 

Creemully 

and Aghagad 

Beg 

Lisfelim, 

Inchiroe and 

Gortfree 

Bunua Cunna 

Curraghnaboll 

(E) 96404 

(N) 56785 

(E) 80477 

(N) 61889 

(E) 94585 

(N) 50016 

(E) 03444 

(N) 34618 

(E) 02647 

(N) 32317 

View over Lough 

Ree from crest of 

hill along third 

class road. 

View from R366 

overlooking Suck 

River and low 

undulating 

farmland. 


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. 

Holiday home 

development. 



the road. 



the road and 

along the 

shoreline on the 

opposite side of 

the lake. 



the road. 



the road. 





Planning Control



River 

Corridor 

Dry 

Farmland 

Suck 

Callows 

Plains of 

Boyle 

Sugarloaf Hill 

Cloonshaghan 

(E) 94779 

(N) 25030 

(E) 83558 

(N) 97161 

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 



Cavetown Lough 

and wetland 

habitat. A stable 

farmland 


mature 

hedgerows and 

trees. 

Brightly coloured 

and poorly 

screened single 

rural dwellings 

close to lake 

shore. 

Planning Control

Appendix 2: 

Minutes of Stakeholder Consultation Meetings

Community Consultation as part of the Roscommon Landscape Character 

Assessment 

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. 

“Roscommon is a ‘schizo’ landscape, flooded in winter 

and dry in summer” 

2.1 Ecology 

• 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 Roscommon Town. 

• 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. 

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

• 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 Roscommon. 

• 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!” 

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

What is landscape character Assessment - Roscommon County ...

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