Save Roscommon opposes ‘annexation’ of parts of county

A group called Save Roscommon set up to oppose what it describes as State-sanctioned annexation of parts of the south of the county is to hold a public meeting in Athlone on Monday.

The group rejects a boundary review which it fears could see parts of the county moved into Westmeath and which it believes would cause Roscommon people economic, social and cultural harm.

The public meeting takes place at the Athlone Springs Hotel, Monksland, Co Roscommon at 8pm.

Save Roscommon claims a committee set up by Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly last June intends to recommend that the Monksland, Bealnamulla and Hodson Bay areas of Co Roscommon should come under Westmeath County Council.

They fear Roscommon could lose 7,500 acres and around 7,000 people, or approximately 10 per cent of Roscommon’s population, to Westmeath.

Vocal opponent

Roscommon GAA chairman Seamus Sweeney, a vocal opponent of such a move, said: "I have always known that Connacht and Roscommon are West of the Shannon and, as a result, I am perplexed as to why officials in the Department of Environment are trying to take on natural boundaries to move parts of Roscommon across the Shannon to Leinster. "

He added: “We must show that Roscommon is united from Arigna to Clonown and Gorthaganny to Tarmonbarry.”

Independent TDs Denis Naughten and Michael Fitzmaurice, as well as Senator John Kelly, also oppose any likely border change.

Save Roscommon spokesman, retired Brigadier General Ger Aherne, said "Monksland and the surrounding area has been created and nurtured by the tax-payers of Co Roscommon for years and now...the Government wants to steal the fruits of our labour and starve the county and our children of future growth."

The boundary review is ongoing and is expected to report by the end of March.