Cllr Aengus O’Rourke has expressed his concern that an enhancement plan for Coosan Point, presently being prepared by Westmeath County Council, will not be implemented in time for the summer season.
Speaking during the most recent sitting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District, Cllr O’Rourke stated that he was negotiating with council management for a more immediate range of improvements that will be carried out in the next number of weeks and months.
“I would like to see a general tidy-up carried out in the Coosan Point area. This would include the removal of the broken fence that separates the car park from the green area. It would also include some painting, repairing bollards, removal of old unsightly bins, fully re-open the children’s playground, and other necessary works.
“The removal or replacement of out-of-date unnecessary signage is also important. Coosan Point is cluttered with signage, much of which is no longer relevant. Where signs are needed, they should be renewed.
“I am also concerned that the public lights are on all night every night at Coosan Point. In an area of conservation like this, I would like to trial a managed lighting arrangement. While special lights are available which are less impactful on wildlife, there is no substitute for naturally dark habitats. Turning off unnecessary public lights remains the simplest and most effective solution for habitat restoration. I am in ongoing discussions with the council in relation to this matter.
“I also feel that the sheer number of street lights around Coosan School on the road to Coosan Point are over the top, particularly during the night. There are simply too many street lights at this location. The lights across the road from the school are totally unnecessary and are therefore wasteful. On foot of my proposal to reduce the number of lights at this location, the council have agreed to examine the options and put a more sensible lighting solution in place,” Cllr O’Rourke said.
Responding to the councillor’s views, a spokesperson for the local authority executive confirmed that the District Office had investigated the present state of the amenity and would undertake general maintenance works in the coming weeks.
Such works will include removal of and repairs to damaged fencing on the northern edge of the public car park; removal of and repairs to existing signage; repairs to damaged play equipment in the playground and general maintenance.
