Local Fine Gael Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, has announced he has confirmed an additional €200,000 investment from his Department for what he says are key projects which will deliver for the people of Athlone and its environs.
“We have all had another difficult year, and while Government have had difficult decisions to make, it is imperative that we respond to the challenging environment and continue to invest in local amenities to support communities, families and businesses when we are asking them to make huge personal sacrifices.
“Through my Department, I have sought additional funding for key local projects. Athlone Tidy Towns do fantastic work on a voluntary basis throughout the year, and they are seeking further assistance for specific projects which I have secured grant funding to support. There will be works done at Ranelagh Way in Athlone which needs old trees cleared, the river vista to be opened and the installation of an archway as a gateway to the walk which will be a great new outdoor amenity for local residents.
“There will be enhancement of Athlone town centre with new pollinator friendly flower boxes to be installed on premises along Church Street, Northgate Street, Custume Place and Lloyds Lane.
“I have allocated Westmeath County Council an additional €30,000 for Christmas lights for installation in our main towns of Athlone and Mullingar. The traders and retailers along with our many hospitality businesses have had another challenging year when it comes to turnover, and I know we are all doing our best to shop local and support them now in their busiest times.
"The lights make a more positive atmosphere in town and help us get into the Christmas spirit and feel safer when shopping. The Athlone Festivals and Events Project group have requested to renew and repair old lighting stock to put back into use over Christmas for the benefit of the town and they will also receive a grant to support them in carrying out their community work.
“Separately, a Café at the Streamstown Station of the Greenway will now be supported with funding, which will see the old historic building at the site refurbished and put back into use. Outdoor activities play an important part of our lives, and we have seen new cafes pop up to provide refreshments along popular walking routes. The Greenway is a fantastic amenity and the new café at Streamstown will support cyclists and walkers alike.
"There are brand new publicly funded toilets at the Streamstown old rail station as well as ample parking, and the local Streamstown Tidy Towns Committee have done fantastic work to apply for all available funding to keep the old station site in tip top condition.
“These projects are all small when taken in isolation, but together can give support to our communities and ensure we can get outdoors and feel safe and supported.
“I also have extended the rates waiver, so that the businesses worst hit by the pandemic will again not have to pay commercial rates. This has been in place since April 2020 and will now bring businesses right up to April 2022, while the Council will receive the full allocation usually due to them from rates, with the total for 2021 of €497 million.
“I have taken the decision, with Government approval, to reimburse our Councils for lost income from things like reduced levels of public parking fees, for a total of €61 million. Our Local Authorities continue to provide key local services for citizens, and we have provided sufficient funding to them this year to ensure no cuts to services.
“I am hopeful that this year that our community can enjoy Christmas with our loved ones. It’s the Government’s job to protect our people and manage crises and while difficult decisions must be made around COVID 19, Government must also support communities to manage these decisions, whether this is through business support, Covid-19 payments or local services and amenities," Deputy Burke concluded.
