Councillors Challenge Plans for Croom Plaza Upgrade

Plans to upgrade the former post office and village square in Croom have drawn scrutiny from local councillors. During the February meeting of the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District, officials presented a project aimed at creating a new public plaza and transforming the old post office into a hub for tourism and community crafts. Concerns emerged regarding the potential impact on parking and the condition of the long-vacant post office building.

Councillors voiced their apprehensions over the project’s implications for local traffic and parking availability. Cllr John O’Donoghue expressed his satisfaction that the village square is finally receiving attention, noting that the area is currently “not in a great state.” He highlighted the anticipated traffic increases associated with the upcoming N/M20 road construction, stressing that the layout of the nearby T-junction could exacerbate congestion.

Cllr O’Donoghue also pointed out that Bus Éireann has indicated it would not expand its services in Croom due to existing traffic issues. He raised further concerns about the lack of parking in the village, stating that there is already “very little parking” available. Additionally, he questioned who would manage the new hub if it is developed into a functional space.

Another councillor, Cllr Adam Teskey, acknowledged Croom’s potential for growth but expressed reservations that the project might be too localized. He suggested that the upgrade should be part of a broader revitalization strategy for the entire village.

Cllr Bridie Collins welcomed the public realm project but echoed concerns regarding parking. She noted that limited parking options pose significant challenges for local businesses and their customers. Collins expressed hope that the initiative could help link Croom, Ballingarry, and Adare to the Greenway, which she described as essential for boosting tourism.

Cllr Stephen Keary raised additional issues related to the project’s cost and timeline for completion. He pointed out that substantial constraints exist for new developments in Croom, largely due to inadequate infrastructure provided by Uisce Éireann.

As discussions continue, the future of the plaza project remains uncertain. The councillors have called for further evaluations to ensure that the plans align with the community’s needs and that adequate infrastructure and services are in place before moving forward. The outcome of these deliberations will be crucial in shaping the village’s development strategy and its ability to attract visitors and new residents.