The new building was designed by De Blacam and Meagher Design Consultants, while Elliot & Co. were the construction contractors.
The new facility is located on the site of the former Royal Hotel in Boyle which had been builkt in 1782. The amenity features an enterprise facility and ground floor exhibition space and leads to an outdoor events space and bandstand along the new riverside promenade.
The roll-out of the development follows a unique and extensive collaborative process involving Roscommon County Council, Boyle Town Team and Boyle Chamber of Commerce. Many other community and voluntary groups participated through the Boyle 2040 Framework Plan and continue to contribute through the Boyle Community and Economic Plan.
The site was purchased by Roscommon County Council in 2017, with funding under both the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Rural Recreation Development Fund secured in 2019 for its refurbishment.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan said An Ríoga “will be a connecting point linking the river promenade and town centre and would provide business and employment opportunities.” He said the new facility would also be a focal point for tourists, as an information point and permanent art exhibition space.
Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. John Keogh said the development includes a vision for how the town can be developed: “Boyle itself with its beautifully built heritage, landscaped streets and history, is a gateway to the north-west region. In that respect, the economic potential of the town is limitless.”
Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys said the project was “transformative for the town of Boyle. I want to commend the work of Roscommon County Council, my own Department officials and local stakeholders who have made today a reality.”
Cllr Keogh said the facility marked a new beginning for the town of Boyle and its hinterland. The name of the facility itself, An Ríoga, the Irish for ‘The Royal’ pays homage to the vital part played by the former Royal Hotel, on whose site this new facility is located on.
“The Royal was one of Ireland’s oldest coaching inns, and was built in 1782 by an innkeeper named John Freeman. It was the first major building on that side of the river and served the town for over two hundred years before its closure in 2012.
“The Hotel stood majestically on the bridge of the Boyle River as a focal point of the town. Today, that vision is once again a reality. This new facility is a testament to the vision of Roscommon County Council, the communities of Boyle and the support of your Department Minister.
He said the development was consistent with Roscommon County Council’s core objective of providing a good quality of life for its citizens.
“The major drivers of this is the provision of quality jobs, high quality services and infrastructure to attract more people to live and work in our fine county. The development of An Ríoga will also ‘open up’ and create opportunities to develop the ‘backlands area’ of the town to future investment for business, social and cultural opportunities.The ground floor of this modern, state-of-the-art facility will host this year’s open art gallery for the prestigious Boyle Arts Festival.
The An Rioga facility will also be permanent space for the showcasing of art in the town of Boyle, drawing visitors to the town in even greater numbers well as endorsing the town’s artistic and creative heart.” He said the development was a key element of the Boyle 2040 Plan for the town.
Sligo/Leitrim TD and Boyle native, Frank Feighan also warmly welcomed the new development.He’s a previous business owner in the town and says An Ríoga would prove to be a pivotal support and a cornerstone for the future development of the town. .going forward.
