Waterways Ireland and Roscommon County Council welcomed Minister Michael Finneran T.D and to Cortober, Co Roscommon to officially open the Cortober Riverside Park on 20 April 2009 with Mayor Michael Mc Greal. Bordering the Shannon, the Riverside Park was originally the site selected as home to the Waterways Ireland Regional Building however following public consultation, Waterways Ireland agreed to turn the space into a public amenity.Waterways Ireland and Roscommon County Council have worked in partnership to develop the park. Funded by both parties in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the park has been welcomed by local community groups.
The local community group has named the park 'Tearmann' - the sanctuary, and its location on the Shannon is a particularly attractive venue for this purpose.
Minister Michael Finneran, T.D., stated, 'The Cortober Riverside Park will add significantly to the health and wellbeing of the local community providing a centre for community outdoor activity and a window on the greatShannon waterway.'
John Martin, Chief Executive Waterways Ireland confirmed his support for the park saying 'Waterways Ireland are delighted to have been able to work with Roscommon County Council to facilitate local interest in retaining thispublic green space and hope that residents and visitors alike enjoy it to its maximum.'
The Mayor of Roscommon County Council, Councillor Michael Mc Greal, speaking at the official opening ceremony "I would like to commend all involved in the project. The park has turned out very well and I praise the efforts of the council staff who have worked on this project'. Councillor Mc Greal also acknowledged the input of Waterways Ireland, indicating that without their commitment this project would not have happened.
