Walks, village centre to the 'Fore' in landmark study

The development of a new market square and a visitor centre are among the medium-term projects recommended following a recently published study of the future development of Fore.In 2008, Westmeath County Council commissioned a Special Heritage Area Management Study to determine best practice for the development of the village, which is home to the landmark ruins of a 12th century Benedictine abbey.The study was carried out by Wicklow-based urban design and conservation consultants iCON, who reported that they "felt privileged to be working within a magical landscape and an incomparable spiritual environment; a place which breathes its history and vocation and speaks of its tradition and endeavour".With these qualities in mind, the team of consultants produced a report which, in their own words, established "priorities and an action programme", rather than a definitive plan.Before developing such a programme, the consultants suggested that some "unfinished business" be pursued, to build on their report.They recommended that biodiversity studies be carried out locally, particularly at the low-lying fields and bog which surrounds the mound and the Priory in Fore.They suggested that the old Gaol building be surveyed and stabilised for possible re-use; that traditional and vernacular buildings be inventorised, and that a preliminary design for a market square be developed.In the immediate and short term, it is recommended that the Council carry out a general tidy-up in Fore, set up a visitor's exhibition, upgrade the local coffee shop, provide stone finish footpath links to the village, implement the first phase of a sign and walk programme, and set up a local advisory group.The report specifies three walks, identified by local councillor Frank McDermott, who is a resident of Fore. The first is a three kilometre circuit of the monastic precinct, which gives the best route for visitors hoping to see the village's monuments.The second is a circular walk around the Ben of Fore (5.3km), while the third (7.3km) takes in Windtown Hill and a breathtaking view of twelve counties.In the medium term, the study recommends that the Council formalises an access and maintenance programme, implement new signage on a phased basis, and create public space and a market square with parking and footpaths.Other medium term projects proposed include an infill development in the centre of Fore village, and the development of a visitor centre.In the medium to long term, the consultants suggested that the Council complete schemes to provide access to all monuments and walks, erect signs to all monuments, walks and villages, and to improve public space.This would be followed by a complete re-surfacing of the main street through the village of Fore, and the construction of a New Edge development.