Hopkins firmly opposed to any change to Roscommon boundaries

Addressing the meeting held last week, Cllr. Hopkins stated that there is huge potential being realised in the Monksland area and traditional boundaries and links with the area must be preserved.

“Monksland has always been a part of Roscommon and there is no reason to sever the links to the area now. Traditional ties aside, Roscomon County Council have long seen the potential of the area and great leadership has been shown in recent times to establish the Monksland area as a pharmaceutical hub.It was initiatives proposed by this Council in the 1980s which transformed much of the industrial area from a green-field site to the built up area it is today. The recent Action Plan for Jobs in the West, launched by Minister Bruton in October, highlighted that this investment and commitment to the area continues as the Government plan to build on the critical mass of existing enterprise in Monksland. Roscommon County Council are set to drive a project to develop the industrial zone of Monksland as a Biopharma/Medtech Hub including the development of a 7-unit incubator hub. Changing the boundaries at this point makes no sense”.

“There is vital and viable industry in the area, and it is this kind of business we need to re-invigorate the county and attract young people back to the region. The amalgamation of St. Aloysius and Summerhill College will see a brand new state of the art school and adjoining sports facility being constructed in 2018. Furthermore, 25% of the population of South Roscommon are now located in the area of interest being examined for a boundary change and this has come about through the county council’s vision and careful investment in the area-investment which is working to create jobs and breathe back life into the economy after the recession”.

The general election candidate concluded by stating that as a sitting County Councillor, she could not support plans to partition the county.

“The partition of the county will have negative repercussions in relation to social, cultural and economic effects, as well as from a recreational and sporting point of view. The people of Monksland are proud Connaught and Roscommon individuals and changing the boundaries would alter this identity for future generations.I will be communicating my views to the Minister for the Environment and encouraging the retention of Monksland-it is an important part of Roscommon and has an integral part to play in bringing positivity and growth back into the West”.